text:
The Lawyer
Charities and the proposed EU Referendum Bill amendments download
Potential for lack of clarity.
Pensions: RPI/CPI – the story continues download
A salutory reminder to those considering whether their scheme can use CPI instead of RPI in increasing pensions and revaluing deferred pensions.
Changes to partnership Gift Aid declarations: the end of donations? download
HMRC guidance on Gift Aid for partnership donations has changed.
Briefing for Charities & Social Enterprises, 18 November 2015: deregulating lotteries; and more download
Also: Kids Company; academy schools; and more
Lawyer 2B autumn 2015 digital edition weblink
Face-to-face with a superstar defence lawyer; helping disability claimants; working for the most hated clients in the country; and more
Legislation watch – changes in the pipeline download
New changes to charity and company law will affect the regulation of charities, and social enterprises and charities established as companies.
Briefing for Charities and Social Enterprises,10 Nov: NGO risks; and more download
Also: private registered providers of social housing reclassified as Public Non-Financial Corporations
Trademarks and charities: resolving disputes outside court download
When charities clash in court over names and brands, there are no winners.
Trustees' Week: what you need to know download
Annual celebration pays tribute to the contribution of trustees and charities to society.
Withers wins Royal British Legion principal legal adviser role
The Royal British Legion has appointed Withers as its principal legal adviser following a move by general counsel Luke Joannou to formalise the charity's relationships with its external firms.
In-house interview: Royal British Legion GC Luke Joannou
A key player in the Poppies in the Moat installation, Royal British Legion GC Luke Joannou has also had to grapple with issues including data protection law changes and protecting the brand's image.
Private clients
Boyanov & Co provides advice in connection with wealth management, tax planning, business and personal relocation, family law matters and employment law advice.
Legacies round-up, Oct 2015: giving and the family allowance changes; and more download
Also: advising a faith-based charity on a legacy; and more.
Briefing for Charities and Social Enterprises, 20 Oct: counter-extremism; and more download
Also: the 'state of care' report; and more
Europe-wide social enterprise proposals download
New report calls for barriers to growth to be removed.
Charities' top five trademark misconceptions download
You think charities don't need trademarks? They do!
Briefing for charities & social enterprises, 13 Oct: young trustees; and more download
Also: campaigning and the Scottish elections; and more
The non-party election campaigning review: a response download
Existing regime is burdensome and inconsistent
Gifts of shares – charity bequests download
Leticia Jennings advises charities in receipt of these gifts on how best to deal with them.
Briefing for charities & social enterprises: migrants; funding sources; and more download
Also: terrorists; green company gets marketing fine; and more.
The philanthropic super-rich download
Those who are highly driven in their business lives are also goal-oriented when it comes to doing good.
Charity and Social Enterprise Update, Autumn 2015: domain names; terrorism; and more download
Also: the not-so-United Kingdom; challenging procurement decisions; and more
Call for new watchdog to regulate charity fundraising download
… as the public and fundraising organisations have 'lost confidence' in the existing legislation.
Immigration, employment and volunteering download
Are your volunteers at risk of arrest and removal from the UK? A recent judgment serves as an important reminder for organisations that have volunteers.
Wired to Govern: a trustee's handbook for the digital revolution download
Wired to Govern guides charity trustees through all the key considerations of the digital age, with supporting case studies, checklists and template policies.
Briefing for Charities and Social Enterprises,15 Sept: Kids Company and more download
Also: crowdfunding; education in prison; and more
Briefing for Charities and Social Enterprises, 8 Sept 2015: social pensions; and more download
Fundraising remains in the headlines, with the publication of a letter signed by 17 charity chief executives.
Governance for community interest companies download
How to set up a practical framework, including strategy and board procedures
Briefing for charities and social enterprises, 2 Sept, 2015: privacy 'kite marks'; and more download
Also: do regulators live up to the seven principles of public life?; and more.
Israel Tax Authority circular: stricter rules on third-party organisations download
Defining a 'public institution'.
The impact of Ilott v Mitson on charitable legacies download
Is there anything charities can do to improve their position after the troubling Court of Appeal decision?
Volunteers: status anxiety download
For many organisations, particularly in the third sector, volunteers and interns are essential components of the workforce.
Aderant partners with community education programme to help 'at risk' Atlanta youth
The partnership with Cristo Rey works to give students the chance to overcome financial and social barriers that limit their educational and professional opportunities.
LDF support local animal rescue charity NCAR
LDF employees are volunteering at Flintshire charity NCAR (North Clwyd Animal Rescue).
Farrers launches firmwide three-year strategy for growth
Farrer & Co has unveiled its three-year strategy, as the independent firm plans to expand its offering with the introduction of a child protection unit and provisions to help new foreign clients.
Fundraising inquiry: call for evidence download
An important opportunity to comment on fundraising practices.
BWB Briefing for Charities and Social Enterprises, 22 July download
Important amendments to the charities bill in relation to fundraising.
Social housing rents: the cuts and the fallout download
Latest moves, concerns and practical issues for registered providers to consider
Legacies roundup, July: London property owners benefit most from Budget; and more download
Also: a wrongly paid legacy; a big trust fund dispute; and more
Briefing for charities and social enterprises,15 Jul: school trusts; state aid guide; and more download
Changes to fundraising regulation, plus a wide-ranging review.
Legal recap for charity trustees download
New guidance from the industry regulator.
Wragges sponsors The Big Hoot to raise funds for Birmingham Children's Hospital
Firm signs up as a sponsor to Birmingham's largest ever mass participation art event.
Bates Wells Braithwaite tops charity legal advisers survey for third time running
Charity Finance Annual Legal Survey names BWB leading legal adviser to charity sector.
Governing with intent: charity trustee board effectiveness download
Inquiry results plus recommendations on how to improve governance
BWB briefing for charities and social enterprises: charity law reform; social media guidance for schools; and more download
Also: Charity Commission's Annual Report and Strategic Plan for 2015/16; and Crown Commercial Service's updated version of its lean sourcing guidance for public sector buyers.
BWB acts for first charity bond listed on LSE
Simon Steeden and Pippa Garland of BWB represented Golden Lane Housing as it listed the first charity bond.
Israeli ruling on non-profit organisations and personal liability download
In May 2015, the Jerusalem District Court issued a judgment imposing personal liability in light of lawful conduct of the affairs of an NPO
'Strong support' for new charity regulation powers download
New powers being given to the charity regulator have strong backing among the public and non-profit organisations, research suggests.
Immigration: no preferential treatment for children in asylum applications download
Supreme Court rules that children are in no better position to win asylum than anyone else.
Jersey cycling challenge: Collas Crill gets in gear
Collas Crill staff will cycle continuously for eight hours on 25 June to raise money for charity Brighter Futures.
BWB Briefing for Charities and Social Enterprises: press watchdog to be a charity; payment by results; and more download
Also: People with Significant Control consultation; Scotland may extend FoI rules; and more.
Ogier supports Rangoon General Hospital Reinvigoration Trust fundraising launch
Ogier in Jersey is hosting a fund raising launch for the Rangoon General Hospital Reinvigoration Charitable Trust.
Bates Wells Braithwaite members contribute to E3M study
E3M has released an in-depth report examining pioneering developments in social financing. BWB partners Luke Fletcher , Simon Steeden and Jim Clifford all provided insights, tips and comments.
Briefing for Charities and Social Enterprise: VAT; funding alternatives; and more download
Also: developments to strengthen self-regulation of fundraising continue; and more.
Demystifying the public private partnership paradigm download
With the insurance industry continuing to play a more active role in helping the world respond to seemingly intractable global challenges, insurers are cultivating new and innovative partnership agreements.
Briefing for Charities and Social Enterprises: tougher standards for fundraising; and more download
Also: SORP for smaller charities in the balance; independent schools forced to publish information; and more.
Charities 'running to a standstill' download
Britain's charities are running to a 'standstill', new figures suggest.
Briefing for Charities and Social Enterprise download
The Fundraising Standards Board has published the terms of reference for its investigation into concerns about charity fundraising practices, prompted by allegations that Olive Cooke was overwhelmed by fundraising requests.
Scope of zero-rate VAT treatment of charitable construction works download
This article considers the scope of this rule and provides a checklist of the key points taxpayers should consider to benefit from this rule and avert future charges.
Forthcoming social investment provisions for charities stem from BWB proposal
BWB has welcomed the announcement in the queen's speech on the forthcoming Charities (Protection and Social Investment) Bill, in particular the social investment provisions.
Charities law: have your say on proposals to cut red tape download
Some pragmatic proposals in Law Commission paper, including on mergers. Take this opportunity to express your views.
Stricter social responsibility obligations for society lotteries download
Beware – a number of changes automatically amend conditions that apply to operating licences.
Challenger bank Hampshire Trust hires first director of legal from CAF
Challenger bank Hampshire Trust Bank has hired Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) director of legal Ann Doan as its first director of legal and compliance.
Jersey care inquiry: the second phase download
Those accused of abuse get their chance to speak.
Contemplating collaboration: charities and NGOs working together download
Five top tips for those thinking about collaborating.
11 Stone Buildings supports the London Legal Walk
On 18 May, 10 members and staff of 11 Stone Buildings joined over 9,000 fellow walkers to raise funds for the London Legal Support Trust, the Free Representation Unit and the Bar Pro Bono Unit.
Serious incident reporting and charity trustees download
The Charity Commission expects charity trustees to report 'serious incidents' as soon as they are aware of them. Rosamund McCarthy and Mindy Jhittay explain that this is not as straightforward as it sounds.
BWB Briefing for Charities and Social Enterprise – 19 May: Summer Budget, effective buying for schools, media network coordinators, and more download
Also: ICO issues South Wales Police with fine for losing video recording; Bond's 'Impact Evaluation: A Guide for Commissioners and Managers', and more.
Charity and Social Enterprise Update, summer: tips on collaboration; email small print; and more download
Also: trustees must report 'serious incidents', but this is far from straightforward; technical issues of charity law; and more.
Carey Olsen raises money for Jersey Hospice Care and Jersey Alzheimer's Association
£16,000 was raised for Jersey Hospice Care and Jersey Alzheimer's Association at Carey Olsen's inaugural celebrity charity dinner on 30 April.
BWB Briefing for Charities and Social Enterprise: elections; corporates and social investing; and more download
Also: sector growth exceeds expectations; lottery benchmarking survey; and more.
Employment Update, Spring 2015: immigration in corporate deals; interim relief for whistleblowers; and more download
Also: employee references; cases round-up; tribunal watch; and more.
Bates Wells Braithwaite partners named as future leaders of charity advisory sector
Charity Finance's Ian Allsop has identified 25 individuals as the future leaders of the charity advisory sector, including BWB charity partners Stephanie Biden, Luke Fletcher and Simon Steeden.
More lottery funds may go to good causes download
Report recommendations could boost start-up lotteries, but may be less welcome to charities involved with established lotteries.
Tenancy deposits – relief for RP landlords download
Registered provider landlords don't need to worry about re-protecting deposits once the tenancy becomes a statutory periodic tenancy, but it is important they act quickly.
Warning over flexible working rights download
Some parents can still only dream of working flexibly, even though they have the legal right to ask for it, a new report has warned.
Briefing for Charities and Social Enterprise, 29 April: appeals time limit; new regulator; and more download
Also; good practice for annual reports; voluntary sector survey findings; and more
Fighting for a legacy – contentious probate cases are on the rise download
How charities can deal with a challenge to a legacy.
Charities set to gain from Twitter donations download
Charities can now receive donations from members of the public via Twitter, as the fundraising landscape continues to evolve.
