Fisher Jones Greenwood LLP has an established track record advising charity sector clients, with national, regional and local presence. Our lawyers have experience of working with the Charities Commission both on behalf of our clients and at high level with the Charities Commission’s policy unit. Our lawyers are members of the Charity Law Association, an organisation at the cutting edge of influencing charities law and policy.
The firm’s commitment to the charity sector is grounded in our rights based ethos and the firm’s practice of providing financial support to community rights projects. The firm is currently providing financial support to two innovative projects: The Tendring Outreach Service which provides free legal advice to vulnerable people within the community; and Lawyer’s for Young People (i-care), a ground breaking service providing vulnerable young people within the care system access to solicitors specialising in children’s rights, the latter involved forming our own charity. A number of the firm’s partnership members are also active participants in a number of charities.
The Charity Law Team is based at our Charter Court office on the Severalls Busness Park, Colchester and is led by Managing Partner, Tony Fisher, who is assisted by Solicitor advocate Yvonne Spencer and Solicitor Rose Carey. Yvonne Spencer has a background in the charity sector, as she was formerly Deputy Director of The Children’s Legal Centre a legal charity based at the University of Essex.
We can advise on all aspects of charity law including:
- Starting a charity.
- Incorporation.
- Trustees.
- Managing charities.
- Charitable status
- Independents schools and charities law
- Community Interest Companies.
- Dealing with the Charity Commission.
- Disputes and litigation.
The wide range of expertise within our commercial team means we can also offer a holistic advice service to charities on all aspects of law:
Commercial Property – lead by partnership member Mike Theeman and assisted by Solicitor Ellen Petersen, who jointly offer significant experience in this area.
Company/Commercial – Tony Fisher who has extensive experience in this area.
Employment Law – Matthew Welch has experience of advising local charities and companies strongly associated with charities. He is familiar with particular employment problems that face charities including status and volunteers, the need to link any contracts of employment with any specific funding and the requirement aware for other relevant legislation such as particular regulations that apply to people working with children and vulnerable people.
Education – Yvonne Spencer is a highly specialised education lawyer providing charity advice to the independent school sector.
Litigation – Chris Yemm and James Burkett
Immigration – Louise Boyes for all work permits, civil rights or other immigration queries.
To find out how our services can assist your charity please contact Tony Fisher on Colchester 01206 835300
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