LawWorks for Community Groups

LawWorks for Community Groups provides free legal advice to small  charities, voluntary and community organisations and social enterprises in England and Wales via a network of volunteer lawyers. We have over 50 law firms and in-house legal teams participating in the project. With an award from the Big Lottery Fund of almost £190,000 over three years we are focused towards helping community groups benefiting deprived communities.

We can help you with: 

• Company law advice: advice on contracts; how to incorporate the organisation as a company limited by guarantee; updating and amending the organisation’s constitutional documents.
• Employment law advice: drafting, reviewing and updating employment contracts and staff handbooks.
• Intellectual property law advice: advice on registering a trademark and data protection issues.
• Property law advice: advice on lease terms; assistance with negotiating tenancy agreements.

We can also help with issues of: charity law; tax/VAT law; insolvency and help in drafting contingency plans; insurance law; health and safety law; general contractual / commercial matters etc.

How does it work?

You apply to us using our online application form.  Project staff review the application and help you understand the scope of advice required. If the application is approved, we then try and match you with a volunteer legal advisor who provides the legal advice for free. Once accepted, you will be a client of the firm but we are on hand to deal with any problems.

To apply online, please click here.

Please note: we encourage community groups / organisations to apply online. However, if you would prefer to receive an application form please call us on 020 7929 5601.

Click here for Frequently Asked Questions.

Please click here to see who our funders are.