Charities: watch out for immigration issues during a restructure download
Chetal Patel and Anna Przewoznik outline the issues and explain how careful planning is the key to avoiding unpleasant surprises.
Briefing for Charities and Social Enterprise: e-marketing rap; Jehovah's Witnesses; gunmen; and more download
Also in this issue, the value of the arts.
Cameron's compulsory volunteering download
Statutory holidays to undertake voluntary work… so how does that not conflict with that other pledge – to ease the burden on business?
Business rates review could affect charity tax relief download
Charities urged to share their opinions on Government plans for reform – the Charity Finance Group has put together a policy briefing.
Canada Revenue Agency charities directorate: 2015 programme update download
The directorate will disclose public information about every charity and has produced 22 videos and webinars for donors and charities.
Charities and social enterprises newsletter: charities' accounts; lottery regulation; sports clubs; and more download
Also in this issue: then new public contracts regulations and the Consumer Rights Act.
Gordon D'Arcy spurs on support for Barretstown charity's sports day
Fancy your chances in the egg and spoon race or on wodden skis? Then Barretstown needs you in Dublin in June.
Charity Commission toughens up download
The draft Protection of Charities bill proposes significant changes to the Charity Commission's regulatory powers. This briefing summarises the proposals and the issues that they have raised for the sector.
The Care Act: new responsibilities download
The Act aims to make support more consistent across England. It will be implemented in two phases.
Donating art is not as easy as you might think download
In advising potential art donors I find my clients are surprised when I ask, "Are you the owner of the art?" At times there is no quick or obvious answer.
General election: hustings and the law download
Ultimately, it is advisable to organise hustings on an impartial basis, with all candidates or parties being invited, and other tips.
General election: the Lobbying Act and self-censorship download
Many charities are self-censoring their campaigning activities to avoid satisfying the "purpose test".
General election: charities, campaigns and hustings download
One area that can be particularly difficult for charities and campaigning organisations is the holding of election hustings events
Charity and Social Enterprise Update (UK) — Spring 2015 download
The implications of the draft Protection of Charities bill, which proposes significant increases to the Charity Commission's powers.
Payroll giving system 'to become more transparent' download
Charities could receive more money from payroll giving after agreeing new measures to improve the system and make it more transparent.
Bates Wells Braithwaite charities and social enterprise briefing – Charity Commission; new SIB scheme; new social housing regulations; and more download
The latest developments in the charities sector.
Shoosmiths trainees are top money raisers in charity entrepreneurial challenge
Shoosmiths have topped the table for the most money raised by a business in one month, after raising over £15,000 for WildHearts.
Charities and social enterprise newsletter: a 15-point checklist; non-party campaigning; public service pensions; and more download
Also, a £7m Arts Impact Fund, an early-years education fund and data protection issues.
Gateley set to take part in Birmingham's biggest art project for charity
Gateley will take part in Birmingham's largest public art event for charity this summer as part of Birmingham Children's Hospital's 'The Big Hoot' initiative.
BWB Briefing for Charities and Social Enterprise: charity law consultation, alternative education providers, crowdfunding and more download
Latest developments in the sector.
Judicial review: recent reforms weblink
Certain judicial review reforms reforms – that attracted fierce debate in Parliament and within the legal profession – have now received the Royal Assent. They will be significant to many and a concern to some.
Strictly 9 to 5: Legal professionals take to the dance floor for charity
Leading members of the Midlands' legal profession will soon be seen jiving, foxtrotting and quickstepping their way across the dance floor.
BWB briefing for charities and social enterprise: proposals to increase thresholds for charity audit and more download
A round-up of developments in the charity sector.
Charities offered fraud resilience support download
Charities can now evaluate how well-protected they are against fraudsters by using an online tool.
Size matters when it comes to charity, says Bates Wells Braithwaite
Bates Wells Braithwaite has submitted a response to the Charity Commission consultation on 'CC3 the Essential Trustee', drafted by senior associate Leona Roche.
BWB Briefing for Charities and Social Enterprise: Lord Young's report on the Social value Act, and more download
Bates Wells Braithwaite has published the 17 February 2015 issue of its BWB Briefing for Charities and Social Enterprises.
No5 Chambers barristers make Birmingham Law Society awards shortlist
No5 Chambers' Paul Bleasdale QC and Steven Reed have been shortlisted for Barrister of the Year at the Birmingham Law Society Legal Awards 2015.
BWB Briefing for Charities and Social Enterprise: Market Research Society reports charities for 'sugging' and more download
Bates Wells Braithwaite has released the 10 February 2015 issue of its BWB Briefing for Charities and Social Enterprises.
Dacheng attorney named first outstanding pro bono (young) lawyer of Fujian
On 24 January 2015, Fujian Lawyers Association held a meeting to award best-performing lawyers in the province. Xu Xingwen, partner of Dacheng's Xiaman office, was awarded one of the first outstanding pro bono lawyers of Fujian.
BWB Briefing for Charities and Social Enterprise: Government response to report on regulating healthcare professionals, and more download
Bates Wells Braithwaite has published its Briefing for Charities and Social Enterprise: 3 February.
Faith-based organisations update — Spring 2015 download
Bates Wells Braithwaite has released the Spring 2015 edition of its legal update for faith-based organisations.
Charities warned of accounts deadline download
Charities are being urged to file their accounts and annual returns online, and on time, rather than sending in hard copies.
BWB Briefing for Charities and Social Enterprise: Charity Commission's policy paper; videos from Big Society Capital; and more download
Bates Wells Braithwaite has released the 20 January 2015 issue of its BWB Briefing for Charities and Social Enterprises.
BWB Briefing for Charities and Social Enterprise: charities recovering VAT construction costs; report on philanthropy; and more download
Bates Wells Braithwaite has released the 13 January 2015 issue of its BWB Briefing for Charities and Social Enterprises.
In-house Interview: Cancer Research Technology's Andrew Waldron
As legal boss at Cancer Research Technology, Andrew Waldron is blazing a pioneering trail to get life-changing drugs to market
BWB Briefing for Charities and Social Enterprise — HM Treasury publishes response to 2014 call for evidence about credit unions; and more download
Bates Wells Braithwaite has released the 8 January 2015 issue of its BWB Briefing for Charities and Social Enterprises.
Neil Hudgell Solicitors Trust donates more than £70,000 to good causes in 2014
Neil Hudgell Solicitors Trust donated more than £70,000 to help support the work of community groups and individuals across the region in 2014.
No5 Chambers set to host 'Strictly 9 to 5' competition in aid of Child Brain Injury Trust
The occasion will include a show dance from professionals, a drinks reception, dinner, charity auction and raffle, as well as performances from 10 volunteers.
No5 Chambers sponsors 'Stephen McAleese Outstanding Contribution to Headway Award'
The award was presented to Bill and Stella Jackman to recognise their 30 years of dedicated support to Headway Suffolk.
BWB Briefing for Charities and Social Enterprise — sector representatives have given evidence in relation to the draft Protection of Charities Bill; and more download
Bates Wells Braithwaite has released the 17 December 2014 issue of its BWB Briefing for Charities and Social Enterprises.
Charities team newsletter: December 2014 download
As we pause to reflect on the past few months, here is a summary of some of the most important developments in the charity sector.
The Lobbying Act 2014 came into force on 19 September 2014 download
The Lobbying Act requires 'non-party campaigners' including charities to register with the Electoral Commission if they spend in excess of the thresholds on regulated campaigning activities.
A joint registration process between the Charity Commission and HMRC has been delayed until 2016 download
HMRC is leading the process to introduce a single portal through which charities could register at the Charity Commission and HMRC simultaneously.
HMRC publishes research on Gift Aid and donor behaviour download
HMRC has released the results of its research into how to increase the numbers claiming gift aid.
Charity Commission announces changes to 2015 annual return download
The Charity Commission has announced that three new questions will be included in Annual Returns for 2015.
Chambers & Partners ranks IBB's Jo Coleman in top band of national charity lawyers
Chambers has ranked Jo Coleman in the top band of national charity lawyers. It also ranked the charities team in band four, nationally.
Charity Commission launches consultation on updated guidance for trustees download
New Essential Turstee Guidance makes it clearer that the Charity Commission expects trustees to comply with good practice.
Charity Commission sets up rapid-response case-handling system in run up to election download
The Charity Commission has announced that any concerns involving political charity campaigning reported to it will be reviewed as a priority.
Government publishes draft protection of Charities Bill download
The proposed new legislation will extend the powers of the Charity Commission, with the aim of protecting charities from abuse and malpractice.
HMRC confirms that charities must pay VAT on direct mail download
Charity employing the services of a direct mailing company must now pay VAT at 20 per cent.
Institute of Fundraising has updated its fundraising in relation to people in vulnerable circumstances download
The new code introduces a new standard for those fundraising from people who are in 'vulnerable' circumstances. In particular, fundraisers must 'take into account the needs of any potential donor who may be in vulnerable circumstances or requires additional care and support to make an informed decision'. Click on the link below to read the rest of the IBB briefing.
Institute of Chartered Accountants releases guidance on donations to a charity from its trading subsidiary download
New guidelines say a trading subsidiary is not permitted to pay its parent charity a greater sum in Gift Aid than it has profits.
B P Collins co-sponsors fundraising dinner in aid of Epilepsy Society
The event was a success, raising more than £29,000 for Epilepsy Society.
B P Collins co-sponsors evening with Masterchef's Wallace in aid of Scannappeal
B P Collins and Totally Kitchens & Bathrooms recently sponsored an evening with Masterchef presenter Gregg Wallace in aid of Scannappeal.
Charity warning ahead of Christmas download
Members of the public have been urged to avoid unregulated charities ahead of the busy festive period.
Baker Tilly raises Christmas cash for Leeds kids
Baker Tilly in Leeds has hosted its fourth annual Festive Fun Quiz, helping to collect more than £500-worth of Christmas gifts for local disadvantaged children.
The Wedgwood Collection — saved for the nation download
The recent successful fundraising appeal to save the historic Wedgwood Collection of around 80,000 works of art for the nation received much publicity.
BWB Charitable Incorporated Organisation announces Stephen Lloyd memorial award
The award will reflect Stephen's commitment to innovation in tackling social issues.
BWB Briefing for Charities and Social Enterprise — Charity Commission publishes new guidance on changing charity structures and transferring charity assets; and more download
Bates Wells Braithwaite has released the 9 December 2014 issue of its BWB Briefing for Charities and Social Enterprises.
The UK's largest high-net-worth divorce settlement: Jamie Cooper-Hohn awarded £337m download
Jamie Cooper-Hohn has been awarded what legal experts think is the largest-ever divorce settlement recorded in Britain.
IBB lawyer says proposed Commission powers are too broad
The Parliamentary Joint Committee on the draft Protection of Charities Bill has taken evidence from the Charity Law Association.
BWB Briefing for Charities and Social Enterprise — Charity Commission launches a consultation on an updated draft of its guide to trustees' duties; and more download
Bates Wells Braithwaite has released the 2 December 2014 issue of its BWB Briefing for Charities and Social Enterprises.
BWB supports UK Social Enterprise Awards
BWB sponsored the Health & Social Care Social Enterprise award, which went to Social adVentures, a Salford-based social enterprise.
The new Charities Law — a bright new dawn download
This briefing is primarily intended to help service providers and charities understand how the law might affect them, and how they should respond.
Eversheds announces sponsorship of Trinity Charity Fashion Show
The Trinity Charity Fashion Show supports the work of the Samaritans and donating to the Movember men's cancer awareness campaign.
Eversheds Saladžius representatives set to deliver presentation at National Careers Week
Eversheds Saladžius' head of marketing Aušra Jefremoviene and attorneys-at-law Nerijus Zaleckas and Arnoldas Jokubaitis will be delivering a presentation at National Careers Week.
