PastIn Person

Western Conference on Tax-Exempt Organizations 2026

by UCLA School of Law's Lowell Milken Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofits and Loyola Law School

The 29th Annual Western Conference on Tax-Exempt Organizations is a premier event dedicated to the latest developments in nonprofit tax law and compliance. Organized by the UCLA School of Law's Lowell Milken Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofits in collaboration with Loyola Law School, the conference will be held on March 12 and 13, 2026, at The California Endowment's Center for Healthy Communities in Downtown Los Angeles.

Attendees can expect in-depth sessions on topics such as public policy implications for tax-exempt organizations, innovative structures for social good, crisis response planning, and the evolving landscape of college sports. The conference will feature insights from government officials, leading nonprofit practitioners, and academic experts, providing a comprehensive overview of current challenges and opportunities in the sector.

The event offers ample networking opportunities, including a reception on the first day, allowing professionals to connect and share experiences. Notable speakers include Eric Herman from Teneo, who will deliver a keynote on navigating reputational threats during crises, and panels featuring experts from organizations like the Ford Foundation and the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation.

This conference is ideal for lawyers, accountants, and in-house professionals working with nonprofit organizations. It provides a platform to stay informed about the latest legal and regulatory developments, gain practical insights, and engage with peers in the nonprofit sector.

Speakers(13)

Debra Heiskala

Partner - EY Americas Exempt Organization Tax Services Leader at Ernst & Young

Debra Heiskala is a Partner and the EY Americas Exempt Organization Tax Services Leader at Ernst & Young.

Douglas Mancino

Partner at Seyfarth Shaw LLP

Douglas Mancino is a Partner at Seyfarth Shaw LLP, specializing in legal services.

Ellen Aprill

Senior Scholar in Residence at UCLA School of Law, Lowell Milken Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofits

Ellen Aprill is a Senior Scholar in Residence at UCLA School of Law's Lowell Milken Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofits.

Gene Takagi

Principal at NEO Law Group

Gene Takagi is a Principal at NEO Law Group, specializing in legal services.

Helen Cheng

Partner at Withersworldwide

Helen Cheng is a Partner at Withersworldwide, specializing in legal services.

Ingrid Mittermaier

Principal at Adler & Colvin

Ingrid Mittermaier is a Principal at Adler & Colvin, focusing on legal services.

Jill Horwitz

Faculty Director at UCLA School of Law, Lowell Milken Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofits

Jill Horwitz serves as the Faculty Director at UCLA School of Law's Lowell Milken Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofits.

Karl Mill

Founding Attorney at Mill Law Center

Karl Mill is the Founding Attorney at Mill Law Center, providing legal services.

LaVerne Woods

Retired Partner at Davis Wright Tremaine LLP

LaVerne Woods is a retired Partner from Davis Wright Tremaine LLP.

Michael Berry

Owner at Michael Berry, CPA

Michael Berry is the owner of Michael Berry, CPA, providing accounting services.

Event Details

Date
March 12-13, 2026
2 days
Location
🇺🇸 Los Angeles, United States
The California Endowment's Center for Healthy Communities
Pricing
$900 - $1,100
Audience
Lawyers, accountants, and in-house professionals representing nonprofit organizations.
CLE Credits
CLE accreditation pending
Attendees
Nearly 150 attendees in previous years.