There are key charity law requirements and property law considerations to be aware of before a charity purchases land. Our lawyers explore.
Read moreCharities, 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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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.
Recognised as a top tier firm in The Legal 500 2025
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.
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.
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 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.
Meet our team
“[Brabners] have a thorough understanding of the charitable sector, of what constitutes charitable activity and of the operation of the Charity Commission. We have particularly valued the advice of Graeme Hughes and Imogen Trafford.”
Client feedback, Legal 500 2025
“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, the Legal 500 2025
“Praised by clients as ‘nothing short of exceptional’, Brabners LLP boasts an excellent group that is fully dedicated to all matters relating to charity and not-for-profit law. The team has extensive experience acting for a broad range of charities and social enterprises, and ensures cross-discipline collaboration with related departments, such as trust law and company law, to provide clients with a full-service offering.”
Legal 500 2025 editorial commentary
“The practice is led by the seasoned and ‘unflappable’ Graeme Hughes, who works exclusively for charities and not-for-profit organisations such as Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Sir Josiah Mason Trust and North West Cancer Research.”
Legal 500 2025 editorial commentary
“Brabners has real expertise in charities and dealing with the Charity Commission. This is quite rare to find. Establishing a charitable publisher is hard, because there isn’t a clear line between what is charitable and what isn’t. Brabners did this successfully. Its fees are affordable by the sector.”
Client feedback, The Legal 500, 2024
“Graeme Hughes competently advises on charity law, governance and regulatory issues, as well as overseeing matters requiring insights from his corporate, property and employment colleagues.”
The Legal 500, 2024
“We have valued the long-term relationship with [Brabners]… [its] understanding of our company structure — and the market, regulation and jurisdiction in which we operate — supports the delivery of exceptional advice. Graeme Hughes and Imogen Trafford provide outstanding support around charity law.”
Client feedback, Legal 500, 2024
“[Brabners] is interested in knowing your business and understanding the culture and nature of what you do. This leads to bespoke solutions… not simply ‘off the shelf’ advice that you may get from any firm.”
Client feedback, The Legal 500, 2024
“Ex-Charity Commission lawyer and Charity Tribunal Judge Stephen Claus continues to influence departmental and client decisions through his role as a consultant.”
The Legal 500, 2024
“The ‘outstanding’ Imogen Trafford is highly active on mandates concerning the registering, merging and dissolving of charities.”
Legal 500, 2024
Trusted by
Brabners is a purpose-led 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.
Northern Ambition
The collaborative network for purpose-led businesses. We’re building a more sustainable and innovative tomorrow.
Sustainable Business
In 2022, we proudly became the UK’s largest law firm (and the first outside London) to become B Corp certified.
Community Impact
We channel the energy of our public-spirited people and clients towards improving our local communities.
Read more about charity law
A revised version of the Charity Governance Code is scheduled for publication in early 2025. The fundamental principles are expected to remain consistent with the existing Code.
Read more
From building a family to creating Wills and trusts, buying or selling property, land or a business, planning for your succession or dealing with a crisis, it helps to have ready access to a multidisciplinary legal team that can support you with whatever life throws your way.
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