Bates Wells ‘has a best-in-class charities law practice’, which ‘is strong both technically and in terms of providing high-quality, tailored and risk-based legal advice’. The sizeable team, which is headed by Thea Longley, regularly covers the most complex charity law cases for household name clients and is lauded for its ‘client-centric‘ approach and consists of  ‘highly experienced‘ practitioners, such as Philip Kirkpatrick, who frequently advises on complex Charity Commission inquiries. Lawrence Simanowitz advises a myriad of international clients, and has a strong focus on the environment and arts sectors. Stephanie Biden is another key figure who leads on work with faith-based charities, and Laura Soley is experienced in diverse matters, such as advising on statutory charities, and royal charter bodies. Erica Crump acts for a range of large charities, while Oliver Hunt often advises charities, social enterprises and impact driven businesses. Lucy Rhodes and Livia Velicu are recommended, alongside Suhan Rajkumar who was promoted to the partnership in April 2025. The ‘trustworthy and wise’ Luke Fletcher is another notable member of the group.

Under the joint leadership of Elizabeth Jones and James Maloney, the ‘exceptional’ team at Farrer & Co has a stellar reputation for its work with many large UK and international charities; other noteworthy clients are major national cultural institutions. The group also excels in advising philanthropic charitable foundations and significant grant-making bodies. The ‘incredibly strong charities practice’ is skilled at handling diverse matters spanning sensitive disputes, Charity Commission inquiries and regulatory interventions, and is also adept at conducting key governance reviews. Key members of the department are Julian Smith, who acts for a wide range of foundations and functional charities; and Sam Macdonald, who works with charities and not-for-profit organisations, as well as philanthropists and overseas organisations. Also recommended is Laetitia Ransley, who advises charities, philanthropists, and not-for-profit organisations on an array of complex issues.

Stone King LLP’s national practice is adept at handling Charity Commission investigations, and the ‘contactable and knowledgeable’ team is regularly appointed by the Charity Commission to act as interim manager, and continues to be a leading adviser to mature social enterprises. Jointly headed by Hannah Kubie and Rosamund McCarthy Etherington, the group is renowned for its work with education-related and faith charities, and for its ‘realistic and pragmatic’ advice. Other notable clients include almshouses and organisations which are involved in electoral and campaigning work, and the practice also receives a steady flow of work relating to charity registrations, cross-border legacies, and complex trusts and projects. Julian Blake garners praise for his public benefit work, and Stephen Ravenscroft is a known name for his work on complex charity structures, while Ann Phillips and Reema Mathur are other eminent practitioners. Nicole Reed is also recommended and Melanie Carter joined the group from Bevan Brittan LLP in June 2024.

Withers LLP fields an ‘extremely competent and knowledgeable‘ team, which is ‘very customer-centric and approachable‘. The practice advises many of the largest operating charities in the country on a wide range of legal and regulatory matters, with key clients including NHS charities and philanthropists. The group garners praise for its ‘breadth of talent’ under the skilful leadership of Chris Priestley, who has a wealth of experience in advising charities and social enterprises on their operations and projects. Alison Paines has particular expertise in advising on board strategy, structuring and governance matters for national and international clients. Paul Hewitt plays a pivotal role in the charity legacies team, while Philip Reed advises charities, not-for-profits and philanthropists on a wide range of issues, and Amy Carter works with all types of charities. Emma Flower and Roger Waite are also recommended, and Tom Hughes is a key member of the firm’s charity property team.

Led by Sarah Rowley, the excellent team at Charles Russell Speechlys LLP represents a variety of high-profile national and international clients on a wide range of issues. It regularly assists its high-net-worth family office and corporate clients with charitable giving issues, including setting up and managing personal charitable foundations. The firm's legacy management team at its Guildford office also garners praise, and Rowley has a diverse range of national and international clients, which includes military charities, educational organisations and public institutions. Simon Weil plays a pivotal role in the practice, specialising in the resolution of contentious issues arising out of wills, trusts and the co-ownership of property for private clients and charities. Liz Gifford is an experienced charity law adviser who helps charities with governance and operational matters.

