Ecclesiastical

Ecclesiastical law


Lupton Fawcett’s ecclesiastical law practice is the largest in the North of England. Our Ecclesiastical solicitors advise on all legal problems that face clergy, parishes and dioceses in the Church of England.

Partners David Whitaker and Louise Connacher are recognised specialists in the field of ecclesiastical law, and Lupton Fawcett is pleased to be able to support their respective appointments in the Church of England.

How we can help


Our partners have a renowned expertise and experience in church legal business covering issues such as land, burial grounds, church buildings, clergy housing, appointments, employment, church charities and ecclesiastical law.

You can contact the individual registries at the following addresses:

Our advice


Prominent areas on which we regularly advise include:

  • Appointment of clergy and employment of staff
  • Marriage law
  • Clergy Discipline Measure
  • Church buildings and the faculty jurisdiction
    • Burial law, memorials and exhumations
    • Parish reorganisation
    • Charities and trusts
    • Church lands, glebe, church houses and church hall
    • Our solicitors


      Churches encounter legal question and challenges which involve secular as well as ecclesiastical law. Our solicitors pair their expert advice with colleagues in other key areas of law – frequently employment, property, charity, data protection and commercial agreements.

      Our dispute resolution department has substantial experience in acting for parishes and clergy in litigation over church land and rights of way over land, employment and other disputes.

      How we can help


      All general enquiries about each diocese, its churches and its clergy should be made to the office of the diocese concerned:

      Diocese of Leeds

      Church House

      17-19 York Place

      Leeds

      LS1 2EX

      Diocese of Sodor and Man

      The Bishop’s Office

      Thie yn Aspick

      4 The Falls

      Douglas

      The Isle of Man

      LM4 4PZ

      Diocese of York

      The Diocesan Office

      Amy Johnson Way

      York

      YO30 4XT

      Your key contacts


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      “The team is extremely knowledgeable, approachable and technically excellent. It really cares about getting the best results and is a delight to work with.”

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