Charities
UK Guide 2025 : Scotland
Band 1
Contact number
0131 228 3777About
Provided by Brodies LLP
Our charities team is committed to assisting charities and third sector bodies, social enterprises, public sector related charities, and individuals and companies.
We understand that every charitable, social and philanthropic goal is different, and charities vary in size, structure and purpose. Taking all of that into account, we tailor our services to meet the individual needs of each client – whether complex or relatively simple.
With the backing of Scotland's largest resource of legal experts, our support extends to the full range of legal and governance advice such as structures and set-up, training, contracts and employment matters, through to regulatory compliance relating to bodies such as OSCR, HMRC, Care Inspectorate and the Gambling Commission.
We also advise on collaboration and mergers, funding and fundraising, intellectual property, social finance, lending and investment, philanthropy and estate planning, including legacy advice and taxation, and real estate projects.
Chambers Review
Brodies LLP provides charities with a full-service offering, acting on a wide range of legal issues, including corporate and tax law advice. The team advises clients on the regulatory and governance aspects of charity law and assists with investigations by the Charity Commission. The firm also supports clients with commercial issues, including M&A, property and employment law issues. Brodies has a wide-ranging client base includes grant-giving foundations and youth organisations, as well as animal welfare and healthcare charities.
Work Highlights
- Brodies provided ENABLE Scotland with legal advice related to a range of matters, including regulatory, employment, acquisitions and governance.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"The Brodies team has extensive knowledge of Scottish charity law. They are able to provide extremely valuable, clear, concise and comprehensive advice on a range of complex matters."
"Brodies offers a one-stop shop with a broad range of specialists to meet our diverse needs."
"We have always been satisfied by the expertise and breadth of the Brodies team."
"Brodies provides high-quality legal service in all areas. The staff are personable, flexible, and respond in a timely fashion. The advice is always pragmatic and relevant."
"The Brodies team has extensive knowledge of Scottish charity law. They are able to provide extremely valuable, clear, concise and comprehensive advice on a range of complex matters."
"Brodies offers a one-stop shop with a broad range of specialists to meet our diverse needs."
"We have always been satisfied by the expertise and breadth of the Brodies team."
"Brodies provides high-quality legal service in all areas. The staff are personable, flexible, and respond in a timely fashion. The advice is always pragmatic and relevant."
Notable Practitioners
Co-head of the firm's charities and third sector team Kenneth Pinkerton is an experienced lawyer with a noteworthy track record of advising on mergers, governance matters and the establishment of new charities. He regularly assists both Scottish and national charities, grant-giving trusts and local authorities.
"Kenneth is recognised as a leading authority on charity law in Scotland. He provides excellent service, with a deep understanding of the operating environment and requirements for charities."
"Kenneth is a helpful sounding board on charity governance. He is very supportive and approaches queries with our best interests front and centre."
"Kenneth's approach is always extremely professional and pragmatic."
"The support we receive from Kenneth is superb - he feels like one of our team."
"Kenneth is a superb trust and charity lawyer who understands client needs and concerns."