Department profile
Harper Macleod LLP

Charities

UK Guide 2026 : Scotland


Harper Macleod LLP

Rankings

About

Provided by Harper Macleod LLP

We are known for having a broad charity law practice advising a diverse range of clients, including large UK-wide charities, registered social landlords, faith-based charities, trusts, disabilities charities and a number of sports charities. Our team deals with a variety of regulatory, commercial and constitutional charity law matters and is well-versed in the regulatory and reporting obligations of charities in Scotland. 

We provide comprehensive advice on a range of matters, including data protection law, employment law, corporate issues and regulatory advice. Our advice covers both non-contentious and contentious matters, including disputes between charities and former employees and regulatory enquiries. We also have continued experience of dealing with charity law matters in the context of large-scale transactional matters, particularly in respect of our charitable RSL client base and in the sports sector.

On charity legal structures, we advise clients on the legal structure options available for charities and the advantages and disadvantages of each in respect of the charity's proposed activities. We also advise and act on behalf of charities in relation to restructures and reorganisation schemes.

We act for a number of clients in relation to incorporating charities, including submitting applications on behalf of clients to OSCR and liaising with OSCR in respect of those applications. We also provide advice in relation to charitable trusts and their administration.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Charities - Scotland

Band 4

Band 4


What the Team is Known For

Harper Macleod has a proficient charity law team with experience across a broad spectrum of issues facing the sector, including data protection law, employment law and corporate issues. The team possesses noteworthy expertise in relation to assisting charitable registered social landlords with regulatory investigations, mergers and governance mandates. The firm also represents third sector organisations in the faith, disability and sports arenas.

Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Harper Macleod represented Greenpeace in two judicial reviews challenging grants given to two oil companies by the UK government to produce oil and gas off the coast of Scotland.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Over the years, Harper Macleod have provided excellent legal advice on complex issues.

    Charities respondentUK
  • We have dealt with some really challenging situations and they provide experienced, consistent advice to address the complexities we face. A great range of experience with specialists.

    Charities respondentUK
  • The department worked well together as a team and kept their client thoroughly advised throughout a lengthy project. The department kept the client well advised.

    Charities respondentUK
  • Harper Macleod have knowledge and experience of the housing sector. When an unusual problem occurs, they are able to provide robust solutions.

    Charities respondentUK

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Band 3James S W McMorrow
    Band 3James S W McMorrow

    James S W McMorrow

    James McMorrow has in-depth experience of advising well-known charity clients. He offers extensive expertise in commercial, compliance and regulatory matters.
    • James is a trusted adviser on procurement, having supported us on potential cases and our future approach to commissioning.

      Charities respondentUK

Ranked Individuals at Harper Macleod LLP (1)

Scotland

Members

Provided by Harper Macleod LLP

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