Charity Law

We understand running a charity is different to a business, with unique legal and regulatory requirements that must be met by not only the charity, but the trustees, management team and individuals behind it, along with a different set of objectives.

We have considerable experience in advising charities on a range of issues, from inception through to growth and development, and several of our fee earners are also trustees of charities.

Our Services Include:

Charity Formation and Registration: We manage the formation and registration of charitable trusts, companies, and organisations, ensuring the chosen structure suits your needs.

Constitution Management: We draft, review, and update constitutions (the ‘rule book’ setting out how trustees and any members may act), making sure they comply with current laws and are practical for daily use. Our expertise ensures that your foundation remains strong and adaptable.

Compliance Audits: We audit your organisation, reviewing documentation, policies, databases, and practices to suggest improvements for compliance with current and upcoming charity laws. We also offer seminars and workshops on changes like data protection and how to meet your legal requirements.

Trustee Appointments and Duties: We offer advice on appointing trustees and clarify their responsibilities, whether it’s everyday operations or navigating changes in legislation. Our goal is to ensure your trustees are well-informed and your organisation runs efficiently.

Mergers and Restructures: We advise on mergers or restructures, ensuring all obligations are understood and relevant due diligence is performed. We handle documentation, asset transfers, and liaise with the Charity Commission as necessary.

Fundraising Compliance: Fundraising is often the lifeblood of a charity. We can advise on marketing and fundraising law complexities, ensuring your efforts comply with all regulations. Our aim is to protect your organisation while maximising its fundraising potential.

Intellectual Property (IP) and Data Management: Protecting your Intellectual property is crucial. We can work with your charity to identify its core IP assets and develop strategies to protect, manage, and enhance your organisation’s IP rights.

Alongside our charity experts, our expertise spans across a wide range of additional legal services to support your charity. These include:

Property Services

Our Commercial Property team act for a number of charities in dealing with the acquisition and disposal of land for investment return purposes or their own use. We have assisted various charitable organisations, including churches, educational charities, housing charities like Almshouses, and historic aircraft restoration charities.

Dispute Resolution

We provide legal representation for charities facing claims in relation to;

• contentious probate and trusts
• contentious landlord and tenant
• commercial litigation (including professional negligence).

Probate Cases

Our Private Client team offers professional advice on wills, estates, legacies, and trusts. We assist with legacy and estate administration, will interpretation, legacy fundraising, tax issues, and contentious trust and probate matters, including will validity challenges and Inheritance Act claims.

Employment Law

Our Employment Law team provides advice and representation in employment law cases for employers of all sizes, including charities. Examples of areas we can advise on include contracts, policies, disciplinary and grievance processes, TUPE implications relating to mergers and employment tribunal proceedings for wrongful dismissal, unfair dismissal, and discrimination claims.

For any further advice on charity issues please contact one of our team today to see how we can help.