Charities Solicitor Jobs and Salary Guide

Charities solicitors play an important role in supporting charitable organisations, trustees and not-for-profit institutions across the UK. They provide legal advice on charity governance, regulatory compliance, fundraising, employment matters and organisational structures.

For legal professionals interested in combining specialist legal expertise with the charitable sector, charity law offers rewarding career opportunities.

What Does a Charities Solicitor Do?

A charities solicitor specialises in legal matters affecting charities, foundations, social enterprises and other not-for-profit organisations.

Their responsibilities involve ensuring that charitable organisations operate within relevant legal and regulatory frameworks.

Key responsibilities include:

• Charity governance: Advising trustees on legal responsibilities and organisational management.
• Regulatory compliance: Helping charities comply with applicable charity legislation and Charity Commission requirements.
• Charity formation: Assisting with establishing and registering charitable organisations.
• Fundraising regulations: Advising on fundraising activities and associated legal obligations.
• Employment law: Supporting charities with employment contracts, workplace disputes and staff policies.
• Charity mergers: Advising on restructuring, mergers and transfers of charitable assets.

Charities solicitors also prepare legal documents, review constitutional arrangements and advise on charity trustee duties.

Charities Solicitor Salary in the UK 2026

A charities solicitor salary in the UK depends on professional experience, employer type, location and specialist knowledge.

Solicitors working within established law firms may receive different remuneration packages from those employed directly by charities or not-for-profit organisations.

Charities Solicitor Salary Comparison 2026

Experience Level	Annual Salary
Newly Qualified Solicitor	£35,000–£50,000
1–3 Years PQE	£40,000–£60,000
4–6 Years PQE	£50,000–£75,000
Senior Associate	£60,000–£90,000
Legal Director	£75,000–£110,000
Partner	Varies by firm and remuneration structure

Note: These are indicative editorial salary ranges for career comparison, not verified salary bands for each charities law PQE level. Published 2026 charity solicitor advertisements include £60,000–£85,000 for some positions requiring five or more years' PQE. Actual salaries depend on individual vacancies and employers.

Factors Affecting Charities Solicitor Salaries

Experience: Solicitors with extensive charity governance and regulatory experience may qualify for more senior positions.

Location: Salary expectations differ between London and regional legal markets.

Employer type: Private law firms, charitable organisations and in-house legal departments have different salary structures.

Specialisation: Expertise in charity regulation, governance, employment law and charitable restructuring can strengthen career prospects.

Charities Solicitor Jobs in the UK

Charities solicitor jobs cover different responsibilities within the legal and not-for-profit sectors.

Charity Law Solicitor

Advises charitable organisations on legal compliance, governance, constitutional documents and regulatory requirements.

Charity Governance Solicitor

Supports trustees and charity boards with governance arrangements, decision-making responsibilities and legal obligations.

Charity Regulatory Solicitor

Handles regulatory compliance matters, Charity Commission enquiries and legal issues affecting charitable organisations.

Charity Employment Solicitor

Advises charitable employers on employment contracts, workplace policies, disputes and employment legislation.

In-House Charity Solicitor

Works directly within a charitable organisation, providing legal support on contracts, governance, employment and operational matters.

Senior Charities Solicitor

Manages complex legal matters, advises major charitable organisations and supervises junior legal professionals.

Candidates interested in these positions can explore Charities Solicitor Jobs through The Legists.

How to Become a Charities Solicitor in the UK

Becoming a charities solicitor requires professional legal qualifications and relevant practical experience.

1. Complete an Academic Qualification

In England and Wales, aspiring solicitors generally need a university degree or an accepted equivalent qualification. A law degree is useful but not compulsory.

2. Pass the Solicitors Qualifying Examination

Candidates following the SQE qualification route must pass SQE1 and SQE2, demonstrating legal knowledge and practical professional skills.

