Mary Dowling

Mary Dowling is an Adjunct Professor at Thomas Jefferson School of Law, where she teaches Professional Rules of Responsibility and oversees the Nonprofit + Business Law Clinic. She also serves as the founder and Managing Attorney of Tovella Dowling, PC, focusing on legal counsel for tax-exempt organizations, social enterprises, and donors. Her practice emphasizes corporate compliance, governance, tax matters, entity formation, and litigation related to labor, board disputes, and charitable asset protection.

• Education:
• JD, Thomas Jefferson School of Law
• BA, Arizona State University

Her expertise spans advising nonprofits (e.g., public charities, private foundations, museums, faith-based organizations) on federal/state tax compliance, public support tests, property tax exemption, and joint ventures. She also represents social enterprises in business formation, mergers, and intellectual property matters. Her litigation experience includes governance disputes, membership rights enforcement, and breach of contract cases.

Teaching & Community: Prof. Dowling is dedicated to mentoring law students through pro-bono legal services for Southern California small businesses, blending practical legal training with community impact.