Laura is a partner in our Charities team.
Laura provides a broad range of advice to charities of different legal structures. Her practice encompasses governance and constitutional advice to charities and their connected parties (including trading subsidiaries) including liaising with the Charity Commission; reviewing and advising on structural arrangements; strategic advice; charity trading and related tax issues including corporate Gift Aid; serious incident reporting; advice in relation to donations and grant making, fundraising appeals, life-time giving and legacies; advice in relation to permanent endowment and compliance with the Charities Act on the disposal of charity land.
Laura also advises ecclesiastical charities and other bodies associated with the Church of England on all aspects of ecclesiastical, Canon, charity, company and trust law. She is the Deputy Diocesan Registrar for the Diocese of Gloucester and the Diocese of Truro.
Laura's keen interest in the third sector allows her to fully understand the needs of clients and provide helpful and pragmatic advice to assist with and resolve a variety of legal issues.
Laura is also the firm's Lead Partner for Trainee Solicitors (SRA Training Principal). She trained with us and qualified into the Charities team in March 2013.
Laura is based in our Bristol office but can support you nationally.
"Laura brings a great depth of wisdom and expertise to help navigate complex governance questions and ensures the charity is positioned well for success."
What others say
Laura is listed in The Legal 500 as a "Next Generation Partner" and "key lawyer" for VWV in its charities and not-for profit practice area. She is also recognised as "up and coming" for Charities in Chambers and Partners.
Laura Chesham is 'highly recommended.' - Legal 500
"Laura is our lead partner. Her client focus is second to none and as well as her own excellence in Charity and Ecclesiastical Law she is our main gateway to the wider firm's expertise." - Chambers & Partners 2026
"She has a strong grasp of charity law and is able to explain issues clearly and concisely. She is able to read a situation quickly and tailor her explanation and advice so that it has the best effect." - Chambers & Partners 2021
What You Might Like to Know
Laura does her best to keep fit and in particular enjoys strength and resistance based training and HIIT classes. She also enjoys reading and is quite the foodie!
Laura is also a member of the Charity Law Association and The Ecclesiastical Law Association.
Other teams Laura works with
Through her work in the Charities team, Laura also works with our Corporate, Commercial Property, Regulatory & Compliance, Employment and Ecclesiastical teams.
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