Leveraging support from the firm’s Kent and London offices, Cripps caters to commercial, corporate, and real estate issues for an assortment of grant making charities. Kate Arnold leads the team, while Joanna Ford is noted for her thorough expertise of insolvency. All of the individuals that have been mentioned are based in Tunbridge Wells.
Charities and not-for-profit in South East
Cripps
Practice head(s):
Kate Arnold
Other key lawyers:
Joanna Ford; Victoria Fairley; Harriet Page
Testimonials
‘The team is very client focused and manages to go out of their way to de-mystify charity law. They are happy to use new technologies where appropriate to the client’s needs.’
‘I would happily recommend them to others.’
Key clients
John Lyon’s Foundation / Harrow School
John Lyon’s Charity
English National Ballet
URC Thames North Trust
The London Diocesan Fund
University of Kent
Canterbury Christ Church University
Goodenough College
The Dorothy Kerin Trust
EKC Group
Work highlights
Moore Barlow
Based in Guildford, Moore Barlow advises domestic and international clients on a breadth of commercial, governance and structural matters. The practice has also recently been engaged in gaining charitable status for independent schools, pro-life, and sex/gender identity charities. Gordon Reid leads the team and often handles reputation management and transactional work for senior charity leaders and trustees. Joanna Lada-Walicki helms employment and pastoral mandates, while Helen Harvie provides clients with trustee training. George Shepherd is particularly knowledgeable of faith, health and youth charities.
Practice head(s):
Gordon Reid
Other key lawyers:
Joanna Lada-Walicki; Helen Harvie; George Shepherd; Adam McRae-Taylor
Testimonials
‘All-round coverage and availability with practical realistic support and advice.’
‘There has always been prompt attention to all the matters and a thoroughly professional approach.’
‘It has been enormously helpful to have a legal team on which we can rely with so much confidence both for advice and execution.’
‘The charities team work hard to get to know their clients and to give a personal service that recognises our own specific needs. We are confident that they will give us accurate, timely and helpful advice in times of crisis as well as more routine needs.’
‘Gordon Reid is an experienced charity practitioner who has the confidence and knowledge to give grounded, realistic practical advice.’
‘Gordon Reid immediately understood what we were trying to achieve and provided excellent guidance on so many aspects of the project.’
‘Joanna Lada-Walicki offers excellent advice in a sympathetic manner – understanding that managing legal issues within a charity can be complicated. She not only advises on the law but also supports us in how we involve trustees, manage stakeholders, and handle the issues more broadly.’
Key clients
Young Minds Trust
National Rifle Association
Reliance Bank
The Boys’ Brigade
Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice
Lloyds Bank plc
Shooting Star Children’s Hospices
Hampshire & Isle of Wight Air Ambulance
Camila Batmanghelidjh
Compassion UK
CWR / Waverley Abbey Trust
Woking and Sam Beare Hospices
Co-Mission Churches Trust
Richmond Parish Lands Charity
Hospital of the Blessed Trinity
Falkland Islands Trust
Croydon Almshouse Charity
The Poland Trust
East to West Trust
Himalayan Trust UK
The Richmond Charities
Arun Church
NatWest Bank plc
Work highlights
- Assisted educational trusts with gaining charitable status for independent schools.
- Advised founder and former CEO of Kids Company Camila Batmanghelidjh on her judicial review following the collapse of Kids Company.
- Assisted a London almshouse charity on their restructuring to become a Charitable Incorporated Organisation.
BDB Pitmans
BDB Pitmans advises grant-makers and funders, large operational charities, and start-ups across the arts, education, faith, and health sectors. Head of the team Penny Chapman supports trustees and governing bodies with commercial and fundraising contracts, constitutional and governance issues as well as fiduciary and regulatory duties. Sarah Williams guides clients through restructuring projects and contentious governance matters. All of the individuals that have been mentioned split their time between London and Reading.
Practice head(s):
Penny Chapman
Other key lawyers:
Sarah Williams
Key clients
Oxford AICU (Adult Intensive Care Unit) Foundation
South Oxfordshire Housing Association
Chipping Norton Literary Festival
The Oxford Group
The European Association of Jewish Studies
Christ Church Oxford
Blind Veterans UK
Reading Professionals’ Foundation
The Oxford Homeless Movement
Work highlights
- Assisted The Oxford Homeless Movement in establishing itself as a standalone registered charity when it separated out from the Oxford Community Foundation.
