Stone King LLP’s national practice is adept at handling Charity Commission investigations, and the ‘contactable and knowledgeable’ team is regularly appointed by the Charity Commission to act as interim manager, and continues to be a leading adviser to mature social enterprises. Jointly headed by Hannah Kubie and Rosamund McCarthy Etherington, the group is renowned for its work with education-related and faith charities, and for its ’realistic and pragmatic’ advice. Other notable clients include almshouses and organisations which are involved in electoral and campaigning work, and the practice also receives a steady flow of work relating to charity registrations, cross-border legacies, and complex trusts and projects. Julian Blake garners praise for his public benefit work, and Stephen Ravenscroft is a known name for his work on complex charity structures, while Ann Phillips and Reema Mathur are other eminent practitioners. Nicole Reed is also recommended and Melanie Carter joined the group from Bevan Brittan LLP in June 2024.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The Stone King partners and associates that I have dealt with are value driven and committed to getting the best outcomes. Those who I have worked with that really stand out include Julian Blake, Hannah Kubie and Nicole Reed.'
‘We have worked with Stone King for several years and have always been impressed by their pragmatic, responsive, and diligent approach. They truly understand the unique needs of charities and consistently provide clear, thoughtful advice that puts our best interests first.’
‘Rosamund McCarthy Etherington consistently delivers thoughtful technical advice that is complimented by her strong interpersonal skills. She is our go-to Governance Lawyer!'
‘Responsive and efficient, the SK team has a deep knowledge of our school, which leads to prompt and effective advice whenever needed.’
‘This practice's greatest strength is its attentiveness to details, clarity of understanding on the receipt of instructions and options it provides to clients in the event of uncertainty.’
‘The individuals engaged in this practice are polite, non-condescending, and non-judgmental of their client's level of understanding of key issues. They are patient as they take their time to explain key issues pertinent to the instructions given.’
Key clients
- Chartered Institute of Fundraising
- The Royal Society of Literature
- National Council for Voluntary Organisations
- Infrastructure Restoration Charitable Foundation
- British Institute of Learning Disabilities
- Guide Dogs for the Blind Association
- Worshipful Company of Haberdashers and its
- charities
- Centre for Public Impact Europe
- Girls’ Day School Trust
- The Bishop of Leicester
- Mermaids
Work highlights
Advised the Chartered Institute of Fundraising on the Independent Review it commissioned in relation to the handling over time of reports and complaints of sexual harassment.
Preparing a legal review for The Royal Society of Literature in connection with its high-profile governance review, following national media interest.
Advising the umbrella body for charities the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (that has 17,000 charity members) on a range of governance and regulatory matters.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Practice head
Hannah Kubie; Rosamund McCarthy Etherington
Other key lawyers
Julian Blake; Ann Phillips; Stephen Ravenscroft; Reema Mathur; Melanie Carter; Nicole Reed