Department profile
Charities
UK Guide 2026 : Northern Ireland
Rankings
Ranked Individuals
Ranked Individuals
About
Provided by Cleaver Fulton Rankin
The Charities and Social Enterprises team at Cleaver Fulton Rankin is headed by Stephen Cross, offering broad experience in all aspects of law affecting Charities including but not limited to Company Law, Employment Law, Real Estate Law, Funding and Dispute Resolution and Corporate Governance.
The team’s expertise includes forming and registering charities; advising on charities’ constitutions and rules; restructuring of charities including mergers, asset transfers and transfers of engagements; corporate governance advice; advice on funding agreements and contracts; advising Directors/Trustees of charitable Companies and unincorporated associations and Trusts on their duties, liabilities and responsibilities; cy-prés schemes; trading activities; drafting Terms of Reference for Committees; advising on day-to-day operations and issues such as the regulatory, investigatory and enforcement powers of CCNI, charitable purposes and public benefit; property law issues, including business tenancies; mortgaging charitable property; employment contracts; HR policies and procedures; and TUPE advice.
Chambers Review
Provided by Chambers
Work Highlights
Provided by Chambers
Cleaver Fulton Rankin represent Belfast Centre for Arts & Technology in their application for a charity registration with the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
Communication from the department has been seamless and where there have been periods of absence within the team our organisation has always been notified and kept updated.
Charities respondentUKWe were highly impressed by the depth of knowledge and efficiency demonstrated throughout the process. Their ability to handle complex and sophisticated matters is commendable.
Charities respondentUKThe firm has been more than capable to handle all aspects of our matter. The team has been excellent. Excellent responsiveness and superb understanding of our organisation.
Charities respondentUKI think the main strength was in the communication. We had a very positive experience with the firm.
Charities respondentUKThe advice is provided with full recognition of the need to respond in a timely manner. There is a very helpful and open dialogue between the firm and ourselves so we feel listened to and guided.
Charities respondentUK
Notable Practitioners
Provided by Chambers
Band 2 
Band 2 Stephen Cross
Stephen Cross is noted for his work advising charities and other non-profits on complex finance matters.
He is a lovely, lovely man.
Charities respondentUK
Star Associates Star Associates Nathan Campbell
Nathan Campbell is an associate in Cleaver Fulton Rankin's charities team. He has noteworthy experience of advising both local and national charities on employment and governance issues. Nathan’s professionalism, timely responses, and efficient follow-up emails are outstanding. His focus is firmly grounded in the legal aspects of our needs.
Charities respondentUKWe had nothing but positive, reassuring and highly professional interactions with Nathan.
Charities respondentUKNathan has demonstrated he has a wide range of knowledge and expertise and that coupled with his pragmatic approach gives us great confidence in the service provided.
Charities respondentUKNathan is an extremely knowledgeable and efficient lawyer.
Charities respondentUKNathan has been an excellent solicitor.
Charities respondentUK
Ranked Individuals at Cleaver Fulton Rankin (2)
Northern Ireland
Stephen Cross
Head of Charities
View profile Nathan Campbell
Charities
View profile
Members
Provided by Cleaver Fulton Rankin
Michael Graham
Jonathan Forrester
Michael Black
Nathan Campbell
Rachael Gamble
Nathan Campbell
View profile of Nathan Campbell
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