Charities understand little about the law but many are put off talking to a solicitor because of worries about cost, according to a major new study.

The Legal Services Consumer Panel asked more than 800 small charities about their legal needs and experiences. Responses showed widespread satisfaction with the level of service from legal professionals, with 96% reporting that they found a solicitor’s advice useful. There was also great appreciation for lawyers’ pro bono work.

But the smallest organisations said they found it difficult to obtain pro bono help or attract legally trained trustees. More than a third believed cost was the main barrier to accessing a solicitor.

Elisabeth Davies, chair of the panel, said charities want a fixed-fee service to ensure certainty about buying services. ‘Small charities tell us they are drowning in information and struggle to know what their legal responsibilities are,’ she said. ‘Although there are some useful guides, information needs to be better co-ordinated and signposted.’

The Charity Commission said it was ‘unsurprising’ that small groups felt unsure about legal rights and obligations. There is also concern that funding cuts for the voluntary sector will mean they can no longer be relied upon for help. The Small Charities Commission, which represents those on an income of less than £1m, called for better co-operation between the legal and voluntary sectors to improve access to legal advice.