The article examines the legal regulation of social entrepreneurship as an independent institution of entrepreneurial law in modern Russia. The development trends, the meaning and functions of social entrepreneurship are analyzed. Social entrepreneurship is differentiated from other related institutions. The purpose and special role of social entrepreneurship for the Russian economy at the present stage are indicated. The special importance of social entrepreneurship for solving social problems is noted. It is argued that social entrepreneurship is a new type of entrepreneurial activity in the Russian Federation. At the same time, the main objectives of the activities of social enterprises in modern Russia and those problems of socio-economic development that can potentially be solved through social entrepreneurship are named. The article highlights the features of this type of entrepreneurial activity. The problems of enterprises in obtaining social status are indicated, ways of their solution are indicated. Proposals have been put forward to introduce appropriate amendments to the current legislation in order to improve law enforcement in the field of social entrepreneurship. Conclusions The status of a social enterprise is controversial. At this stage, there are many contradictions in the legislation of the Russian Federation in the regulation of social enterprises. Including for this reason, the status of social enterprises is uncertain, this situation leads to the formation of contradictory law enforcement practices.