NFP Governance & ACNC Compliance Lawyers
- Expert legal advice on charity governance and ACNC compliance.
- Guidance on director duties and board responsibilities.
- Support with drafting and updating NFP constitutions.
- Strategic advice to ensure best practice and risk management.
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Our Services
Our NFP Governance & ACNC Compliance Services
LawBridge Lawyers & Consultants offers a complete suite of legal services to help your not-for-profit or charity build a strong governance framework. Our experienced ACNC lawyers provide practical advice to ensure your organisation meets its compliance obligations and operates sustainably.
1
Governance Structures and Constitutions
We provide strategic advice on the most effective governance structures for your NFP. Our team assists with drafting, amending, and updating your constitution to ensure it is compliant, modern, and aligned with your organisation’s operations and mission.
2
Board Advisory and Director Duties
We support NFP boards and directors in understanding their legal duties and responsibilities. Our legal advice covers director appointments, managing conflicts of interest, and ensuring compliance with governance duties to prevent breaches and failures.
3
ACNC Compliance and Risk Management
Our lawyers help your organisation meet its full range of ACNC compliance obligations. We assist by reviewing and revising board policies and procedures on key risk areas, helping you build a culture of best practice governance.
4
Corporate Governance Manuals and Charters
We assist in developing key governance documents for your organisation. Our services include drafting comprehensive corporate governance manuals and board charters that clearly outline roles, responsibilities, and procedures for effective operation.
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Our Tailored Approach to NFP Governance & Compliance
Our approach is centred on delivering practical legal solutions that empower your not-for-profit to build a strong governance culture, meet all regulatory demands, and operate with confidence and sustainability.
Understanding Your Organisational Structure
We begin by gaining a thorough understanding of your NFP’s mission, size, and complexity. This foundational step allows us to tailor governance advice that aligns precisely with your legal structure, operational scope, and the specific compliance challenges your organisation faces.
Developing a Pragmatic Governance Framework
Our approach focuses on creating a practical, best-practice governance framework for your organisation. We consider the ACNC Governance Standards and other legal duties to develop effective constitutions, policies, and procedures that are sustainable and support your mission.
Implementation and Ongoing Risk Management
We assist with implementing your governance structures, from drafting board charters to advising on director succession. Our ongoing support helps your NFP manage key risk areas and adapt to changing laws, ensuring continuous compliance and organisational resilience.
Why Choose LawBridge as Your ACNC Compliance Lawyer
Choosing the right legal partner is essential for navigating the complex governance and compliance landscape of the not-for-profit sector. LawBridge Lawyers & Consultants provides expert, tailored support to help charities and NFPs operate with confidence.
Experienced NFP Governance Lawyers
Our team brings extensive legal expertise to the unique governance challenges of the not-for-profit sector. We provide strategic advice on director duties, board structures, and constitutional matters, empowering your organisation to achieve best practice.
Deep Understanding of ACNC Compliance
LawBridge Lawyers & Consultants offers deep insight into the ACNC’s regulatory framework. We stay current on the ACNC Governance Standards and other legal obligations to provide practical, up-to-date legal advice that ensures your organisation remains compliant.
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Team
Meet 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
Comprehensive Not-for-Profit & 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.
NFP Governance & ACNC Compliance
Strengthen governance and meet ACNC requirements with legal advice on board duties, reporting, and regulatory obligations.
NFP Employment & Workplace
Navigate employment law confidently with guidance on hiring, contracts, workplace policies, disputes, and regulatory compliance.
Government Funding Agreements for NFPs
Understand and manage government funding contracts with legal support for obligations, compliance, and risk mitigation.
NFP Tax Concessions & DGR
Clear guidance on securing tax concessions and DGR status, with support for eligibility, applications, and compliance.
Charity Fundraising, Donations & Sponsors
Ensure your fundraising activities meet legal standards with advice on compliance, donor agreements, and fundraising regulations.
NFP & Charity Set-Up
Start strong with legal guidance on structure, registration, charitable status, and long-term compliance planning.
Charity Disputes & ACNC Investigations
Resolve internal and external disputes and respond to investigations with expert legal support tailored to charitable organisations.
NFP Mergers, Corporate Restructuring & Collaborations
Strategic legal advice for mergers, restructures, and partnerships that align with your mission and regulatory obligations.
NFP Intellectual Property
Protect your brand, content, and innovations with legal advice on trademarks, copyright, licensing, and IP strategy.
Property Lawyers for NFPs
Expert legal support for leasing, acquiring, and managing property assets aligned with your charitable objectives.
Charitable Trust & Foundations
Expert support for establishing and managing trusts and foundations, ensuring compliance, governance, and long-term charitable impact.
Social Enterprise for NFPs
Build sustainable impact with legal advice on hybrid models, income generation, governance, and regulatory compliance.
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Insights
Tap into LawBridge Insights & Updates
Stay informed with our latest thinking on legal developments, commercial challenges, and opportunities across the sectors we serve.
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Introduction Directors on charity boards often wear multiple hats, balancing their duties to the organisation with various other professional, personal, and community roles. Consequently, a conflict of interest is a
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Frequently Asked Questions About NFP Governance & ACNC Compliance
LawBridge supports not-for-profits with clear governance guidance. Explore answers to common questions about board duties, ACNC rules, and legal compliance.
What is "governance" for a not-for-profit organisation?
Governance refers to the systems and processes your NFP uses to direct and control its operations to achieve its mission. This includes the roles of the board, your constitution, policies, and how you manage risk and compliance.
What is the ACNC and what does it regulate?
The Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) is the national regulator for charities. It registers organisations as charities, helps them understand their obligations, and maintains a public register of charities.
What are the ACNC Governance Standards?
The ACNC Governance Standards are a set of core, minimum standards that all registered charities must meet. They cover topics like charitable purpose, accountability to members, and the duties of board members.
What are the main duties of a director or board member of a charity?
Directors (or “responsible persons”) have duties to act with reasonable care and diligence, act in the best interests of the charity, ensure financial affairs are managed responsibly, and not misuse their position or information.
Why is our organisation's constitution so important?
Your constitution is the foundational rulebook for your NFP. It defines your charitable purpose, how your board operates, membership rules, and how meetings are run. A well-drafted constitution is essential for good governance and ACNC compliance.
Can we amend our charity's constitution?
Yes, but you must follow the process outlined within your current constitution and ensure any changes still comply with the ACNC Governance Standards and other applicable laws. Legal advice is recommended when making changes.
What kind of policies should our NFP board have?
NFP boards should have a range of key policies to manage risk and guide operations. These often include policies on conflict of interest, risk management, volunteer management, fundraising, and, if applicable, child safety.
How can good governance help our organisation's sustainability?
Good governance builds trust with donors, members, and the public. It ensures your organisation is well-run, compliant, and effectively managing its resources and risks, which are all crucial for long-term sustainability.
What happens if my charity fails to meet its ACNC obligations?
Failing to meet ACNC compliance obligations can have serious consequences. The ACNC has powers to provide advice, issue warnings or directions, and in serious cases, can revoke your charity’s registration.
Why do we need a specialist lawyer for governance advice?
A specialist NFP lawyer understands the unique legal and regulatory framework for charities. We can provide strategic advice on structuring, director duties, ACNC compliance, and risk management that is practical and tailored to your organisation’s mission.
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Practice Areas