Hall Of Fame

Leading Individuals

Next Generation Partners

Rising Stars

Charities and not-for-profit in North West

Brabners LLP

A firm distinctly home to a number of exclusively charity lawyers, Brabners LLP advises regional and national charities including the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, The Shaw Trust and Autism Initiatives. The practice’s full-service offering is underpinned by the charity expertise of team head Graeme Hughes who has been dedicated to this strand of work since his qualification over ten years ago. Graeme competently advises on charity law, governance and regulatory issues, as well as overseeing matters requiring insights from his corporate, property and employment colleagues. Ex-Charity Commission lawyer and Charity Tribunal Judge Stephen Claus continues to influence departmental and client decisions through his role as a consultant, while the ‘outstandingImogen Trafford is highly active on mandates concerning the registering, merging, and dissolving of charities.

Practice head(s):

Graeme Hughes


Other key lawyers:

Stephen Claus; Imogen Trafford


Testimonials

‘The practice is interested in knowing your business and understanding the culture and nature of what you do. This leads to bespoke solutions to some of the issues that you need the practice’s support and guidance in, and not simply ‘off the shelf’ advice that you may get from any firm.’

‘We have valued the long-term relationship with the firm and appreciate the value that Brabners place on this. Their understanding of the company structure and the market, regulation and jurisdiction in which we operate supports the delivery of exceptional advice from them. Graham Hughes and associate Imogen Trafford provide outstanding support around charity law.’

‘Brabners have real expertise in charities and in dealing with the Charity Commission. This is quite rare to find. Establishing a charitable publisher is hard, because there is not a clear line between what is charitable and what is not. Brabners did this successfully. Their fees are affordable by the sector.’

Key clients

Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine


The Shaw Trust Limited


Albert Gubay Charitable Foundation


Alder Hey Children’s Charity


Autism Initiatives


Walsingham Support


Everton in the Community


Tottenham Hotspur Foundation


The Lowry Centre Trust


National Football Museum


Nugent Care


Sir Josiah Mason Trust


Humane Research Trust


Lyme Green Settlement


Catholic Blind Institute


North West Cancer Research


JCP Fund


The Chester Bluecoat Charity


Kingsmead School (Hoylake) Trust


Charity Bank


The Marina Dalglish Appeal


Community Forest Trust


Queens School, Chester


The Regenda Group


The JD Foundation


Michael Carrick Foundation


Manchester United Foundation


Green Lane Masjid and Community Centre


British Deaf History Museum


Hoole Community Development Trust


The Society of Bookbinders


EMDR Association


The Turner Home


Leadership Through Sport and Business


The Elle Edwards Foundation


Youth Federation Limited


Work highlights


  • Advised Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine upon its group structure in relation to its acquisition of specialist life sciences premises in Liverpool, including extensive advice upon the funding structure and the investment rules applicable to charities.
  • Advising the Lowry Centre Trust in relation to its £7.8 million purchase of the L.S. Lowry painting, “Going to the Match” for display in the Lowry Museum.
  • Advising the Albert Gubay Charitable Foundation in respect of its new status as a charity registered in England and Wales and providing specific advice on governance, trust law property and investment matters.

DTM Legal LLP

The ‘excellent, timely and clear’ DTM Legal LLP provides a wide range of advice and support, frequently pro bono, to a wealth of charities predominantly in the Liverpool, Chester and North Wales region. The practice has advised clients on matters including the protection of intellectual property rights, the termination of tenancies and negotiation of commercial leases, and counsel regarding the appointment and retirement of charity trustees. Team head Alison Brennan utilises her corporate background to advise clients on contractual and governing documents, and works closely alongside the ‘excellent communicatorRichard Thomas, who handles contentious matters due to his considerable experience in commercial litigation. Stephen Mackellar focuses on cases concerning estates and the administration of charitable trusts and foundations, while Kate Pritchard has expertise in commercial property issues, most notably transactions.

Practice head(s):

Alison Brennan


Other key lawyers:

Richard Thomas; Stephen Mackellar, Kate Pritchard


Testimonials

‘The DTM Legal LLP are one of our charity’s most valued legal skill donors. We can rely 100% on DTM Legal’s support. They are always quick to respond and very efficient and thorough in their work. They set out the parameters to which they are able to offer pro bono support and have a personable approach, which puts the charities at ease, during what can be stressful situations.’

