Charities law in England covers establishing, running and winding up charitable organisations, including charities, charitable companies and trusts, their governance, fundraising and regulatory obligations. A solicitor in this area drafts charitable constitutions and trust deeds, sets up charitable structures, reviews governance and conflicts of interest, and handles registrations with the Charity Commission for England and Wales, as well as filings to Companies House where applicable. They advise on fundraising, donations, public benefit, and compliance with data protection and fundraising rules, and represent trustees in safeguarding and regulatory matters as needed.
Why this work is usually handled by a solicitor
A solicitor provides professional accountability through regulated practice, protects client money with proper accounting, handles complex regulatory filings and disclosures, and offers guidance on safeguarding public benefit obligations and governance duties, including trustee duties, conflicts of interest, and risk management.