Class Actions
England & Wales
19 August 2025
Particularly renowned for its work in the education sector, Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP advises universities, national charities and social enterprises on governance, regulatory compliance and employment issues, offering tailored advice on matters ranging from trustee responsibilities to grant-making and legacy management. Daff Richardson and Virginia Henley co-lead the department; Richardson focuses on employment matters, frequently advising on restructures, redundancies and grievances, alongside trustee duties in conflict situations, while Henley handles a broad spectrum of regulatory and governance work such as charity registrations and incorporations. Chris Shelley is noted for supporting research institutes and universities with funding and IP licensing.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Penningtons' charities team has great skills and experience, led by the very able Virginia Henley.’
‘Virginia Henley has fantastic experience; she is very capable and instils great confidence in her clients.’
‘Virginia was incredibly approachable, explained things in basic terms and gave us the reassurance and guidance we needed.’
Key clients
- Churchill College, Cambridge
- Keble College, Oxford
- Christ Church, Oxford
- Pembroke College, Oxford
- Green Templeton College, Oxford
- New College, Oxford
- Magdalen College, Oxford
- Wellington College
- The Institute of Leadership and Management
- The Pirbright Institute
- The Institute for Fiscal Studies
- The Licensed Trade Charity
Work highlights
Working with the Charity Commission, as interim manager for Dalaid, we have advised on multiple aspects regarding the opening of a statutory enquiry because of potential misconduct or mismanagement in the administration of the charity.
Advising several Cambridge and Oxford colleges on employment matters raised by academic staff, alongside governance, charity law and reputation management advice.
Practice head
Daff Richardson; Virginia Henley
Other key lawyers
Chris Shelley