Under the joint leadership of David Scott and Colin Howes, the ‘formidable’ team at Harbottle & Lewis LLP is highly regarded for its advice to corporate foundations, media-related fundraising charities, and subsidised arts organisations on a broad array of matters. The group is well-placed to advise high-net-worth individuals on their personal philanthropy, and often works with the firm’s reputation management group to assist clients facing public scrutiny. Howes and Scott have significant experience in advising charities on corporate, governance and taxation matters, and often act as trustees and board advisers to charities. May Delaney specialises in helping clients and founders to find the appropriate structure for their charitable giving, particularly where there is a US element.

Maurice Turnor Gardner LLP acts for a number of large and household name clients, and the broad practice covers issues as diverse as establishing and registering operational and grant-making charities, to advising on serious incident reporting and governance matters. It is well-equipped to handle significant charity law disputes, and much of its work is international. Another core area of focus is assisting its wealthy clients with philanthropy and charitable giving efforts, and the group has also been helping significant charities with their engagement with the Charity Commission. Department head Jennifer Emms is recommended, along with Emma-Jane Weider and Ceris Gardner.

Russell-Cooke LLP has a large and well-established charity practice, which includes specialist charity property and employment lawyers, and clients praise the team's ‘responsive and attentive‘ approach. Under the leadership of Andrew Studd, the group has a portfolio of high-profile clients, and is praised for its ‘exceptional availability’. The practice is adept at facilitating cross-border giving for philanthropists and companies with global assets and tax liabilities, and is also recommended for its advice on regulatory interventions by the Charity Commission, and for its work with sports organisations. Chris Rowse is a trusted adviser to numerous prominent national charities, and Pippa Garland is a key member of the department, alongside Gareth Roy. Richard Jones joined the firm in May 2025 from Bates Wells.

Winckworth Sherwood LLP advises a broad spread of major charities and social enterprises, with a strong focus on corporate governance and the transition of public services to charitable entities. The group has also recently been busy advising on the impact of artificial intelligence on its charity clients. Joanna Bussell is recognised for her work with leading leisure, arts and culture charities, and Alison Talbot is sought after for her work on contentious and non-contentious matters, particularly complex safeguarding issues. Aiden Hargreaves-Smith acts for a wide range of private and institutional charity clients spanning major charities, Diocesan Boards of Finance, individual parishes and clergy, Bishops and Cathedral Chapters.

Jo Coleman and Emma Moody co-head the offering at Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP, which advises grant making foundations and organisations, as well as private and public operating charities. Other key clients include care and education providers, religious bodies and scientific research organisations. The team remains a trusted adviser to several household names and is well-equipped to advise on the full life cycle of a charity’s operations. Coleman specialises in constitutional, governance, transactional and regulatory matters, and is on the panel of Charity Commission approved Interim Managers. Carol Daley is experienced in supporting on interim managerships, and is well regarded for her work on a variety of constitutional and governance matters.

The specialist charities and social economy team at Wrigleys Solicitors LLP is co-led by Clare Lawrence and Elizabeth Wilson, and excels at advising on areas as diverse as charity governance, grants and impact investments. The group is praised for its ‘great collaboration and client communication skills’, and acts for clients including NHS/health-based charities, faith-based charities and many international charities, as well as arts, culture and heritage charities. The group is additionally recognised for its expertise in community-led housing, renewables issues, and the education space, alongside considerable strength in charity property matters. Malcolm Lynch has a wide-ranging practice; he often advises community benefit societies, and frequently works on complex charity mergers. Nicola Evans joined the practice from Broadfield Law UK LLP in November 2024.

The charities team at Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP is known for its work with faith-based charities, as well as national and international clients primarily in the health and social care arenas. The group receives a regular flow of work to act as interim manager by the Charity Commission, and is adept at advising on financing for charities by way of grant work, social investment, and secured lending. Dominic Curran is at the helm, and Matthew Wort is another important member of the practice.