- Assisted in the establishment of a charity which supports the wellbeing and mental health of staff working in adult intensive care.
- Advised Blind Veterans UK in its expansion to assist those visually impaired by the war in the Ukraine.
Blake Morgan LLP
Blake Morgan LLP is often engaged in charity matters pertaining to the education sector and is well-equipped to advise clients with governance, grant making, joint ventures, and risk management. Ben Brice leads the team and is supported by Laura Sherratt, both of whom are noted for their expertise in commercial charity matters. Rachel Sales in Oxford is particularly adept in charity property and is supported by consultant Joss Saunders who is also based in Oxford. All of the individuals that have been mentioned are located in Reading, unless stated otherwise.
Practice head(s):
Ben Brice
Other key lawyers:
Laura Sherratt; Rachel Sales; Joss Saunders
Testimonials
‘Very responsive and prompt with willingness to fully understand our perspective and requirements.’
‘The team have a wide knowledge base and understand the sector well. We have always been able to access the correct level of support from across their team.’
‘This team was quick and efficient. I appreciated their mix of sector- and legal-expertise.’
‘Ben Brice replies to any queries with simple and straightforward clarity.’
‘Laura Sherratt handled our needs with professionalism, attentiveness and flexibility. We were delighted with the outcome.’
‘The team at Blake Morgan immediately understood our needs. I would definitely use and recommend them in future.’
‘BM made the process immeasurably easier and got exactly what we wanted done in a timely manner with exceptional professionalism.’
‘The individuals I worked with provided me with a tailored service which ensured that the trust’s needs were met in a rapid and authoritative manner.’
Key clients
Church Mission Society
CSW
Search for Common Ground
Pilgrims’ Friend Society
Linacre College, Oxford
International Society of Radiographers and Radiological Technologists
St Barnabas Society
Armenian General Benevolent Union London Trust
Tricolor Associates
Langley House Trust
The Guildhall Trust
Cranstoun
Women’s Prize Trust
Global Witness
UKNEST
Work highlights
- Advised Search for Common Ground on the options available for restructuring its group and international network of NGO organisations.
- Advised Women’s Prize Trust on the transfer of a trust fund.
- Advised Pilgrims’ Friend Society in connection with the acquisition of two care homes.
Blandy & Blandy LLP
Blandy & Blandy LLP’s broad client roster features educational institutions, grant giving and healthcare charities in addition to philanthropists and social enterprises. The team is also often engaged in constitutional issues, restructuring, trustee duties in addition to regulatory matters. Nick Burrows leads the team and advises clients on contractual negotiations with funders, while Jennifer Scott handles grant agreements and charity law compliance. All of the individuals that have been mentioned are located in Reading.
Practice head(s):
Nick Burrows
Other key lawyers:
Jennifer Scott
Testimonials
‘I value the personal touch from Blandy and Blandy alongside the breadth of expertise they offer.’
‘Their pragmatism and willingness mean they explore solutions that enable our clients to achieve their objectives.’
‘The Blandy and Blandy team take the time to understand our organisation and requirements. They are extremely knowledgeable about charities giving us confidence in managing complex situations.’
‘I have worked closely with this team on a couple of challenging matters over the last year. The quality of the work is high.’
‘Over the last 12 months we have had excellent support and advice from Nick Burrows and Jennifer Scott, their knowledge of our sector, diligence in responding to our enquiries and commitment to working with us has been clearly evident.’
‘I have worked with Nick Burrows on two cases in the last few months. He is an outstanding charity lawyer. He has vast experience of the law and of dealing with the Charity Commission, he gives sound and practical advice to his clients.’
Key clients
University of Oxford
University of Reading
Ben – Motor & Allied Trades Benevolent Fund
The Donnington Hospital Trust
Thames Valley Air Ambulance
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance
Royal Town Planning Institute
The Almshouse Assoication
CXK
Career Connect
Adviza
The Glass and Glazing Federation
Pangbourne College
Prior’s Court
Work highlights
- Assisted The Glass and Glazing Federation with the acquisition of the London headquarters at Newspaper House, 40 Rushworth Street, SE1.
