Charity

We care about our clients’ causes.  We give charities of all types and sizes the practical and commercial advice they need to grow, fundraise and reach their goals.

We’re the largest group of dedicated charity lawyers in the UK. And we mean dedicated. Many of us are personally involved with good causes. We’re fundraisers, we’re trustees, we’re campaigners.

Together, we know the laws and regulations affecting charities like no one else.

Working with you

Our charity solicitors give practical advice on the full spectrum of charity and commercial law – from drafting commercial contracts, to advising on grants, to handling the most complex, high profile and sensitive cases.

But we do a lot more than advise on the usual charity issues. We offer extensive support to boards looking to improve their governance or make tough decisions. We can help charities with difficult questions around regulation and compliance.  When it comes to collaborative working and mergers, our charity lawyers understand the process, legal issues and potential obstacles to consider.

Whatever your need, we’ve helped countless charities in similar situations before. Get in touch to find out how we can help you.

Explore

Briefing for Charities & Social Enterprises | 22 September

Our weekly roundup of news and updates from across the sector. To help you navigate this week’s content, the links below will take you straight to content by topic. Charity Commission The Charity Commission has updated its charity accounts guidance to reflect the introduction of SORP 2026 and changes to accounting thresholds which come into …
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Tax Review for Charities

Get clarity on your tax position – and confidence in your approach. For many charities, management of tax can be a significant area of both risk and opportunity. While the sector benefits from valuable reliefs and exemptions, the rules are complex and constantly evolving. At the same time, new income streams, working practices and fresh …
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Closing your charity

There are many reasons why trustees may conclude that closing a charity is the right course of action. Some charities reach a natural conclusion, having fulfilled their purpose or achieved the outcomes they were established to deliver. Others may determine that their beneficiaries would be better served through collaboration, merger, or transfer of activities to …
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Briefing for Charities & Social Enterprises | 15 September

Our weekly round up of news and updates from across the sector. To help you navigate this week’s content, the links below will take you straight to content by topic. Investigations and complaints The Charity Commission has concluded its investigation into four charities that were part of a statutory class inquiry into 105 charities found …
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Purpose & Impact: your round-up | September

Welcome to your round-up: a monthly selection of news hand-picked to help keep you up to date, for businesses, investors and others working to create positive impact. Jump to: Corporate purpose B Corps Social enterprise Sustainable fashion Climate & biodiversity Supply chain impact Impact investing Corporate purpose The Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership has published …
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“Bates Wells is incredibly professional and astute in both charity law and also the auditing needs of the charities and the information that they require. The work it does is impeccable.”

Charity, Chambers 2026

“Bates Wells brings to bear best-in-class technical expertise on charities law matters. Bates Wells really takes the time to get to know your organisation and the stakeholders within it.”

Charity, Chambers 2026

“Bates Wells is understanding of the client, responsive to requests, takes a tailored approach and has strong knowledge of best practice with an ability to draw in specific experts where needed.”

Charity, Chambers 2026

“This is the premier law firm for advising charities and not for profits. They have so much expertise and experience with a large amount of bench strength.”

Charity, Legal 500 2026

“Bates Wells have managed some complex negotiations with care and sensitivity whilst always having the charity’s needs front and centre.”

Charity, Chambers 2025

“The Bates Wells team has a strong legal knowledge tempered with an empathetic approach to the claimants involved.”

Charity, Chambers 2025

“Bates Wells has extensive charity law knowledge, good expertise on governance matters and competitive pricing.”

Charity, Chambers 2025

“Bates Wells have a strong team of people who are not only highly qualified and experienced but also approachable and work pragmatically to find a way forward.”

Charity, Chambers 2024

“Bates Wells break issues down, simplify, and explain complex matters. The advice is sound, professional, and solid.”

Charity, Chambers 2024

“The team are all marked by their excellent communication skills and confident knowledge of the law. You get real quality advice from friendly and understanding members of the team.”

Charity, Chambers 2024

‘Bates Wells has unrivalled knowledge of the charity sector and is the go to firm in the space of social investment and blended finance.’

Charity, Legal 500 2024

‘This team is not only excellent at understanding charities and not-for-profits, they are at the forefront of the fast evolving field of social investment and purposeful business.’

Charity, Legal 500 2024
Meet our team