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Equitable Philanthropy has expanded its offering with EP Law to break down barriers to structured giving and make specialist legal advice more accessible across the philanthropic sector.
Equitable Philanthropy has unveiled a new legal practice focused on removing barriers to structured giving and expanding access to affordable, specialist legal support across the not-for-profit sector.
Known as EP Law, the new service has been established in response to what Equitable Philanthropy describes as a “growing gap” in the sector, where the cost and complexity of accessing specialist legal advice can create challenges for both donors and organisations.
Catherine Brooks, director of Equitable Philanthropy, said EP Law represents an effort to simplify the legal processes surrounding philanthropy, helping reduce the barriers that can discourage giving while improving access to specialist advice for charities.
“Too often, individuals who want to give more are held back by the cost and complexity of legal structures,” Brooks said.
“At the same time, we want to reduce friction for charities so that they can get the legal answers they need. EP Law is designed to change that.”
The service will provide individuals seeking to establish structured giving vehicles with a more accessible and affordable pathway, with the broader aim of encouraging greater participation in philanthropy and unlocking additional funding for social impact initiatives.
It will also support charities, foundations, and philanthropic organisations by providing specialist legal advice on operational matters, helping them navigate complex requirements and address legal challenges more effectively.
Brooks stressed that improving access to legal support could strengthen the sector as a whole by allowing organisations to direct more time and resources towards delivering community outcomes.
“Our aim is to build capacity across the entire sector,” Brooks said.
“When we reduce friction – whether that’s cost, time, or complexity – we enable more people to give, and more organisations to focus on what they do best: delivering impact.”
Leading EP Law will be senior lawyer Kirstie Le Lievre, who brings more than a decade of experience advising on contract law, intellectual property and dispute resolution matters.
In the role, she will provide practical legal guidance to Equitable Philanthropy clients while supporting organisations across the broader philanthropic sector with their legal needs.
Equitable Philanthropy said EP Law forms part of its broader focus on strengthening the infrastructure that supports charitable giving and improving access to the resources needed across the sector.
Brooks said the initiative represented a shift towards making philanthropic legal services more accessible by reducing complexity and improving affordability for those seeking specialist advice.
“We see this as an important step in reshaping how philanthropy is accessed and delivered in Australia,” she said.
“By making the legal side simpler and more affordable, we can help grow a more inclusive and effective giving ecosystem.”
