Gordon Reid > Moore Barlow > Guildford, England > Lawyer Profile

Moore Barlow
THE ORIEL
SYDENHAM ROAD
GUILDFORD
GU1 3SR
England

Work Department

Commercial property.

Position

I lead the charities team. I work with charities and independent schools of all shapes and sizes, advising on all aspects of charity law and practice – initial formation and registration, day-to-day advice on constitutional and governance issues, mergers, dealing with charity property and dissolution. I regularly run training sessions for trustees and governors, helping them to better understand their role and responsibilities.

I seek to get to know my clients well, to understand their priorities and challenges. I serve as a trustee for a number of faith-based organisations and two of Guildford’s oldest charities, this hands-on experience enables me to give practical advice to clients.

Career

Trained Moore & Blatch; qualified 1987; property department, Southampton 1987-92; partner Reid MacPherson 1992-97; Barlow Robbins LLP 1997-2001; partner 2001 to date.

Languages

French, German.

Memberships

Law Society.

Education

Royal School, Dungannon; Southampton University (1984 2(1)); College of Law.

Leisure

Tennis, golf, food and wine, travel, local Church.

Lawyer Rankings

London > Public sector > Education: schools

Moore Barlow is noted for its ability to handle high-value strategic work, with its Guildford-based team offering independent schools and sector associations ‘outstanding and very perceptive advice in connection with school acquisitions and mergers, charity matters, strategic policy and statute reviews, and estate acquisitions and disposals. Under the leadership of Joanna Lada-Walicki, who advises on employment, pensions, and pastoral issues, the practice is also capable of handling a wide range of contentious and non-contentious mandates related to reputationally sensitive terminations of employment, safeguarding issues, and discrimination claims. Ben Collingwood is a further key contact in this space and has advised on complex matters related to students with special educational needs, while Adam McRae-Taylor is noted for providing advice to schools seeking to exit the Teachers’ Pension Scheme. For charity and strategic matters, Gordon Reid is highly recommended.

South East > Private client > Charities and not-for-profit

(Leading individuals)

Gordon ReidMoore 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.