Fisher Jones Greenwood LLP has an established track record advising charity sector clients with a national, regional and local presence. The firm's lawyers have worked with the Charity Commission on behalf of clients and with the Charity Commission's policy unit. They are also members of the Charity Law Association, an organisation at the cutting edge of influencing charity law and policy.
The firm's commitment to the charity sector is grounded in its rights based ethos and the practice of providing financial support to community rights projects.
A number of the firm's partnership members, solicitors and legal executives are also active participants as trustees in charities, governors or board members of schools and further education institutions and as members of Law Society committees. Local charities supported include the NSPCC, firstsite, the Colchester Business Enterprise Agency and Colchester Mind.
Consequently, whilst offering a high standard of commercial services to charities and non profit organisations, our lawyers also have extensive professional and personal experience with the unique issues and the complex structures of charities and non profit organisations.
We also understand the need for effective corporate governance within such organisations and the need for trustees to protect themselves in the light of the ever expanding legislation which is impacting on the not for profit sector. Good governance is more important than ever in the sector and funders are prioritising those organisations which are seen as having strong and consistent governance when considering funding applications.
FJG can advise on all aspects of charity law including:
• Setting up a charity, non profit organisations and charitable trusts
• Incorporation and secretarial services
• Drafting and advice on constitutional documents and issues
• Advice on putting into place and maintaining good governance
• Advice for trustees and directors including personal liability and fiduciary duties
• Managing charities
• Charitable status and the public benefit test
• Independent schools and charity law
• Setting up, converting and advice on Community Interest Companies
• Liaising with the Charity Commission
• Disputes and litigation
• Property transactions including purchases and disposals
• Employment matters including drafting contracts and dealing with issues
Our Charity Law Team is based at Charter Court on the Colchester Business Park and is led by Senior Partner,
Tony Fisher.