Bates Wells Braithwaite launches online tool to save charities 'thousands of pounds'

Bates Wells Braithwaite (BWB) has launched a unique online tool, which creates bespoke and affordable legal documents for charities and social enterprises at a fraction of the price of engaging a lawyer.

Get Legal documents are priced at about one-tenth of what it would cost to commission a solicitor to draft them. In addition, an interactive decision tool will help customers find the best legal structure for their organisation and provide support for in its early stages.

Martin Bunch, managing partner at BWB commented: '[We] have a history of innovating to support charities and social enterprises, we are a commercial law firm, but we're also committed to helping our clients to succeed and deliver positive change.

Bunch said that for some charities, the new service could save them thousands of pounds on legal fees annually.

'Get Legal fills a gap in the market by providing tailored legal documents and support online so organisations don't have to compromise on quality,' he added.

Thea Longley, partner in the firm's charity and social enterprise team, explained: 'Not all organisations will have an extensive legal budget. In some situations this leads to organisations not complying with the law, simply because they cannot afford to use a solicitor.

'Get Legal was set up to provide documents which are priced at a level allowing any organisation to download and tailor something they know is compliant and bespoke to them.'

BWB has also announced it has become the first UK law firm - and among 50 other British organisations - to achieve B corporation certification.

B corporations are for-profit businesses which are certified as meeting standards of social and environmental performance, accountability and transparency.

The aim of the new classification is to 'redefine success in business' by measuring success by a 'triple bottom line' approach to business; people, planet, and profit.

Bunch commented last week: 'Becoming a certified B corporation is a defining moment for BWB - since its launch in 1970, the firm has always combined commercial work with furthering social value and the public interest.

'We are proud to be the first UK law firm to be certified in this innovative movement that seeks to transform business culture in the UK.'

Speaking at the event, senior associate Louise Harman added: 'B Corps is a really exciting development in the UK. To be the first law firm that is certified as a B Corp is a great achievement.'

Matthew Rogers is an editorial assistant at Solicitors Journal 
matthew.rogers@solicitorsjournal.co.uk