Meet the Founder
Ricardo Juan Simmonds is a dedicated solo practice attorney with nearly a decade of experience specializing in nonprofit law. As the owner and founder of Lighthouse Legal, Ricardo provides comprehensive and cost-effective legal services tailored specifically for nonprofits and those who support them. His extensive background includes expertise in tax exemption law, immigration, employment, consumer protection, and antitrust law.
Ricardo’s legal career began at the Office of the Ohio Attorney General, where he conducted investigations into charitable fraud and represented the Department of Public Safety in prosecuting liquor license violations. He further honed his skills at the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, where he supported marketing, development, and operations teams by managing vendor agreements, ensuring compliance with fundraising laws, and advising on employment law matters.
At Lighthouse Legal, Ricardo offers on-demand legal guidance for corporations and individuals regarding IRS laws and regulations, represents nonprofit organizations during investigations, and provides full-service support in employment disputes, mergers and acquisitions, and fractional general counsel roles. His commitment to clear communication and price transparency ensures clients know exactly what to expect, fostering trust and confidence.
Ricardo’s unique blend of legal experience, creative problem-solving, and personal touch empowers nonprofits to navigate legal challenges with confidence, forming lasting partnerships that enable them to make a meaningful impact in their communities.
In his personal time, Ricardo enjoys playing soccer, mentoring youth, and spending time with his brilliant wife.
Education:
- B.A. in Philosophy, Auburn University, 2014
- J.D., The University of Alabama School of Law, 2018
Admissions:
- Ohio, 2018
- Indiana, 2024
- Georgia, 2025
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Rooted in Integrity, Serving Nonprofits Everywhere
Lighthouse Legal calls Indianapolis its home, but we proudly serve clients across the country, focusing mostly on nonprofits with modest budgets for legal services.
Why Lighthouse Legal?
Ricardo started Lighthouse Legal because he believes in client success, no matter the budget. What should an attorney with six years of industry knowledge charge for their services? $250? $500? $750? That’s the wrong question, because insightful and experienced legal support should always be accessible to those that need it most, regardless of how long an attorney has been practicing.
A partner who supports your mission.
Lighthouse Legal is about providing nonprofits with knowledgeable and transparent legal support that respects both their mission and their budget. I understand that not every client has the same resources, and I keep that in mind as we work together to develop your budget and scope of work. My clients are trusted by the public to handle their donations responsibly, and every dollar matters. That’s why the law firm you choose should empower you to focus on your mission—not your pocketbook. At Lighthouse Legal, I provide value-driven support without compromising the comprehensive legal guidance your nonprofit needs.
- Ricardo Simmonds, Esq.
- Frequently Asked Questions
Why choose Lighthouse Legal?
Beyond our proven legal experience working with nonprofits, we offer a different way of thinking. While it’s common for attorneys to charge more as they gain experience, this often makes their services inaccessible to those who still need them. That’s not the model we follow. At Lighthouse Legal, we’ll always be there for those who need legal help, no matter how long we’ve been around.
Of course, we’ll still adjust for inflation… eventually.
Where are your offices?
Wherever you have access to the internet! As a modern law firm, we make access to our services as convenient as possible for you. You can talk with us by phone, email or video right from the comfort of wherever you want to be.
Wherever you have access to the internet! As a modern law firm, we make our services as convenient as possible for you. You can connect with us by phone, email, or video from the comfort of wherever you want to be.
Because we serve Indiana, Ohio, and Georgia for a broader range of services, we can arrange in person meetings depending on a client’s specific needs and the services we’re providing (litigation, for example).
What does it mean to be an "outside" general counsel?
Being an outside general counsel (or “fractional” general counsel) means you can treat us as if we were right down the hall from you. Whenever you have a legal question, you can email or call us, and we’ll provide an answer promptly.
Why is it important? Having an outside general counsel is crucial because it offers proactive and integrated legal support. We participate in regular meetings and strategic planning sessions, allowing us to anticipate legal issues before they arise and provide ongoing advice tailored to your evolving needs. This proactive involvement helps you navigate potential legal challenges more effectively and ensures that your organization remains compliant and protected.
How is it different? Unlike a lawyer who provides occasional advice, an outside general counsel offers a broader scope of services, including risk management, compliance, contract review, and general legal advice. We maintain a long-term, consistent relationship with you, similar to an in-house counsel but without the full-time employment costs. This consistency fosters a deeper understanding of your business and legal landscape, leading to more tailored and effective legal solutions. Additionally, we provide a cost-effective alternative to maintaining a full-fledged in-house legal department, offering high-quality legal support without the overhead costs associated with full-time employees. You also benefit from having a dedicated point of contact for all your legal needs, ensuring continuity and a personalized approach.
Where can you provide services?
Much of what we do can be provided no matter where your organization is located.
Nationwide Services: We assist organizations across the country with federal law matters, including tax guidance, IRS inquiries, trademarks, and tax exemptions.
State-Specific Services: For services like responding to Attorney General investigations and reviewing contracts or corporate documents, we can only provide support for organizations operating in Indiana, Ohio, and Georgia. However, we can provide templates for contracts and corporate documents in most states.
Why can’t we do everything for everyone? Attorneys can only practice law in the states where they are licensed, with limited exceptions. While each state usually has rules for multijurisdictional practice (MJP), these rules do not grant carte blanche to practice law nationwide. If you’re already a client of ours in Indiana, Ohio, or Georgia, we can usually assist you on a temporary basis in other states on a broader range of matters. For clients who use us as their outside general counsel, we have contacts in other states that we’ll bring in for help if it’s a matter we can’t handle.