Charities: London

This firm has a dedicated charity and social enterprise team that represents thousands of charities across the country. The depth of the talent in the team is reflected in the sheer number of practitioners who attract praise from market observers. Sources say that the team "has strong values and ethics" and add that it is "extremely good to work with." Interviewees also note the team's "deep-rooted knowledge of charity issues." Clients include major charities such as the British Heart Foundation, British Council and Barnardo's.

Commercial Awareness "They help us explore what has been done before, and they know the charity sector extremely well."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Stephen Lloyd is a leading figure in the sector and is currently playing an influential role in developing the social investment market. Sources say that "he's excellent, first class, very good on the big picture" and he earns praise for his "understanding of charities law." He co-heads the firm's charities desk with Philip Kirkpatrick, who is considered "a good guy; he has original ideas to contribute, is effective and doesn't charge the earth." He has recently advised WaterAid on its international reorganisation. Julian Blake has recently advised New York University on establishing an associated English charity. Sources say that Lawrence Simanowitz "has a grasp on what is essential, and has real wisdom of what it is like for the law to operate in practice." He has recently advised high-profile client The Elders, an international organisation of the world's leading human rights figures. Rosamund McCarthy has advised the Wildlife Conservation Society on the establishment of a UK conservation society. Sources say: "She is an excellent lawyer, with a sound technical brain, and is rigorous in her approach." Abbie Rumbold has recently advised the British Council on a restructuring of its international operations.

The firm has a sizeable multidisciplinary charities group with specialists capable of advising on all the legal issues facing charitable bodies. The team has outstanding resources, with a 30-strong team of lawyers dedicated to charity law. The team's clients include high-profile names such as The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Save the Children and Age UK. Sources say that "they have a wide range of practitioners," with one peer noting: "We are comfortable with referring work to everyone at Farrers."

Client Service "What they brought to the table meant that we were able to achieve our objectives in a shorter period of time than elsewhere."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Sources give Anne-Marie Piper a glowing appraisal, saying: "She understands the client perspective and the internal challenges." She is founder and former chair of The Charity Law Association. Julian Smith is recommended for his advice to clients in the higher education sector, as well as to museums. Sources admire Sam Macdonald, saying he "serves his clients well." He has recently been advising the Independent Schools Council on its judicial review of the Charity Commission's guidance notes on public benefit.

This firm has recently expanded its London team and now has 24 lawyers working solely in the charities and education sectors. The firm has an integrated offering incorporating its offices in Cambridge, Bath and London. The team's clients include the Society of Chemical Industry, Self-Realization Fellowship Church UK and Age Concern. Sources say: "The firm is first-rate, you can't get better."

Client Service "I can't praise them enough for their client service."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Jonathan Burchfield has advised the Oxford University Student Union on its creation as an independent charity and the transfer of its operations from the University of Oxford. Chairman and senior partner Michael King has recently advised College Français Billangue de Londres on a reconstruction to allow for future expansion into secondary education provision. Sources say that Ann Phillips is "outstanding, hugely knowledgeable, pleasant, easy to deal with" and "gives measured and practical advice." Stephen Ravenscroft has been acting in the establishment of numerous new Academy schools in the past year, projects involving the negotiation of a charitable funding agreement with the Department of Education.

Bircham Dyson Bell continues to attract considerable praise for the depth of its resources and the quality of its advice. Clients also value the team's client service, praising the "very accessible and responsive" lawyers. The team was recently instructed to set up World Book Night as a company and then to register it as a charity. Its other clients include Refugee and Migrant Justice, St John Ambulance and the Royal Academy of Arts.

Client Service "Excellent service. We are regularly invited to law updates and seminars that are hosted at their offices; we are kept abreast of legal developments to plan."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Sources say the "personable, easy to work with" Penny Chapman "gives you a balanced opinion in her advice, and speaks English, not legalese." Colleague Jonathan Brinsden "will give you the real picture of what the enforcement landscape is, and is almost always available to respond to queries." Simon Weil "is accessible and prompt in responding, which was helpful." He sits on the Pennies Foundation's advisory board.

This firm has recently been involved in leading-edge developments in the charity sector, advising Tudor Trust, Edmee Fairbairn Foundation, Henry Smith Charity and Paul Hamlyn Foundation on their contribution to the Social Impact Partnership. Sources say the firm's solicitors are “very thorough - they left no stone unturned.”

Commercial Awareness "They are able to summarise and interpret complex matters."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Sources say James Sinclair Taylor “is very knowledgeable and, as the firm's senior charities person, he clearly knows his stuff.” He is expert in advising charities on governance and regulatory issues. Andrew Studd advises on a wide variety of legal issues affecting charities. Sources say: “In terms of his skill as a lawyer, we would rate that very highly. I've never had any advice from him that we would question - it's always first-rate.” He has in the past year advised Action for Blind People on its association with the Royal National Institute for the Blind.

Thanks in no small part to Withers' firm-wide expertise in wealth management, its charities team comes recommended for its structuring and legacy advice. The team has a significant international profile and sources are full of praise for the service, which they characterise as "attentive and proactive." Clients include The Duke of Edinburgh's Award International Foundation, the Consortium of British Humanitarian Agencies and Shelterbox International.

