Lighthouse Legal is a minority-owned law firm founded in 2023 that focuses on providing affordable legal services to nonprofits and, more recently, immigration clients.
Owner and attorney Ricardo Simmonds started the firm to make legal help more accessible for smaller organizations and vulnerable individuals.
Responses have been edited for length and clarity.
What inspired you to start Lighthouse Legal?
Simmonds: I started having thoughts about starting my own firm when I was working for the Dave Thomas Foundation. We were paying an outside vendor to do some compliance filings, and it seemed like a lot of money for something pretty simple. Later, when I moved to Indianapolis and started working at a firm, I had a similar thought — I could do this for cheaper in a way that would make nonprofits happier. At the end of last year, I decided to take that step.
How has your previous experience shaped how you approach nonprofit law?
Simmonds: After dealing with enough people at nonprofits, you realize most of them have never worked with an attorney before, which I think is a good thing. It makes you more human in your approach. Having my own firm allows me to be flexible and meet nonprofits where they’re at — whether that’s constant communication, explaining things more clearly, or not billing for every phone call.
How would you describe Lighthouse Legal’s mission and services?
Simmonds: The goal is to provide affordable, timely legal services. I want nonprofits to have quality legal support without choosing between compliance and their mission. On the immigration side, which I’m building out now, the idea is the same: provide vulnerable people with personal, affordable services. When clients deal with my firm, they deal with me directly, not someone who can’t answer their questions.
How is your work different from other firms serving nonprofits?
Simmonds: A lot of nonprofit attorneys focus on larger organizations. My clients are usually smaller. What sets me apart is responsiveness and cost-effective access. When a client comes to me, their work is done immediately, they can call or email me directly, and unless I’m doing substantive work, I don’t charge for that communication.
What are your goals for Lighthouse Legal in the coming years?
Simmonds: I want to spend more of my time helping people rather than doing admin work. Right now, I’m the only employee, so I handle everything. Ideally, I’d bring someone on to take care of the business side so I can focus on practicing law and serving clients.
Have you had any highlights or success stories since starting the firm?
Simmonds: One nonprofit client facing a substantial government request has been able to continue operations much longer with my help, and we’ve positioned them better to respond. On the immigration side, I took on a last-minute citizenship case for a refugee who didn’t speak English. We got the necessary waivers, and I was able to tell them they’d become a citizen. That felt like a very direct impact on someone’s life.
Why is legal support important for nonprofits and immigrants?
Simmonds: There are a lot of resources out there, and I often point people to them. But sometimes having an attorney gives peace of mind and confidence. Nonprofit leaders already have enough stress; they don’t need to worry about compliance issues that could shut them down. For immigrants, the stakes are even more personal. With cases taking months or years, an attorney helps take away the uncertainty and worry during that time.
What advice would you give nonprofits about engaging with the legal community?
Simmonds: I encourage nonprofits to engage with professionals, even if it’s not by hiring an attorney. Ask an attorney or accountant to serve on your board of directors. Their knowledge is invaluable, especially for small or startup nonprofits.
What local resources would you point people to?
Simmonds: Neighborhood Christian Legal Clinic works with immigrants. Indiana Free Legal Answers is another option where people can submit questions online and get quick responses from attorneys. And through the Indianapolis Public Library, there are nonprofit resources. I teach classes there on starting a nonprofit, and we host Q&A sessions as well.
To learn more about Lighthouse Legal and how to request their services, visit lighthouseindy.com.
Contact Health & Environmental Reporter Hanna Rauworth at 317-762-7854 or follow her on Instagram at @hanna.rauworth.