‘Our initial key contact has been such a pleasure to work with, Alison Brennan. Alison always responds to email requests promptly and, wherever possible, will offer to help either directly, if the skills request is within her area of expertise, or she will facilitate support from her colleagues in other departments, within the DTM Legal practice. Our charities are always very happy with Alison, Kate and their respective teams’ support.’

‘The team have provided excellent, timely and clear support. They are able to quickly grasp a subject and clarify requirements in layman’s terms. They demonstrate an interest in us and feel like part of our organisation.’

Key clients

Leukaemia & Myeloma Research UK Ltd


Clogau Gold of Wales Limited (Clogau Charitable Foundation)


Cycling Projects


Nightingale House Hospice


The Trustees of The Consolidated Charities


The Ursula Keyes Trust


Barnardo’s


SPACE4AUTISM


Marjory Boddy Charity Trustees


Eaton Golf Club Limited


Association of Professional Organisers and Declutterers


North of England Zoological Society


Help Finder (Activities) CIC


Poulton Hall Estate


Work highlights


  • Advising Nightingale House Hospice on a number of different matters during the course of the year including dealing with a challenge to the Hospice’s Welsh Language Policy.
  • Advising Barnardo’s on leases for two new superstores.
  • Advising Cycling Projects on a pro bono basis on the update of its constitution and various arrangements with third parties.

Mills & Reeve LLP

Acting on both domestic and international work generated by some of UK’s largest charitable and not-for-profit organisations, Mills & Reeve LLP distinguish itself from market competitors through its specialism in advising on data protection and technical solutions, including counselling the British Council on the procurement of AI technologies and conducting data transfer impact assessments for the British Medical Association. The team is also involved in the establishment of charities, providing regulatory advice, and counselling clients on employment issues and the management of facilities. Head of department Paul Knight is sought by clients for his expertise in tech-related issues and commercial contracts, while co-head Simon Pedley, who runs the charities dispute resolution team, focuses on regulation concerns, including matters pertaining whistleblowing, defamation, and fraud. Rona McPherson competently handles grant arrangements and procurement services, whereas Mark Ashton is a go-to contact for structuring concerns.

Practice head(s):

Paul Knight; Simon Pedley


Other key lawyers:

Rona McPherson; Mark Ashton


Key clients

British Council


BBC Children in Need


Podium Analytics


British Medical Association


Royal Northern College of Music


The Institution of Engineering and Technology


The Law Society


GreaterSport


Cheshire and Warrinton Local Enterprise Partnership


Manchester City Galleries


Work highlights


  • Worked with the British Council – one of the UK’s largest charities by income, with an annual income of over £900,000 – on multiple information technology projects to launch innovative digital offerings in 2022.
  • Advised Cheshire and Warrington Local Enterprise Partnership on complex data sharing arrangements required for the Skills Bootcamp programme funded by the Department for Education (DfE).
  • Advising Podium Analytics, a tech charity founded by Ron Dennis CBE launched at 10 Downing Street, on data protection considerations relating to the sports-related injury data repository it is creating to aid research into youth sports injury.

Shoosmiths LLP

The ‘superb’ Shoosmiths LLP combines specialist charity expertise with the full-service strength of a national law firm to advise charities and corporate companies engaging in charitable work on a wide breadth of matters involving governance, regulatory and financial issues. Wider initiatives such as the growth of the firm’s green energy team and the organisation of roundtable business meetings are indicative of the group’s interest in keeping abreast of growing concerns in the charity sector, resulting in the development of a niche in work necessitating ESG considerations. Robert Nieri, one of few in the region working exclusively in this area of law, ‘is a clear expert’ on a range of matters including the establishment and dissolution of charities, engaging with the Charity Commission, and partnerships and sponsorships. Anna Lowe leverages her real estate expertise to advise on tenancy agreements, mergers and integrations, and financial arrangements.

Practice head(s):

Robert Nieri


Other key lawyers:

Anna Lowe


Testimonials

‘Shoosmiths’s charity practice is superb. The range of expertise it has, and insight events and literature they publish, is excellent. Their client book is also compelling.’

‘Robert Nieri is a superb charity/NfP lawyer. He has a wide range of larger and higher profile charity/NfP clients and is a clear expert in the field of charity law.

‘Our principal focus was Robert Nieri. However, I should note that the practice’s commitment to philanthropy and working towards realising social value in the business community shone through some of the other activities they are involved in. For example, hosting a roundtable of businesses and VCS organisations, and being actively part of that network of organisations.’

