Supporting solicitors since 1858.

Rules for the proposed Solicitors’ Benevolent Association are circulated across England and Wales, setting out a mission to support solicitors and their families affected by illness, hardship, or loss.

The first meeting of the Solicitors’ Benevolent Association takes place in Blackfriars, London. Within the first year, nearly 200 members join and £2,000 is raised to begin supporting the profession.

The Charity awards its first grants to solicitors and their families in need and by 1863 support is extended beyond members to include non-member solicitors and their families, significantly widening the Charity’s reach.

During the First World War, many members join the armed forces and demand for support rises significantly.

The Charity introduces school fee grants to help children of solicitors remain in education following family hardship.

The charity receives royal patronage from the Prince of Wales, later King Edward VIII.

A national network of representatives is created through a Standing Council linked to local law societies.

During the Second World War, international support networks send food parcels to elderly and vulnerable solicitors unable to access ration supplies.

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II continues royal patronage of the Charity following the accession of King George VI.

A merger with the London Solicitors and Families Association strengthens the Charity’s ability to support the profession.

The organisation moves to its current headquarters at Jaggard Way in Wandsworth.

The first website is launched, expanding communication with the profession and explaining its work and how people can get in touch. With the growth of the internet and key word searches, people can more easily find and access support from the Charity.

Joins the Occupational Benevolent Funds Alliance (now the Association of Charitable Organisations, ACO), strengthening collaboration and sharing knowledge and best practice across occupational charities.

The organisation incorporates as a charitable company, strengthening governance, and operations.

The Charity rebrands as SBA – The Solicitors’ Charity and expands support for solicitors experiencing financial and personal challenges.

A formal partnership with LawCare is established, with a grant from The Solicitors’ Charity supporting its emotional wellbeing helpline services.

Launch into social media with Twitter being the first platform used.

The organisation adopts the operating name The Solicitors’ Charity and launches emergency grants during the COVID-19 pandemic. It operates remotely with all staff having to work from home, a model still widely adopted by employees.

Support expands beyond financial assistance to include whole-person wellbeing services through partnerships with therapy providers, money management experts and career coaching specialists. These are known as the four wellbeing pillars: emotional, professional, physical and financial. King Charles III confirms he will remain as Patron of the Charity, following the death of the previous royal patron, Queen Elizabeth II.

Governance changes allow greater diversity of expertise on the Board while maintaining strong links to the legal profession, such as limited term of office for serving trustees and enabling non-solicitors to serve.

The Charity receives the Association of Charitable Organisations (ACO) Collaboration of the Year Award for its long and effective partnership with LawCare. It also launches its first formal fundraising initiative for corporates, Firm Friends, inviting the sector to provide donations to fund vital wellbeing services.

I. Stephanie Boyce, former President of the Law Society, is appointed Chair of The Solicitors’ Charity and Shams Rahman steps down as immediate past Chair.