For nonprofit leaders, trustees, and founders, choosing the right charity lawyer can shape the future of your organisation — ensuring your mission is protected, your staff supported, and your activities legally compliant.
Whether you’re starting a community interest company, registering a charitable trust, or steering an established charity through growth or a crisis, legal expertise is essential. But not all solicitors understand the distinct needs of the third sector.
Here’s how to choose a lawyer who can help your charity thrive.
Understand Your Legal Needs First
Before reaching out to a lawyer, clarify what kind of support you actually need. Typical charity legal issues include:
- Governance and trustee responsibilities
- Charity registration and restructuring
- Mergers or collaborative ventures
- Employment and volunteer management
- Property leases or acquisitions
- Regulatory compliance and reporting
Some firms offer all-round advice, while others specialise in a particular area such as fundraising regulation or safeguarding.
The Charity Commission for England and Wales is a useful place to begin understanding your statutory duties.
Look for Sector-Specific Experience
Working with charities isn’t the same as working with for-profit companies. Your lawyer should understand:
- How charitable status affects tax and governance
- The nuances of working with volunteers
- Risk areas around public funding and donations
- Reputation management in sensitive environments
Ask potential lawyers:
- “Have you worked with organisations of our size?”
- “Do you understand CICs vs CIOs?”
- “Can you advise on board training or trustee disputes?”
The right solicitor won’t just know the law — they’ll know how to apply it with your social mission in minutes.
Check Credentials and Communication Style
Look for solicitors who are:
- Regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA)
- Members of the Charity Law Association
- Familiar with the Fundraising Regulator guidelines
Good charity lawyers explain complex rules in clear, accessible language. They also know when to be strategic partners and when to simply get the job done quietly.
If they speak in jargon or rush the conversation, they may not be the right fit.
Ask About Fees and Flexibility
Nonprofits often operate on tight budgets. While legal advice is worth the investment, your lawyer should be transparent and flexible about fees.
Ask about:
- Fixed fee packages for routine work (e.g. policy reviews)
- Discounts for charitable clients
- Whether they offer training or template reviews
Firms that understand charities often build long-term relationships — not just one-off billing opportunities.
Match Values as Well as Skills
The most effective legal relationships are built on shared values. If your mission involves social justice, community support or environmental goals, it helps to work with professionals who respect and align with that purpose.
Look for testimonials or examples of past work with similar causes. Do they speak your language? Do they care about the issues you face?
Ask About Charity Property and Asset Protection
Charities often manage community centres, office spaces, or owned assets donated through legacy gifts. Property law intersects heavily with charity compliance, especially where public access or fundraising events are involved.
A solicitor with experience in charity property can help you:
- Draft proper lease agreements
- Navigate planning permissions or disputes
- Safeguard assets in accordance with charity law
The CPA website offers practical support and toolkits for community organisations managing property.
Review Their Pro Bono or CSR Work
Lawyers who genuinely care about the third sector often go beyond billable hours. Look for those who contribute to the sector through:
- Pro bono legal clinics
- Volunteering as trustees
- Speaking at charity events or workshops
These activities aren’t just good PR — they reflect a values-based approach that often leads to better service and more aligned advice.
Don’t Be Afraid to Shop Around
Just like any service provider, solicitors vary in style, specialism and ethos. It’s worth speaking to a few before making a final decision. Ask your network of nonprofit peers who they’ve worked with, and what they valued most.
A short call or meeting can give you a clear sense of whether the solicitor understands your mission and challenges.
Your Lawyer Should Feel Like a Partner
Choosing the right charity lawyer isn’t just about qualifications — it’s about trust, empathy and shared understanding.
With the right support, your nonprofit will be more resilient, compliant, and confident as it grows. Don’t settle for a generalist who treats you like a business client. Find someone who truly understands what it means to serve.
Legal Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Charities and nonprofits should consult a qualified solicitor to address specific legal issues or compliance needs.