Brachers
Led by Sarah Gaines and Christopher Eriksson-Lee, Brachers caters to compliance, contentious, governance, commerical as well as property and planning issues. Mary Rimmer works in conjunction with the firm’s corporate and commercial lawyers in order to help charities achieve CIO status. All of the individuals that have been mentioned are located in Maidstone.
Practice head(s):
Sarah Gaines; Christopher Eriksson-Lee
Other key lawyers:
Mary Rimmer; Katherine Morgan; Sophie Spellman; Simran Sanghera
Testimonials
‘Brachers are proactive in their dealings with us, they have good relationships at partner level.’
‘Sarah Gaines is more than willing to ‘get into the weeds’ with cases, highlighting the willingness and pride that she and Brachers take in their work.’
Key clients
William Barrows Charity
Charities Aid Foundation Bank
Blackthorn Trust
Kent County Agricultural Society
Brachers Charitable Trust
Tunstall Village Hall
The Sir Percival Griffiths’ Tea Planter Trust
Kent Farmers Benevolent Fund
CAF Bank Limited
The Brachers Charitable Trust
Work highlights
- Assisted Kent Farmers Benevolent Fund on a pro-bono basis.
- Acted for CAF Bank Limited on secured lending to charities and not for profit organisations.
- Advised The Sir Percival Griffiths’ Tea Planter Trust on trustees duties and associated actions necessary to wind up the charity and transfer assets to a new charity.
Debenhams Ottaway
Utilising support from the firm’s trusts and probate lawyers, Debenhams Ottaway often assists charities who have been labelled as beneficiaries in wills. Andrew Yates leads the team and advises many corporate charities on incorporations, mergers, acquisitions, and disposals. Jonathan Foy and Neil Mercer are noted for their expertise of the commercial property market. All of the individuals that have been mentioned are located in St Albans.
Practice head(s):
Andrew Yates
Other key lawyers:
Jonathan Foy; Neil Mercer; Andrew Spearman, Claire Sharp
Testimonials
‘Debenhams Ottaway have a strong team with a wide range of expertise, meaning they are well placed to assist on a range of routine and complex projects for a range of client types.’
‘They are responsive, diligent and make sure we are kept informed of progress.’
‘Every contact I have had with this firm has been dealt with promptly and efficiently by all team, from the initial taking of the calls and receptionists to the prompt response of someone in the team if the lead solicitors engaged elsewhere.’
‘Neil Mercer has been the solicitor who has taken responsibility for our charity and his advice, attitude and experience has been exceptional.’
‘I would thoroughly recommend Neil Mercer and wholeheartedly recommend him and his team as an example of solicitors at their best.’
‘Neil Mercer is diligent with the work he undertakes, always ensuring that their position is fully protected given their charitable status.’
‘Neil Mercer is very knowledgeable, has an excellent manner and explains things very well. He will always make time to discuss issues and ensures work is carried out to a high standard.’
Key clients
The Church Lands Trust
The St Albans Diocesan Board of Finance
Youth Talk
Graduates Unlocked
Crohn’s & Colitis UK
The Counselling Foundation
International Society for Krishan Consciousness
Abbeyfield
The Richard III Society
Hertfordshire and Middlesex Wildlife Trust
InspireAll Limited
Hubbard Will Trust
Meher Baba Association Limited
The Trustees of the SALTO Gymnastics Club
Work highlights
- Advised The Hubbard Trust on the legal aspects of being a charitable trust.
- Advised Youth Talk’s CEO on the charities constitution and trustee duties.
- Negotiated an assortment of leases on behalf of InspireAll, a leisure organisation and registered charity that provides community sport, recreational and arts services.
Gardner Leader LLP
With activity in matters pertaining to independent schools, Gardner Leader LLP assists both domestic and international charitable organisations. Alastair Goggins leads the team and routinely assists both individuals and charities on wills and trusts. Greg Humphreys handles commercial property issues, while Penny Wright advises client on compliance with the Charities Act. All of the individuals that have been mentioned are located in Newbury.
Practice head(s):
Alastair Goggins
Other key lawyers:
Greg Humphreys; Penny Wright
Testimonials
‘The team at Gardner Leader are prompt and the advice is always clear.’
‘We work with Greg Humphreys who has provided clear and helpful advice on which we have used to address problems and overcome obstacles.’
