Since we were established in the 1930's McSparran McCormick has provided legal services to a wide variety of Charities in Scotland, the United Kingdom and, for that matter, abroad.

Charity Law has become more complex in the recent past. 

Increasingly, the public profile of Charities dictates that their legal affairs must be handled with the utmost integrity and sensitivity.

We have a vast experience in dealing with all types of Charities from those with no employees and few assets - to those which are household names having hundreds of employees and assets exceeding tens of millions of pounds.

Whatever the size or nature of their Charity, these clients require an expertise in Charity Law from the moment the Charity is established.

For example, it is essential that the constitution of the Charity is framed appropriately so as to benefit from the tax and other advantages which can flow from charitable status. It is important that the objects of these Charities are appropriately stated in the constitution to ensure that the purpose can be properly achieved - something which might not happen if the constitution is framed too narrowly. 

Similarly, a clear distinction must be made between those members of the Charity who are volunteers and those who are employees. 

The constitution should state whether the Charity has the power to, for example, purchase or lease heritable property.

Charity Law can become difficult and complex and whether you are an established Charity or intend to establish a Charity, you would be wise to consult with Frank P McCormick at McSparran McCormick.