Sam Macdonald

Information about the specialist

Practice Areas

With over 20 years’ experience in charity law, advising a broad range of not-for-profit institutions and those engaging with them, Sam is able to draw on a deep pool of technical expertise and sector insight. He is publicly recognised as a leading lawyer and one of only a small number of true sector specialists.

Sam works with many well-known charities and not-for-profit organisations, universities and schools. He also advises private companies and philanthropists on structures for charitable giving, and overseas organisations on their involvement in the UK and European not-for-profit sectors.

His work covers the full range of laws governing charities, including their establishment, tax, constitutional and governance affairs, through to contentious issues. He regularly leads complex projects for clients, including major reorganisations, deploying expertise from across the firm on a range of issues from intellectual property to employment.

Clients value Sam for his technical knowledge and genuine commitment to the sector. He enjoys working closely with clients and providing advice on their most critical and sensitive issues, including those involving the Charity Commission.

Outside of his practice, Sam is a regular speaker for sector bodies, and serves as a Trustee of the National Foundation for Educational Research.