Next steps for judicial review and the implications for third-sector bodies download
Many of you will be aware that since December 2012 the government has been engaged in a series of reforms to judicial review.
Lending Code revised download
The Lending Code is a voluntary code of conduct on how banks should deal with lending to consumers, micro-enterprises and charities with an annual income of less than £1m.
BWB Briefing for Charities and Social Enterprises — several interesting reports about the role of trustees; and more download
Bates Wells Braithwaite has released the 20 November 2014 issue of its BWB Briefing for Charities and Social Enterprises.
Wragge Lawrence Graham & Co wins award double at London Legal Support Trust event
Ruth Ormston was named 'Champion of Justice' at the LLST Awards, while the law firm also won an award recognising its support of the LLST walks.
Adam Farrer from No5 Chambers acts for HSE in care-home company prosecution
In November 2014, Adam Farrer from No5 Chambers acted for the HSE in the prosecution of a care-home company at Cardiff Crown Court.
BWB partner takes up role of specialist adviser to charities bill committee
Stephanie Biden has been appointed as adviser to the joint committee that is undertaking pre-legislative scrutiny of the draft Protection of Charities Bill.
B P Collins hosts smoothie sale to raise money for Children in Need
Employees at B P Collins hosted a homemade smoothie sale on 14 November to raise money for BBC Children in Need.
Philip Kirkpatrick's Trustee Conference address: is regulation out of hand? download
BWB's Philip Kirkpatrick recently delivered the keynote address at the 2014 NCVO/BWB Trustee Conference, asking the question 'Is regulation out of hand?'.
BWB Briefing for Charities and Social Enterprises — FAQs for charities on the impact of the Lobbying Act; and more download
Bates Wells Braithwaite has released the 13 November 2014 issue of its BWB Briefing for Charities and Social Enterprises.
Charity boards 'must address skill gaps' download
Charities are being urged to improve their governance by identifying any skill gaps that exist among their board members.
Wildgen launches initiative to help disabled and underprivileged children
Wildgen has launched a toy drive and fundraising for the profit of Luxembourg charity associations working for the wellbeing of disabled and underprivileged children.
IBB Solicitors' Amanda Melton comments on tiger charity divorce case
Amanda Melton of IBB Solicitors has commented in Spears Wealth Management on a tiger charity divorce case.
Walker Morris announces winners of Children's Charity Calendar Competition
Walker Morris has announced the winners and runners-up of the landmark 20th-anniversary Children's Charity Calendar Painting Competition.
No5 barrister participates in panel event dedicated to protection of refugee rights
S Chelvan was on the panel of an event titled 'The role of pro-bono lawyers in ensuring the protection of refugee rights' at the European Pro Bono Forum in London.
BWB comments on Warburg case and charitable trustee duties
BWB has welcomed a ruling by the High Court that the Warburg Institute's sole trustee is obliged to maintain the institute as an 'independent unit'.
Bates Wells Braithwaite comments on Warburg Institute decision
The High Court has rejected the University of London's claims that all additions to the Warburg Institute since 1944 belong to the university.
Walker Morris auctions paintings to raise money for Martin House Children's Hospice
Walker Morris is hoping to raise money for charity by holding an auction of the paintings from two decades of its Children's Charity Calendar Competition.
Tweet Sheet 5: charity trustee reporting requirements download
IBB's charity law team has published new 'Tweet Sheets' for the 2014 Trustees Week campaign. This campaign will be running from 10–16 November.
Tweet Sheet 4: a guide to decision making for trustees download
IBB's charity law team has published new 'Tweet Sheets' for the 2014 Trustees Week campaign. This campaign will be running from 10–16 November.
Tweet Sheet 3: a guide to planning a professional induction for new trustees download
IBB's charity law team has published new 'Tweet Sheets' for the 2014 Trustees Week campaign. This campaign will be running from 10–16 November.
Tweet Sheet 2: appointment of new trustees download
IBB's charity law team has published new 'Tweet Sheets' for the 2014 Trustees Week campaign. This campaign will be running from 10–16 November.
Tweet Sheet 1: due diligence — what to ask before becoming a trustee download
IBB's charity law team has published new 'Tweet Sheets' for the 2014 Trustees Week campaign. This campaign will be running from 10–16 November.
DLA Piper announces fourth class of Krantz Fellows
DLA Piper has announced its fourth class of Krantz Fellows. This fellowship hires two first-year associates each year who spend their first year doing pro-bono work.
BWB Briefing for Charities and Social Enterprises — draft of the Protection of Charities Bill has been published; and more download
Bates Wells Braithwaite has released the 6 November 2014 issue of its BWB Briefing for Charities and Social Enterprises.
Addleshaw Goddard raises £5,580 for Breast Cancer Care
Addleshaw Goddard has cycled 1,342km as part of this year's Breast Cancer Care's Tour De Law.
Receiving a gift of property in a will: advice for charities download
This article looks at some issues that often arise with property being gifted in wills. It looks at some of the pros and cons of the most common types of gift of property.
Taxing issues for not-for-profits download
A common misconception for higher-education institutions is that tax is not an issue because they are charitable not-for-profits and therefore tax exempt.
Government suffers defeats in Lords on judicial review reforms download
The House of Lords has just passed several very significant amendments to the draft legislation.
B P Collins participates in Bucks Sporting Lunch Club event
Charlotte West, a teenage golfer from Buckinghamshire, has received a £750 grant from the Bucks SportsAid Foundation. B P Collins was one of the sponsors.
Who's Who Legal names DLA Piper 'Pro Bono Law Firm of the Year'
DLA Piper has been named 'Pro Bono Law Firm of the Year' by Who's Who Legal.
Doubts raised regarding new litigant-in-person initiative download
Gingerbread has released a study showing that 78 per cent of litigants in person, who do not have lawyers to argue for them, found it 'difficult' or 'very difficult' to represent themselves in court.
Charities watchdog promised more powers download
The prime minister has indicated that stronger powers will be offered to the charity watchdog, along with £8m in extra funding, to tackle bogus good causes.
Foreign charities and the changing landscape of CRA charity audits download
There has been a flurry of recent scrutiny and activity in the areas of foreign and domestic charities.
BWB Briefing for Charities and Social Enterprises — report on state of health and care services in England; and more download
Bates Wells Braithwaite has released the latest issue of its BWB Briefing for Charities and Social Enterprises.
DLA Piper advises on first international solar licence deal
DLA Piper is involved in the first international solar licence deal, which will cut electricity bills for up to 4,500 homes in Greater Manchester by around £40m.
No5 Chambers sponsors LLS and MALA Christmas networking drinks reception
No5 Chambers is sponsoring the Leicestershire Law Society (LLS) and MALA Christmas networking drinks reception on 4 December 2014.
Federal Not-For-Profit Corporations Act: what's next? download
Industry Canada has published a Q&A on the next steps for those entities that have not yet continued under the Canada Not-For-Profit Corporations Act.
Guernsey foundations for charitable purposes download
This briefing sets out some of the key advantages to using a Guernsey foundation for charitable purposes, and some of the unique aspects of Guernsey law.
DLA Piper receives 'Innovator of the Year' award from the Daily Record
DLA Piper has received an 'Innovator of the Year' award from the Daily Record for the firm's expansion of a pro bono legal programme into several Baltimore schools.
Employment Update — shared parental leave; constructive unfair dismissal; flexible working Q&A; fixed-term contracts; and more download
Bates Wells Braithwaite has released the autumn 2014 issue of its Employment Update.
DLA Piper, Hollaback! and Thomson Reuters Foundation launch guide on street harassment
A new guide produced by DLA Piper, pro bono client Hollaback! and the Thomson Reuters Foundation offers the first-ever global legal resource on street harassment.
BWB comments on Electoral Commission guidance issued in July 2014 download
Bates Wells Braithwaite sets out some general comments that apply throughout the guidance and some detailed comments on particular parts of the guidance.
Conyers advises not-for-profit company on conversion to segregated accounts company
Conyers has advised Bermuda Community Foundation, a local not-for-profit Bermuda company, on its conversion to and registration as a segregated accounts company.
CIOs and the incorporation of charities associated with congregations download
It has been more than a year since the introduction of the 'charitable incorporated organisation' or CIO. The new structure has proved a success.
The Mental Capacity Act and the religious download
The Mental Capacity Act 2005 introduced lasting powers of attorney and created a new Court of Protection to make decisions on behalf of adults who lack capacity.
Jersey's new charities law download
The law will, once in force, be a quantum leap forward in the development and clarification of many aspects of the law relating to charities and their regulation in Jersey.
B P Collins co-sponsors fundraising event for Scannappeal featuring Gregg Wallace
B P Collins is co-sponsoring an upcoming fundraising event on 20 November on behalf of local charity Scannappeal, featuring celebrity MasterChef presenter Gregg Wallace.
Legal 500 names B P Collins as a 'regional heavyweight' in this year's league tables
B P Collins has been named as a 'regional heavyweight' for the first time in the 27th annual Legal 500 league tables and achieved top-tier status in five practice areas.
BWB Briefing for Charities and Social Enterprises — Charity Commission report; Intellectual Property Act 2014; and more download
Bates Wells Braithwaite has released the latest issue of its BWB Briefing for Charities and Social Enterprises.
Ways to reduce inheritance tax
Inheritance tax is generally paid on the value of a person's estate when they die, although rather confusingly it can also be payable during someone's lifetime against trusts or gifts.
Law Commission calls for new guidance on social investments for charities download
The Law Commission has called on the government to create new rules giving trustees of charities the explicit, statutory power to make social investments.
Moore Blatch teams up with charity for first social enterprise ABS
Southampton-headquartered Moore Blatch has joined forces with spinal injury charity Aspire to create Aspire Law, an ABS specialising in spinal cord injuries, which will launch on 3 November.
Bates Wells Braithwaite's Simanowitz quoted in Third Sector on telephone fundraisers
Lawrie Simanowitz, charity partner at Bates Wells Braithwaites, has been quoted in Third Sector, saying that guidance for telephone fundraisers needs to be 'properly enforced'.
Safeguarding — a Supreme Court decision download
A recent decision considered what offences should be disclosed in a DBS check. Caraline Johnson explores what this might mean for charities and social enterprises working with children and vulnerable adults.
IBB Solicitors' Coleman comments on charities protecting fundraising ideas
Jo Coleman, partner and charity lawyer at IBB Solicitors, has discussed the possibility of charities protecting their best fundraising ideas in an article on Third Sector.
DLA Piper holds cycle challenge in support of UNICEF's child justice work in Bangladesh
DLA Piper and UNICEF have established a ground-breaking partnership aimed at strengthening the protection of vulnerable children around the world.
B P Collins hosts Macmillan Cancer Support coffee morning
On 26 September, B P Collins took part in the World's Biggest Coffee Morning to raise funds and awareness for Macmillan Cancer Support.
BWB Briefing for Charities and Social Enterprises — Charity Commission's website migrates to '.gov.uk' address; and more download
Bates Wells Braithwaite has released the latest issue of its BWB Briefing for Charities and Social Enterprises.
Shepherd and Wedderburn supports property industry charity LandAid
Shepherd and Wedderburn, host of Scottish property event Property 2014, has announced its support of property industry charity LandAid.
No5 Chambers team completes Bristol Legal Walk 2014
A team was No5 Chambers has taken part in the Bristol Legal Walk, which took place on 22 September and has so far raised £110.
Gymnasts head to Helsinki with support from the Neil Hudgell Solicitors Trust
Three East Yorkshire gymnasts are set to represent Great Britain on the world stage next year after winning selection for the 15th World Gymnaestrada Games in Helsinki.
