Charities and Social Enterprises

Fieldfisher has a long tradition of advising charities and has been a pioneer in the charity sector. We pioneered the recognition of overseas charities in the UK, including the first registration of a Portuguese charity; and the recognition of a Japanese government body as a charity, for rates relief and VAT purposes. This ground-breaking background means clients can confidently instruct us on even the most challenging and complex work.

Why choose our Charities and Social Enterprise lawyers?

Drawing on expertise from across the firm to provide the best possible advice for our clients, we act for a range of charities, advising on formation, constitutional, commercial and regulatory issues as well as mergers. Our dedicated team also advise other not-for-profit bodies and social enterprises, including community interest companies.

With years of experience under our belt, our experts give effective and pragmatic advice. We are committed to supporting our clients and delivering the best possible service.

We provide tax consultancy and tax disputes advice, we also assist private clients with their charitable giving, and corporate clients with corporate social responsibility activities. In addition, we have practical experience of acting as charity trustees and directors of not-for-profit bodies.

Whatever the need, regulatory, strategic or tax advice – we're here to help.

Notable Deals and highlights

Pioneered the registration of charitable incorporated organisations

We pioneered the registration of charitable incorporated organisations, the new corporate model for charities.

Settled a long-standing dispute over a multi-million pound portfolio of works of art owned by a foundation

We provided tax, legal and strategic advice throughout, including liaising with the Charity Commission.

Advised on the launch of See The Difference

Advised on the launch of See The Difference, a not-for-profit video site where donors can literally see the difference they make to specific charity projects. Donors can choose a charity project and can then See The Difference they make through feedback that each charity has pledged to provide. "Creating our online platform is a complex affair involving many parties," said founder Dominic Vallely. "The sound and timely advice from the team at Fieldfisher has been gratefully received."

Key contacts

Nick Beecham

Director, Tax and Structuring
London, England +44 (0)330 460 7033 Email Nick

Property Tax

Value Added Tax
Geoffroy Galéa

Partner, Tax
Brussels, Belgium Email Geoffroy

Criminal Tax Investigations

Life Sciences & Healthcare

Tax and Structuring

Tax Law
Caroline Rao

Partner, Private Client
London, England +44 330 460 7365 Email Caroline

Inward Investment

Private Client

Property Tax

Tax and Structuring
Alice Vink

Partner, Private Client
London, England 0330 460 7179 Email Alice

Art law

Charities and Social Enterprise

Private Client

Tax and Structuring
Philip Watkins

Partner
London, England Email Philip

Charities and Social Enterprise

Corporate

Inward Investment

Joint Ventures
Joseph de Lacey

Director
London, England +44 330 460 6668 Email Joseph

Private Client

Trust, Estate and Inheritance Disputes
John Tolman

Director
London, England +44 330 460 7287 Email John

Charities and Social Enterprise

Corporate Tax

Property Tax

Value Added Tax
Danjuma Mshelia

Senior Associate, Private Client
London, England +44 330 460 6318 Email Danjuma

Private Client

Property Tax

Tax
Olga Tabenko

Senior Associate, Private Client
London, England +44 330 460 6831 Email Olga

Charities and Social Enterprise

Contentious Tax

Private Client

Tax and Structuring
Alain Thilmany

Senior Associate, Tax
Brussels, Belgium +32 2 742 70 52 Email Alain

Corporate Tax

Mergers and Acquisitions

Tax