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 | 27 October

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. Charity Commission Consultation on new powers As we’ve previously reported, the Government is consulting on proposals to strengthen the Charity Commission’s powers to tackle extremism and …
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Briefing for Charities & Social Enterprises | 20 October

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 Consultation on new trustee disqualification powers The government is consulting on proposals to give the Charity Commission stronger powers to tackle the extremist abuse …
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Innovate for Impact – explore our webinar series for charities using technology for good

Technology is changing how charities tackle today’s challenges, creating new opportunities to build on your impact while staying compliant. Sign up for our webinar series below to gain insights from legal experts about legislative developments and key compliance takeaways on a range of topics, including using AI to support fundraising activities, developing tech-based solutions for …
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Webinar | Extending the Charity Commission’s powers: what charities need to know | 5 November 2026

The Government is consulting on proposals to strengthen the Charity Commission’s powers to tackle extremism and other abuse in charities, with a particular focus on its ability to disqualify individuals from acting as trustees and senior managers. When similar proposals were first trailed earlier this year, a group of charities warned that they might lead …
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Purpose & Impact: your round-up | October

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 Climate & biodiversity Impact investing Corporate purpose Bates Wells’ Louise Harman and Oliver Scutt will be at Blue Earth Summit …
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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