Charitable contributions and the FCPA — six simple steps to help ensure your company is giving responsibly download
Many companies seek to give back to the communities in which they conduct business. But when the charitable giving takes place outside the US, this practice may raise concerns.
No5's Abid Mahmood speaks at Birmingham Citizens Advice Bureau AGM
No5 Chambers has sponsored Birmingham Citizens Advice Bureau's AGM, which was held on 18 September at the Birmingham REP Theatre.
Carey Olsen set to put businesses to the test through interactive charity quiz
Carey Olsen is asking businesses across Jersey to put their staff to the test and see whose employees will take the prize at an upcoming quiz night.
Charities team newsletter — Charity Commission updates safeguarding guidance; new VAT guidance for charities; and more download
IBB Solicitors has released the autumn 2014 issue of its charities team newsletter.
B P Collins staff raise £250 for Genetic Disorders UK's Jeans for Genes Day
On 19 September 2014, staff at B P Collins took part in the annual Jeans for Genes Day celebrations.
Funds from Neil Hudgell help to establish support group for young people in Hull
Young people in Hull are being given the opportunity to learn life skills at a newly established drop-in centre set up with funding support from the Neil Hudgell Solicitors Trust.
New ICO guidance issued on charities and the Data Protection Act download
Charities can be exempted from most of the provisions of the Data Protection Act, when they handle personal information in order to publish certain reports.
BWB Briefing for Charities and Social Enterprises — Electoral Commission publishes update for non-party campaigners; and more download
Bates Wells Braithwaite has released the latest issue of its BWB Briefing for Charities and Social Enterprises.
Comparison between the forthcoming private wealth foundation and the philanthropic foundation in Luxembourg download
This article aims at differentiating the respective characteristics of each kind of foundation and highlighting their compatibility.
Video: how to merge charities — the process and legal implications of a merger downloadweblink
It is not always an easy journey for charities to merge and early planning and preparation is essential to make sure that you smooth the path as much as you possibly can.
BWB Briefing for Charities and Social Enterprises — Law Commission reports on charity law reform programme; and more download
Bates Wells Braithwaite has released the 9 September issue of the BWB Briefing for Charities and Social Enterprises.
John, Gareth
Partner — Leicester
Winckworth Sherwood set to take part in Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge
Winckworth Sherwood is taking part in the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge on 14 September, raising money for ABF, The Soldiers' Charity.
No5 Chambers achieves success at the Birmingham Law Society Golf Day
No5 Chambers was victorious at the Birmingham Law Society Golf Day held at Nailcote Hall, the home of the British Par 3 Championship.
Fielding, Jane
Nuttall, Lee
Neil Hudgell Solicitors Trust makes Pride of East Yorkshire awards shortlist
The Neil Hudgell Solicitors Trust has been shortlisted as a finalist in the Pride of East Yorkshire Awards.
Greenburgh, Mark
Gordon, James
No5 Chambers plays six-a-side cricket for the Anthony Barker QC Memorial Shield 2014
No5 Chambers members will be playing six-a-side cricket at a fundraising event in aid of Marie Curie Cancer Care & Birmingham Citizen's Advice Bureau.
No5 Chambers clerk completes Putney & Fulham Riverside Half Marathon for LLST
No5 Chambers clerk Jamie Tucker completed the Putney & Fulham Riverside Half Marathon on 31 August to raise money for the London Legal Support Trust (LLST).
LK Shields Solicitors' managing partner takes on the ice-bucket challenge
LK Shields Solicitors' managing partner Ed Butler has taken on the ice-bucket challenge in aid of the Irish Motor Neuron Disease Association.
Shoosmiths partners take part in ice-bucket challenge for Macmillian
Manchester-based partners at Shoosmiths have become the latest professionals to take part in the ice-bucket challenge for cancer charity Macmillan.
Gateley raises more than £800 for Leicester Animal Rescue
Following a year of fundraising activity, Gateley's Leicester office has raised more than £800 for local charity Leicester Animal Rescue.
Bates Wells Braithwaite pays tribute to former colleague Stephen Lloyd
BWB has reported the passing of Stephen Lloyd: 'our colleague, friend and inspirational former senior partner, who gave so much to the charity and social enterprise sector'.
Social enterprise
BWB has been at the heart of the social enterprise sector for more than 20 years.
Public and regulatory law
BWB's public and regulatory law team, headed by Melanie Carter, provides practical and strategic advice and representation for its clients.
Property dispute resolution
Our specialist property dispute resolution team can help to steer you through the complexities of the law to identify practical, cost-effective options.
With a diverse client base and varied work load, the property team has an unusual breadth of vision and understanding.
Intellectual property and information law
Just about every job we undertake has something different about it. This makes it easy for us to share our client's excitement about what they are doing.
We are widely recognised as the leading immigration practice in the UK. Our immigration team is led by Philip Trott.
Dispute resolution and litigation
BWB's dispute resolution and litigation team is made up of experienced litigators with a wide-ranging practice.
Competition law
Our competition team combines expertise in corporate/commercial and regulatory law, advising on specialist competition issues.
Our charity and social enterprise team works with more charities than any other law firm in the country.
Legacies and probate disputes
BWB's legacies and probate disputes team is made up of experienced lawyers from a range of disciplines.
IT and outsourcing
At BWB, we can advise both suppliers and customers for IT and outsourcing services on the full range of outsourcing projects.
BWB advises on finance issues for a broad range of clients, both for those providing finance and to those receiving it, be that in the not-for-profit or commercial sectors.
Advertising and marketing law
We provide our clients with practical, commercial advice for marketing campaigns across all media and are ranked as leading advertising and marketing lawyers.
Lavery, Kath
Non-executive chairman
B P Collins-sponsored event raises money to help alleviate social isolation in older people
B P Collins has sponsored a fundraising event to help alleviate social isolation and loneliness in older people in Buckinghamshire.
BWB comments on Electoral Commission non-party campaigning guidance
BWB's Melanie Carter has made a submission to the Electoral Commission for the further improvement of the guidance on non-party campaigning.
Charities and social enterprises
We advise a range of charitable bodies, with particular strengths in education, ecclesiastical, housing and newer social enterprises.
Name or shame: complying with the name and charitable status provisions of the Co-operative and Community Benefit Societies Act 2014 download
This note focuses on two key provisions of the Act which deal with the requirement to display the name and charitable status of registered societies.
Gateley raises thousands for blood cancer charity Anthony Nolan
Gateley has raised almost £13,500 for its 2013–14 national charity Anthony Nolan.
BWB partner Simon Steeden calls for more clarity on Lobbying Act
Simon Steeden has called for more clarity on the Transparency of Lobbying, Non-Party Campaigning and Trade Union Administration Act 2014.
No5 team set to take part in Bristol Legal Walk
No5 Chambers has entered a team in the Bristol Legal Walk, which is taking place on 22 September 2014.
Courts may pay for legal representation if the Legal Aid Agency refuses to provide it download
Sir James Munby, the president of the Family Division of the High Court, has ruled that the court service should pay for people's lawyers if the Legal Aid Agency refuses to provide them, in order to ensure justice is done.
DLA Piper wins three awards at Euromoney Australasian Women in Business Law Awards
DLA Piper has been awarded in three separate categories at the annual Euromoney Australasian Women in Business Law Awards 2014, held in Sydney.
Smellie, David
Yarrow, Diane
Shoosmiths holds charity fashion show in aid of Winston's Wish
On 6 August, Shoosmiths put on a charity fashion show at its Edinburgh office, raising £1,014 for national charity partner Winston's Wish.
Gateley's Manchester office raises £3,650 for the Christie charity
The Manchester office of Gateley has raised £3,650 for the Christie charity, part of the Christie NHS Foundation Trust.
No5 Chambers' Satinder Hunjan is named patron of Child Brain Injury Trust
Satinder Hunjan QC, head of the clinical negligence group at No5 Chambers, has accepted an invitation to become the patron of the Child Brain Injury Trust.
DLA Piper acts pro bono for arts charity Community Focus
DLA Piper has acted for arts charity Community Focus on a pro-bono basis, providing advice that has helped secure the long-term future for the charity.
BWB Briefing: 22 July 2014 — highlights of this week's charity website announcements download
Bates Wells Braithwaite's charity and social enterprise team provides highlights of this week's charity website announcements.
Gateley promotes dispute resolution lawyer Claire Herbert to associate
Gateley has promoted commercial dispute resolution lawyer Claire Herbert to associate. Herbert works between Leicester and London.
Kings Chambers barristers cycle 60 miles to raise money for The Christie
A team of barristers from Kings Chambers, along with former member HHJ Nigel Bird, have completed 60 miles of cycling from Manchester to Blackpool.
No5 Chambers organises and competes in Anthony Barker QC Memorial Shield
The Anthony Barker QC Memorial Shield, a cricket tournament organised by No5 Chambers, was held at Brislington CC in Bristol on 20 June 2014.
Rees, John
BWB Briefing: 15 July 2014 — highlights of this week's charity website announcements download
Bates Wells Braithwaite's charity and social enterprise team provides highlights of this week's charity website announcements.
No5 Chambers clerk set to run half marathon for London Legal Support Trust
No5 Chambers clerk Jamie Tucker will be running the Putney & Fulham Riverside Half Marathon on 31 August to raise money for the London Legal Support Trust.
BWB Briefing: 9 July 2014 — highlights of this week's charity website announcements download
Bates Wells Braithwaite's charity and social enterprise team provides highlights of this week's charity website announcements.
Bates Wells Braithwaite's Philip Kirkpatrick acts for Human Dignity Trust
Bates Wells Braithwaite has welcomed a decision that establishes the Human Dignity Trust's activities to protect the human rights of LGBTI people around the world as for the public benefit.
Kings Chambers members and staff complete Great Manchester Cycle for charity
A team from Kings Chambers recently completed the 26-mile Great Manchester Cycle to raise funds for the Child Brain Injury Trust.
Bates Wells Braithwaite advises RNIB on charity reorganisation
Bates Wells Braithwaite has advised the RNIB as part of a three-way arrangement resulting in the reorganisation with its associate charity, Action for Blind People.
Bates Wells Braithwaite acts pro bono for Ramblers charity in right-of-way dispute
Alistair Williams, senior paralegal at Bates Wells Braithwaite, recently acted pro bono for the Ramblers charity, which was representing the rights of its walkers in a dispute over rights of way.
Why local authorities need to tread carefully when funding charities weblink
A Charity Commission intervention and a recent VAT tribunal case highlight the need for local authorities to consider their legal position carefully when giving funding to charities.
Bond Dickinson makes up four in all-female promotions round
Bond Dickinson has made up four associates to partner in the second promotions round since the 1 May 2013 merger between Bond Pearce and Dickinson Dees.
NLADA presents 2014 Beacon of Justice Award to DLA Piper
DLA Piper has received the 2014 Beacon of Justice Award from the National Legal Aid & Defender Association (NLADA).
Q&A: charities and property download
In this article, Lesley Robinson from Bates Wells Braithwaite answers frequently asked questions on the subject of charity and property.
Modernisation of copyright law download
The Hargreaves Review was commissioned in November 2010 to review the UK's intellectual property framework and to comment on how it could be modernised.
Dacheng attorney wins 'Outstanding Youth Volunteer of Jiangsu' accolade
Dacheng attorney Lu Chenghong of the firm's Nantong-based office has been awarded 'Outstanding Youth Volunteer of Jiangsu'.
