Maitland Chambers

At Maitland Chambers, barristers take on a wide range of charity issues, representing trustees who have been disqualified by the Charity Commission in their appeals, in addition to appearing for trustees in internal disputes concerning constitutional issues or disagreements as to actions taken by certain trustees. Andrew Westwood KC is instructed by Naomi Campbell in her challenge against the Charity Commission’s September 2024 decision to disqualify her as a trustee, following a finding of improper use of funds by her charity, Fashion for Relief. Matthew Smith KC was able to secure a new trial for former Professional Footballers Association (PFA) finance director Darren Wilson, overturning a Charity Commission decision to disqualify him before the Upper Tribunal arising out of alleged conflicts of interest between his PFA position and his role as a trustee of Players Foundation. At the junior end, Ted Loveday assisted the Good Law Project in bringing complaints concerning the activities of the Institute of Economic Affairs and Global Warming Policy Foundation to the Charity Commission.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

'Impressed by the chambers' appetite for pro bono work.'
'The chambers has been able to offer us appropriate level barristers based on proportionality.'
'All round strong chambers for charities and trust matters.'

Lawyers

Leading Silks

KCs at the very top of their field, with a long-established record of market-defining cases, and widespread endorsement from clients and peers. All silks appointed in the last two rounds are listed further below.

Michael Gibbon KC

'Very experienced charities specialist, who brings to bear not only very strong technical legal expertise, but also a strong appreciation of the charities sector.'

Andrew Westwood KC

‘Andrew is a good trial advocate, thorough and pleasant to work with.’

2024 Silks

Matthew Smith KC

‘Matthew has extensive knowledge and experience across charity law issues, from core charity aspects through to the corporate and insolvency side and commercial arrangements. He is also thoroughly reliable, user-friendly and liked by clients. Yet to identify a weakness, save that there is only one of him. He is a genuine star.’

Leading Juniors

Leading juniors are those with significant experience of key cases, strong market recognition from both peers and clients, and are seen as future candidates for silk.