Tovella Dowling specializes in the distinct and ever-changing legal landscape facing the nonprofit and philanthropic sector.

Legal Services that create change - one good cause at a time.

What We Do

We are pioneers in the field of nonprofit law and passionate about serving as a facilitator to the causes and initiatives advanced by our clients. We reimagine industry best practices and adjust to the needs of our cause-conscious clients. Our work considers their mission, its impact, and how to best support, guide and execute their realization. Fueled by your passion, we are the steady hand and clear voice behind your ability to do even more.

Why We Do It

Tovella Dowling, PC provides full-spectrum legal solutions and strategies to nonprofits, philanthropists, and cause-cognizant businesses that do great things. As a firm, our goal is to strive as a facilitator and advisor to the causes and initiatives advanced by our clients through reimagining industry best practices and adjusting to their cause-conscious needs.

Our work considers their mission, its impact, and how to best support, guide and execute their realization. Our success in fostering superior legal representation is not a result of adopting our client’s specific purposes, missions, or beliefs, but rather an understanding of the impact behind being driven by purpose, passion, and conviction in one’s own “why” – regardless of what that may be.

As a driven and career-focused individual, who also believes in the importance of family first, the founder and Managing Attorney of Tovella Dowling was frustrated with the imperfect solutions for women who have a dueling passion for both family and profession and refused to accept that one had to take a backseat to the other. This motivation fueled the firm’s dedication to normalizing childcare in the workplace to eliminate parental guilt and pressures associated with navigating a work-life balance – both important aspects of achieving holistic self-fulfillment.

Understanding the power of purpose and drive for creating a meaningful impact, our counsel is relatable and relevant to our cause-conscious clients. We pride our practice on developing long-standing professional relationships with each of our clients, supporting their endeavors not only through strategic legal counsel but also volunteership, community acknowledgment and endorsement, network connection, and sincere encouragement.

How We Do It

Doing its part, Tovella Dowling maintains for its employees a fully subsidized onsite childcare facility in its downtown San Diego office, lending support and fostering a “village” for those employees navigating the rewarding, but challenging feat faced by the everyday working parent. Leading by example, it is the firm’s hope that this innovative model for law firms will one day be the norm, rather than the rarity.

Our clients serve as a daily inspiration and constant contributor to the Firm’s culture. Beyond our role as legal advisors to our cause conscious clients, our Firm endeavors to lend support through sponsorship, event participation and volunteer opportunities.

Practice Areas

View All Practice Areas

Client Reviews

Mary is a very professional and dedicated attorney. She was able to register our NGO in a timely manner despite several challenges.

Dalia Alzendi

Bridge Collaborative Communities

Mary is an important part of our team. Countless times she has guided our organization with her expert knowledge through difficult paths.

Mike Carlisle

San Diego Southern Baptist Association

Mary is incredibly responsive, committed, and diligent in her counsel not only up-front, but for all ongoing support also.

Kristopher Corso

disABLEDperson