3. Complete Qualifying Work Experience

Candidates must complete two years of qualifying work experience and meet the Solicitors Regulation Authority's character and suitability requirements.

4. Gain Relevant Legal Experience

Experience in charity law, corporate governance, employment law, commercial contracts or regulatory compliance can support a career in this field.

5. Develop Charity Law Expertise

Qualified solicitors can specialise in charity governance, trustee responsibilities, charitable structures and regulatory investigations.

Scotland and Northern Ireland have separate solicitor qualification systems.

Essential Skills for Charities Solicitors

Successful charities solicitor careers require strong legal knowledge and practical professional abilities.

• Legal research: Understanding charity legislation and regulatory requirements.
• Communication: Explaining legal responsibilities clearly to trustees and charity managers.
• Analytical thinking: Evaluating complicated governance and compliance matters.
• Drafting: Preparing constitutional documents, agreements and legal advice.
• Problem-solving: Identifying practical solutions to organisational legal challenges.
• Attention to detail: Reviewing documents and ensuring legal accuracy.
• Commercial awareness: Understanding the operational and financial challenges facing charities.

Professional integrity, confidentiality and sound judgement are equally important.

Where Can Charities Solicitors Work?

Charities solicitors can pursue employment opportunities across different UK legal markets.

London: Specialist charity law firms, national charities, foundations and not-for-profit organisations.

Manchester: Regional law firms, charitable organisations and legal teams supporting the voluntary sector.

Birmingham: Commercial law practices, charitable institutions and organisations requiring governance advice.

Leeds: Regional legal practices, foundations and in-house legal departments.

Other opportunities may exist within universities, educational charities, social enterprises and professional membership organisations.

Career Progression and Future Opportunities

Charities solicitors typically progress from trainee solicitor to associate, senior associate, legal director and partner.

Experienced professionals may become heads of charity law departments or move into senior in-house legal positions.

Specialisation in charity governance, regulatory compliance, safeguarding, charitable restructuring and fundraising law can support professional development.

Changes in regulatory expectations, governance responsibilities and charity operations also require solicitors to maintain up-to-date legal knowledge.

Find Charities Solicitor Jobs with The Legists

Finding the right charities solicitor job requires understanding your qualifications, professional experience and career objectives.

The Legists provides a platform where legal professionals can explore UK legal opportunities across different practice areas.

Whether you are interested in charity law solicitor jobs, charity governance positions or senior legal roles within the not-for-profit sector, reviewing relevant vacancies can help you plan your next career move.

Explore Charities Solicitor Jobs at The Legists and discover opportunities aligned with your legal expertise and career ambitions.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How much do charities solicitors earn in the UK?

Charities solicitor salaries depend on experience, location and employer type. Some advertised specialist positions requiring five or more years' PQE offer £60,000–£85,000 annually. Newly qualified and in-house positions may have different salary structures.

2. What qualifications do you need to become a charities solicitor?

In England and Wales, candidates generally need a degree or accepted equivalent, SQE1 and SQE2, two years of qualifying work experience and SRA admission. Knowledge of charity law and governance is valuable.

3. Are charities solicitors in demand in the UK?

Charities require legal support with governance, regulatory compliance, employment matters and organisational changes. Specialist opportunities exist, although recruitment demand varies by employer, region and experience level.

4. What does a charities solicitor specialise in?

Charities solicitors specialise in legal matters affecting charitable organisations, including charity formation, trustee duties, regulatory compliance, fundraising arrangements, governance and charitable restructuring.

5. Can charities solicitors work in-house?

Yes. Charities solicitors can work directly within charitable organisations, foundations and not-for-profit institutions. Their responsibilities may include governance advice, contracts, employment matters and regulatory compliance.

6. Where can I find charities solicitor jobs in the UK?

Candidates can explore specialist legal recruitment platforms such as The Legists. Searching for charity law solicitor, charity governance solicitor and in-house charity lawyer positions can help identify relevant career opportunities.