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Philanthropy lawyers
There is no single approach to philanthropy – giving means different things to different people. However you choose to share your wealth, your priority will be to make sure that your giving has as much impact as possible.
While many philanthropists have established their own foundations in order to give away wealth, others prefer to donate to existing causes, or to organize their giving through a donor-advised fund. For more and more of our clients, philanthropy is an important part of their lives, business and families.There is no single approach: what you give and how will depend on your circumstances, passions and priorities. The constant is that every philanthropist wants their giving to be as effective as possible. This is where we can assist.
Helping you to help
We have been acting for successful people and their families for more than 125 years, representing many well-known names from around the world. In the UK alone we have represented 35% of the Sunday Times Giving List.When a client asks us to assist with their philanthropic work, we begin by asking plenty of questions. Do you have a cause in mind that you would like to support? Is it a one-off project or an ongoing concern? What terms and conditions (for example naming rights) should be included? Are you interested in the tax benefits of your gift? Would you like your family to be involved? Do you want to be engaged or perhaps more private? Like many of you, we are truly global – with one of the largest charities and philanthropy teams worldwide. We can support you with all types of giving, including to develop innovative solutions for cross-border giving.
Looking to the future
In getting to know your giving priorities, we can advise on the most suitable method of giving. We will advise you on tax and succession planning and can call on our global network of contacts to align you with suitable partners in the giving sector. Over time we can help you to expand your philanthropic activities, or bring the next generation on board.Whatever your motivation for giving, it is our pleasure to support you in supporting your chosen cause.
How we can help
Family-run companies have a range of options for arranging how they donate to charity. Our highly experienced team can help you navigate the particular challenges of family business giving.
Involving the younger generation in philanthropyPhilanthropy can also be a family affair. Our lawyers are well placed to advise how best to get younger family members involved, to re-energize the foundation and secure a smooth succession.
Good governance and philanthropy go hand in hand and our highly skilled team of professionals can support the administration of charitable foundations, alongside providing legal advice.
Tax efficient givingCharitable giving is driven by a desire to do good, but is your money going as far as possible? Our global team can advise on cross-border and tax-efficient giving to ensure maximum impact.
Track record
Charitable and non-profit entities
Creation and ongoing representation of charitable and non-profit entities, including public charities, private foundations, and charitable trusts (charitable remainder trusts and charitable lead trusts).
Non-grantor charitable lead annuity trust
Assisted an ultra high net worth individual with his charitable endeavors and continued support of research at an elite education institution. We worked with the individual to establish a non-grantor charitable lead annuity trust, a technique that also incorporated beneficial tax planning for our client.
Prominent New York historical museum
Provided ongoing pro-bono work for a prominent New York historical museum.
The giving pledge
Assisted a client with her estate plan to meet her goal to ensure more than half of her estate goes to giving back to her community and charitable organizations.
Charity of international sportsman
Assisted a well-known international sportsman with the creation of an Italian charity to support philanthropic projects and fundraising events in Italy.
US / UK interests
We assisted a family in efficient structuring of the family's business activities in the US and the UK as well as their family charitable foundation. The unique nature of our US team based in London enabled us to provide both the UK and US advice on the structuring and charitable foundation under one roof.
Worldwide philanthropic activities
We advised a Middle Eastern family who were actively engaged in philanthropic activities around the world. We created a Jersey based charitable foundation to focus the families's activities.
Managing unexpected wealth
A married couple who held shares in a US company came to us after coming into considerable wealth when it was sold. We helped them to handle the complex tax obligation arising from the windfall and advised on how to protect their privacy. We also discussed routes to philanthropic giving, an area that they were keen to explore and one in which Withers has considerable experience.
Dr. Lui Che Woo
Dr. Lui Che Woo is one of Hong Kong's most successful businessmen, and a member of the Standing Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference. Withers was given the opportunity to advise Dr. Lui Che Woo on the creation of his aptly named LUI Che Woo Prize - the 'Prize for World Civilisation'.
Worldwide philanthropic activities
We advised a Middle Eastern family who were actively engaged in philanthropic activities around the world. We created a Jersey based charitable foundation to focus the families's activities.
Dr. Lui Che Woo
Dr. Lui Che Woo is one of Hong Kong's most successful businessmen, and a member of the Standing Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference. Withers was given the opportunity to advise Dr. Lui Che Woo on the creation of his aptly named LUI Che Woo Prize - the 'Prize for World Civilisation'.
Charity of international sportsman
Assisted a well-known international sportsman with the creation of an Italian charity to support philanthropic projects and fundraising events in Italy.
US / UK interests
We assisted a family in efficient structuring of the family's business activities in the US and the UK as well as their family charitable foundation. The unique nature of our US team based in London enabled us to provide both the UK and US advice on the structuring and charitable foundation under one roof.
Worldwide philanthropic activities
We advised a Middle Eastern family who were actively engaged in philanthropic activities around the world. We created a Jersey based charitable foundation to focus the families's activities.
Prominent New York historical museum
Provided ongoing pro-bono work for a prominent New York historical museum.
US / UK interests
We assisted a family in efficient structuring of the family's business activities in the US and the UK as well as their family charitable foundation. The unique nature of our US team based in London enabled us to provide both the UK and US advice on the structuring and charitable foundation under one roof.
Managing unexpected wealth
A married couple who held shares in a US company came to us after coming into considerable wealth when it was sold. We helped them to handle the complex tax obligation arising from the windfall and advised on how to protect their privacy. We also discussed routes to philanthropic giving, an area that they were keen to explore and one in which Withers has considerable experience.
Recognition
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Philip Reed
Partner | London
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Partner | New York
Chris Priestley
Partner | London
Ivan A. Sacks
Partner | New York
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Partner | London
Giulia Cipollini
Partner | Milan
Alison Paines
Consultant | London
Richard Cassell
Of counsel | London
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Typical clients and industries include
Charities and non-profit
Our significant practice in the non-profit sector means our lawyers can handle governance, mergers, commercial projects and day-to-day issues such as employment while you focus on your mission. Find Out More
Families and family offices
Families call on us when they want a firm that understands their needs – whether they are looking to pass down wealth, set up and run a family office, or make their mark through philanthropy. Find Out More
High net worth individuals
With complex interests that often span several jurisdictions, highly successful people need seamless advice. With a full-service offering across our offices around the world, we provide just that. Find Out MoreGet in touch
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