Tributes have been pouring in today for charity lawyer Stephen Lloyd, who died in a boating accident in Wales on Wednesday.

He was a leading figure in the voluntary sector and a keen advocate of social investment. He worked at Bates Wells Braithwaite for over 25 years and was known as the go-to person for charity law, including advising the government on the review of the Charities Act.

The 63-year-old had won a battle with cancer and returned to work only recently.

Stephen was “indisputably the social impact investment sector's leading legal light,” said Rod Schwartz, CEO of ClearlySo, and friend of Stephen.

In a blog post written yesterday, Schwartz said: “He took on all sorts of causes, cases and clients - sometimes for no fee, often at low fees, just to be helpful to some socially-oriented enterprise trying to get onto the first rung of the difficult and slippery ladder we call success.”

His passion and generosity for grassroots organisations was also remembered by independent strategist and family friend, Toby Blume.

“Stephen was the creator of the Community Interest Company – which he liked to say he dreamt up in a wine bar,” said Blume. “He became the ‘go to’ person for all things social enterprise as the sector, and its legal issues, developed.

“I will remember him agreeing to meet with me and a small group of ex-homeless people who wanted to register their small community project as a charity. Stephen, flanked by an associate from BWB, made themselves available to meet with us to discuss governance options. And, despite the rather inebriated state of one or two of our party, and an epic rambling discussion, he gave us a full two hours of his time without the slightest sign of irritation,” he said.

Notably, Lloyd was the appointed adviser to Lord Hodgson of Astley Abbotts for his government review of the Charities Act.

“Stephen Lloyd was an invaluable help to me in carrying out my review of the charity sector in the government,” Lord Hodgson told Civil Society News. “He had discernment and wisdom in equal measure… and was exceptionally knowledgeable about the sector. But as a private individual, he was a delight to work with.”

His 'second family' at Bates Wells Braithwaite expressed grief today at his passing.

“We are all in shock at Stephen’s untimely death,” said BWB partner Rosamund McCarthy. “He was an amazing and inspirational lawyer… His legal work was both dazzlingly innovative and extremely practical. Stephen adored creating new legal social enterprise structures but he was equally at home battling for justice in a human rights case.”

Sir Stuart Etherington, chief executive of NCVO, summed Stephen up as “outstanding”.

“He was a trustee and chair of many, many charities. He was one of the most thoughtful and supportive individuals that you could meet. He was always supportive to everyone who has new ideas. He was very involved with the development of social investment which he had a passion for and social enterprise as well.”
 
Michael Norton, founder of the Directory of Social Change, also spoke of Stephen's great enthusiasm for community enterprise.

“He put social enterprise on the legal map and by inventing the Community Interest Company, and being involved as a lawyer for things like Big Society Capital and others, he played an extraordinary role at the heart of this move from charity to social enterprise.”

One tragedy of Lloyd's passing is the undoing of his future plans.

“His life was at a crossroads,” said Norton. “He retired as senior partner early so he could concentrate on other things that really interest him. He had a party about three weeks ago to mark the transition [to entrepreneur] and it’s just such a tragedy that he had talent and ideas and that he was going to apply them for the first time outside the constraints of being a lawyer. It was going to be really exciting and he was really looking forward to it.”

Stephen is survived by his wife Lorna, children and grandchildren.

Condolences for Stephen’s family can be sent to [email protected]