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 | 4 February

Our weekly round up of news and updates from across the sector To help you navigate this week’s content, the …
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Refining the subsidy control regime: our response to the consultation

The introduction of the new UK subsidy control regime in 2023 brought with it a range of challenges for organisations …
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USAID and UK NGOs: Trump’s Executive Order Freezing Foreign Assistance

Many INGOs and English charities working in the humanitarian and international development sectors will be impacted by President Trump’s recent …
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Briefing for Charities & Social Enterprises | 28 January

Our weekly round up of news and updates from across the sector To help you navigate this week’s content, the …
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Webinar | Getting to grips with the new subscription regime | Thursday 6 March | 11am

The Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 (DMCC) means significant changes to subscription-model income for charities and not-for-profits. An …
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“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