Charities and non profit

Across the world, the charity and voluntary sectors are under huge pressure. With, austerity measures squeezing, income inequality on the rise and the global economy shifting, non-profit organizations are being asked to do more with less.

As someone working in the charitable and non-profit sector, in addition to fighting for funds and resources, you are also striving to demonstrate your charitable impact and working hard to keep up with legal developments and stay ahead of the curve in the way that benefits your beneficiaries.

Complex organizations

We advise some of the largest operating charities in the world, for example we act for over 50% of the Top 50 charities in the UK. We help with the full range of issues for organizations of all shapes and sizes, from restructuring to compliance. We are particularly well placed to add value on governance, mergers, and major commercial projects. In today's pressured environment, this is where we can have the greatest impact on the success of your operation.

Thinking internationally

Several years ago we started thinking about how we could best support those of you working on a global basis, whether in a federation or network of partners, or with affiliates tied to a home institution. For some this is about global delivery of charitable outcomes and for others, all about raising funds globally. Being able to work with the maximum pool of donors available to you globally is clearly vital and so we have developed a real specialism for charities and philanthropists who want to fundraise or invest internationally. We pioneered the use of 'dual-qualified' charitable structures in the US, UK and Hong Kong and are the only firm able to establish and service those structures entirely in-house. Our team of US lawyers in London can also provide timely assistance on a range of US issues for non-US organizations. We have also successfully obtained European cross-border recognition.

Supporting the sector

Our client base includes 35% of The Sunday Times Giving List and we think our work with some of the world's foremost philanthropists gives us insight and connections of benefit to our charity clients. We have the largest team of lawyers in the world that focus on the process of creating, defending and receiving charitable legacies, and regularly help with complex charity disputes. We get actively involved in sector advocacy to try and ensure legislation and regulatory guidance reflects your needs and have built up useful connections at key regulators and sector bodies.

Clients

Withers is a trusted source of legal advice on a wide range of matters, including charity law, governance and commercial issues. The team has provided us with excellent support, allied with a sound understanding of our business and expertise of our sector. The team has proven its worth numerous times and instils confidence at all levels of our organisation with the way it handles our matters.

rspb

From both its London and Hong Kong offices Withers has been key in providing SharedImpact with the legal structures for our international network of charities to enable tax-efficient global philanthropy. Withers stands out with its consistent and timely advice, and is the authoritative voice in this sector.

BOB NORTH – SHAREDIMPACT

Withers has represented Macmillan for over two decades and acts as a natural extension to our internal team. The firm's advice is informed by its comprehensive knowledge of how we work and what we do, which lets us focus on our essential objective of helping those living with cancer and their families.

Macmillan Cancer Support

The entire Wither’s team have been an invaluable resource to Global Lyme Alliance providing knowledgeable direction, insight and guidance across a broad range of legal areas. We are grateful and appreciative of their expertise and personal commitment to GLA’s mission.

Global Lyme Alliance - CEO Scott Santarella

As one of the largest charities in the UK, we have complex and varied needs for legal advice. The scale and experience of the Withers' team means that they understand the culture of our organisation and their approach is ethical, commercial and pragmatic, with impressive service delivery

Cancer Research UK

Withers - and in particular Michelle Chow “The Charity Doctor“ - have proved an integral part of assisting us with the set up of The Loke Foundation. Michelle popped onto our radar just at the right time and guided us through the process of setting up the foundation, streamlining what can be a very complicated process in a timely and efficient manner. Her vast experience and expert knowledge has been invaluable to us and she continues to advise us to this day.

Amanda Loke, Loke Foundation

Withers has helped the Novak Djokovic Foundation grow and expand our work, including advising us on our worldwide activities across Europe and the United States. As a result, the firm has played a major part in helping us achieve our objectives.

Novak Djokovic Foundation

Goodwill Industries of the Greater East Bay recommends Withers Bergman's real estate group to other companies needing strategic, high quality real estate support.

Virginia Robbins, COO - Goodwill Industries of the Greater East Bay

I have always found their style and approach to be responsive, effective and efficient with the expertise and experience to provide the highest level of legal service allowing us to make informed decisions.

Miss Mojdeh Zand, Head of Legacy Administration - RSPB

Withers has given us expert guidance on a wide range of issues, and always looks to the bigger picture of our work when formulating their advice. The firm's lawyers are consistently helpful and responsive when dealing with us.

Julie Maxton, Executive Director - Royal Society

Track record

Insight

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