A broad spectrum of third sector clients, ranging from from local and national cause charities, to education institutions (including several Oxford and Cambridge colleges), look to Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP for advice on governance, trustees, fundraising, and dealings with the Charity Commission. After joining from HCR Hewitsons in September 2024, Virginia Henley co-leads the department with ‘outstanding lawyer and tactician’ Hilary Aldred, who has a particularly strong knowledge of the education sector. In IP matters for charity clients, Rachel Bradley is the name to note, and Sophie Whitbread and Saffa Mir are further key contacts.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Hillary Aldred is an outstanding lawyer and tactician, who knows the law back to front, and has an impressive client following. The team has a particular strength in education and university work in general. They are very well organised, across the detail of their cases, and leave no stone unturned.’
‘Virginia Henley dealt with the establishment of our charity where there were complicated issues. She understood these complexities and was conversant with the university dimension. She also showed a strong understanding of the needs or the Charity Commissioners and guided us skilfully though the process. I have no hesitation in recommending her.’
‘Sophie Whitbread has excellent client care and is a great teamworker.’
‘Penningtons' charities team has comprehensive skills and experience and is led by the very able Virginia Henley.’
‘Virginia Henley is very experienced and instils great confidence in her clients.’
‘Penningtons Manches Cooper is a highly professional and knowledgeable law firm that inspires trust and confidence.’
Key clients
- Parkinson’s UK
- International Headache Society
- Vivifi Biotech
- St Anne’s Oxford
- New College, Oxford
- St Hilda’s College, Oxford
- Murray Edwards, University of Cambridge
- Christ Church, University of Oxford
- Buglife - The Invertebrate Conservation Trust
- The Roger & Jean Jefcoate Trust
- Soham United Charities
- Churchill College, Cambridge
Work highlights
Provided governance training to many of the Cambridge Colleges to support them in the particular challenges of being historic, educational charities with boards of trustees which mainly comprise their fellows and staff.
Advised Soham United Charities (7-8 separate entities) on incorporation into one single CIO.
Provided support to Prostate Cancer UK on the terms and conditions of a clinical trial and funding agreement, to conduct clinical trials to help to deliver novel prostate cancer screening strategies.
Lawyers
Leading partners
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Practice head
Virginia Henley; Hilary Aldred
Other key lawyers
Rachel Bradley; Sophie Whitbread; Saffa Mir