Stone King LLP > Bath, England > Firm Profile

‘Stone King led us through the whole process in a professional and knowledgable way. All our questions and queries were dealt with and the solutions conveyed to us in an understandable way.’

‘The charity team are clearly specialists in their field and very approachable. ‘

‘Stone King demonstrated a good knowledge of charity law and Charity Commission practice and were able to provide practical, timely and effective advice.’

‘Tim Rutherford demonstrated the ability to think laterally to devise solutions. He has always responded in a timely manner.’

‘We find Tim Rutherford very good; he is very clear in his instructions and presents very well in face to face meetings and on Zoom.’

‘We were listened to very carefully and with respect. Options have been explained, with pros and cons, and we have been guided accordingly.’

‘I was very pleased with the way the team worked together as a unit, their expertise in our particular problem, and their communication with us.’

‘The particular partner I dealt with was a delight, highly competent, and a pleasure to work with.’

‘Incredibly responsive, practical, hard working and pragmatic. The team, led by Helen Tucker, is a pleasure to work with.’

‘Helen Tucker – a quietly unassuming leader who swiftly analyses complex situations and proposes and executes solutions effectively and cost effectively.’

‘Stone King support our trust with a team of education experts covering all areas of the business. They respond to queries in good time and can provide quick advice or in depth support as needed.’

‘The firm has an outstanding knowledge of the education sector and works closely with key sector representative bodies. The firm is regarded as part of the sector.’

‘An outstanding knowledge of the sector and highly regarded by boards and management in the sector.’

‘The team at Stone King is excellent – invariably helpful, with rapid, detailed and helpful responses to a fast-evolving policy landscape. The expertise of individuals can always be relied upon and their creative and informative support is greatly appreciated.’

‘We have appreciated particularly the relationship with Ciara Campfield and Michael Brotherton.’

‘Stone King have always been responsive and pragmatic in their approach and advice. Their expertise and experience in the education sector have been invaluable.’

‘This team has knowledge of the niche area of sexual offences and indecent images law and also the psychological needs of clients, moreso than I have come across before. They organise professional development conferences and make these accessible to the legal field and wider professionals, inviting guest speakers who are highly regarded in the field. This innovative practice and knowledge really stands out.’

‘Matthew Graham has led on innovation in terms of a psychological assessment pathway/contacts for his clients to consider, as well as promoting wider awareness of the risk reduction and support needs of people with indecent images offences including adults and young people.’

‘Myself and clients have found all staff across the business, to be welcoming, knowledgable and professional in their approach. There is no such thing as a silly question.’

‘I was cared for by Andrew Banks, particularly attentive and supportive. His service occurred right in the middle of Covid lockdown, but he made things work constructively and fruitfully. He accompanied me to interview most helpfully.’

‘The team are swift to respond and the breadth of experience and how they collaborate with the other teams at Stone King means that advice is always available for the non-standard queries. They have really got to know us well meaning that their advice comes with good understanding of our ways of working.’

‘Laura Berman is responsive, solution focused and takes time to talk through options – it’s a pleasure to work with her.’

‘Strong knowledge of the education sector, including; academy conversion process, documents and contacts; PFI arrangements for schools; legislation affecting the operation and responsibilities of schools; land arrangements, management of leases and licences and process for securing ESFA consent when needed.’

‘The legal team have worked together well to meet our needs in a timely way. There is good use of Teams meetings so as to have conversations with multiple people at once which is helpful. Our conference with counsel worked well this way.’

‘I have found the individuals I have worked with to have good understanding and empathy about our context which they bring to bear when discussing our case. This helps because staff who work in schools generally have very limited experience of working with the law in a complex way and sometimes struggle intellectually to focus on the legal issues rather than the wider people/children context.’

‘We have used this firm in relation to conversion of PFI schools into a Multi-Academy Trust, their knowledge and experience in this area has been extremely beneficial. The team working with us are always at the end of the phone or email to answer any question (big or small) that I may have. Communication is clear.’

‘I have worked closely with both Graham Burns and Nicola Andrews. They are extremely good at keeping me informed of what is happening with our individual cases and pushing them forward. They explain things in a way a person without a legal background can understand, their knowledge of PFI is exceptional.’

‘Specialist knowledge and expertise.’

‘Tom Murdoch has been particularly helpful in enabling us to steer through one delicate situation and one innovative situation. He is extremely approachable but also deeply knowledgeable.’

‘Proactive support provided. Keenness to really understand our business and ways of working to enable better support.’

‘Very helpful and responsive team, where the partner works hard to build up a depth of knowledge about clients, which hones the advice given. The advice is always high quality and relevant to the issue. The consistent and personal service is the element we really appreciate, which is supported by the specialists across the wider firm.’

‘Tom Murdoch is an exceptional partner to our charity, always very helpful and on point with his advice and constructive contributions to our discussions on knotty and complex matters. He is a joy to work with.’

‘Great knowledge, teamwork and support provided to the client.’