Client Service "First-class client service."

KEY INDIVIDUALS One enthusiastic interviewee considers Alison Paines “the finest lawyer I've had the chance to work with,” while others note her “outstanding, unrivalled expertise and knowledge of the sector.” Paul Hewitt works on contentious trust matters and heads the firm's work on charities' legacy income. Clive Cutbill has expertise in advising US-UK qualified charitable foundations. Sources say that Emma Flower “is very impressive. Attentive, proactive and all round a great associate.” She has recently assisted Chris Priestley on the Self Help Africa and Africa Now on a strategic merger. Sources say Priestley is “personable, commercial and responsive.”

In addition to its highly regarded charity law expertise, this team is praised by clients for its ability to act as a one-stop shop for legal services. It has built a significant following in the sector, including significant clients such as the Arts Council England, the Mental Health Foundation and the CB Trust. Sources say: "The legal advice has been first class and matters dealt with well."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Sources say that Martin Paisner "is outstanding on trust issues; his expertise is second to none." He has recently advised the Wolfson Foundation on all aspects of its awarding of grants, as well as governance issues. Senior associate Neasa Coen is "approachable and easy to work with" and is "a rising star in the charity law world." She has recently advised Worcester College on the adjustment of its registration with the Charity Commission and a change of its statutes.

In addition to pure charities law advice, this firm's London charities offering gives clients support in legacy and employment matters. The team has recently advised the National Childbirth Trust on constitutional and M&A issues and registration with the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator. Sources say they "know and trust" the quality on offer, with one stating: "The longer I do the job, the more I value them."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Ian Hempseed heads the firm's national charities practice and acts for clients such as the Royal British Legion, the Zoological Society of London and several royal medical colleges. Sources say: “He is a safe pair of hands and my first port of call for charities advice. Patient, knowledgeable, personable and easy to talk to, which helps a lot.”

The charity department at Wilsons has full-time specialists in charities, education and legacy matters. The team recently advised on the restructuring of the Macfarlane Trust and its associated bodies. Clients characterise the team's lawyers as "competent, knowledgeable and practical, with a good sense of humour."

Client Service “The level of service has been excellent throughout."

Commercial Awareness "They have a full understanding not only of charity and probate law but of other factors, such as charity reputation, which other firms may not always give sufficient weight to."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Clients value Moira Protani's willingness to “take a robust line. She's very straightforward to deal with, is decisive and has a good sense of humour.”

As well as having nine solicitors specialising in charities law advice, this team is able to advise on a broad range of general legal issues affecting charities clients. The firm has recently advised Eton College on a wide range of charities-related property and conveyancing issues.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Michael Scott heads the firm's charities group. He specialises in advising charities on the full spectrum of issues that they face, including corporate commercial issues, as well as mergers and reorganisations.

This firm continues to advise a number of high-profile clients on complex charities transactions, such as separations and establishments of new organisations. The firm has recently advised long-standing client Virgin Unite on establishing the Branson Centre for Entrepreneurship in Jamaica. Sources praise the team's "pragmatic, down-to-earth and direct” lawyers. 

KEY INDIVIDUALS David Scott is a key contact.

The relatively recently launched firm has thrived, and enjoys a burgeoning reputation in the sector. It has been advising regularly on cross-border transactions and dual-registered structures. Sources say that “this is a firm that is thoughtful and cares about its clients.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS Ceris Gardner has been advising charities on the challenges posed by the Big Society initiative. Emma-Jane Weider “is likeable and competent, as well as being a great point of contact.”

This firm has a combination of public sector, tax and employment expertise. It has recently advised the Careers Development Group and assisted local authorities on Big Society projects.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Head of practice group Ian Davis is a specialist in advising the charities sector. He is experienced in advising on charity mergers, structures, governance issues and vires.

In addition to having a dedicated charities practice, the firm builds on its private client practice by helping individuals and families set up new charities. Clients say: “They are a caring practice,” and that “we got a good service from them in every way. Prompt and efficient, but not officious, we liked the reasonable, uncomplicated way in which they delivered the advice.”

KEY INDIVIDUALS Key contact for the firm's charities practice is David Goepel.

The firm has recently advised gender equality group GREAT on its registration as a charitable entity with the Charity Commission. This involved formulating a public benefit purpose to the modernised requirements in the Charities Act 2006.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Key contact at the firm's charities group is Edward Reed.

This firm's London charities practice was recently boosted by the arrival of Dominic Lawrence from Macfarlanes. The team has seen considerable growth in legacy work and counts Barnardo's, the RSPCA and DrugScope among its clients.

KEY INDIVIDUALS John Ward is head of both the private client and charities practices at the firm. He advises both UK and international families on philanthropy legal matters.

The firm has recently advised a private sector library operator on working in partnership with a charity on managing and operating library services in conjunction with public sector bodies. Their clients also include Cornwall Council, British Maritime Heritage Foundation and Herne Hill Velodome Trust. Clients like the “timely, reliable and incredibly supportive” service on offer.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Joanna Bussell is the key contact for the firm's charities practice.