Charities
UK Guide 2025 : UK-wide
Band 1
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
(020) 7551 7777About
Provided by Bates Wells
Our strength isn’t only in the full range of services we offer to charities. It’s in the fact our whole firm understands what charities need.
Between us, we’ve seen and solved most legal problems a charity could face. We suspect it’s why we’re the firm of choice for thousands of charities across the UK. So whether you’re fundraising or finding office space, we can help.
We’re committed to supporting the wider sector. We’ve spearheaded legal reforms, from pioneering cases in the fields of charity investment and human rights, through to registering novel charitable purposes.
For more information, visit https://bateswells.co.uk/sectors/not-for-profit/legal-services-for-charities/
Chambers Review
Bates Wells has a top-rated charities team that provides a comprehensive service to several of the most prominent charities in the country across a broad range of sectors, including health, child protection and animal welfare. Several of the firm's lawyers sit on the boards of different charity-related bodies. The team advises on a full range of regulatory work, including governance, fundraising and trustee issues, as well as a broad range of commercial issues, including investments, mergers, restructurings and corporate partnerships. The firm also offers standout expertise assisting clients with contentious issues, including inquiries by the Charity Commission.
Work Highlights
- Bates Wells represented the Friends of Victoria Hall in the First-Tier Tribunal challenge against the Charity Commission.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"The Bates Wells team has a strong legal knowledge tempered with an empathetic approach to the claimants involved."
"Bates Wells has extensive charity law knowledge, good expertise on governance matters and competitive pricing."
"Bates Wells have managed some complex negotiations with care and sensitivity whilst always having the charity's needs front and centre."
"The Bates Wells team has a strong legal knowledge tempered with an empathetic approach to the claimants involved."
"Bates Wells has extensive charity law knowledge, good expertise on governance matters and competitive pricing."
"Bates Wells have managed some complex negotiations with care and sensitivity whilst always having the charity's needs front and centre."
Notable Practitioners
Thea Longley is a well-known adviser in the charities market who is highly versed in sensitive regulatory work and fundraising matters. Her practice also includes assisting with restructuring initiatives and providing general commercial advice.
Leticia Jennings has a wide-ranging litigation practice that sees her defend major household-name charities in legacy disputes. She also has experience advising on matters relating to charity governance and charity fraud.
"Leticia is a pleasure to work with. She is knowledgeable and approachable."
"Leticia is an outstanding lawyer with excellent commercial awareness. She listens carefully to the needs of the charity and ensures that a pragmatic approach is always taken."
"Leticia has expert and detailed knowledge. She translates complex legal issues and terminology into clear, simple language and lays out the pros and cons in a balanced and easy-to-digest way."
Philip Kirkpatrick is deputy managing partner at the firm and a leading figure in the third-sector legal market. He boasts a track record of significant mandates, advising high-profile clients on issues ranging from commercial partnerships and restructurings to inquiries by the Charity Commission.
Lawrence Simanowitz regularly assists large charities with regulatory questions and is experienced in safeguarding, governance and constitutional matters. He also advises charities on fundraising and data protection issues.
"Lawrence is very practical in his advice."
Laura Soley has broad expertise and regularly adcises charities on governance, funding and challenges against the Charity Commission.
"Laura understands our business and is good at suggesting novel approaches."
"Laura provided excellent legal support. She is personable, responsive and very thorough. I was always assured that Laura had the charity's best interests at heart."
Luke Fletcher takes on substantial charity law mandates for a variety of charity and social investment clients. His broad practice includes assisting with charity fund formations and corporate reorganisations.
Simon Steeden is a London-based partner in the firm's charity and social enterprise team. He is noted for his proficiency in advising clients on a broad range of governance and financing matters.
"Simon is a really brilliant partner, providing clear advice on a wide range of charity and governance matters."
Stephanie Biden leads the firm's work with faith-based charities with particular experience in complex governance issues impacting churches and other faith-based charity clients. She also has expertise in charity registrations and mergers with high-profile clients.
Lucy Rhodes is a senior associate in the charity and social enterprise team at Bates Wells. She has a particular focus on advising corporate and individual philanthropists on the establishment of charitable bodies.
"Lucy is friendly and quick to respond. She is good at simplifying complex topics and pragmatic in finding solutions."
Ranked Lawyers at
Bates Wells
UK-wide