Charities and Not-for-Profits

We support charities, not-for-profits and mission-driven organisations with clear, practical legal advice tailored to your values, requirements and regulatory needs.

Advising organisations with purpose

Sector knowledge you can rely on

Working in the charity and not-for-profit sector means balancing complex legal obligations with your commitment to purpose and public benefit. Our team brings together broad legal expertise with practical, real-world insight into the distinctive demands of this sector. Many of Tees’ solicitors have served as trustees or directors themselves, so they understand the pressures organisations face. At Tees, we help clients make confident, informed decisions that can stand up to scrutiny.

Supporting all types of organisations

We advise a diverse range of clients, including:

Charitable companies
Trusts and unincorporated associations
Charitable incorporated organisations (CIOs)
Community interest companies (CICs)
Social enterprises and mission-led businesses
International non-governmental organisations (NGOs)
Voluntary, faith-based and community associations
Higher education, arts and heritage institutions
Foundations and grant makers

We understand that every organisation is different, which is why we provide legal support that is tailored to your structure and needs.

Multi-specialist, tailored support

As a full-service firm, we collaborate across legal disciplines to provide holistic support to your organisation. We regularly bring in expertise from across our firm:

Corporate: charity structuring, formation, registration, mergers and governance
Commercial: sponsorship, fundraising and commercial agreements
IP: protecting your brand, intellectual property and creative content
Employment law and HR: contracts, policies, redundancies/re-organisations, safeguarding and whistleblowing and advising on conduct and performance issues. We also help defend proceedings brought against your organisation in the Employment Tribunals and higher Courts.
Real Estate: acquisitions, disposals, title issues and charity land restrictions
Private Client: charitable legacies and managing gifts in wills
Regulatory: Charity Commission queries, compliance investigations and GDPR obligations.
Dispute Resolution: supporting with internal disputes and regulatory interventions.

Joined-up legal and financial support

Our clients in the charity and not-for-profit sector often face challenges that cross both legal and financial boundaries. At Tees, our lawyers work closely with our in-house team of independent financial advisers to provide coordinated advice. This collaborative approach means you receive clear, joined-up guidance on issues such as governance, funding arrangements, compliance and long-term planning. By bringing expertise together, we help organisations stay focused on their mission while managing responsibilities with confidence.

Tees has always been professional, supportive, and helpful. Their expertise in the agricultural sector is so important. They are always at the end of the phone when you need them.
Legal 500 UK, 2025

How we have helped

Legal compliance is essential, but your purpose goes beyond the rules. We focus on delivering advice that supports your long-term impact whatever challenge you’re facing. We regularly support clients with: