Charities & Schools

Ranked third in the UK for its work in this area, Wilsons "enjoys a national reputation for its "detailed knowledge of the law and how it affects charities,"......  Clients choose them because they "know the theory of the law and yet are good at finding practical solutions;  it provides strong legal advice and workable solutions." "

Chambers UK - 2008

There are few firms that can claim true expertise in the Charities and Schools sectors. We currently act for over 400 charities, of which 147 are listed in the ‘Top 3000 charities 2005/06’ directory.

Wilsons' core charities team includes seven specialist lawyers working exclusively for charities, advising on a complete range of constitutional and governance issues and the key areas of legacy management and contentious probate. Our specialist legacy team is the largest of its kind outside London.

The core team works with experts across the firm who assist charities with property transactions, probate and trust administration and advice on corporate law, employment law and property litigation. Together our charities team provides a one-stop shop for clients.

Within the charities team we deliver advice on:

Regulatory

• Charity Commission inquiries
• Charity Commission review visits
• Charity disputes

Constitutional

• Establishing/Dissolving charities
• Governance reviews
• Charity mergers
• Schemes and orders

Legacies

• Legacy management – helping to maximise benefit from legacy donations
• Legacy disputes – last minute changes, probate fraud, statutory wills etc.

General

• Property – compliance with legal requirements
• Intellectual Property Rights
• Employment – covering paid and volunteer staff
• Corporate Structuring – including incorporation
• Fundraising, trading and investments.

Schools

• Compliance – meeting the “public benefit” test
• Managing/rationalising prize funds
• Fundraising options
• Employment disputes
• Debt management

A Client’s View

“Wilsons' charity team is a joy to work with. They handle the many problems encountered by charities for which Legacy Link works, with the essential combination of speed and tact and are always responsive, helpful and courteous. Moreover their fees are pitched at a reasonable level, and they are happy to work to a costs budget with regular reviews.

All this makes them the ideal firm to turn to when charities need to instruct solicitors.”

Legacy Link, 2005

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