Department profile
Miller Thomson LLP

Charities & Nonprofits

Canada Guide 2026 : Nationwide - Canada


Miller Thomson LLP

Rankings

About

Provided by Miller Thomson LLP

Charities and not-for-profits in the social impact sector share many of the same legal challenges as commercial organizations, but with an extra layer of regulatory oversight that comes with their special tax status. Miller Thomson’s Charities and Not-For-Profit Group operates one of the most sophisticated practices of its kind in Canada, providing voluntary sector organizations with creative and practical advice designed to meet their unique requirements.  

Our clients are a diverse group of charities, not-for-profits, associations, clubs, and religious congregations, but we take the same value-added approach to each one, catering to each organization’s individual needs.  

Whether advising on tax compliance strategies and structures for charities and non-profits operating across multiple jurisdictions, helping to secure and structure mission-related investments, or restructuring charities and non-profits to generate revenue from innovative sources, we have the specialized knowledge and experience needed to help organizations achieve a sustainable long-term advantage. 

With our comprehensive expertise and industry-specific insights, we empower charities and not-for-profits to navigate the complex legal landscape and achieve their objectives and goals seamlessly.  

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Charities & Nonprofits - Nationwide - Canada

Band 1

Band 1


What the Team is Known For
Miller Thomson maintains a pre-eminent, nationwide charities/non-profits practice. With recognised lawyers in Toronto, Vancouver and Montréal, the law firm provides advice to clients on establishing charitable status, governance issues, capital campaigns and integrations, and is also experienced in complex tax structuring and audits carried out by the Canada Revenue Agency. The team also offers considerable depth of experience in handling government consultations on policy issues concerning the charitable and non-profit sector, as well as advising on social impact bonds. Its diverse array of clients includes healthcare institutions and religious organisations, as well as social and economic empowerment and support groups.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • All of our issues or challenges have been handled in a very detailed and timely manner.

    Charities & Nonprofits respondentCanada
  • The firm does an excellent job of considering all the facts in a situation.

    Charities & Nonprofits respondentCanada
  • Miller Thomson manages very nuanced and complex pieces of work beautifully.

    Charities & Nonprofits respondentCanada

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Senior StatespeopleElena Hoffstein
    Senior StatespeopleElena Hoffstein

    Elena Hoffstein

    Elena Hoffstein is a Toronto-based charities lawyer who is particularly well-regarded for her expertise in tax and regulatory matters. She is also highly adept at handling both contentious and non-contentious estate litigation matters.

    • Elena is always available to talk through challenges and answer my questions.

      Charities & Nonprofits respondentCanada
  • Band 1Susan Manwaring
    Band 1Susan Manwaring

    Susan Manwaring

    Susan Manwaring acts for a broad array of charities and non-profit organisations, including prestigious domestic and international foundations.

    • Susan provides solid, practical advice suited to our operating environment.

      Charities & Nonprofits respondentCanada
    • Susan brings a level of experience to matters that is second to none. She is practical and deeply knowledgeable about the charitable sector.

      Charities & Nonprofits respondentCanada
  • Band 2Andrew Valentine
    Band 2Andrew Valentine

    Andrew Valentine

    Andrew Valentine is a respected lawyer with significant experience in not-for-profit and charity law. Based in Toronto, he heads Miller Thomson's social impact group and assists clients with gift planning, registration and compliance matters.

    • He takes critical steps to understand the client's needs and unique contexts and to partner with us to problem-solve critical and complex issues.

      Charities & Nonprofits respondentCanada
    • He is a valued advisor who understands the business and understands the sector.

      Charities & Nonprofits respondentCanada
    • Andrew is a very reliable and practical counsel. He partners well with internal counsel and understands the business realities of our work.

      Charities & Nonprofits respondentCanada
  • Band 2Michael Blatchford
    Band 2Michael Blatchford

    Michael Blatchford

    Michael Blatchford dedicates his practice to non-profit organisations, assisting clients with a broad range of matters covering structuring and regulation, as well as negotiating financing, property lease and commercial agreements. He is based in Vancouver.

    • Michael is knowledgeable and helps us get to where we want to go.

      Charities & Nonprofits respondentCanada
  • Band 3Amanda Stacey
    Band 3Amanda Stacey

    Amanda Stacey

    Amanda Stacey assists clients with an array of issues in the non-profit sector, covering regulation, governance, tax structuring and compliance, and dispute resolution. She divides her time between Vancouver and Toronto.
  • Band 4David Tang
    Band 4David Tang

    David Tang

    David Tang frequently acts for non-profit organisations in the real estate sector, advising on corporate governance and tax compliance. He is based in Toronto.

    • David is insightful and responsive.

      Charities & Nonprofits respondentCanada
  • Up and ComingSarah Fitzpatrick
    Up and ComingSarah Fitzpatrick

    Sarah Fitzpatrick

    Vancouver-based Sarah Fitzpatrick offers a range of experience in the charities and non-profit space, including with regard to the tax treatment of high-value charitable donations as well as in connection with general structuring concerns.

    • Sarah Fitzpatrick has consistently demonstrated exceptional legal acumen, combined with a practical sense of charity law.

      Charities & Nonprofits respondentCanada

Ranked Individuals at Miller Thomson LLP (7)

Nationwide - Canada

Members

Provided by Miller Thomson LLP

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