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

Office for Students consultations on the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act 2023: our headline recommendations

The Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act 2023 is implementing new and more rigidly enforceable duties on students’ unions (SUs). …
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Briefing for Charities & Social Enterprises | 12 March

Our weekly round up of news and updates from across the sector Charities Act 2022 As trailed in our Briefing …
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General Election 2024 campaigning resources: catch up on the full series

Amidst all the talk of a general election in 2024, what do you need to know to campaign effectively within …
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New Charity Commission guidance on Accepting, refusing and returning donations | Bates Wells’ briefing

The Charity Commission’s long-awaited guidance on Accepting, refusing and returning donations was published yesterday (Monday 4 March 2024). There was …
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Charities Act 2022 – the third phase is here!

A number of significant changes to the Charities Act 2011 will come into force this Thursday (7 March) in the …
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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