Australia's Specialist Not-for-Profit & Charity Lawyers
- Legal guidance for not-for-profits and charities
- Support with compliance, governance, and tax
- Strategic advice to protect reputation and meet regulations
- Lawyers committed to your mission and success
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Our Services
Our Not for Profit and Charity Law Services
LawBridge offers a comprehensive suite of legal services tailored to the specific needs of the not-for-profit (NFP) and charity sector. Our team provides practical legal advice to support your organisation through every stage, ensuring compliance and enabling you to focus on your mission.
1
Structuring Formation and Registration for NFPs
We guide you in selecting the right legal structure—whether a company limited by guarantee, incorporated association, or charitable trust. Our team manages the entire formation process, including ACNC registration and compliance with relevant regulatory bodies, ensuring your organisation starts on the right legal footing.
2
Governance Compliance and Policy Development
We help build a strong governance framework by drafting constitutions, developing key policies (e.g., conflict of interest, fundraising, child safety), and advising on ACNC obligations. Our support ensures your organisation stays compliant and operates effectively with the right structures in place.
3
Tax Concessions DGR Status and Fundraising Advice
Our team assists with applying for tax exemptions, securing and maintaining DGR status, and meeting fundraising licensing requirements. We help you navigate complex tax laws and ensure eligibility for concessions while remaining compliant with federal and state fundraising regulations.
4
Commercial Activities and Investments for Charities
We advise on structuring commercial ventures and investments to align with your charitable purpose. Our legal support ensures activities don’t risk ACNC registration or tax benefits and that investment strategies are documented and governed by compliant policies.
5
Board Advisory and Director Duties Guidance
We support boards and directors in understanding their roles, meeting governance standards, and making sound decisions. Our legal advice includes guidance on director duties, conflict management, and compliance with the Corporations Act and ACNC regulations.
6
Assisting with Bequests and Charitable Trusts
We help ensure donor intentions are legally protected through well-drafted bequests and charitable trusts. Our legal services support the creation of giving structures, accurate wording in Wills, and strategies to safeguard bequest income from potential legal challenges.
7
Support for Organisations Working Overseas
For internationally operating NFPs, we provide legal guidance on ACNC External Conduct Standards, AUSTRAC reporting, and ACFID membership. Our advice helps ensure compliance with cross-border obligations and supports ethical, transparent international operations.
8
Intellectual Property Protection for NFPs
We help safeguard your brand by identifying and protecting key intellectual property assets. Our legal services include advice on trademark registration, copyright protection, and maintaining brand integrity to support long-term organisational success.
9
Dispute Resolution for the NFP Sector
When disputes arise, we offer tailored resolution services for the NFP space. With expertise in mediation, negotiation, and litigation, we help resolve internal or external conflicts efficiently—protecting relationships, reputation, and your ability to carry out your mission.
Our Approach to Assisting Your Not for Profit Organisation
Our approach is centred on delivering practical legal solutions that empower your not-for-profit to operate confidently, meet regulatory demands, and stay focused on your mission.
Understanding Your Mission and Objectives
We begin by gaining a thorough understanding of your organisation’s mission, values, and goals. This foundational step allows us to tailor legal advice that aligns precisely with your operational scope and charitable objectives. By appreciating the unique purpose of your not-for-profit, we ensure that all legal strategies support your organisation’s vision and community impact.
Developing Pragmatic Legal Strategies
Our approach focuses on creating practical, commercially aware legal strategies that address your organisation’s specific challenges. We consider the regulatory environment, governance requirements, and operational realities to develop solutions that are both effective and sustainable. This ensures your not-for-profit can confidently navigate legal complexities while advancing its mission.
Implementation and Ongoing Legal Support
We assist with implementing legal structures, governance frameworks, and compliance measures essential for your organisation’s smooth operation. Our support extends beyond initial setup, providing ongoing legal guidance to adapt to evolving regulations and sector developments. This continuous partnership helps maintain compliance and manage risks, allowing your organisation to focus on delivering its charitable objectives.
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Why Choose LawBridge as Your Charity Lawyer
Choosing the right legal partner is essential for success in the not-for-profit sector. LawBridge provides expert, tailored support to help charities and NFPs navigate legal complexities with confidence.
Experienced Not for Profit Lawyers
Our team brings extensive legal expertise and hands-on experience in the not-for-profit sector. We understand the legal challenges charities face and provide strategic advice across formation, governance, and compliance. This depth of knowledge allows us to deliver tailored legal support that empowers your organisation to succeed.
Deep Understanding of the NFP Sector
LawBridge offers deep insight into the legal and regulatory landscape affecting Australian NFPs. We stay current on ACNC and ATO requirements, including DGR status and tax exemptions. This enables us to offer legal advice that is practical, up-to-date, and aligned with your organisation’s operations and obligations.
Client Focused and Pragmatic Solutions
We work closely with our NFP clients to provide practical legal support that aligns with their mission and goals. Our solutions are clear, commercially aware, and rooted in your organisation’s unique context. We aim to build long-term relationships through advice that is both effective and easy to implement.
What Our Clients Say
Our clients trust LawBridge to provide clear, reliable & practical legal support.
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Practice Areas
Our Expertise
LawBridge offers specialised legal counsel tailored to the unique needs of the not-for-profit sector. Leveraging deep experience within charities and educational institutions, we provide guidance on governance, compliance, structuring, and operational matters, helping organisations advance their mission effectively.
