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Stephen Claus

Consultant, Charity and Social Enterprise sector

Stephen Claus

Stephen is a Consultant in our Charity and Social Enterprise sector.

He offers strategic guidance to philanthropic entities and registered providers of social housing on complex legal issues including charity creation and governance and trustee obligations.

He handles constitutional and trust matters as well as governance issues for new and existing charities. He also advises on the duties and responsibilities of trustees along with the incorporation of unincorporated charitable trusts and associations.

Stephen is highly experienced and was an in-house legal adviser to the Charity Commission for over 13 years. He also acted as Head of Charity at a large Birmingham firm and served as a part-time judge for two years. He was one of the original five judges appointed to the Charity Tribunal.  

Stephen’s clients include Autism Initiatives, Community Integrated Care, Nugent Care, Diocese of Liverpool, Everton in the Community and The Professional Footballers’ Association Charity.

He is a ‘Recommended Lawyer’ and a ‘Leading Individual’ by The Legal 500 which describes him as “very pragmatic” and a “recognised leader in his field”.  

Stephen joined us in 2008.

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Stephen's Clients Include

  • Close-up of team hands upon hands - Charity collaboration
    "Stephen and the Brabners team came highly recommended for providing high-quality, cost-effective legal advice to support the creation of our new registered charity. They did all this and more - showing exemplary professionalism, expertise, patience and attention to detail in getting us through the process as efficiently as possible. I would highly recommend Brabners to any other non-profit organisation seeking affordable legal support that you can trust."

    Dr Mark Williamson

    Action for Happiness

    "Stephen and the Brabners team came highly recommended for providing high-quality, cost-effective legal advice to support the creation of our new registered charity. They did all this and more - showing exemplary professionalism, expertise, patience and attention to detail in getting us through the process as efficiently as possible. I would highly recommend Brabners to any other non-profit organisation seeking affordable legal support that you can trust."

    Dr Mark Williamson

    Action for Happiness

  • Empty stadium seating - Sport law
    “I have been privileged to receive legal advice and guidance from Mr Stephen Claus for in excess of seven years in my role as Chief Executive Officer. Stephen provides an exceptional level of support and his response rate is phenomenal, he is always at hand to deal with matters of importance and approaches each case with a calm, considered and wholly constructive manner. He is an expert in his field and this is evident from initial discussion through to final resolution. I have no hesitation in recommending Stephen and remain grateful for his support in respect of governance and contract matters.”

    Denise Barrett-Baxendale

    Everton in the Community

    “I have been privileged to receive legal advice and guidance from Mr Stephen Claus for in excess of seven years in my role as Chief Executive Officer. Stephen provides an exceptional level of support and his response rate is phenomenal, he is always at hand to deal with matters of importance and approaches each case with a calm, considered and wholly constructive manner. He is an expert in his field and this is evident from initial discussion through to final resolution. I have no hesitation in recommending Stephen and remain grateful for his support in respect of governance and contract matters.”

    Denise Barrett-Baxendale

    Everton in the Community

  • Close-up of hands signing paperwork
    “The Charity team at Brabners led by Stephen Claus is first class. Their analyses are clear and their advice is pragmatic. Stephen Claus in particular has exceptional skills in understanding client needs and finding a route through the maze of charity regulations to resolve a problem. He is commercial, practical, absolutely trustworthy and a pleasure to deal with.”

    Michael Black

    The Brady Clubs and Settlement

    “The Charity team at Brabners led by Stephen Claus is first class. Their analyses are clear and their advice is pragmatic. Stephen Claus in particular has exceptional skills in understanding client needs and finding a route through the maze of charity regulations to resolve a problem. He is commercial, practical, absolutely trustworthy and a pleasure to deal with.”

    Michael Black

    The Brady Clubs and Settlement

People Stephen works with