Kings Chambers members complete charity swim for Child Brain Injury Trust
On 14 June, two of Kings Chambers' clinical negligence practitioners, Helen Mulholland and Claire Steward, swam in the waters of Windermere to raise money for the Child Brain Injury Trust.
Full Federal Court confirms a 'public benevolent institution' does not need to provide direct relief download
A 'public benevolent institution' is a subtype of charitable body. Endorsement by the Australian Taxation Office is required before an entity can be one.
No5 Chambers takes part in six-a-side cricket fundraising event for Marie Curie Cancer Care
A team from No5 Chambers is taking part in a six-a-side cricket fundraising event in aid of Marie Curie Cancer Care and Avon & Bristol Law Centre.
Walker Morris set to award £1,000 travel bursaries to three trainees each year
Walker Morris has announced that it will be awarding travel bursaries worth £1,000 each to three of its trainees each year.
Jane Whitfield joins Shoosmiths' growing wealth protection team
Shoosmiths is growing its wealth protection team with the strategic hire of Jane Whitfield, who joins from Wellers Law Group.
Kings Chambers' Charity Golf Day raises £5,620 for Diane Modahl Sports Foundation
The 2014 Kings Chambers Charity Golf Day recently took place at the De Vere Mottram Hall Golf Course in Mottram St Andrews.
Kings Chambers members set to take part in Great North Swim
Members of Kings Chambers are taking part in the Great North Swim this weekend. The swim is one mile long and takes place in Lake Windermere.
Gateley set to hold launch dinner for the JHMT Inspire Awards
Gateley will be holding a gala dinner to celebrate the launch of the JHMT Inspire Awards, which have been set up by the JHMT.
Shoosmiths wins award in recognition of pro-bono and volunteering activities
Shoosmiths has been recognised for its impact in the south east of England as part of Business in the Community's Responsible Business Awards.
Ryden, Nick
Video: the guide to charity mergers and acquisitions weblink
In this video, Jo Coleman, partner and charity lawyer at IBB Solicitors, provides a guide to charity mergers and acquisitions.
Video: how to register a charity in England and Wales — the five key issues weblink
In this video, Jo Coleman, partner and charity lawyer at IBB Solicitors, discusses how to register a charity in England and Wales.
Video: brain injury recovery and support — how Headway can help brain injury victims weblink
Malcolm Underhill, personal injury solicitor and accredited brain injury specialist, speaks to Jane Clarke, chair of Headway, a brain injury charity.
Memery Crystal's John Mawhood set to take part in Fireflies Cycling Tour for leukaemia
Memery Crystal lawyer and leukaemia survivor John Mawhood will be riding in the Fireflies Cycling Tour to raise funds for leukaemia research and treatment.
Queen's Speech 2014 download
There are significant proposals this year on areas such as infrastructure, pensions, zero-hours contracts, 'modern slavery' and recall of MPs.
No5 Chambers' golf team victorious at the Forum of Insurance Lawyers golf day
No5 Chambers' golf team was victorious at the the Forum of Insurance Lawyers (FOIL) golf day at the Warwickshire Golf Club on 23 May 2014.
Walker Morris football tournament raises £400 for Hyde Park Boys and Girls Brigade
The Walker Morris charity football tournament recently took place, with eight teams battling it out in aid of Hyde Park Boys Brigade and Girls Brigade — Walker Morris's nominated charity for the year.
A call for more local authority engagement by three leading voluntary and community sector organisations download
Three leading voluntary and community sector (VCS) organisations have called on local authorities to ensure they engage with the voluntary sector at all stages of the commissioning process.
Walker Morris teams set to take on Oxfam Trailtrekker Gold Challenge
Two teams from Walker Morris are taking on the Oxfam Trailtrekker Gold Challenge, which takes place in the Yorkshire Dales on 31 May–1 June 2014.
Collyer Bristow joins London Legal Walk
Collyer Bristow took part in the 10km London Legal Walk on 19 May.
No5 Chambers teams complete Midland & London Legal Walks for charity
No5 Chambers has raised £965 after entering teams in the Midland & London Legal Walks, which took place on 19 May.
Sustainable insight: unlocking the value of social investment download
In this paper, KPMG presents research into reporting of social investment by 100 of the world's largest companies and their associated foundations.
Shoosmiths' Manchester real-estate team provides pro bono advice to Booth Centre
Shoosmiths and GVA have given pro bono advice to homeless charity Booth Centre after a surge of homelessness forced it to move premises.
Gateley has record year of fundraising
Following a record-breaking fundraising year, Gateley has handed over a cheque for more than £1,700 to Maggie's Nottingham Cancer Centre.
Voluntary registration — is it worth it? download
We have a number of charity clients, and despite being significant land owners a large part of their land ownership and estates are unregistered.
Eversheds Saladžius set to provide pro bono legal services to IWAV
Eversheds Saladžius has become a legal partner of the International Women's Association of Vilnius (IWAV).
David: charitable tax credit allowed for amounts paid for inflated donation receipts download
Where a taxpayer receives an inflated donation receipt, may the taxpayer claim a charitable donation credit for the cash amount of the gift? In David, the answer is yes.
No5 organises charity bake-off as part of Birmingham CAB fundraising programme
No5 Chambers recently organised a charity bake-off as part of its fundraising programme in support of Birmingham Citizens' Advice Bureau (CAB).
Dacheng partner set to advise Cross-Strait China Culture Communication Foundation
A team led by Dacheng partner Yin Xiuchao is to act as standing legal counsel for Cross-Strait China Culture Communication Foundation.
NCVO advises charities to be more transparent on executive pay download
The National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) has urged charities to publish full details of senior executives' pay in order to maintain public trust.
Collyer Bristow enters challenge to raise money for spinal-cord research
Collyer Bristow has entered into a 10-month-long challenge against six other companies to raise money for charity.
A day out with the Charity Tax Group download
Withers' Graham Elliott discusses the points he found most interesting from this year's Charity Tax Group annual meeting.
Anthony Collins Solicitors' new senior partner reveals his 'values' vision
Peter Hubbard, who on 1 May took over as the new senior partner of Anthony Collins Solicitors (ACS), has described his vision for the future.
No5 team set to take part in abseil to raise money for Birmingham Children's Hospital
A team from No5 Chambers will be abseiling from 120ft inside of One Snowhill on 11 May 2014 to raise money for Birmingham Children's Hospital.
No5 Chambers sponsors Birmingham Citizens Advice Bureau Golf Day
On 4 April, Birmingham Citizens Advice Bureau held a fundraising Golf Day at North Worcestershire Golf Club, which was sponsored by No5 Chambers.
No5 Chambers enters teams in sponsored walks to raise money for legal support trusts
No5 Chambers has entered teams in both the London and Midland Legal Walks, which are set to take place on 19 May 2014.
No5 Chambers announces Anthony Barker QC Memorial Shield 2014 charity cricket event
The Anthony Barker QC Memorial Shield 2014 six-a-side cricket event will raise funds in aid of Marie Curie Cancer Care and Citizens Advice Bureau.
Walker Morris launches 20th anniversary of its Children's Calendar Painting Competition
Walker Morris has launched the special 20th anniversary of its annual Children's Calendar Painting Competition.
DLA Piper publishes UN Global Compact Communication on progress
DLA Piper has published its first public 'Communication on Progress', which outlines the actions it has taken over the past year to integrate 10 principles into the business.
CaritasData's 2014 Top Legal Advisors list names Anthony Collins as UK top-six firm
Anthony Collins Solicitors has been named as a UK top-six charity law firm in CaritasData's 2014 Top Legal Advisors list.
Kemp Little presents Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation with £11,546 cheque
Kemp Little has presented Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation with a cheque for £11,546.
Intellectual property
Penningtons Manches specialises in all aspects of intellectual property law. We give clear, practical guidance in complex and rapidly evolving areas.
Coleman, Jo
Addleshaw Goddard advises Rathbone Brothers on three transactions
Addleshaw Goddard has advised investment management services provider Rathbone Brothers on three transactions.
Kingston LBC instructs Richard Clayton QC to recover business rates from Emergency Aid
Richard Clayton QC of Kings Chambers is currently instructed by Kingston LBC to recover £600,000 of business rates from the charity Emergency Aid.
Commercial real estate
At IBB, our commercial property solicitors understand the specific challenges faced by property developers, investors, occupiers and lenders.
We work with our clients to help them solve problems and ensure they comply with the law and charity best practice.
Real-estate dispute resolution
At IBB Solicitors, our property dispute resolution experts can provide constructive advice to effectively resolve a dispute.
Wills, trusts and probate
At IBB Solicitors, our wills, trusts and probate solicitors are here to help you plan for your family's future.
Private client
Our established private client team offers clients confidence that their legal advisers are pure specialists in their fields.
Trust and fiduciary
Whether you're a private individual or a commercial enterprise, our trust and fiduciary lawyers work with you and your advisers to establish the appropriate structure.
Teckal companies pursuing 'private' interests, even those that are charitable, could fall outside of the exemption download
A recent AG opinion provides further guidance on how not-for-profit organisations are treated under the Teckal exemption in public procurement.
Local authority control of charities — what are the limits? download
A report by the Charity Commission has highlighted the risk that charity independence can be threatened where local authorities are able to exercise control.
Mourant Ozannes announces details of upcoming trust and private client events
Mourant Ozannes is to co-present two trust and private client conferences — one in Guernsey and one in Jersey.
DLA Piper runs fifth training school for next generation of Tanzanian lawyers
DLA Piper, in conjunction with its client GE and IMMMA Advocates, has begun a teaching course at the Law School of Tanzania for the fifth consecutive year.
Downton Abbey actors join Taylor Wessing in gala dinner for Changing Faces
The stars of Downton Abbey joined Taylor Wessing for a gala dinner at the Bloomsbury Ballroom on 27 March, raising more than £70,000 for Changing Faces.
Minter Ellison appoints Tony Harrington AM as chief executive
Minter Ellison has announced that it has appointed Tony Harrington AM as its new chief executive from 1 July 2014.
Budget Summary: spring edition 2014 download
Winckworth Sherwood has released the 2014 spring edition of its Budget Summary.
Charity Commission responds to PAC criticism download
The Charity Commission has acknowledged that an improvement in the way it identifies and addresses deliberate abuse in charities is needed.
Charities and the 2014 budget download
As announced in the 2013 Budget, the Finance Bill 2014 will provide for 30 per cent tax relief on investments in qualifying social enterprises.
Catholic adoption agency permitted to keep charity status download
The OSCR has concluded that St Margaret's was engaging in discrimination given its refusal to place children with same-sex couples.
CQC consultation on fundamental standards — changes for volunteers download
The CQC is consulting on new regulations to introduce fundamental standards as legal requirements that all providers should meet.
Family and Childcare Trust investigation download
The Charity Commission has investigated the Family and Childcare Trust after concerns were raised that its activities on Twitter amounted to party political activity.
British Pregnancy Advisory Service £200,000 data protection fine download
The British Pregnancy Advisory Service has been fined for breaching the Data Protection Act after an anti-abortion hacker gained access to personal details through the charity's website.
DLA Piper's New Perimeter set to travel to Brazil to teach about pro bono legal work
Lawyers from DLA's New Perimeter are travelling to São Paulo to teach a course to law students and members of the community about pro bono legal work.
Budget update 2014 download
George Osborne has delivered his fifth Budget speech to the House of Commons, but despite speaking for nearly an hour the result was somewhat underwhelming.
When should we DBS check? download
John Turner, lead regulatory lawyer at Anthony Collins, considers the guidance for criminal records checks with the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
Costs of trustees and beneficiaries: Trilogy v YT Charitable Foundation (International) Ltd download
Mourant Ozannes has examined the principles relating to costs in non-adversarial trust proceedings.
