Charities, Not-For-Profits & Social Enterprises

Genuine specialists providing expert legal support to third sector organisations in achieving their charitable and social objectives.

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Legal Business Awards 2025, Regional/Offshore Firm of the Year, Winner trophy badge with black background and gold, blue and white text and accents.

Our specialist charity lawyers provide expert legal guidance and assistance to organisations across the voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) sector .

Your sector plays a vital, dynamic economic and societal role in the UK — delivering services, supporting communities and fostering social cohesion.

Hundreds of thousands of charities, not-for-profits and social enterprises contribute billions to the economy, employ millions of people and have increasingly stepped up to provide services that communities rely on, despite sustained funding cuts, culture wars and regulatory pressures.

The law as it relates to charities and other third sector organisations is complex. Charity law was first formalised in the Statute of Charitable Uses — also known as the Charitable Uses Act 1601 or the Statute of Elizabeth.

Since the turn of the century, we’ve seen four Charities Acts, significant changes in company law and regulatory developments. These have arisen in response to controversies that have, at times, badly undermined public trust and confidence in a sector that’s dependent on goodwill and its reputation.

To discuss how we can support your mission, call 0333 004 4488, email hello@brabners.com or fill in our contact form.

Recognised as a top tier firm in The Legal 500

True charity law expertise

Our specialist charities, not for profit and social enterprise team is recognised by the Legal 500 as 'nothing short of exceptional' and the leading team of experts in the North West, with a national reputation for providing accurate, pragmatic and commercially focused advice.

By combining our passion for the third sector with deep specialist sector expertise, we aim to act as the multidisciplinary legal extension of your team — a ‘one-stop shop’ for support, strategy, guidance and assistance.

The team is spearheaded by ‘Leading Partner’ and experienced charity lawyer Graeme Hughes, who has practised exclusively in charity law since qualifying in 2010. He’s supported by “outstanding” 'Leading Associate' and charity law specialist Imogen Trafford, who advises on an extensive range of issues including matters involving the Charity Commission.

All members of our team are individually recognised as leaders in their field and draw on the experience they’ve gained in acting exclusively for VCSE organisations of all shapes and sizes, as well as (in some cases) experience from legal and regulatory roles at the Charity Commission.

Meet the team

B Corp certified & immersed in the third sector

Charities, not-for-profits and social enterprises need genuine specialist legal advisers who understand the issues they face and the regulatory environment in which they operate. A partner with the skills and expertise to support those seeking to improve people’s lives.

As a purpose-led, independent business and certified B Corp and having been ranked as the Best Law Firm to Work For in the UK, we share your values and deeply appreciate your role in society. Through our own independent charity, The Brabners Foundation, we’re also proud to make the difference across our local communities.

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The full-service law firm for charities & social enterprises

Our friendly and approachable team is always available to clients. We have many valued and longstanding relationships with charities of all sizes spanning the entire sector, both domestically and internationally.

This includes museums, research organisations, grant-making foundations, religious organisations, social and healthcare providers, educational institutions, registered providers of social housing, youth and community centres and sports organisations (including charities associated with professional sports clubs).

Backed-up by the extensive capabilities of our full-service law firm, our multidisciplinary team can advise on your every legal need including property matters, employment issues, contracts, intellectual property, internal disputes and litigation.

Your requirements might also include guidance relating to registering, incorporating and closing down, governance, fundraising income, mergers, restructuring and partnerships and regulatory and statutory inquiries.

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Meet our team

Graeme Hughes

Partner, Head of Charities, Not-for-Profits and Social Enterprises

Imogen Trafford

Associate

Ciara Lawlor

Graduate Solicitor Apprentice

“One of the preeminent law firms in the North West for charities and not-for-profits, Brabners is regularly sought after by a range of charities for advice on charity registration, mergers, governance and policy, and fundraising.”
Legal 500, 2027

“Brabners represents a uniquely talented team that blends expert knowledge of charity law with approachable and engaging personalities.”
Client feedback, Legal 500, 2027

“The practice has considerable expertise in advising on matters relating to charities, a field which in my experience such expertise is hard to find.”
Client feedback, Legal 500, 2025

“The ‘outstanding’ Imogen Trafford is highly active on mandates concerning the registering, merging and dissolving of charities.”
Legal 500

Trusted by

Brabners is a leading independent law firm.

Our independence allows us to be objective, principled and provide a service with heart and character.

We’re on a mission to make the difference for our clients, people and communities. Proudly anchored in the North since 1815, we serve all of England and Wales.