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Freeths - Law firm

Charities

Helping you to help others

What is involved?

Running a charity is about changing lives, not just making money; we want you to focus on your positive actions rather than on having to negotiate legal obstacles and struggle with compliance. We understand that these are difficult times for charities – especially if you’re being challenged to become self-sustainable. Getting the right legal advice will help you to survive and thrive, whatever your cause.

A charity or other social enterprise has to be realistic and commercially aware to succeed. You require cost-effective and demonstrable added value from your professional advisers. Whether you’re looking for advice on how GDPR will affect your fundraising efforts, or assistance in negotiating a major agreement with a new commercial partner, we can help you to help others.

Why choose Freeths?

  • We act for over 200 charities and not-for-profit organisations with a diverse range of needs
  • Our Charity team is recommended by the Legal 500 (an independent guide to the legal profession), so you can trust our knowledge and expertise
  • We offer a straightforward, informal approach to achieving the results you want
  • Our team includes trustees, school governors and fundraisers who understand the issues you face
  • We’re fully committed to the charity sector and will work closely with your team to meet your charity’s objectives

Freeths can offer you commercially-minded legal services, focused on managing risk and helping you to get the most impact from your limited resources. Whether you’re protecting the environment or providing care for the most vulnerable people in your community – we’re passionate about providing you with succinct, practical support.

Our experience includes acting for a wide variety of enterprises, from national high profile names to local grassroots organisations, all of which share the goal of making a difference. From setting up a fledgling charity to advising on your governance and the regulatory framework in which you operate, we offer high quality advice, delivered in a friendly and responsive way.

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Key contacts

Image of Louise Lewis

Louise Lewis
Partner & Joint Head of Oxford Trusts, Estates and Tax Team

0186 578 1105

Sarah Bolt
Managing Associate

0345 166 6287

Alternatively complete the form below:

Contact Us

Meet the team

Charities Lawyers


Sarah Foster
National Head

0186 578 1055

Image of Patrick Adie

Patrick Adie
Partner

0345 050 3273

Stephen Pearson
Partner

0345 274 6900

Kevin Poulter
Partner

0345 404 4133

Penny Simpson

Penny Simpson
Partner

0345 017 1133

Laura Czapski

Laura Czapski
Director

0186 578 1168

Image of Sally Goodger

Sally Goodger
Director

0186 578 1061

Lisa Mark-Bell
Director

0186 578 1154

Fiona Powell

Fiona Powell
Director

0345 272 5719

Nigel Roots
Consultant

0345 128 6962

Paul Brown

Paul Brown
Managing Associate

0186 578 1020

Sarah Norton

Sarah Norton
Managing Associate

0345 050 3600

Rosalyn Shephard

Rosalyn Shephard
Managing Associate

01865 781 023

Related news
More related news, articles and events for Charities
Testimonials

"I just wanted to say another big thank you for all of your support. These things are never easy and straightforward but your help always makes them much more manageable for us and is greatly appreciated."

(Major Charity Client)

"Noted for its ‘personal and accountable’ approach and for its ‘attention to detail and efficiency’."

(Legal 500, 2019)

"Freeths LLP is 'a very personable firm that does not baffle clients with legal terms and always has their interests in mind'. The charities team is praised for its 'strong breadth of experience'."

(Legal 500, 2019)

Notable Work
  • Acted for a charity in its defence to public procurement challenge proceedings brought by a disappointed bidder for Olympic legacy contracts. This was one of the first cases to impose the automatic suspension in the Public Contracts (Amendments) Regulations 2009. This was resolved on terms favourable to the charity.
  • Acted for a charity in relation to the substantial acquisition of a multi-let multi-use commercial property in London. This was by way of grant of an intermediate head lease, subject to the various occupational leases to form part of its endowment funding its operations. The transaction was to a tight timescale.
  • Advised one of the largest UK conservation charities on its approach to habitat restoration of large areas of redundant land, using waste materials taken from other large infrastructure projects disposing of these materials.
  • Advised a charity with a substantial property portfolio on all aspects of its asset management industry investment purchases and sales of development schemes.
  • Advising charities in relation to complex tax issues. This includes calculating inheritance tax liabilities where there is an interaction of the grossing up and abatement rules, advising on Re Benham grossing requirements, negotiations with HM Revenue and Customs, and advising on the mitigation of capital gains tax.
  • Advising on and implementing the appointment of a joint general manager for two charities where the manager was employed by one charity and seconded for part of the working week to the second charity.
  • Settling favourably, on behalf of various national charities, two separate sensitive and complex spousal Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependents) Act 1975 claims.
  • Liaising on a weekly basis with the Charity Commission in the creation of new corporate entities, in managing requests for various approvals and in the resolution of various regulatory issues.

Client service

‘Doing the right thing’ is at the heart of Freeths. Find out more about our excellent client service and the strong set of values that guide the way we work.

Our values

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Talk to us

Freeths are a leading national law firm with 13 offices across the UK. If you have a query about our services or just want to find out more, why not give us a call?

Contact: 03301 001 014

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