‘They have a young and dynamic litigation team, headed by Tony Pidgeon. Particular expertise in property and commercial disputes. Very efficient in setting up intra-firm teams in order to efficiently handle any substantial dispute.’

‘Tony Pidgeon – Personable and unflappable. Excellent lawyer, and commercially astute.’

‘A very clear well understood knowledge of us as a client.’

‘Always go the extra mile.’

‘There is a vast amount of specialist skills and these are drawn from the wider team as and when you need them.’

‘They are quick to respond and have provided excellent support.’

‘James Barratt is quick to respond, pragmatic and spot on.’

‘The team meet the needs of the individual in a flexible and understanding manner – always pragmatic and supportive of the need of the business.’

‘They are supportive and helpful at all times.’

‘Peter Woodhouse stands out for leading the team. He very quickly gets to grips with the issue at hand and provides direction and solutions very quickly. His knowledge in HR and transport is excellent.’

‘Excellent communication, incredibly professional service.’

‘Peter Woodhouse goes above and beyond in responding to queries and providing advice to achieve the outcome we were looking for. ‘

‘The whole team at Stone King were of immense support and assistance throughout a challenging legal process. I cannot thank them enough!’

‘All the support staff were very helpful and understanding in stressful times. Very clear understanding of the divorce law to keep the client on track in emotional times. Very difficult communications with the opposing team.’

‘They were understanding that this was a very difficult time and that they put the needs and emotions of us as a family very much at the forefront.’

‘Polite and helpful in dealing with clients. Prompt follow up on queries.’

‘I have found Caroline Fell excellent in all my dealings with her. She offers a sympathetic ear but remains considered in her advice and thorough in checking documents.’

‘Reliable, excellent advice. Really felt they were working with me and for me in my best interests with professional, yet caring advice.’

‘The quality if the work, preparation and client care is exceptionally high.’

‘At all times I felt informed, heard and in good hands – a completely different experience to other firms I initially reached out to. Stone King were knowledgable, efficient and compassionate. The team working on my case explained potential options and outcomes in a way a lay person could understand without being patronising. They were with me through every step of the process. Everything happened as they said it would, including the estimated cost.’

‘Given her impressive reputation, I was stunned to be able to reach Julie Moktadir by phone and brief her on the situation without having to wait weeks. Everything happened as Julie said it would. Julie was also a huge source of strength during what was a very stressful time: her expertise, determination, clear thinking and excellent communication was incredibly reassuring.’

‘The process went smoothly from start the finish. The team handled my visa application from start to finish – I felt as if I only had to show up and get my photo taken!’

‘I worked primarily with Emily Ball and Julie Moktadir – both incredibly efficient and very helpful in guiding me through the process.’

‘As a charity, our needs are slightly different from commercial businesses. Stone King had not only the immigration expertise but also understood our needs and restrictions as a charity and were therefore able to offer us advise that was tailored to our needs as an organisation rather than just giving generic advice applicable to the average business.’

‘Julie Moktadir was absolutely fantastic in advising us on our options. She clearly has a lot of experience and was able to break down complicated legal concepts into straight forward, easy to understand explanations and offer the appropriate advice. Pleasure to work with, couldn’t do enough to help us. We wouldn’t hesitate to use her again.’

‘From the beginning, the team made sure they understood what our needs were and clearly explained what we need to minimize the risk of errors or unnecessary work due to miscommunication. Even though it was a relatively small case, the response time was good and the deliverable was high quality.’

‘The partner took time to explain the whole process and set our expectations. We felt assured that they understood our needs and know what they can and cannnot help. The associate we worked with had remarkable attention to detail and she thoroughly reviewing & checking the required documents.’

‘Personal service with a dedicated link person. The training sessions, both on-line and virtual, are useful and ensure we are kept up-to-date with the latest guidance. We know that if ask for support, someone will contact us within 24 hours. The professional partnerships that Stone King have in place with other organisations ensure we have the highest level of support.’

‘Availability and speed of response. Knowledge of the school and the independent school sector.’

‘Willingness to offer practical advice when areas are grey or unclear.’

‘Relationship management is excellent. Thoroughness.’

‘Keen to respond quickly and thoroughly. We have a great relationship.’

‘The team has provided a great service; bringing discernment and wisdom which have assisted the wider remit of legal advice. The lawyers have provided prompt responses to enquiries and helpful assistance and guidance, and sought to cascade knowledge and good practice as part of the shared provision and aim of deepening learning and understanding’.

‘Lee Coley has continued to provide a great service, supported by a responsive and helpful team, and has made a positive contribution to the life of our work’.

‘In my view Stone King is renowned across the whole charity and social enterprise sector including all phases of education from pre-school to colleges and universities for the high quality of its people, national support through teams in London and the regions, excellence in client care and full range of outstanding specialist solicitors to support clients’.

‘Julian Blake is one of the top charity and social enterprise solicitors in Britain today, renowned for his first-class legal brain, deep personal commitment to the sector and outstanding care for clients’.

