When nonprofits across Maryland face moments of uncertainty, complexity, or pivotal decision-making, one steady presence has guided them for more than two decades: Paddy Morton, General Counsel at Maryland Nonprofits.
This January, Paddy was recognized by Baltimore Magazine (January 2026) as one of Maryland’s Top Lawyers for Nonprofits, an honor reflecting not only legal excellence, but deep, trusted service to the sector.
Since 2002, Paddy has provided legal counsel to hundreds of nonprofit organizations each year. Her work spans the full nonprofit lifecycle, including corporate startup and tax exemption, governance and compliance, contracts and strategic partnerships, shared services, mergers and corporate integration, and dissolution when necessary. At every stage, she helps nonprofit leaders make sound, ethical decisions that protect mission and preserve governance options.
Clients consistently describe Paddy as both highly skilled and deeply supportive:
“Paddy Morton is a consummate professional. Not only is she efficient—dotting every ‘i” and crossing every ‘t’—but she is also so personable and a true joy to work with.”
— Shannon Mouton, CEO, Laurel Advocacy and Referral Services, Inc.
Paddy’s expertise is especially critical during nonprofit mergers and corporate integration—moments that are legally complex and emotionally charged. As a trusted advisor, she serves on merger committees, offers independent assessments, guides negotiations, drafts dissolution and asset transfer agreements, and supports boards through final authorization with clarity and care. Her steady presence helps leaders stay focused on purpose, even under tight timelines.
“First and foremost, Paddy is a professional—reasonable but no-nonsense, a strong advocate who coaches leaders with both smarts and grace.”
—Alice Lilly, Former Board Chair, Adelante Latina!
That partnership is deeply valued by nonprofit leaders statewide:
“Having Paddy in our corner through Maryland Nonprofits means effective, mission-focused legal counsel we trust—delivered with care, clarity, and integrity.”
— Julia Pierson, Executive Director, Consortium for Housing and Asset Management
Maryland’s nonprofit sector is stronger and more resilient because of her work. We celebrate this well-earned recognition and extend our deep gratitude to Paddy Morton for her wisdom, steadiness, and unwavering commitment to the missions that make Maryland a better place.