LawBridge delivers specialised conveyancing solutions designed for the property development sector. We manage complex transactions, including off-the-plan contracts and large-scale settlements, ensuring your projects progress efficiently, mitigate risks, and achieve successful, timely completions.
We provide commercially astute legal advice and solutions for businesses operating in NSW and across Australia. From corporate structuring and transactions to litigation and compliance, our focus is on delivering pragmatic strategies that protect your interests and drive your commercial objectives forward.
We understand that personal legal matters require sensitivity and expertise. LawBridge provides clear, practical advice on personal law issues including family law, wills, and estate planning, ensuring your personal interests and assets are protected with a strategic, results-oriented approach.
Team
Our Dedicated NFP & Charity Law Team
The LawBridge team includes dedicated not-for-profit lawyers focused on providing exceptional legal support to charities and not-for-profit organisations. We understand the unique operational environment and legal complexities faced by the NFP sector.
Adam Jacobs
Partner & Co-Founder
Ramia Abdo Sultan
Partner & Co-Founder
Mohamad Kammoun
Managing Partner & Co-Founder
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Navigating Not for Profit and Charity Legal Needs
At LawBridge, we understand the unique challenges faced by charities and not-for-profits. Our legal services are designed to empower your organisation with clarity, compliance, and confidence.
Understanding Your Organisation's Legal Landscape
Charities and NFPs in Australia operate under specific legal rules, including ACNC regulations. Key legal areas include:
Choosing the right legal structure
Meeting governance and compliance obligations
Securing tax concessions and DGR status
Following fundraising regulations
Specialist legal advice is essential to ensure compliance and support your mission effectively.
How LawBridge Provides NFP Legal Help
LawBridge guides NFPs and charities through legal challenges with tailored support. Our team helps:
Set up the right legal structure for new organisations
Ensure ongoing compliance with ACNC and other laws
Obtain and maintain DGR and tax endorsements
Strengthen governance and reduce risk
We deliver practical legal solutions so you can focus on your purpose.
Insights
Tap into LawBridge Insights & Updates
Stay informed with our latest thinking on legal developments, commercial challenges, and opportunities across the sectors we serve.
Introduction Sunset clauses are a standard inclusion in many New South Wales off-the-plan development contracts. These provisions within the contract traditionally set a ‘sunset date’, allowing rescission if the property
Introduction For property developers in NSW, navigating the specific disclosure requirements for off-the-plan contracts is essential for legal compliance and fostering transparency in property transactions. These obligations, primarily established under
Introduction Buying a property off-the-plan is a common way to enter the New South Wales (NSW) property market, involving a contract for a property that is yet to be built
Introduction Effective governance is fundamental for every successful charity and not-for-profit (NFP) organisation in Australia. Strong charity board processes are not just about following rules; they form the core of
Introduction For many charitable organisations in Australia, achieving Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status is highly beneficial, as it allows donors to claim tax deductions for their contributions, thereby encouraging support.
Introduction For any not-for-profit organisation or charity planning to fundraise in New South Wales (NSW), understanding and adhering to the relevant fundraising law is essential. Navigating charitable fundraising guidelines ensures
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Frequently Asked Questions about Not for Profit Law
LawBridge supports not-for-profits with clear legal guidance. Explore answers to common questions about structure, compliance, and governance.
What legal structure should my not for profit organisation use
The appropriate legal structure for your not-for-profit organisation depends on its objectives and scope of operations. Common structures include a company limited by guarantee, incorporated association, or trust. Specialist legal advice is recommended to select the best fit for your organisation’s needs.
What is the ACNC and why is compliance important
The Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) is the national regulator for charities and not-for-profits. Compliance with ACNC requirements is essential to maintain registration, access tax concessions, and uphold public trust. Failure to comply can risk your organisation’s legal standing and benefits.
How can my organisation obtain DGR status
Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status allows donors to claim tax deductions for their donations. To obtain DGR status, your organisation must apply to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) and meet specific eligibility criteria. Legal assistance can help navigate this complex process effectively.
What are key governance responsibilities for NFP boards
NFP boards have duties to act in the best interests of the organisation, manage finances responsibly, ensure compliance with relevant laws and governing documents, and handle conflicts of interest appropriately. Good governance is critical to sustaining your organisation’s integrity and legal compliance.
Can charities engage in commercial activities
Charities can engage in commercial activities, but these must be structured carefully to avoid jeopardising their not-for-profit status and tax concessions. Proper legal advice ensures commercial ventures align with regulatory requirements and support the organisation’s charitable objectives.
What policies does my NFP organisation need
Your not-for-profit organisation should have tailored policies such as conflict of interest, risk management, volunteer management, and fundraising policies. Depending on your activities, additional policies may be required, including child protection or working overseas policies, to ensure compliance and operational effectiveness.
How do fundraising regulations affect my charity
Fundraising regulations vary across Australian states and territories, often requiring registration or permits for fundraising activities. Legal advice helps ensure your charity complies with these diverse requirements, reducing the risk of penalties and supporting transparent fundraising practices.
How can we protect our organisation's reputation legally?
Not-for-profits have a specific legal right to sue for defamation if false statements harm their reputation. Legal advice can assist in protecting your organisation’s brand and goodwill, which are vital assets for maintaining public confidence and donor support.
Why do we need a specialist charity lawyer?
The not-for-profit sector faces unique legal challenges and complex regulations that general legal practitioners may not fully understand. Specialist charity lawyers provide tailored, effective advice that addresses the sector’s specific needs, ensuring your organisation remains compliant and well-positioned to achieve its mission.
