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

Charities and social media | The new Charity Commission guidance | 26 September

Our charities and social media update took place on Tuesday 26th September. If you were able to attend, we hope …
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Drawing on lived experience: four questions for social enterprises

Hiring or consulting people with direct experience of the issues an organisation tackles is often seen as good equity, diversity …
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How to introduce a staff hardship fund

As a consequence of Covid-19 (Coronavirus) and the cost of living crisis, many employers are considering how they might offer …
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Bates Wells agrees strategic partnership with Social Enterprise UK for another three years

Bates Wells has agreed a three-year partnership with Social Enterprise UK (SEUK), which will build on previous strategic partnerships going …
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Responsible supply chain management – what you need to know

According to McKinsey, 90% of companies’ environmental impacts come from their supply chains. So there’s no better way to manage …
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“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

Visit our Spotlight hub to watch our panels on demand, and explore our resources.

Spotlight – the annual Bates Wells charity conference