Delay in registering companies as charitable incorporated organisations weblink
Although no definite date was given for the regulations under the Charities Act 2011 enabling charitable companies to convert to a CIO, these were expected in 'early 2014'.
DLA Piper and LAW celebrate International Women's Day globally
DLA Piper's Leadership Alliance for Women —a network dedicated to retaining and developing its women into leaders — is expanding across the firm's international offices.
Walker Morris launches 20th Children's Calendar Painting Competition
Walker Morris has launched the 20th anniversary of its annual Children's Calendar Painting Competition, which raises money for Yorkshire's Martin House Children's Hospice.
Proposal to change 'in Australia' condition for tax concessions download
This alert summarises the draft legislation and the key issues for affected entities.
Volunteer status: calls for clearer guidance download
As different rules apply for volunteers and voluntary workers in some contexts, charities are often left uncertain what their obligations are to people who they believe to be volunteers.
Probate case study
Following Mr Grantham's passing, his family discovered that he had written a will leaving his entire estate to Battersea Dogs Home.
DLA Piper achieves settlement victory in favour of NAACP
DLA Piper has achieved a settlement in favour of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) in a housing discrimination lawsuit.
Eversheds says Oxfam 'deserves praise' for ranking socially conscious food companies
Parmjit Singh of Eversheds has praised Oxfam for its rankings of food and drink companies in terms of social and environmental policies.
Trusts (Capital and Income) Act 2013 download
Winckworth Sherwood has provided a summary of the Trusts (Capital and Income) Act 2013.
TUPE amendment regulations published — charities weblink
The new TUPE regulations taking effect introduce a number of amendments that could have considerable importance for charitable organisations.
Lobbying Act — what you need to know weblink
With the Lobbying Bill receiving Royal Assent on 30 January 2014, what are the key things you need to know about this new legislation and what impact is it likely to have?
New procurement directives weblink
With the European Parliament adopting three new directives covering public procurement on 15 January 2014, Mills & Reeve looks at the potential implications for the third sector.
Charities: owners of listed buildings take note weblink
There may be good news in store for charities in England with listed buildings and/or buildings of special architectural importance.
Synergy created in charity mergers weblink
With more charities being urged to merge to cope with reduced funding, we take a look at the potential advantages in merging and the legal points to consider before going ahead.
RPC and Bates Wells Braithwaite team up to establish new press watchdog
RPC and Bates Wells Braithwaite (BWB) lead on creation of Leveson's new press regulation system.
Governmental response on proposed reforms to judicial review download
In response to concerns about the growing number of judicial review cases, the government has consulted on proposals for further reforms to judicial review proceedings.
Withers partner and associate author guide for charities targeting the US fundraising market
Withers partner Kristin Konschnik and associate Jaime McLemore have authored a guide for charities targeting the US fundraising market.
Lobbying update download
After much deliberation, the Transparency of Lobbying, Non-party Campaigning and Trade Union Administration Act finally came into force on 30 January 2014.
The Charity Commission publishes revised public benefit guidance download
The final version of the revised public benefit guidance has now been published, which replaces all previous guidance.
Investigation into Mayfair Charities download
The Charity Commission last month released the findings of an investigation begun in July 2012 into concerns over Mayfair Charities' financial accounts.
No5 Chambers members shortlisted for Birmingham Law Society Awards 2014
Two No5 Chambers barristers have been shortlisted for the Birmingham Law Society Legal Awards 2014: Abid Mahmood and Nabila Mallick.
DLA Piper presents report on illegal wildlife trade commissioned by the Royal Foundation
As part of its global pro bono programme, DLA Piper has produced a report entitled 'Empty threat: does the law combat illegal wild trade?'.
ACH Shoosmiths provides legal services and support to Scottish housing association
ACH Shoosmiths has been appointed to the legal services panel of Dumfries & Galloway Housing Partnership.
No5 and Jones Lang LaSalle hold Midlands Planning Conference and charity dinner
The No5/Jones Lang LaSalle Midlands Planning Conference: Planning for Growth, charity dinner and raffle raised funds for Marie Curie Cancer Care and the Samaritans.
Mourant Ozannes associate Tracey Forbes admitted as Cayman Islands attorney-at-law
Tracey Forbes has been admitted as an attorney-at-law in the Cayman Islands following the successful completion of her articles of clerkship with Mourant Ozannes.
Nathan Donaldson joins Collyer Bristow's employment team as a partner
Collyer Bristow has appointed Nathan Donaldson as a partner in its employment team.
Hogan Lovells co-hosts school event to mark National Voter Registration Day
Hogan Lovells has co-hosted an event with social enterprise Bite the Ballot at the Elizabeth Garret Anderson school in Islington to mark National Voter Registration Day.
Winckworth Sherwood shortlisted for Best Community Engagement Programme
Winckworth Sherwood has been shortlisted for the Best Community Engagement Programme at the Management Excellence Awards.
Hogan Lovells teams up with Coaching for Hope charity on women in sport initiative
Hogan Lovells has teamed up with Coaching for Hope to coach young girls and deliver awareness about the positive effects sport can have in their lives.
Walsh QC, Stephen
Taylor Wessing acts for Human Dignity Trust to overturn laws criminalising homosexuality
Taylor Wessing has acted pro bono for the Human Dignity Trust in overturning northern Cyprus's laws criminalising homosexuality at the European Court of Human Rights.
Winckworth Sherwood welcomes new Public Sector Procurement Directive
The Public Sector Procurement Directive will make it easier for charities, social enterprises and public sector mutuals to deliver public services, according to Winckworth Sherwood.
Mallick of No5 Chambers nominated for 2014 Birmingham Law Society Pro Bono award
Nabila Mallick of No5 Chambers has been nominated for the 2014 Birmingham Law Society Pro Bono Lawyer of the Year award.
Collyer Bristow set to exhibit partner Steven Heffer's recent artwork
London law firm Collyer Bristow, which has an in-house contemporary art gallery, is to exhibit the work of partner Steven Heffer.
Wildgen partner Bulach set to take part in Philanthropic Advisor Event
Wildgen partner Michel Bulach will be taking part in the Philanthropic Advisor Event organised by the Fondation de Luxembourg on 21 January 2014.
Arendt & Medernach supports charities with €26,400 raised through forum fees
Arendt & Medernach has demonstrated its support for charitable organisations Pour un Sourire d'Enfant and Fondatioun Kriibskrank Kanner.
Look out for charitable trusts download
Land was given to Dartford Borough Council in 1903 'to be appropriated and used in perpetuity as a public recreation ground and for no other purpose whatsoever'.
New York's Non-Profit Revitalization Act download
The New York Non-Profit Revitalization Act of 2013 was signed into law on 18 December 2013 and the bulk of its provisions will take effect on 1 July 2014.
No5 supports Mental Health Research UK's 'Blooming Monday' campaign
No5 Chambers is again supporting Mental Health Research UK's 'Blooming Monday' depression awareness campaign.
Walker Morris funds training of NSPCC ChildLine Schools Service volunteer
Employees from law firm Walker Morris have raised £1,989.49 through charity fundraising efforts for the NSPCC.
'New Year's resolutions' for New York non-profits: the New York Non-Profit Revitalization Act of 2013 download
Debevoise & Plimpton offers four New Year's resolutions to help you plan and prepare for the coming changes for New York non-profit organisations.
Mills & Reeve donate to charities instead of sending Christmas cards
This year, Mills & Reeve has continued its tradition of making donations to charities chosen by each office, rather than sending Christmas cards to clients and suppliers.
Walker Morris employees donate more than 150 gifts to Zest Health for Life charity
Walker Morris employees have donated more than 150 gifts to Leeds charity Zest Health for Life in its annual gift donation.
Report on Gift Aid reliefs, abuse and error weblink
The NAO has issued a report examining how HMRC monitors and evaluates the effectiveness of Gift Aid reliefs, and how it tries to deal with tax avoidance, fraud and error in relation to tax reliefs on donations.
Charities — when can independence be questioned? weblink
The BBC case serves to highlight the importance of a charity's independence.
Charities and commissioning support issues weblink
Although charities will want to work with commissioners, there are some issues for charities to keep in mind.
Charity trading weblink
While a fall in charitable donations will certainly have posed a threat to a number of charities, reports suggest many are adapting by becoming more self-sustainable.
Charity Commission's powers weblink
The Cabinet Office has published a consultation on extending the Charity Commission's powers to tackle abuse in charities.
Brands Update: Slovakian customs — release of counterfeit products to charities download
The Slovakian Parliament recently adopted a new act concerning the customs enforcement of intellectual property rights.
Update: SDLT charities' relief download
Legislation has been introduced in the Finance Bill 2014 regarding the SDLT relief available to a charity where it purchases a property jointly with a non-charity purchaser.
The little things that mean a lot: In the Matter of GM (case number 11843118) download
The recent decision of senior judge Lush in the case of Re GM provides a window into the workings of a dysfunctional lay deputyship.
Merger enables Mills & Reeve to increase its insolvency and recovery team
Mills & Reeve has merged with George Davies Solicitors, increasing its national insolvency and recovery team by 50 per cent.
Hogan Lovells receives 'most effective pro bono lawyer award'
Hogan Lovells has announced that the Daily Business Review has presented the firm with its Most Effective Lawyer Award in the Pro Bono category.
Shoosmiths aims to raise £60,000 for Barnado's by April 2014
The money raised will enable the children's charity to employ two specialist workers to tackle child sexual exploitation.
Changes made to Charity Commission Annual Return download
Under the new annual return regime, registered charities will be obliged to provide additional key information to the European Commission.
National Audit Office reports on Gift Aid download
The National Audit Office's report provided a detailed review of the Gift Aid system, as well as estimates of the amount of tax lost through abuse.
Cup Trust appeal fails download
Mountstar had appealed to the High Court over the European Commission's decision to open a statutory inquiry into the Cup Trust.
Mariah DiGrino of DLA Piper is named outside counsel for Greater Chicago Food Depository
DLA Piper has announced that Mariah DiGrino, an associate in the Chicago office, has been named as outside counsel of the Greater Chicago Food Depository, Chicago's food bank.
Autumn Statement: charities download
The chancellor said that he wished to put beyond doubt that entities established for the purposes of tax avoidance would not have any entitlement to charitable tax reliefs.
Loneliness and the elderly download
Loneliness in the UK is a serious problem. Statistics from the Office for National Statistics show that one in 10 people aged 65 or over feel lonely often or always.
Autumn Statement 2013 download
Following the release of the Autumn Statement, Taylor Wessing has summarised some of the main announcements.
Dementia sufferers set to triple download
This week sees the G8 Dementia Summit take place in London. Politicians, researchers, drug companies and charities will discuss what can be done to tackle the condition.
BIS business names consultation download
BIS is set to introduce measures to reduce the list of sensitive names that new businesses and charities must get approval for prior to incorporation at Companies House.
Kings Chambers selects Wood Street Mission Christmas Project as 2013 Christmas charity
Kings Chambers has announced its chosen Christmas charity this year: the Wood Street Mission Christmas Project.
Hogan Lovells partner Mark Sterling accepts fellowship with Harvard Leadership Initiative
Hogan Lovells partner Mark Sterling has accepted a fellowship with the Harvard Advanced Leadership Initiative beginning in January 2014
Eversheds Stockholm donates to Doctors Without Borders to help Haiyan victims
Eversheds Stockholm has made a donation to Doctors Without Borders to help the victims in the Philippines that typhoon Haiyan affected.
Shoosmiths' Recoveries Services Group receives Mortgage Finance Gazette award weblink
Shoosmiths' Recoveries Services Group (RSG) has won Mortgage Finance Gazette's Customer Service/Treating Customers Fairly award for the second year running.
