Overview

Professional membership bodies like yours face the difficult task of keeping your members engaged and satisfied, all while staying focused on your overall mission. If you’re a registered charity, you have the added responsibility of demonstrating real public benefits. Throw legal compliance into the mix, and suddenly, achieving your goals can feel like an afterthought. 

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Our take

Take it from us

Left feeling confused by legal jargon? Having the right legal expertise on hand feels like a guidepost in the fog: you can tackle challenges head-on and stay focused on what truly matters – your members and your purpose. 

Your team

Your professional and membership organisations team

You need a specialist legal team who truly gets the ins and outs of professional bodies and membership organisations. Plus, who isn’t looking for no-nonsense, practical advice that's perfectly tailored to your unique needs and sector? 

Let's make it happen. Here is a snapshot of how we can help: 

  • Amendments to constitutional documents, including Royal Charters 
  • Committee structures and board feedback
  • Board effectiveness and governance reviews 
  • Balancing charitable and non-charitable activities 
  • Establishing trading subsidiaries 
  • Resolution of employment-related issues
  • Compliance with the Charity Commission
  • Protecting intellectual property rights
  • Addressing member complaints and addressing behavioural issues.
In need of a professional and membership organisations lawyer? Look no further.
At Womble Bond Dickinson we have an exceptional team of talented lawyers and business professionals who can offer guidance and find the solutions right for your business. We have both broad and niche expertise across all our UK and US offices.
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How we've made a difference

The proof's in our experience

  • Helped a national charity transition to digital communication. The result: cutting costs, reducing its environmental footprint and improving its national reach
  • Guided a membership charity through a governance review, leading to changes in member roles and rights
  • Advised an organisation on the expulsion of a member, in line with governing documents, providing support and guidance every step of the way
  • Guided a major sports organisation through a big change to its governing document, affecting member votes and Board appointments. Despite initial resistance, we successfully navigated the process
  • Aided a membership body in handling a court claim regarding membership fee collection practices 
  • Assisted a professional body navigating presidential election issues – we advised on a fair process and communications strategy
  • Supported a large membership body in adopting a new code of conduct, including a fresh complaints process.
Testimonials

"The team at Womble Bond Dickinson are able to react quickly and efficiently to urgent situations. They are able to take control and effectively manage requirements and collaborate with other organisations."

Legal 500 2025

"A highly trusted extension of our in-house legal services function. The team led by Emma Moody has an excellent understanding of charity law and its commercial, common-sense and jargon-free approach to providing advice, combined with a deep understanding of our business is a breath of fresh air."

Legal 500 2025

“Womble Bond Dickinson provides exceptional service. The team have an ability to quickly understand and handle highly complex needs with a holistic approach to advice and work.”

Chambers and Partners 2024

“The firm is very efficient and commercially minded; they are more willing to be flexible than others.”

Chambers and Partners 2024
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