Ranked as Top Tier in the Legal 500 Client's Guide to the Legal Profession 2021, we are privileged to act for over 400 charities, educational organisations, not for profit and social enterprises. Charities and similar organisations are as diverse as the needs they seek to address, so we offer broad and flexible services. To read more about the services that we offer, please click here.
Our advice services provide tailored advice and support for:
Almshouses
Community interest companies
Complex, service-providing charities
Corporate charities
Educational charities
Grant making charities
Social enterprises and other non-profit organisations
Small charities
Our lawyers understand the varied needs of differently structured charities, such as charitable incorporated organisations, guarantee companies, trusts, associations, community benefit societies, royal charter corporations, and charities founded by Act of Parliament.
We deal with charities and similar organisations in a great variety of sectors, including conservation, education, faith based charities, community associations and village hall charities, NGOs and relief and development charities, almshouses, zoos and animal charities, heritage and property charities, theatre and arts charities, residential and care homes, hospices, offender rehabilitation, community foundations, sports and leisure organisations, medical and condition related charities, benevolent funds, youth organisations and wildlife trusts.
Specific services which are available for charities and other institutions:
Charity law
Charity proceedings and charity tribunals
Corporate and commercial
Development, planning and construction
Dispute resolution
Education law
Employment and pensions
Environmental law
Fundraising
Governance and board support
Health checks on any area, annual or otherwise
Intellectual Property
Mergers and collaborations
Real estate
Restructuring and group structures
Risk management and strategic planning
The Charities team sends out a regular newsletter containing important legal updates and advice to those working in the Charities sector. If you would like to be included in this mailing list then please complete this form here. Alternatively you can view all past newsletters in our legal update section.
Our Charities team was rated as Top Tier in the Legal 500 Client's Guide to the Legal Profession 2021.
"They showed tenacity and skillful guidance not just to define the project but to ensure all parties were aware of their responsibilities."
Client Testimonial c/o Legal 500
"A relaxed and friendly approach combined with an in-depth understanding of the charity sector."
Client Testimonial c/o Legal 500
"The whole team is extremely knowledgeable but also quick to respond with the answers and give complete support."
Client Testimonial c/o Legal 500
"They have a close knit team that keeps all of its members in the loop."
Client Testimonial c/o Legal 500
"Virginia Henley is approachable, knowledgeable, explains herself clearly and listens to her clients’ needs and wishes."
Client testimonial c/o Legal 500
"On behalf of the trustees who attended your excellent training session yesterday, a very sincere thank you. It was excellent and I know it gave those present a lot to think about!"
A Cambridge Charitable Foundation
"Thank-you Virginia for all your help and guidance directing us through the charity incorporation process - you have been so very helpful. When colleagues have spoken to me about the conversion process, I have always, and will continue to, recommend you."
Psoriasis Association
"Thank you so much for a thought-provoking and vital presentation. I am very grateful to you. It will help immensely. All best."
Mr D
“Hewitsons is an impressive practice – client-focused, efficient and effective. The firm punches well above its weight.”
Client Testimonial c/o Legal 500
“Great communication, reasonable fees, good value for the money.”
Client Testimonial c/o Legal 500
“The firm provides excellent partner expertise at highly competitive rates.”
Client Testimonial c/o Legal 500
"They are an efficient, knowledgeable team, which is able to advise and carry out work on a variety of topics."
Client Testimonial c/o Legal 500
"Hewitsons provided us with timely legal support adhering to the scope of the service agreed."
Client Testimonial c/o Legal 500
“I particularly liked the approach of Hewitsons in that we worked with the same lawyer from initial discussions and quotation through to completion of the sale. This meant there was good continuity throughout the project.”
Client Testimonial c/o Legal 500
"In my experience Hewitsons is top of its class. It has experts in every field."
Client Testimonial c/o Legal 500
"Hewitsons is outstanding. It is professional, knowledgeable and efficient."
Client Testimonial c/o Legal 500
“The firm provides excellent partner expertise at highly competitive rates.”
Client Testimonial c/o Legal 500
"They are an efficient, knowledgeable team, which is able to advise and carry out work on a variety of topics."
Client Testimonial c/o Legal 500
"Hewitsons provided us with timely legal support adhering to the scope of the service agreed."
Client Testimonial c/o Legal 500