Jonathan Brinsden is at the helm of the practice at Broadfield Law UK LLP, which regularly advises all types of charities on charity registration and governance, as well as commercial activities and corporate partnerships. The group also has considerable experience in resolving trustee disputes, conducting charity investigations, and facilitating Charity Commission compliance. Kate Parkinson is another important contact, and Ben Brice joined the department from Blake Morgan LLP in July 2024.

The ‘very strong and knowledgeable team‘ at Lee Bolton Monier-Williams acts for international aid organisations, faith-based organisations, churches, schools and housing associations. Other key clients include almshouses, social enterprises, as well as art and cultural organisations, and medical charities. Khalid Sofi is lauded for his ‘calm confidence‘; he is recognised for his advice to charities linked with Muslim, Sikh, Hindu and the Buddhist communities. Ian Blaney specialises in matters involving the overlap between charity, education and church law, and Howard Dellar and Michael Anderson are both well regarded.

Chris Willis Pickup, who has a’ huge amount of knowledge about charity law, and the role of regulators‘, heads up the department at Mishcon de Reya LLP. The ‘absolutely brilliant‘ team has considerable expertise in charity regulation, and is particularly well-known for its work with leading charities in the technology, innovation, life sciences and research sectors. The practice also regularly advises large charities on all aspects of charity law, governance and regulatory issues. Aarti Thakor, who joined the team from the Charity Commission in June 2024, often leads on matters for major international NGOs, international institutions, charities and philanthropic foundations.

The churches and charities team at Pothecary Witham Weld Solicitors is well known for its work with churches and religious orders, advising on charity governance, regulatory matters, fundraising issues and commercial arrangements. The group also has particular strength in charity property matters. Department head Gerald Edward Kidd has substantial expertise in advising on issues facing religious bodies, and Christopher Perkins, who was promoted to the partnership in April 2025, specialises in land transactions for charity clients.

London-based Paul Voller, Birmingham-based Shivaji Shiva, and Laura Chesham, who divides her time between Bristol and London, collectively lead the national practice at VWV. The full-service group advises more than 1,000 charities of all types and sizes, including national charities, and receives an increasing number of instructions on internal disputes involving temples, gurdwaras and mosques. Additionally, the practice is recommended for its specialist support to charities on all aspects of safeguarding and is increasingly sought after for its advice on fundraising issues involving donations in cryptocurrency. Con Alexander is also a key name to note.

From the firm's Reading office, Laura Sherratt now heads the practice at Blake Morgan LLP, which acts for large and household name charities, not-for-profits and social enterprise organisations in the UK. With offices in the Thames Valley, the South Coast, London and Wales, the group is well-placed to advise on various issues spanning governance, risk management, grant making and securitisation issues.

The charities team at Druces LLP is co-led by Helen Freely and Caroline Cropley, and acts for over 60 charities, including religious charities. Other clients span charitable organisations which are involved in political activity and lobbying, and the group also acts for organisations in the animal welfare, medical and education sectors. The group is skilled at handling charity real estate transactions, as well as advising on charity business acquisitions. Matthew Duncan is another notable member of the department.

Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP fields an ‘approachable and proactive’ team, which frequently acts for charities, NGOs, foundations, and social enterprises. It is well-equipped to advise multinational corporate clients on their charitable and philanthropic activities, as well as on social investments. The group has also represented charities in various public interest interventions in judicial review cases. Department head Richard Norridge is recommended, along with Matteo Yoon.

Spearheaded by Nicholas Harries, the ‘professional and thoughtful’ team at Macfarlanes LLP has an established reputation for advising on charity and philanthropy matters, and is ‘able to pull in expertise quickly and easily from the rest of the firm as needed, which is fantastic’. The practice acts for both operational charities, and individuals with philanthropic aims, and other clients range from family grant-making foundations to high-profile operational charities. Emma Cox and Charlotte Howard are key contacts.

Mills & Reeve LLP undertakes a significant amount of charity law work for large, national and international charities, not-for-profits, philanthropists and foundations. Under the leadership of Cambridge-based Neil Burton, the group acts for over 450 charities of all sizes, which includes some learned institutions. Other charity clients are active in a variety of sectors, including the health, education, heritage and arts spaces. Sarah Williams joined the London office from Broadfield Law UK LLP in November 2024 and specialises in charity law, governance and regulations; she acts for international grant makers, corporate/individual philanthropists, and family foundations.