Conyers Dill & Pearman raises $37,091 for Bermuda Red Cross Typhoon Appeal
Conyers Dill & Pearman's Bermuda office has banded together to donate more than $37,000 to the Bermuda Red Cross in support of the Typhoon Haiyan Appeal.
Charity Legal Survey names Anthony Collins as top five legal adviser to top 350 charities
Anthony Collins Solicitors has been named as a top five legal adviser to the top 350 charities in the UK in the second annual Charity Legal Survey by Charity Finance.
Whistleblowing report contains 'quite radical' recommendations, says Eversheds' Williams
Audrey Williams, partner at Eversheds, has commented on a report of the findings of a Whistleblowing Commission conducted by the charity Public Concern at Work.
DLA Piper and BABSEA complete second Myanmar National CLE Workshop
New Perimeter and BABSEA CLE have announced the completion of the second Myanmar National Clinical Legal Education (CLE) Workshop.
Charity Commission issues revised public benefit guidance weblink
On 16 September 2013, the Charity Commission published its revised public benefit guidance for all charities.
How do you protect your intellectual property? weblink
Alan Harper of Walker Morris explains the general rules in relation to the ownership of the main types of IP.
Charity trustees: it's your decision weblink
The new guidance explains in detail how charity trustees should approach making decisions affecting their charity.
All things being equal: so far, so good — the Public Sector Equality Duty weblink
The Public Sector Equality Duty was brought in by the Equality Act 2010 and came into force in April 2011.
No5 Chambers wins the 2013 Marie Curie Birmingham Brain Game
The 2013 Marie Curie Birmingham Brain Game has been won for the third time by No5 Chambers.
Charitable giving in the holiday season download
US persons who want the tax break in both the US and the UK need to take action before 31 December.
FATCA and charities download
If you run a charitable foundation in the UK, you may have read about the additional tax reporting and regulations imposed by the US FATCA rules on accounts held by charities.
Is the UK fundraising VAT exemption too restrictive? weblink
The Upper Tribunal has held that the holding of balls by a students' union, was not an exempt supply under the exemption for cultural services.
Walker Morris presents prizes for its 19th Children's Charity Calendar Competition
Walker Morris has presented 50 children with prizes at a special presentation ceremony at its offices for its 19th annual Children's Charity Calendar Painting Competition.
Mourant Ozannes produces market-standard security agreement for JBA
Mourant Ozannes has produced the market-standard security agreement for the Jersey Bankers Association (JBA) on a pro-bono basis.
Wragge & Co hosts student networking event as part of Black History Month
Wragge & Co recently hosted an evening of networking for 100 students and young people interested in a career in law.
DLA Piper and CMS Cameron McKenna win TrustLaw Collaboration Award
DLA Piper and CMS Cameron McKenna have won the TrustLaw Collaboration Award for their work supporting advocacy for anti-domestic violence legislation in China.
DLA Piper mentors British Fashion Council NEWGEN MEN AW14 award winners
Winners of the British Fashion Council award will receive business and mentoring advice from DLA Piper.
Ince & Co receives award for supporting the Sailors' Society Chaplains
On 29 October, Ince & Co hosted the Sailors' Society's 'Meet the Chaplains' drinks reception, as part of this year's Chaplaincy Conference.
Charity Commission publishes revised public benefit guidance download
The Charity Commission's revised public benefit guidance consists of three short guides on the public benefit requirement, running a charity and public benefit reporting.
Anthony Collins Solicitors names Peter Hubbard as new senior partner
Peter Hubbard has been announced as the new senior partner at Anthony Collins Solicitors.
Charity Commission accepts Public Accounts Committee recommendations regarding the Cup Trust download
Charity Commission accepts Public Accounts Committee recommendations regarding the Cup Trust, and claims it has already implemented many of them.
ATED: what is it and how does it affect charities? download
The ATED tax, effective from April 2013, applies to companies (and similar kinds of structures) that own dwellings with an individual value of £2m upwards.
Mills & Reeve real-estate lawyer Nikki Link set to perform at Law Rocks charity music event
Nikki Link, a real-estate lawyer and musician from Mills & Reeve, is taking part in Law Rocks, an annual charity music event.
Mills & Reeve wins 'national leader' accolade in new edition of Chambers UK
The latest edition of Chambers UK has placed Mills & Reeve in the top five law firms in the UK, based on the number of top-ranking practice areas.
Not-for-profit and charity sector reforms: what remains to be determined by the coalition download
Following the election of the coalition government, there are a number of matters awaiting a finalised position from the new government.
What is the future of the ACNC under the new government? download
This article considers the future of the Australian Charities and Not-for-Profits Commission under the new government and outlines the reasons why it may remain broadly in place.
Lord Hodgson's charity law review weblink
At a Westminster Social Policy Forum event on Charity Law and Regulation, Lord Hodgson commented on a number of key points to come out of his review.
Lobbying Bill — concerns remain despite government concessions weblink
Much has been written in recent weeks about how the Lobbying Bill could restrict charities' campaigning activities during the 'regulated period' prior to an election.
No5 Chambers sponsors Midlands Asian Lawyers Association's 8th Annual Ball
No5 Chambers was one of the sponsors of the Midlands Asian Lawyers Association's 8th Annual Ball on 18 October 2013.
Charity Commission responds to Public Accounts Committee's report weblink
The Cup Trust raised £176m from donations during its first two years but distributed just £55,000 to charity and claimed approximately £46m in Gift Aid.
The revised public benefit guidance weblink
On 16 September 2013, the Charity Commission published its revised public benefit guidance for all charities.
A solicitor's duty to make enquiries where the testator's capacity is in doubt weblink
A lack of testamentary capacity is arguably the most commonly pleaded claim by disgruntled family members that are not happy with the contents of a deceased's will.
Charities face scrutiny on use of zero-hours contracts weblink
Thirty-seven per cent of employers in the voluntary sector make use of zero-hours contracts — a significantly higher proportion than either the public or private sector.
Hogan Lovells receives ServiceSource's 2013 Community Partner of the Year award
ServiceSource, a resource for people with disabilities, has selected Hogan Lovells as the recipient of its 2013 Community Partner of the Year award.
Taylor Wessing employees face fears to raise money for Changing Faces charity
Taylor Wessing employees are raising money for Changing Faces, a charity for people who are living with conditions, marks or scars that affect their appearance.
Eversheds takes part in World Food Day 2013
Eversheds has announced that colleagues from a number of its offices donated to World Food Day on 16 October.
Hogan Lovells shortlisted in Euromoney Asia Women in Business Law Awards 2013
Hogan Lovells has been nominated for 11 awards at the upcoming Euromoney Asia Women in Business Law Awards 2013.
DLA Piper receives pro bono award from the Public Interest Law Center of Philadelphia
DLA Piper has been presented with the Thaddeus Stevens Partnership Award by the Public Interest Law Center of Philadelphia (PILCOP).
Ogier joins with charities to support Jersey women's return to work
Ogier has joined together with Brighter Futures and Jersey Women's Refuge to help provide professional work wear and support for women who are returning to work.
Mills & Reeve wins SDLT case in the Court of Appeal weblink
There have been some interesting Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) cases in the last few months.
Chambers nominate Nabila Mallick of No5 for pro bono lawyer of the year
Nabila Mallick has been nominated by chambers at the suggestion of the bar bono unit for bar pro bono lawyer of the year.
DLA Piper receives Sustaining Justice Award from San Diego Volunteer Lawyer Program
DLA Piper has received the San Diego Volunteer Lawyer Program's (SDVLP's) 2013 Sustaining Justice Award, which recognises a local law firm that has provided extensive pro bono support to the organisation.
No5 team completes Bristol Legal Walk
A team from No5 Chambers has completed the Bristol Legal Walk — a 10km walk around Bristol that started at the Civil Law Courts and ended at Silver Street.
No5 cricket event raises £3,254 for Marie Curie Cancer Care
The Anthony Barker QC Memorial Shield, a six-a-side floodlit cricket tournament organised by No5 Chambers, has raised £3,253.67 for Marie Curie Cancer Care.
No5 staff complete charity abseil for Birmingham Children's Hospital
Nine members of the No5 team have completed an abseil down the Wesleyan Building in Birmingham for the Birmingham Children's Hospital Charity.
Outer Temple and Free Representation Unit award Daniel Brown first OTC/FRU pupillage
Daniel Brown is awarded the first OTC/FRU pupillage.
Richard Clayton QC from Kings Chambers set to intervene in freedom-of-information case
Richard Clayton QC from Kings Chambers has been instructed to intervene in Kennedy v Charity Commission.
Coalition to abolish the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission download
The Coalition announced before the election that it will undertake a major reform of the not-for-profit sector.
Mills & Reeve partner welcomes £5m lottery funding for The Silver Line
Mills & Reeve partner Chris Belcher has welcomed the Big Lottery Fund's decision to award £5m to The Silver Line.
Charities can claim refunds for overpaid SDLT on joint purchases download
HMRC has published its view of the Court of Appeal's decision in the joint cases of The Pollen Estate Trustee Company Limited and Kings College London v HMRC.
Volunteers from Sintons support good causes in the north east
Volunteers from Sintons have undertaken a number of tasks over the past few months to help support good causes in the north east and to benefit local communities.
Further developments in stamp duty land tax download
The Pollen Estate Case concerns the availability of relief from SDLT (stamp duty land tax) where the purchaser is a charity.
Hogan Lovells lawyers and clients set to scale Mount Rinjani to raise funds for MILK
On 28 September a team of Hogan Lovells Lee & Lee lawyers and clients will attempt to scale Mount Rinjani to raise funds for MILK.
Mills & Reeve set to work with Joining Jack muscular dystrophy charity
Mills & Reeve have been appointed to work with Joining Jack, a national charity dedicated to finding effective treatments for muscular dystrophy, one of the most common fatal genetic disorders to affect children.
Hogan Lovells donates supplies to four schools in Washington DC and Maryland
Hogan Lovells' Washington DC office recently completed its fifth annual Backpacks for Kids drive. Through this event, 500 backpacks were donated to four schools.
Hogan Lovells raises more than $40,000 for Wounded Warrior Project
Hogan Lovells' third annual Wii Bowling Championship, which took place on 8 August, raised more than $40,000 for the Wounded Warrior Project (WWP).
Proposals for Australia's charity sector download
Since the multimillion-dollar collapse of Banksia, Australian finance companies are facing substantially tougher regulation than is presently in place.
Fraud knows no bounds weblink
The third sector is as vulnerable to the threat of fraud as any commercial organisation.
What happens when there has been a breach of trust? weblink
When trustees fail to act with the level of care required, the Charity Commission have clarified the approach that should be taken in its new policy: 'restitution and the recovery of charitable funds misappropriated or lost to charity in breach of trust'.
Charities and social media weblink
Charities must take care with not only advertising in paid for space and sales promotions but also on websites, other digital sites, applications and social networking sites.
New data protection guidance for charities weblink
The Information Commissioner's Office has published new data protection guidance for charities to promote good practice in their handling of personal information.
The long and winding road: Court of Appeal Victory for Mills & Reeve in SDLT shared equity case weblink
In 2006, a professor bought a house in London with assistance from the college that employed him. This was a 'shared equity' scheme, which Mills & Reeve helped to pioneer many years ago.
Tom Gibson from Outer Temple Chambers wins in Court of Appeal pro bono case
Tom Gibson from Outer Temple Chambers has appeared for the successful appellant in the Court of Appeal in Duffy v George.
Wi-fi lettings to charities — liability for business rates weblink
A landlord of an empty property may find himself or herself having to pay business rates.