‘I believe Julian Blake is an outstanding public benefit lawyer. He has effectively encouraged flexibility in how the procurement regulations are interpreted and pioneered the use of the innovation partnership procedure for social purposes and the development of social value imperatives Other partners such as Hannah Kubbie complement Julian’s skills’.

‘Knowledgeable and courteous. Always willing to tackle a thorny issue with great poise. They are very candid and honest and don’t tell us what we want to hear (rather what we need to hear) to protect our Charity’s legal risk. Hannah Kubie is exceptional’.

‘All of the partners at Stone King are personable and expert in their field. Of particular note is Reema Mathur who has provided expert advice on setting up a charity from scratch and continued to advise on ongoing matters as our income is now into seven-figures.’

‘Advice always provided promptly, well presented, concise and easy to follow. Good team working, so if you are referred to another team member on a particular matter, because it is their field of expertise, they are fully apprised of the issue in hand and your organisation when you speak to them’.

‘Their knowledge and understanding of the sector is exceptional. In addition, they really take the time to get to know the organisation and the individuals within it.’

‘Professional yet approachable and always willing to go the extra mile.’

‘The team respond promptly and with a deep level of expertise in our sector. They have got to know us as an organisation and understand our aspirations and challenges.’

‘The knowledge, teamwork, support and communication provided to the client stands out.’

‘Very personal approach and makes my organisation feel that we have our own legal department.’

‘Jamie Otter and Polly O’Malley have been exceptional with our trust.’

‘I have always found the team to be helpful, caring and knowledgeable. I never have hesitation in recommending them to people that need advice.’

‘Alison Allen is a consummate professional and very knowledgeable. She is excellent with clients with a gentle and caring manner.’

‘Kathryn Layzell is also excellent with clients and maintains the careful caring approach of the team as a whole.’

‘Very empathetic and experienced in dealing with trust and tax matters.’

‘Andrew Mortimer is very empathetic and experienced in dealing with trust and tax matters.’

‘Very comprehensive all-round professional coverage, combined with approachable and knowledgeable staff.’

‘Joanne Burton was excellent in her considered advice, balancing wider strategy against specific points. She was vital in getting a complex legal situation resolved.’

‘Hugh Pearce is extremely helpful and supportive, looking for the best value for the client. The support from partners in other departments is offered on a timely basis to provide support when required.’

‘Over our years of engagement with the team, from inception to completion of required legal assistance on individual projects, my experience of the team has been very positive: precise, insightful and competent in often very complex cases, dealing not only with presenting issues but also with implications in broader contexts.’

‘Team members that we have worked with have been thorough with an eye not only to completion but even to perfection. At each stage of legal processes, it is reassuring to know that we are in competent, well-trained and experienced hands. Hugh Pearce has been particularly valued in this respect.’

‘All staff/partners that we deal with are accessible and responsive. They are all team players who interact well with clients and their other advisors – there is no game playing/ point scoring that you sometimes experience.’

‘Stone King seem to be able to deal with all different types of issues that we throw their way without any problem.’

‘Very professional and provide sound advice which we have full confidence in. Always quick to acknowledge and come back whenever.’

‘A deep understanding of the issues facing tech start-ups, both legal and practical. Expertise in IP as well as contracts. Flexibility in approach and sensitivity to cost. Great network, putting us in touch with experts in other domains such as company valuations and tax credits.’

‘Greatly valued Tamsin Eastwood’s support in our contract negotiations, in particular her availability, flexibility of approach and sensitivity to the financial pressures facing a start-up.’

‘We have received good responsive service and, most importantly, Stone King demonstrates an understanding of the need to balance normal lawyering with the particular requirements of social impact investing.’

‘Tamsin Eastwood was very responsive and great at explaining legal concepts to non-lawyers. There were a number of complexities in the transaction that needed to be thought through and she very deftly guided us through those. Tamsin is extremely knowledgeable and this, combined with her experience, meant she was able to smooth the transaction process by building a good working relationship with counsel on the other side and quickly conceding points when appropriate.’

‘Prompt, commercial advice always provided. Always very approachable.’

‘Extremely helpful team, very knowledgable and have been incrediably supportive with the various employment law challenges that we have faced.’

‘I have worked closely with Julianna Barker in the Cambridge office and she provided excellent support in a couple of recent employment cases.’

‘Dynamic and responsive team with a very loyal and established local following of charities, business and high net-worth individuals.’

‘Able to adapt to client needs by setting up teams able to manage small property disputes (such as boundary or easement litigation) up to large scale litigation including covenants affecting significant developments.’

‘Tony Pidgeon – An excellent lawyer. Efficient and astute. Very friendly and personable with it.’

‘The team respond promptly and with a deep level of expertise.’

‘Polly O’Malley is our key contact and she really takes time to develop our partnership. We feel we are treated as individuals.’

‘The team provides a wide range technical support that is aimed at supporting us in delivering strategic objectives and operational priorities.’

‘The team really understands us and will always go the extra mile to ensure we receive the required technical advice to the highest standard and within the prescribed timescales and delivering a value for money service.’

‘We find their approach refreshingly open and direct and it is always very clear and concise.’