Primarily instructed by universities, religious organisations and care groups, the team at Shakespeare Martineau LLP advises on charity law, governance work and endowment issues. Lauded by clients as ‘knowledgeable and approachable’, practice head Catherine Rustomji’s areas of expertise span governance reviews, decision-making and property advice. Splitting her time between Leicester and Nottingham, Debra Burton specialises in contentious trusts and probates matters, while Fiona Miller frequently assists with a broad range of matters, including endowments, governance queries and drafting policy agreements.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘SM are a great firm, they are a professional practice that meet needs and are great to deal with.’
‘Catherine Rustomji is an excellent partner, knowledgeable, approachable and engages the Board really well. I find her communication style is always pitched at the right level, and she is always happy to ensure that the situation is properly understood. Catherine is a pleasure to work with, and feels like one of the team.’
‘Debra Burton - experienced, very good.’
'The charities team have an excellent knowledge of the sector and are able to define the intricacies in a helpful and pragmatic manner.'
'Responsive when we need advice or help quickly, but also patient when the day to day demands of our business mean that we are slow to give them what they need to proceed to the next step.'
'Experienced and professional.'
Key clients
- Launde Abbey
- Southwell & Nottingham Diocesan Board of Finance
- Coal Industry Society Welfare Organisation (CISWO)
- Northern Consortium
- Boccia England
- Nottingham Bid Company Limited
- The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Newark on Trent St Mary Magdalene with St Leonard
- Rene House CIC
- B&M Care Group Limited
- Young Enterprise
Work highlights
Advised a charity on governance and property matters.
Advised a sports charity on governance, commercial and employment matters.
Advised a Nottingham-based charity.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Catherine Rustomji
Other key lawyers
Debra Burton; Fiona Miller