Birketts LLP‘s dedicated charities and not-for-profit practice is accomplished across the range of work in the area, with particular prowess in advising Royal Charter charities, learned societies, and large membership charities. These have all been areas of recent growth for the team, as well as philanthropy for high-net-worth clients and corporates looking to set up charitable foundations. At the head of the department, ’outstanding charity lawyer’ Liz Brownsell has recently acted for well-known clients including Amnesty International and The UK Cyber Security Council. Her team includes Jennifer Marley, Louisa Saunders and Amy Austin.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The team is a well-valued part of the relationship. They provide the legal position and how we as a charity might practically implement what is needed.’
‘The team combines pragmatism with an unsurpassed level of technical expertise.’
‘Liz Brownsell is an outstanding charity lawyer who is very shrewd and has a phenomenal work-rate.'
‘I have been impressed by the depth of knowledge within the team (where we have been exploring questions of powers, purpose and future structure). We have particularly appreciated their ability to 'think outside of the box' and to make connections across different legal disciplines.’
‘We were impressed with the knowledge and responsiveness of Liz Brownsell in helping us look at questions on our governing documentation. Liz took care to not only understood our brief to her, but also the wider context we are operating in and our long-term plans.’
‘Extraordinary depth of knowledge, lightly worn and kindly given.’
Key clients
- Addenbrookes Charitable Trust
- Amnesty International
- Barnardo’s
- bp Helios Fund
- British Psychosocial Oncology Society
- Canonium Learning Trust
- Cats Protection
- Castel Froma Neuro Care
- Chartered Trading Standards Institute
- Church of England Central Services
- East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices
- East Anglian Air Ambulance
Work highlights
Advised Barnardo’s on changes to its membership structure to achieve its objective of improving engagement with stakeholders and beneficiaries.
Advising The Charterhouse on charity law, governance and a broad range of property matters.
Advised the Royal Entomological Society on an agreement with the Municipality of Vordingborg in respect of a supplementary breeding and release program for the Large Blue (a butterfly) as part of the “LIFE Orchids” project.
Lawyers
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
Liz Brownsell
Other key lawyers
Jennifer Marley; Louisa Saunders; Amy Austin