Charities and third sector expert Kenneth Pinkerton leads the group at Brodies LLP. The team handles complex regulatory, commercial and corporate matters for well-known non-profit organisations, from family foundations to institutional charities and public bodies. Christine O’Neill KC is a specialist in public law and regulatory work; ‘pragmatic’ practitioner Lynne Marr assists with sensitive employment matters; and Martin Sloan is a go-to for instructions related to IP, IT, data protection, cyber issues, and commercial contracts in the charity and third sectors. Brenda Scott handles governance and commercial work, while Rhona Delaney’s practice encompasses legal structures, governance, mergers, and the dissolution of charities.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Very approachable and quick to react to requests for advice. Advice is always sensible and pragmatic.'
‘Lynne Marr - pragmatic, quick to respond, approachable. She has the ability to explain things clearly in layman's terms.’
‘Exceptional knowledge of charity law and governance.'
‘Kenneth Pinkerton, for his expertise, his ability to explain complex issues to people who are not lawyers, his sympathetic exposition of views which are not the easy way out, and the clarity of distinction between "must, should, could" which he brings.'
‘Excellent service and attention.'
'The team at Brodies have an exceptional knowledge of the Scottish charity landscape and experience in most of the legal questions and activities that a charity is likely to require their support with.'
'The whole team at Brodies are exceptional. They are proactive and responsive and take the time to listen and truly understand the matter at hand to offer practical and valuable advice.'
'Their calm approach to complex situations has been of particular value in managing various moving parts to arrive at a positive outcome.'
'Kenneth Pinkerton is our key contact and is an extremely patient, knowledgeable and pragmatic individual who has become almost an extension of our internal team as a trusted colleague.'
Key clients
- Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR)
- University of Edinburgh
- ENABLE Scotland
- Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA)
- Royal College of Surgeons
- Royal College of Physicians
- Edinburgh International Festival
- Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh
- Maggie's Centres
- St Andrews Links Trust
Work highlights
Acting as the sole legal adviser to the Scottish Charity Regulator on Petition to the Court of Session to appoint a judicial factor, as well as advising OSCR on the Judicial Factors (Scotland) Bill.
Acting for the University of Edinburgh in a large volume of issues including amendments to the constitution of the University's Development Trust, English law advice surrounding the terms of a legacy, policy matters including free speech and equalities, data protection advice, strategy on commercialisation and investment in student start-ups, as well as advising the University's Disciplinary Committees.
Providing comprehensive advice to Enable, including advice on immigration matters, Scotland's Redress Scheme, restructuring, pensions and employment advice, health and safety advice and general governance advice.
Lawyers
Leading partners
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Practice head
Kenneth Pinkerton
Other key lawyers
Christine O'Neill KC; Lynne Marr; Martin Sloan; Brenda Scott; Rhona Delaney