Work highlights
Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP
Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP advises education institutions, grant making charities, philanthropists and religious institutions with governance, powers and duties of trustees in addition to regulatory matters. With over three decades of experience, Daff Richardson leads the team and frequently assists clients with employment issues, including grievances and whistleblowing. Rachel Spruce is sought after by private clients for structural matters, including the formation of charitable trusts. All the individuals mentioned are located in Oxford.
Practice head(s):
Daff Richardson
Other key lawyers:
Rachel Spruce; Edmund Forey
Testimonials
‘They have a breadth and depth of charity expertise.’
‘What makes them standout is the hands-on attitude of the solicitors and their ability to explain legislation and legal discourse.’
‘Penningtons Manches have an exceptional understanding of our business which has been gained by actively engaging with us as a client. This has ensured a truly collaborative way of working.’
‘Excellent quality of legal advice. Pragmatic and succinct approach.’
‘Highly responsive, client-focused, and efficient. Excellent at delivering focussed solutions to fit the scale of the issues and appropriate budgets.’
‘Daff Richardson combines being the soul of discretion with giving clear, concise pragmatic advice.’
Key clients
Christ Church, Oxford
Haberdashers’ Aske’s Elstree Schools Limited
Pembroke College, Oxford
International Headache Society
National Oceanography Centre
Nuffield College, Oxford
Reeds Foundation
The Institute of Leadership and Management
Hearing Dogs for Deaf People
The Licensed Trade Charity
Marine Stewardship Council
The Merchant Seaman’s War Memorial Society
The Fire Fighters Charity
Green Templeton College, Oxford
The Institute for Fiscal Studies
Wellington College
Oratory Schools Association
Jesus College, Oxford
Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge
Lady Margaret Hall, Oxford
Work highlights
- Advised Christ Church College on a number of matters, including non-academic disciplinary procedures.
- Acted for The Oratory Schools Association on the disposal of a significant development site.
- Supported the in-house legal team at the National Oceanography Centre on a wide range of matters including advising on the terms of an international research collaboration.
Shoosmiths LLP
Often engaged in employment and real estate charity matters, Shoosmiths LLP advises trustees on governance and regulatory mandates. Angela Bowman co-leads the team from Thames Valley and is particularly proficient in contentious trust and probate matters. Also co-lead of the team, Robert Nieri splits his time between Manchester and Thames Valley and assists clients with gaining a range of approvals from the Charity Commission.
Practice head(s):
Angela Bowman; Robert Nieri
Other key lawyers:
Kevin McCavish; Suzanne Burrell; Alex Lloyd
Testimonials
‘Shoosmiths are a very good firm that have an “all rounder approach”. They are well known within the sector, are very approachable and are able to quickly get to grips with complex matters.’
‘Angela Bowman has worked on a number of complicated matters and always approaches each case professionally and seeks the best outcome for all parties. Angela is very approachable and is able to explain complicated things.’
‘Angela Bowman has been a towering figure in the charities and not-for-profit sector for a couple of decades now, acting for almost all the leading national charities in their contentious probate cases.’
‘Angela Bowman is the number one choice for may of the best known charities, for good reason: her dedication to their interests cannot be matched, and she has the experience and expertise to get the best out of every estate for her clients.’
Key clients
Cancer Research UK
Macmillan Cancer Support
Parkinson’s UK
National Trust
RSPB
Dogs Trust
Cats Protection
Blue Cross
The Donkey Sanctuary
The Cinnamon Trust
Headway
Dogs for Good
Nottingham Roman Catholic Diocesan Youth Service
The Patch Foundation
Work highlights
- Acting in an ongoing charity legacy dispute resolution on behalf of many of the household name UK charities.
- Provided advisory work for the trustees of a major charity’s pension scheme.
- Assisted in the establishment of The Patch Foundation, a charity group in one of the most deprived areas of the South East.
VWV
VWV advises charities on an array of safeguarding issues, and is a key port of call clients in the arts, educational and healthcare sectors facing trusteeship issues. Chris Knight co-leads the team from Watford, and his key strengths lie in mergers and strategic reviews. Also co-lead of the team, Con Alexander in Bristol advises a range of charities with governance matters.
Practice head(s):
Paul Voller; Chris Knight; Con Alexander
Other key lawyers:
Andrew Wherrett
Testimonials
‘Their partners have deep industry knowledge and are accessible easily, this means their advice is strategic and can meet the complexities of the current social climate.’
