Gavin McEwan
Partner, Head of Charities
I am an accredited specialist in charity law and I advise charities and philanthropists on all aspects of charity law and regulation including governance, risk, fundraising law and the structuring of charitable giving. I frequently support charities through inquiries by the Scottish Charity Regulator and advise on the reorganisation of endowments and restricted funds.
It is important to understand the motives and ambitions of the people you are advising. The right answer is often not what was expected at the outset, but is reached by drawing on experience, dismissing irrelevant issues and getting to the heart of the matter. When I work with charity clients, I aim to empower the trustees and help them make their own decisions. I aim to be fair and pragmatic while being realistic about any risks.
I appreciate the fact that people trust the sense of judgement I have developed over years of practice and through personally serving as a charity trustee. In fact, sharing my knowledge and experience is the most rewarding part of my work.