Dispute Resolution for Charities and Nonprofits.

Legal Support for Charity and Non-Profit Disputes

We help boards, trustees and leadership teams manage legal disputes and governance issues with clarity and care. Our goal is to resolve matters efficiently while protecting your organisation’s reputation, relationships and ability to deliver on its purpose.

Support Through Challenging Situations

We provide legal guidance for:

• Conflicts between trustees or board members

• Internal disputes within your organisation

• Issues with funders, service providers or partner organisations

Our advice is clear, practical and proportionate to your situation and governance structure.

Finding the Right Path Forward

Early resolution is often the best approach. We assist with:

• Negotiation and conflict management

• Mediation with internal or external stakeholders

• Formal processes such as arbitration or litigation when required

We align every step with your organisation’s values, objectives and long-term sustainability.

Sector-Aware Legal Advice

We regularly advise charities and not-for-profit entities of all sizes. We understand:

• The governance obligations that apply to charitable and incorporated bodies

• The reputational and operational impact of legal disputes

• The need to resolve issues without disrupting services or community relationships

We combine sector knowledge with practical solutions that support both compliance and collaboration.

Where We Work

We are based in Wellington, with offices in Lower Hutt and Masterton. We support charities and not-for-profit organisations across the Wellington region, including the Hutt Valley, Wairarapa and Kapiti Coast, as well as clients throughout New Zealand.

Questions We Often Get Asked About Charity and Non-Profit Disputes

What are common disputes in charities and not-for-profits?

Common issues include disagreements between trustees, conflicts over governance decisions and disputes about funding or service delivery. We help identify the underlying issues and find practical ways forward.

How can disputes be resolved without harming the organisation’s reputation?

We use calm, structured negotiation and mediation to reach agreement privately and efficiently. Our focus is on preserving relationships and your public reputation.

When should a charity seek legal advice in a dispute?

You should seek legal advice as soon as a disagreement starts to affect decision making or compliance. Early guidance helps prevent escalation and keeps the organisation operating smoothly.

Can disputes within a charity end up in court?

In some cases they can, especially if governance breaches or financial matters are involved. We provide representation when needed but always look for resolution before formal proceedings.