March, 2007
Multi-charity research finds more give than take amongst solicitors
Research released by Include a Charity today suggests that solicitors are far more philanthropic and community minded than their stereotypical reputation suggests with Australian solicitors more likely to leave a bequest in their Will than the rest of the population.
Two years of extensive research and interviews with 150 solicitors found that 75% of solicitors support the idea of leaving a bequest in their Will compared to 51% of the general public. The trend of generosity by solicitors continues with 1 out of every 2 regularly donating to charity, more solicitors than the national average volunteering their time and 28% taking part in fundraising events.
Include a Charity is the collaborative research and awareness campaign, launched by four of Australian’s largest charities, Australian Red Cross, Mission Australia, Heart Foundation and The Cancer Council Australia, which promotes both the importance of having an up-to-date Will and including a bequest to charity.
“We undertook the research into solicitors to find out all we could about the sensitive issues surrounding bequests and were extremely pleased to have proved the benevolence of solicitors.”
“Include a Charity wishes to congratulate solicitors for their outstanding attitude towards bequests and charitable giving,” says Martin Paul, spokesperson for Include a Charity.
Estate Planning specialist and author Michael Perkins* who is supportive of the campaign feels that solicitors could do more.
Says Mr Perkins, “In my experience solicitors are often uncomfortable about leading their clients to include charities in their Wills, there is a tendency to wait for clients to make the suggestion themselves. My view is that in order to professionally complete an estate planning or Will writing engagement solicitors must be asking their clients about their charitable intentions and community accountability.”
Mr Paul stressed that “80% of Australians over 60 use a solicitor to write their Will. So solicitors have a crucial role in informing and providing information to clients if they wish to bequest,” adds Mr. Paul.
“We were heartened to discover that over half of Australian solicitors support the idea of a multi-charity campaign to raise awareness of bequests,” said Mr. Paul.
“Bequests constitute the largest source of voluntary income for charities today. Charities are becoming increasingly dependent on bequests or gifts in Wills. Without such donations we would not be able to help so many people through the most difficult periods of their lives,” says Mr Paul.
The research has afforded the group a better understanding of the state of bequests in Australia, from both the consumer and solicitor’s position.
For more information, call the Include a Charity information line on 1800 400 300 or visit the website at www.includeacharity.com.au
Notes to Editors
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For further information interviews and images please contact
Lisa Kinahan on 02 9331 6611 or 0416 363 202/ kinahan@senioragencyaustralia.com.au
or Tara Poole on 02 9331 6611 0410 600 788/ poole@senioragencyaustralia.com.au
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Martin Paul, spokesperson for Include a Charity is available for interview by phone or in person
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Research was undertaken by Instinct and Reason (who specialise in consumer and business behaviour, needs, attitudes and intentions research)
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*Michael Perkins is Special Counsel to Cutler Hughes and Harris, a lecturer in Estate Planning at UTS and a co-author of the text "Estate Planning: A Practical Guide for estate and Financial Service Professionals" He also consults to professional firms and their commercial, private and not for profit clients in relation to their estate structures, strategy and wealth extraction and management.
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