Charity law and not for profit law

We know that no two charities are the same. That’s why we tailor our legal advice to your specific needs.

Understanding charity law

We know that no two charities are the same. That’s why we tailor our legal advice to your specific needs.

Recognised as one of the leading law firms advising charities in the UK, our specialist team works with hundreds of charities, ranging from household names such as the British Heart Foundation and UNICEF UK through to startups and local voluntary organisations. 

How our charity law and not for profit law solicitors can help you

Our charity law team advises across the full spectrum of governance issues, mergers and restructurings, HR and employment, fundraising, data protection, property disputes and transactions, international structures and charity regulation, including Charity Commission investigations.

We can help you with:

  • setting up a new charity
  • negotiating a lease, employment or contractual agreements
  • facilitating mergers
  • fundraising campaigns
  • service delivery contracts
  • charity litigation
Charitable giving and foundations

Philanthropy and charitable giving

If you would like to establish a family foundation or other philanthropic structure, we can guide you through the process of setting up and running a charity...

Charity employment law

Charity employment law, safeguarding and personal data

Our charity employment lawyers are experts in their field. We’re regularly asked to speak on HR topics at third sector conferences and contribute to charity...

Charity litigation

Charity disputes and charity litigation

Our charity solicitors work in collaboration with teams across the firm to resolve any difficulties arising throughout or at the end of a charity's life...

Setting up a charity and registration

Setting up a charity and registration

Our charity solicitors are proud to help people create change in the world. There can be a lot to consider when setting up a new charity and...

Charity Constitutions And Governing Documents

Charity constitutions and governing documents

Every charity needs a governing document that is appropriate, up-to-date and legally-compliant. Whatever your charity’s structure, our expert charity...

Strong specialist knowledge conveyed in ways that make sense, with a very can-do approach; looking at how to make something happen, rather than presenting the barriers that need to be overcome.
The Legal 500 (2025)

Our approach

A more thoughtful and holistic approach to charity law

Our technical expertise is widely recognised. We advise charities with unusual governance structures, including charities governed by Acts of Parliament, and charities with complicated group structures.

We believe in a more thoughtful and holistic approach to law, with our team of governance, commercial, property and employment lawyers working together to provide a comprehensive service to our clients.

Governance and commercial

Charity governance and commercial

All charities need an up-to-date constitution and governance policies to enable trustees to manage their charity effectively and stay...

International charities and not for profit

International charities and not for profit

Our charity law and not for profit team specialises in advising...

Property for charities

Property for charities

If you or someone you know has sustained a spinal cord injury, it is vital that you are able to speak with a legal team who has experience of helping people who...

Schools and educational charities

Schools and educational charities

Our charity law and non profit team increasingly advises both stated funded schools and independent...

Get in touch

If you would like to speak with a member of the team you can contact our charity law solicitors by email, by telephone on +44 (0)20 3826 7510 or complete our enquiry form.

Get to know our charity law and not for profit law team


Russell-Cooke has handled all of our issues professionally and flawlessly.
Chambers UK (2025)
Charity law is a complex and specialist area of law and we always felt we were in safe hands.
Charity law client

Related insights

The latest news and insights from our charity law non profit team

Getting your charity in shape for 2025

Join Caron Bradshaw, chief executive of Charity Finance Group, and a panel of our charity lawyers for an engaging in-person seminar on the latest political, economic and legal developments affecting the charity sector and explore what lies ahead in 2025.
News

07.11.2024

Russell-Cooke listed in The Times Best Law Firms for seventh consecutive year

Russell-Cooke has been listed among The Times Best Law Firms in its 2025 report, marking the firm’s seventh consecutive year of recognition. Reflecting its...
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News

17.10.2024

Russell-Cooke scoops 15 team and 54 individual rankings in Chambers UK 2025

Russell-Cooke has secured rankings along the full spectrum of its service areas, significantly growing the number of...
James Carroll, Managing Partner in the Russell-Cooke Solicitors, family and children team.
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