Under the collective leadership of Rosamond McDowell, Martin Paisner and Neasa Coen, the ‘very knowledgeable, responsive and efficient team‘ at Payne Hicks Beach LLP advises numerous charities as well as philanthropists, public institutions, and other not-for-profit organisations. Areas of focus span advising on constitutional arrangements, governance, investments, fundraising and tax mandates. The group is also experienced in advising on the management of charity disputes, and working with charities when facing regulatory intervention.

At Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP, new department head Virginia Henley joined the practice in September 2024 from HCR Hewitsons. The ‘very approachable’ team advises local and national cause charities, and educational institutions (including a substantial number of Oxford and Cambridge Colleges); other notable clients include registered societies, social housing and trade associations, as well as religious institutions, family offices and community interest companies. The group is well placed to advise social enterprises, philanthropists and grant making charities. Hilary Aldred and Daff Richardson are among the other names to note.

The team at Trowers & Hamlins LLP advises on a broad array of matters including governance, commercial property, procurement, litigation, probate and employment issues. The team acts for major charitable funds, and is a go-to name for innovative charities which raise funds from contracts, or from charging the beneficiaries for their services. Exeter-based Charisse Crawford leads the department and, in the London office, Emma Burrows and Sharron Webster are recommended.

Ashfords LLP excels in charity legacy disputes. It works with a significant number of third sector organisations, and some national charities. It is able to offer these clients a complete range of services, which includes estate administration support and reputational guidance. Its expertise includes advising on Charity Commission reports and investigations, and charity mergers and acquisitions. At the helm are Robert Horsey and Michael Alden , alongside Kerry Morgan-Gould  and John Toth .

The ‘superb’ team at Birketts LLP is led by Liz Brownsell and has particular strength in advising Royal Charter charities, learned societies and large membership charities. The team is also increasingly active in advising ecclesiastical charities and has added to its roster of philanthropy work. In the London office, Nicola Morriss plays a pivotal role in the practice.

At DAC Beachcroft LLP, the full-service offering is led by Emma-Jane Dalley and acts for a wide range of charities. The practice has particular strength in acting for health and social care charities, as well as education charities; the group is also lauded for its work with charities which are impacted by public law. Alistair Robertson has particular experience in governance matters.

The cross-departmental charities offering at Edwin Coe LLP is well equipped to advise its charity and philanthropy clients on a whole host of issues. Clients range from national charities, research institutes, and healthcare charities, to individual philanthropic organisations. Practice head David Goepel acts for charitable and not-for-profit clients, as well as HNWIs and families, while Alison Broadberry advises on a wide range of philanthropic, tax and estate planning matters.

Vanessa Williams spearheads the multi-disciplinary team at Excello Law, which fields corporate, governance, commercial and employment specialists. The group is adept at working with the full range of not-for-profit organisations spanning trusts, CICs, CIOs, and companies limited by guarantee. The team also frequently advises trade bodies, educational establishments and community benefit schemes. Sue Boyall is well regarded for her work on real estate matters.

Michele Price is a key contact at gunnercooke LLP and is adept at advising on a diverse range of matters from the registration of a charity, to the winding down of a charity. Other areas of focus include advising on incident reporting, compliance enquiries, and governance reviews. Khald Moyeed handles a range of contentious matters including advising on High Court litigation between trustees.

Dominik Opaliński leads the practice at Hunters Law LLP, which is known for its work on safeguarding and governance matters. The practice is skilled at helping clients with crisis management and trustee disputes, and regularly helps charities and NGOs, historical charities and almshouses.

Under the joint leadership of Charlotte Watts and Gillian Fletcher, who are both based in Salisbury, the team at Wilsons acts for several hundred charities in will disputes, and the specialist practice is respected for its experience in all types of disputes involving trusts and wills. James Aspden is another name to note for his work in resolving trust and probate disputes, and Fiona Campbell-White is a key contact at the London office.