‘Robert Nieri was incredibly responsive. He was always on the end of the phone or quick to respond to emails, helping keeping things moving smoothly. He was extremely adept at unpacking complex legal jargon and showcased a deep understanding of relevant legal frameworks and the context in which we work. His clear commitment to the charity sector made him very easy to work with and we would not hesitate to recommend the team to others in the sector.’

‘The practice was able to provide us with specialist charity law advice, relating to our desire to establish a trading subsidiary alongside a non-incorporated charity. They had just the right blend of expertise for our needs and were able to tailor their approach specifically to our working practices.’

‘Robert Nieri led on this project, and consistently delivered timely advice and helpful information in a digestible format, as well as being available at short notice, including for meetings held at weekends. Overall the attention to detail, together with the practical support in an unusual setting, demonstrated Robert’s, and his colleague Anna Lowe’s desire to truly understand the charity’s needs in order to provide accurate and precise advice.’

‘I have used the practice for a number of charitable organisations and on a number of different aspects, one including an issue that needed the Charities Commission’s involvement. They have always been able to support the Trustees in making the necessary decisions, not only explaining the legal technicalities but adding their own experiences to the process.’

‘Our contact, Robert Nieri is an expert in the field of charity law and governance. He is proactive in raising critical issues with us and bringing to our attention any changes within the law. He provides us with briefings and engages us in many other activities he organises, e.g. sector round table discussions and leadership seminars. Robert is able to make complex, legal information understandable.

Key clients

The Patch Foundation


Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity


Albert Gubay Charitable Foundation


Manchester Camerata


TuVida


Nottingham Roman Catholic Diocesan Youth Service


Socitm Limited


Work highlights


  • Advised TuVida, a national respite care charity, on its merger with Crossroads Together (Crossroads Care Cheshire, Manchester and Merseyside Limited) to introduce its service to carers and those they care for in the North West.
  • Advised Manchester Camerata on updating its governing document and on its joint venture with University of Manchester – Music in Mind Remote- to bring the charity’s renowned programme for people with dementia to a national audience.
  • Acted on the incorporation of Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity.

Addleshaw Goddard

A leading name in the North West's corporate and commercial sphere, Addleshaw Goddard utilises its experience and expertise to not only advise charities on complex transactional arrangements, but to also advise large commercial bodies on their charitable foundations and partnerships. The team field a number of banks on their client list and are intimately familiar with the corporate and financial processes involved in lending, securitising charity land and assets, and establishing charitable entities. The Leeds office and national private capital head Pervinder Kaur is active on the full range of departmental matters and possesses notable expertise in overseas projects and charitable partnerships, sponsorships and promotions. Manchester-based Yorke Eaton advises trustees on regulatory issues and the administration of estates.

Practice head(s):

Pervinder Kaur


Other key lawyers:

Yorke Eaton


Key clients

Bedingfield’s Trust


Leeds Beckett University


Work highlights


Hill Dickinson LLP

Hill Dickinson LLP demonstrate notable expertise counselling third sector clients, providing structural and funding advice to not-for-profit organisations within the creative arts, entertainment and education sectors. The team’s committed relationship with The Big Life group and its associated companies demonstrates the range of projects and the multi-disciplinary approach the team adopts, strengthened by the broad experience and specialisms of the four team heads. Mark Fitzgibbon has a commercial, tech and intellectual property background, while Fionnuala Kenny leverages his private wealth expertise to advise on tax-efficient endeavors and trust administration. Jeff Middleton handles employment related matters, while Luke Green focuses on charity issues in the education sector.

Practice head(s):

Mark Fitzgibbon; Jeff Middleton; Fionnuala Kenny; Luke Green


Key clients

Big Life Group


Delta Philanthropies


The People’s Trust (Greece)


Manchester Literature Festival


Amnesty (UK) Group


Nacro


Greenwich Leisure Limited


Creative Sector Services CIC (Creative United)


Medicines Discovery Catapult Limited


Star Academies


ARICD (formerly known as Association for Research in Infant and Child Development)


Work highlights


  • Supporting Creative Sector Services CIC (t/a Creative United) with various commercial activities including the development of training materials.
  • Continuing to advise the Big Life Group on its charitable and commercial activities.
  • Advising Delta Philanthropies on a variety of funding activities in furtherance of its charitable objectives throughout the year.