Undue influence in the context of Schrader v Schrader weblink
It is well known that undue influence is notoriously difficult to establish in the context of a will.
Winding-up proceedings: the court takes matters into its own hands weblink
In an unusual move, the High Court recently wound up a credit union on its own motion.
All change for charities with employees weblink
The end of this month sees further changes to employment law and the tribunal process, which will be relevant to all charities that have employees.
Donations that really are too good to be true: the latest donation scam weblink
The Serious Organised Crime Agency has recently uncovered a series of scams, which see not-for-profit organisations used as conduits for money laundering activities.
DLA Piper's Anthony Ashton receives NAACP Champions of Justice award
Anthony Ashton, a partner in the DLA Piper's Baltimore office, has been recognised by the NAACP with the Champions of Justice award.
DLA Piper's non-profit affiliate looks set to receive Global Citizenship Award
DLA Piper's non-profit affiliate New Perimeter will receive a lifetime achievement Global Citizenship Award as part of The American Lawyer's Global Legal Awards..
Court of Appeal victory for Mills & Reeve in SDLT shared equity case weblink
In 2006, a professor bought a house with assistance from the college that employed him. This was a 'shared equity' scheme that Mills & Reeve helped to pioneer.
It's time charities paid: charities, regulators and fees download
Charities are already required to pay all manner of fees to other regulators. Why shouldn't they pay a fee to their own?
DLA Piper supports Vinnies CEO Sleepout
CEO Sleepout raises awareness of homeless services.
Outer Temple Chambers' Tom Gibson appears in Court of Appeal pro bono employment case
OTC barrister Tom Gibson recently appeared in the Court of Appeal in Duffy v George, on appeal from the Employment Appeal Tribunal.
Outer Temple Chambers takes part in 2013 London Legal Walk weblink
Outer Temple Chambers (OTC) took part in the ninth London Legal Walk on 20 May 2013.
Allen & Overy partners with IFRC to develop new legal approach to mitigating impact of natural disasters
Allen & Overy is partnering with the IFRC to develop a new legal approach to mitigating the impact of natural disasters.
DLA Piper's William Campbell receives 2013 Presidential Citation from the ABA
William Campbell, partner and general counsel at DLA Piper, has received a 2013 Presidential Citation from the American Bar Association.
Mills & Reeve makes shortlist for two awards at upcoming LawWorks event
Mills & Reeve has made the shortlist for the Best Contribution by a Regional Law Firm award. In addition, two of the law firm's trainee solicitors, Jennifer Dalby and Rebecca Green, have been jointly shortlisted for the Junior Lawyers Division Pro Bono award.
Mills & Reeve merges with George Davies
Mills & Reeve has announced that its merger with Manchester firm George Davies has completed.
Social investment — threat or opportunity? weblink
Social investment is any investment in a charity that provides the investor with a financial as well as a social return.
Tackling fraud weblink
It is estimated that fraudulent activity is costing the UK economy £73bn annually.
The importance of accounting and reporting weblink
The need for transparency in terms of a charity's activities and finances has always been crucial to ensure public accountability.
Total return investment: consultation on draft regulations weblink
The Charity Commission has produced draft regulations on total return investment and is now consulting on their contents.
Legacy disputes weblink
Legacies are a vital, albeit somewhat unpredictable, source of income for many charities. The amount charities receive from legacies in the UK is approaching £2bn per year.
Changes to the late-payments regime weblink
The Late Payment of Commercial Debts Regulations 2013 came into force on 16 March amending the previous legislation, which had been in place since 1998.
Landlords cut deals with charities to reduce tax bills weblink
Landlords with empty premises are exploiting a tax break intended for charities to avoid paying business rates.
Bashing the Charity Commission won't prevent other Cup Trusts weblink
The Charity Commission has announced a statutory inquiry into the Cup Trust but it could be argued that HMRC as much to blame.
Mills & Reeve set to sponsor the third Cambridge Legal Walk
Mills & Reeve and The Law Society are set to sponsor the third Cambridge Legal Walk, which is due to take place on 13 June 2013.
Proposed changes to annual return and the Register of Charities from 2014 weblink
Proposed changes to Register of Charities from 2014.
Empty property rates relief: High Court decision download
Shoosmiths discusses the High Court's decision in Kenya Aid Programme v Sheffield City Council.
Mourant Ozannes lawyers prepare for cycling challenge to raise money for Guernsey hospice weblink
This month, two lawyers from Mourant Ozannes will 'pedal for pounds' outside the Post Office to raise money for Les Bourgs Hospice in Guernsey.
Shoosmiths aims to raise £60,000 for Barnado's between May 2013 and April 2014
Shoosmiths has selected Barnado's as its national charity for the period May 2013 to April 2014.
Mills & Reeve's Norwich office staff raise more than £5,500 for St Martins Housing Trust
Mills & Reeve staff have raised £5,870 for St Martins Housing Trust in Norwich.
Charity insolvency download
In November 2012, People Can, a charity employing around 300 people, went into administration after being overwhelmed by a pensions deficit of more than £17m.
How to avoid a fine from the Information Commissioner's Office download
The last couple of months have seen some interesting decisions made by the Information Commissioner's Office.
Importance of detailed records and reporting download
The case of Cifci and Others v Erbil and Others (2012) emphasised the importance of good administration in evidencing governance decisions.
Finally — CIOs are here download
The regulations required to make Charitable Incorporated Organisations (CIOs) a reality have been laid before parliament.
Clarity for charities: not-for-profit reforms deliver new statutory definition of 'charity' download
The Federal Government has taken a further step forward in its efforts to reform and simplify the regulation of the not-for-profit sector.
Winckworth Sherwood partner features in newspaper's 'Lawyer of the Week' article
Winckworth Sherwood partner John Rees has featured in the 'Lawyer of the Week' in The Times newspaper.
Hogan Lovells Africa Newsletter — March 2013 edition weblink
The March 2013 edition of the Hogan Lovells Africa Newsletter is now available.
DLA Piper and RBS host networking event in support of Oxfam's Get Together campaign
DLA Piper and RBS employees joined together to host a networking evening on 7 March in support of Oxfam's Get Together campaign.
Walker Morris launches 19th Children's Calendar Printing Competition
Walker Morris has launched the 2013 Children's Calendar Printing Competition, which is now in its 19th year.
Pro bono
Our pro bono practice draws on the experience of our professionals worldwide to improve the lives of those without access to justice or the means to hire lawyers and to meet the legal needs of charities and non-profit social enterprises.
Pro bono
The firm has been committed to voluntary work and pro bono advisory services to select charitable organisations since its foundation in 1995.
Volunteer was not protected against discrimination download
The Supreme Court recently ruled that a volunteer was not protected against disability discrimination.
NSPCC appoints new legal chief
The NSPCC has appointed a new head of legal following the departure of Catherine Dixon, who left earlier this year to become chief executive of the NHS Litigation Authority.
Potential Effect of the Equality Act on Charities
Charities, like any other service provider, are now subject to restrictions of unlawful discrimination under the Equality Act 2010.
LawWorks adds four trustees to board
Pro bono charity LawWorks has appointed four trustees to its board.
InterLaw offers 'Helping Hand' to charities
Law firm lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender network the InterLaw Diversity Forum has launched a new pro bono and community service initiative called 'Helping Hands' (H2).
Farrers leads regional firms on Age UK creation
Farrer & Co has advised on the creation of the largest UK charity for older people through the merger of Help the Aged and the UK-based affiliations of Age Concern.
Ex-Coca-Cola counsel emerges at Aids charity
The Former legal chief at The Coca-Cola Company Paul Meadows has taken the top legal role at the International HIV/Aids Alliance two years after leaving the soft drinks giant.
Charities to face more red tape in light of new gambling laws
Gambling laws fast-tracked through Parliament before the last general election came into force on Saturday (1 September) and will lead to hardship for charities, lawyers have warned.
Charity firm opens in Cambridge
Charity specialist Stone King has opened an office in Cambridge to focus on providing advice to Cambridge colleges, schools and East Anglia charities.
Firm profile: Pemberton Greenish
Pemberton Greenish" /Although only a young firm, Pemberton Greenish is as steeped in tradition as its extensive client list of landed estates.
Firm profile: Hempsons
Established in 1890, Hempsons is anything but an old-fashioned firm. In the 115 years since it was created, when its partners broke away from Slaughter and May, the firm has remained independent, preferring, as managing partner Janice Barber puts it, to "slip the baton and ...
Careers: people
Matthew Arnold Baldwin announced a string of promotions last week, including Karen Jones, who became a partner in the firm's IT and e-commerce division. Five lawyers have also been made up to associate.
Oxfam gets sound advice on music plan from Bird & Bird
Oxfam has taken the unprecedented step of becoming the first charity to launch a music download site, with Bird & Bird advising on a pro bono basis.
Lee & Pembertons
"Commercially active high-net-worth individuals demand expert legal advice," says Julian Whately, senior partner of Westminster firm Lee & Pembertons. Whately claims that his firm provides that advice, and not just in the traditional private client sectors of, for example, trusts and personal tax planning. "What we aim to be is a one-stop shop for all our clients' needs," he says.
Careers: in brief
Scottish firm Balfour & Manson has merged with learning disability charity Disability Legal Services (DLS) this month. DLS, established by mental health lawyer Liz Craigmyle, has become a separate practice within the firm's private client department, with Craigmyle joining the firm as a partner to head the new team.
Blake Lapthorn gets specific
Blake Lapthorn Linnell has completed a review of its practice groups and is introducing a series of sector teams aimed at specific industries.
Firm profile: White and Bowker
Hampshire firm White and Bowker has been around longer than many of its competitors. Established in 1750, the firm has existed "in a number of guises ever since", according to chairman Niall Brook.
London Legal Support Trust to spread wider pro bono net
A new charitable trust, aimed at providing financial support to law centres throughout London, is set to launch in April. The London Legal Support Trust will be launched by Lord Woolf on 29 April. The first of its kind, it will coordinate fundraising efforts by firms across the City.
Probe into 9/11 charity's legal fees
US Attorney General Eliot Spitzer has launched an investigation into legal fees earned by a leading New York attorney while acting for a charity that evolved out of 11 September.
Afghan bound
Being Christian Aid's sole lawyer is no conventional role. Advocacy officer Matt Hobson is on the front line of the reconstruction of post-war Afghanistan. Husnara Begum reports
Sutti sets pro bono challenge
Independent Italian firm Studio Legale Sutti is hoping to shame its international and domestic competitors into launching pro bono initiatives by creating its own centralised programme, a step that is extremely unusual in the Italian market.
Guardian angel
Harrowing though her work must be, The Lawyer/Unicef Child Rights Lawyer of the Year Pat Monro still manages to keep smiling. Jennifer Currie reports
Legal aid
From being on the front line to planning long-term strategies, Oxfam's in-house lawyer Joss Saunders is one man who knows how to make a difference. Emma Vere-Jones reports
Children's champ
The NSPCC's Barbara Esam's remit of fighting for youngsters who fall foul of the law has helped keep her in the UK for twenty seven years longer than intended. Brendan Malkin reports
California dreamin'
Paul Stookes gave up a rock 'n' roll lifestyle to become an environmental lawyer after a trip to smoggy LA. Emma Vere-Jones meets the Head of the Environmental Law Foundation
Home front
Head of legal for homelessness charity Shelter Russell Campbell talks to Fiona Callister about the increase in his workload and how larger firms can contribute more effectively
Positive attitude
Despite the pay cut, Kenneth Gray is looking forward to leaving Norton Rose and escaping from the City to work with people living with HIV