Charity dispute resolution

Commercial and regulatory challenges sometimes mean that charities become involved in managing and resolving disputes. We understand the unique pressures which they face when engaging in dispute resolution and are able to provide sensitive but robust advice.

Typically, our charities dispute resolution team is asked to assist on trustee disputes, disputes between charities, challenges from the regulator, disputes with third parties and challenges to wills where charities are the beneficiaries.

Our specialist lawyers are familiar with the demanding environment in which charities operate and appreciate the importance of preserving an organisation’s reputation when engaging in any litigation or potential litigation.

The team also recognises the need to work alongside and seek authority from the Charity Commission and knows when and how to make serious incident reports. We regularly advise on handling press enquiries and ensuring that litigation is dealt with skilfully and confidentially at all stages.

Time and again our approach is to manage the dispute resolution process in a firm and polite manner. We are able to support charities in disputes of all sizes, regularly acting on cases worth several million pounds while also understanding that low value disputes can potentially cause significant reputational risk for our clients.

We have the breadth of expertise to advise on matters all the way through to trial. However, in many, instances they can be resolved at an early stage with appropriate handling. We are frequently able to settle matters through negotiation, lawyers only meetings and mediation.