Duo Joins Ballard Spahr With Focus on Tax-Exempt Organizations

Ann T. Loftus, who has more than 30 years’ experience advising major tax-exempt organizations on formation and operation, as well as individuals on planning and administration of estates and trusts, has rejoined Ballard Spahr, the firm announced today.

Ms. Loftus previously practiced at Ballard Spahr, leaving in 2005 as a partner to form a boutique firm devoted to representing nonprofit organizations. She rejoins the firm as senior counsel in the Business and Transactions Department. Joining along with Ms. Loftus is David J. Karasko, who brings more than a decade of experience as a tax attorney with the past four years focused on tax-exempt organizations. Both join Ballard Spahr from the former Zateeny Loftus, LLP.

“We are delighted to have Ann back at Ballard,” firm Chair Mark Stewart said. “She is respected both as a lawyer and colleague, and she and David will be a dynamic addition to our practice.”

Ms. Loftus and Mr. Karasko represent national, regional, and local nonprofit organizations, institutions, and private foundations in corporate, tax, and governance matters. With clients that include universities, health systems, international relief agencies, cultural organizations, and other publicly supported charities and private foundations, they guide nonprofits in obtaining and maintaining tax-exempt status, managing endowment funds, charitable solicitation, fundraising, and general operations. They advise on cause-related marketing and planned giving programs, including charitable remainder trusts, charitable gift annuities, and pooled income funds.

In addition to her work with exempt organizations, Ms. Loftus advises individuals and families on estate planning, charitable planning, estate and trust administration, and planning for income, estate, gift, and generation-skipping transfer taxes.

“It’s a pleasure to welcome Ann back to Ballard Spahr, and bringing David with her makes this truly momentous for our team,” said Heike Sullivan, leader of Ballard Spahr’s Private Client Services Group. “Ann and David bring with them deep experience and technical skill. They are great additions to our already-strong group. In today’s uncertain times, nonprofit organizations and institutions, as well as individuals, need skilled and helpful counsel to protect their interests and maximize their impact. With Ann and David, we’re stronger than ever at providing exceptional service to our clients.”

Attorneys in Ballard Spahr’s Private Client Services Group have extensive experience in estate planning for individuals, including members of families, entrepreneurs, owners of closely held businesses, and senior executives – and often serve as fiduciaries. The Group provides estate and trust administration, representing executors and trustees of significant estates and trusts, and represents clients in estates and trusts controversies. The firm’s national Exempt Organizations practice provides counsel to a large and diverse group of nonprofit organizations across the country, including for formation, mergers and other alliances, and charitable solicitation.

“From my prior time with the firm and the relationships I’ve maintained since, I am quite familiar with Ballard Spahr’s strong national platform, outstanding lawyers, and stellar reputation – as well as its collaborative work environment,” Ms. Loftus said. “I am delighted Dave Karasko will join me in this move. We both look forward to working with our Ballard colleagues to bring tax-exempt and private clients the best possible service to support them and their aspirations.”