Cripps provides ‘clear, practical advice’ to educational institutions, corporate foundations, religious organisations, social housing providers and high-net-worth individuals establishing philanthropic initiatives. Drawing on broad sector expertise, the team handles a variety of matters, ranging from governance and regulatory compliance to property and employment issues. Kate Arnold, particularly recommended for her strategic governance advice, jointly leads the practice alongside Dominic Ribet, who regularly acts for grant-making charities established by high-net-worth individuals, active philanthropic charities and commercial charities advancing education. Joanna Ford focuses on trustee duties and insolvency matters, while Harriet Page advises on the establishment of new charities and the conversion of unincorporated charities.

Moore Barlow advises a wide range of charities, from national faith-based organisations to educational and housing charities, providing strategic, governance, regulatory and operational support, along with expertise in guiding clients through restructures, mergers, staffing challenges and reputational issues. The practice is co-led by Gordon Reid, who focuses on reputation management as well as governance and transactional work, and Joanna Lada-Walicki, who supports charities in crisis situations, particularly with trustee disputes and the dismissal of senior charity employees. Paul Ridout is a ‘trusted guide’ for faith-based organisations, as well as charities operating in the cultural, medical and conservation fields.

With a notable presence in the educational sector, Blandy & Blandy LLP offers a comprehensive range of services across governance, mergers, charity restructuring, regulatory matters and strategic advice. Praised for his ‘extremely sound judgement’, practice head Nick Burrows advises national charities, independent schools and third sector organisations on incorporation or conversion, as well as constitutional and governance matters. Angela Bowman handles the full spectrum of wills, probate and trusts claims on behalf of charities, while Jennifer Scott provides guidance on charity law and regulatory matters, including governance, Charity Commission compliance and charity formation.

With a cross-disciplinary team, Brachers (Part of Lawfront) is well equipped to deliver comprehensive support to charities and not-for-profit organisations across governance, compliance, employment, as well as property and funding matters. The practice is led by a trio of lawyers: Sarah Gaines, who takes the lead on property-related matters; Christopher Eriksson-Lee, who advises on a broad range of issues, including governance, structural reorganisations and setting up and converting charities; and Catherine Daw, whose specialisms lie in employment mandates, particularly advising healthcare providers and charities on trade union matters, collective issues and employment tribunal litigation.

Debenhams Ottaway’s multi-practice charities group advises a range of national and regional charities on governance, property, trusts, legacy management and regulatory matters, delivering an integrated service across commercial, employment and litigation issues. Practice head Andrew Yates advises charities on corporate and commercial mandates, including incorporations, M&A, disposals, as well as trustee duties, while Neil Mercer is particularly noted for his expertise in commercial property matters, with specialist knowledge of complex development agreements for landowning charity clients. Co-heading the firm’s trust practice, Claire Sharp advises on the formation of charitable trusts, structural changes, trustee appointments and Charity Commission schemes.

Particularly renowned for its work in the education sector, Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP advises universities, national charities and social enterprises on governance, regulatory compliance and employment issues, offering tailored advice on matters ranging from trustee responsibilities to grant-making and legacy management. Daff Richardson and Virginia Henley co-lead the department; Richardson focuses on employment matters, frequently advising on restructures, redundancies and grievances, alongside trustee duties in conflict situations, while Henley handles a broad spectrum of regulatory and governance work such as charity registrations and incorporations. Chris Shelley is noted for supporting research institutes and universities with funding and IP licensing.

Blake Morgan LLP fields ‘broad coverage and expertise’ across charity governance, risk management and strategic operations, as well as grant making and charity formation. The practice is jointly led by Laura Sherratt, who advises on a range of commercial and governance issues, including registration, incorporation, mergers and joint ventures, and Rachel Sales, who is particularly experienced in commercial property matters and has been notably active in advising clients in the education sector on their property interests. Ben Brice departed the firm in July 2024.

With ‘a broad range of expertise’, Thomson Snell & Passmore advises charities on an array of issues and has been particularly active in supporting educational clients. Nick Hobden leads the practice, advising on employment-related matters, including representation in tribunal claims, while Douglas Skilton brings strong dispute resolution expertise, with experience in both High Court litigation and alternative dispute resolution. Chris Whittington is another key contact, supporting charity clients with new building and construction projects.

With a dedicated charities team that ‘always works to a very high standard’, Trethowans LLP (part of Lawfront) is well equipped to advise on a broad range of matters, including governance and regulatory issues, incorporation and trustee duties. Sarah Humphrey leads the charities sector group, bringing particular expertise in charitable property matters, while Kirsteen Hook heads the specialised governance team, focused on supporting clients across the full spectrum of governance-related issues. Hook has additional expertise in advising educational bodies as well as managing academic conversions.