Leading Individuals

Rising Stars

Charities and not-for-profit in East Midlands

HCR Hewitsons

At HCR Hewitsons, Virginia Henley takes the lead on all charity law issues; from initial registration to mergers and assistance withincident reporting. The practice has a history acting for almshouse charities, education providers and Oxbridge Colleges. Henley continues to be instructed on charity governance, commercial arrangements, fundraising and charity law compliance.

Practice head(s):

Virginia Henley


Testimonials

‘Prompt service with no judgement or professional language that is always easy to understand. Broad range of knowledge, from financial settlement to trustee advice and employment issues.’ 

‘Large enough to ensure a wide range of relevant expertise. Their commitment is second to none. ’

Key clients

Medicines Development for Global Health Limited


Scott Bader Company Limited


Charity Commission (The Kingdom Church GB)


Tudor Hall School


Northamptonshire Association for the Blind


Leighton Buzzard United and Almshouse Charity


Greens Norton Village Hall


Milton Keynes Community Foundation


Cripps Foundation


St Giles Estate Charity


The Alice Ottleians and Old Elizabethans’ Association


Immanuel College, Bushey


Three Counties Agricultural Society


Ravenstone Hospital


Becketts & Sargeant’s Educational Foundation


The Stowe School Foundation


Work highlights


  • Advised Australian-based medical research not-for-profit entity, Medicines Development for Global Health Ltd, in developing its overseas reach, gaining charitable registration for its UK company, and drafting the necessary intercompany documentation to underpin best practice between international connected charities.
  • Instructed by the Scott Bader Company Ltd, a leading UK-based global chemical company, to review and amend all the governance arrangements of the Group.
  • Appointed  under investigation by the Charity Commission, following an inquiry by the Trading Standards Authority to review governance of Christian charity, The Kingdom Church GB.

Nelsons Solicitors Limited

Nelsons Solicitors Limited utilises its expertise in corporate law, real estate, employment, disputes and private client matters to service to regional charities such as Age UK Nottingham on the full breadth of matters. Kevin Modiri and legal director Ziaur Rahman are its key figures. Craig Staten-Spencer departed for Roythornes Solicitors in August 2023.

Practice head(s):

Kevin Modiri


Other key lawyers:

Ziaur Rahman


Testimonials

‘I feel the team work really well together, any seminars I have attended the team have made them flow, delivered them well in a professional yet light hearted manner.’

 

Key clients

Nottinghamshire Women’s Aid (NWA)


Age UK Nottingham and Nottinghamshire


National Justice Museum


Nottingham Industrial Museum


Work highlights


  • Represented Nottinghamshire Women’s Aid (NWA) in its successful defence of Employment Tribunal proceedings, undertaking the advocacy and securing an order that led to the Claimant’s claim being struck out.
  • Advised National Justice Museum on asset management work for the client at their Shire Hall property, including the grant and assignment of leases, enforcement of leasehold covenants, advice on interpretation of provisions of existing leases.
  • Acted for the tenant, Age UK, in respect of an agreement for the lease of a property in Sutton in Ashfield, conditional on Landlord’s Works together with the grant of a lease.

Shakespeare Martineau LLP

Catherine Rustomji was recruited in April 2022 from Browne Jacobson LLP to head up Shakespeare Martineau LLP‘s national charities practice. With deep expertise in the sector, Rustomji specialises in constitutional and governance matters, charity registrations and issues regarding legacies, which is steadily attracting a host of household names including Battersea Dogs’ and Cats’ Home.

 

 

 

Practice head(s):

Catherine Rustomji


Testimonials

‘Professional and members of the team that are in contact know what is happening and willing to help’

‘Give clear and friendly advice and responses’

‘Sector leaders who have been such for many years, the movement of one to the firm being the reason why we engaged them.’

‘Catherine Rustomji is an exceptional legal professional, who I have worked with for eight years across a number of firms. She is responsive, calm and assured, provides very clear advice and is highly credible when presenting to third parties.’

‘The team always provide an expedient and reliable response to any queries.’

‘Catherine Rustomji is a pleasure to work with, she provides authoritative information and advice in a timely manner and really takes the time to help you understand the issue in addition to considering the wider context to ensure effective decision making is achieved. Catherine is a very trusted advisor who feels like one of the team. I have recommended her widely for a number of years and will continue to do so, her ability to interpret complex information is very impressive.’

Key clients

Battersea Dogs’ and Cats’ Home


Launde Abbey


Nottingham Youth Orchestra


Diocese of Southwell


Coal Industry Society Welfare Organisation


NIDAS


Greater Nottingham Groundwork Trust


Yorkshire Adoption Agency


Worcester Community Trust


Caring for Life


Northern Consortium


Boccia England


Work highlights


  • Advising Northern Consortium on legal structures, duties of trustees and directors and managing conflicts of interest.
  • Assisted Greater Nottingham Groundwork Trust on charity governance best practice, remuneration of Trustees and adopting revisions to their governing document.
  • Advised CISWO on charity governance, particularly including advising on trading subsidiaries and compliance.