The Law Society Charity
The Law Society Charity awards funding and works with other charitable organisations that aim to further justice, both in the UK and overseas.
A message from the trustees
Following our statement last March that we were having to suspend some of our activities from operating as usual due to COVID-19, we are delighted to announce that we are now able to consider fresh funding applications once again.
The trustees have been meeting virtually during the pandemic to consider the funding applications received up until March 2020, and we are looking forward to being able to support new projects in 2021.
We also continue to welcome donations, particularly of residual or unclaimed client account balances. These donations help us to continue to support projects and services both in the UK and overseas.
The trustees would like to say a big thank you to the many firms and individuals who have supported, and continue to support, the Law Society Charity in its valuable work for a cause we all believe in so passionately.
The Law Society Charity trustees
25 February 2021
Who we are
The Law Society Trustees Ltd Charity is a small charitable fund that awards funding and works with other charitable organisations that aim to further justice, both in the UK and overseas.
Founded in 1974, the Charity acts independently of the Law Society but in close collaboration with it. Several of the trustees are members of the Law Society’s governing Council and committees.
What we do
We provide award funding and support to organisations working to promote human rights, access to justice and legal education in the public domain.
We also work with the Law Society’s Human Rights Committee, International team, the Access to Justice Foundation and Solicitors Regulation Authority Ethics team, to name a few of the cross-working relationships we’ve established with other organisations.
We participate in events at the Law Society with many of the communities, divisions and conferences.
We focus award support to registered charitable organisations who:
- are unable to obtain funding from elsewhere
- do not have established or significant income streams
- meet the needs of those from excluded, under-represented and disadvantaged groups
The Charity supports charitable organisations, objects or purposes. In accordance with our charter we're not allowed to support individuals seeking legal representation, support for their legal education or work experience.
We're unable to support requests from:
- Community Interest Companies
- start-ups without a year’s financial accounts
- concerns that are based outside the UK
- organisations that are already part of a larger network or foundation
How you can help
We need your support. We’re grateful to receive generous donations from law firms, private and public organisations, sole legal practitioners and anyone wishing to help. By donating residual or unclaimed client balances, you’ll be helping us to continue to support projects and services both in the UK and overseas.
We also accept personal donations as well as legacy donations.
Ways to donate
JustGiving
Visit our JustGiving page.
BACS Transfer
Barclays Bank account 00568449
Sort code 20 32 29
Email a breakdown of names and balances of the amount(s) to lawsocietycharity@lawsociety.org.uk, especially if they're over £500 for any single client balance(s).
No longer accepting cheques
We’ve had to change the way we work due to coronavirus (COVID-19). It’s easier for us to process your donation if you give through a BACS transfer or JustGiving and, as a result, we are no longer accepting cheques.
Download the donation form (Word 179 KB)
SRA rules on residual balances
However you choose to donate, if the amount is over £500 for a single client balance you need to get SRA approval by completing a withdrawal of residual client balances form. After you receive SRA approval, send a scanned copy of the approval to us with a list of names and balances. Single client balances over £500 are indemnified.