‘They have extensive experience and their advice is strategic. They are accessible on short notice and they take their time to understand the needs of our charity.’
‘I was very impressed with Paul Voller from the charities team who is extremely knowledgeable.’
‘I have mainly worked with Paul Voller who is knowledgeable and personable. He is able to provide detailed advice and put clients at their ease.’
Key clients
Nuffield Health
Institute of Cancer Research
Royal College of Surgeons
London Symphony Orchestra
Work highlights
Rix & Kay Solicitors LLP
Led by Richard Cripps who splits his time between Sevenoaks and Ashford, the multi-disciplinary team Rix & Kay Solicitors LLP handles commercial, employment, in addition to governance property issues. Alan Zeal in Uckfield has assisted an assortment of rugby football clubs in their transition to community interest companies.
Practice head(s):
Richard Cripps
Other key lawyers:
Alan Zeal
Testimonials
‘They are always very approachable and collaborate well with other partner organisations.’
Key clients
Conservation Without Borders
The Russell Martin Foundation
Air Ambulance Kent Surrey Sussex
Active Sussex
Brighton & Hove Philharmonic Society
Balls for Brains
Crawley Town Community Foundation
Wildlife Rescue and Ambulance Service (East Sussex WRAS)
Work highlights
- Advising Conservation Without Borders in connection with their Flight of the Ospreys expedition.
- Advised the Russell Martin Foundation on the development of its flagship Southwick Football Club ground.
- Advised The Brighton & Hove Philharmonic Society Limited on the implementation of new corporate structures.
Thomson Snell & Passmore
Nick Hobden leads Thomson Snell & Passmore from Thames Gateway and advises charity, education and not for profit clients with education, employment, and equality law mandates. Clare Morison handles charity incorporation and mergers, while Douglas Skilton is noted for his expertise in contentious matters.
Practice head(s):
Nick Hobden
Other key lawyers:
Clare Morison; Douglas Skilton; Penelope Edgar
Key clients
Avante Care & Support Ltd
Town & Country Housing Group
Rivermead Inclusive Trust incorporating Academy of Woodlands
Parallel Learning Trust
Skills for Life Trust
St Edmund’s School Canterbury
The Incorporated Rochester Diocesan Board of Education
The Governing Body of the Holy Trinity Church of England Primary School
Birtley House Limited
Kent Archaeological Society
St Mary’s Trust
Work highlights
- Acted for for The Incorporated Rochester Diocesan Board of Education and the Governing Body of the Holy Trinity Church of England Primary School. The team assisted in enforcement proceedings following a successful judgment to enforce security over the defendant’s property.
Trethowans LLP
Often entrusted by philanthropic individuals, Trethowans LLP helms a range of borrowing and lending, governance, land, and trustee matters. Kirsteen Hook co-leads the team and is knowledgeable of charitable body requirements. Sarah Humphrey is the other co-lead and is adept in charity property matters. All of the individuals that have been mentioned are located in Southampton.
Practice head(s):
Sarah Humphrey; Kirsteen Hook
Testimonials
‘The team is approachable and offer support when you need it.’
‘We were impressed with their track record and scale of operation but also by the quality and experience of the solicitors.’
‘Robust approach to the local authority who we were mainly dealing with on all these matters.’
‘When things became critical our solicitor was available whenever we needed support to get the matter resolved and this was very much valued.’
‘Sarah Wheadon and her team have a remarkable success rate in terms of convictions and subsequent ancillary orders, thereby helping to protect the welfare of the subject animals.’
‘Sarah Wheadon’s strengths are her attentiveness, sharp eye for detail, strong knowledge of criminal procedure and litigation and excellent communication skills.’
Key clients
RSPCA
The Army Museums Ogilby Trust
MyTime
Hawk Conservancy Trust
Alabare Christian Care and Support
The F. Glenister Woodger Trust CIO
Westbourne Community Trust
Work highlights
- Represented the RSPCA on a high-profile prosecution at Southampton Magistrates’ Court which resulted in a custodial sentence.
- Advised The Army Museums Ogilby Trust on a wide range of governance and other legal matters as well as a pivotal IT project.
- Advised the F. Glenister Woodger Trust CIO in relation to a development of a local medical centre.