Charities
Asia-Pacific Guide 2025 : Australia
Band 1
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
+61 2 9263 4000About
Provided by Gilbert + Tobin
Gilbert + Tobin’s Charities + Social Sector Group provides specialist advice to the charitable and not-for-profit sectors including large and small charities, community organisations, corporate foundations, industry associations and private families and individuals.
Our approach
Our group’s deep knowledge of, and experience in, areas of law that relate specifically to charities and not-for-profit organisations, coupled with our broad corporate expertise, enables us to provide innovative, holistic and strategic legal advice and guidance. We provide a full suite of top-tier experience in areas such as corporate/commercial, tax, intellectual property (including trademarks), finance (including banking and loan agreements), real estate and projects (including leasing), construction, planning and employment. We also have a long-standing and well known commitment to the community through our pro bono practice and CSR initiatives.
Unique service offering
We know about laws, regulations and law reform relating specifically to the charities world in which our clients operate. But being a broad service national firm, we also offer access to our wide range of corporate and commercial expertise. This is a powerful and unique combination allowing us to give an unparalleled service to large charities undertaking complicated and complex transactions while still providing the advice and guidance clients need for all their activities, not just those specific to charities.
Chambers Review
Gilbert + Tobin offers a specialist service to the full range of not-for-profit (NFP) clients, including charities of all types and sizes, community organisations, and corporate foundations. The practice provides a broad range of expertise, including advice in relation to the establishment and structuring of charities and NFPs, corporate governance and tax issues. The team is especially valued for its provision of big-picture perspectives on actual and potential policy developments and its readiness to engage with regulatory authorities.
Work Highlights
- Gilbert + Tobin assisted FPIP with transaction structuring, charity law compliance and duty exemptions for the acquisition of Luson Aged Care Facilities.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"From outlining requirements to steps of the process and updates on progress to delivery of outcomes the communication was exceptional."
"The team is very experienced and has access to other firm specialists."
"This department is special. Every single person we worked with had a deep knowledge of the issues we faced and they were all incredibly kind and patient."
"The team is very strong in its understanding of the not-for-profit sector. It has lived experience and strong financial acumen."
"The firm makes complex legal situations very easy to digest for those who do not work in the law."
"From outlining requirements to steps of the process and updates on progress to delivery of outcomes the communication was exceptional."
"The team is very experienced and has access to other firm specialists."
"This department is special. Every single person we worked with had a deep knowledge of the issues we faced and they were all incredibly kind and patient."
"The team is very strong in its understanding of the not-for-profit sector. It has lived experience and strong financial acumen."
"The firm makes complex legal situations very easy to digest for those who do not work in the law."
Notable Practitioners
Darren Fittler heads the firm's charities and social sector practice and takes leading roles on key mandates across its full spectrum of operations. He is based in Sydney.
"Darren has been very responsive, demonstrated an appreciation of the nature and culture of our organisation and provided valuable and practical advice within budget."
"Without Darren we would never have made it to the start, let alone the end of our project."
"He was the epitome of expertise delivered with generosity and patience. We will always be grateful to Darren."
Elizabeth Lathlean is special counsel at the firm's charities and social sector practice. She frequently advises clients on regulatory as well as corporate/M&A transactions. She is very well versed in both domestic and international matters.
"Elizabeth consistently offers practical guidance that is straightforward and simple to comprehend and implement."
Ranked Lawyers at
Gilbert + Tobin
Australia
Members
Provided by Gilbert + Tobin
Industries
Provided by Gilbert + Tobin
Charities/Not for Profit
Commercial & Professional Services
Education
Government
Health Care
Private Clients/Individuals
Software & Computer Services
Sports
Telecommunications