Norwich has recently been granted Social Enterprise Status in recognition of its reputation as a hotspot for Community Interest Companies. One such company is Not for Profit Law, a law project that uses its profits to benefit local charities with help from Norfolk Community Foundation.

Just nine months after formerly Wymondham-based solicitors Laura van Ree and Trina Worden opened the doors of their firm, they have already given away £20,000 in profits. Not for Profit Law donated the sum, along with over £2,000 in donations from clients who received free advice, to their partner charity, Norfolk Community Foundation. 

The social enterprise harnesses the talents of the pair, who left well-known law firms to form a legal practice with a philanthropic approach. Their rates are lower than traditional law firms and they feed the profits they make back into the local community through the Foundation. This money has been put to good use straight away, assisting charities such as the Norfolk Deaf Association, DIAL Great Yarmouth, and St Edmunds Society, all of whom help vulnerable people in Norfolk.

Claire Cullens, CEO of Norfolk Community Foundation, commented: “Our work is only possible because people and organisations like Not for Profit Law care about local communities and want to take action. We are enormously grateful and excited to receive this donation. It will be put to immediate use supporting charities working on the frontline in Norfolk communities.”

Laura commented: “We are thrilled to have made such a brilliant start. We are confident that as more and more people learn about what we are doing, and hopefully choose to come to us for advice and assistance, the funds we can direct to Norfolk Community Foundation will be even greater.”