Debenhams Ottaway’s multi-practice charities group advises a range of national and regional charities on governance, property, trusts, legacy management and regulatory matters, delivering an integrated service across commercial, employment and litigation issues. Practice head Andrew Yates advises charities on corporate and commercial mandates, including incorporations, M&A, disposals, as well as trustee duties, while Neil Mercer is particularly noted for his expertise in commercial property matters, with specialist knowledge of complex development agreements for landowning charity clients. Co-heading the firm’s trust practice, Claire Sharp advises on the formation of charitable trusts, structural changes, trustee appointments and Charity Commission schemes.
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Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘I have worked with Neil Mercer on a range of property matters, from simple tenancies to more complex option agreements. He handles all with the same care and attention. Neil is good at taking a practical approach to matters, also, which is often key in unlocking difficult deals.’
‘Showed a good understanding of what we thought was an unusual situation - they clearly had wide experience of differing situations that they were able to bring to bear, all of which gave us reassurance that their advice would be well-founded and practical.’
‘Andrew Yates listened well, was empathetic, didn't try and talk down to us and was clearly wanting to help us solve our problems.’
'Neil Mercer's patience has been exemplary, as also his clarity on what is required and consistency of message and resolution in sticking to it over years. His team has been good too, generally able to assist when Neil has been unavailable.'
Key clients
- The Church Lands Trust
- The St Albans Diocesan Board of Finance
- Youth Talk
- Crohn’s & Colitis UK
- The Counselling Foundation
- Abbeyfield
- InspireAll Limited
- Hubbard Will Trust
- Richard III Society
- Hertfordshire and Middlesex Wildlife Trust
Work highlights
Advised the Richard III Society on director appointments and assisted with changes to its rules and articles of association.
Advised The Hertfordshire & Middlesex Wildlife Trust on a compensation payment from the government’s HS2 railway project, assisting with the deed of receipt and working with HS2’s lawyers to achieve a proportionate solution for the charity’s non-standard property interest.
Continue to act for the Hubbard Will Trust, advising trustees on the scope of its endowment fund and scholarship opportunities.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
Andrew Yates
Other key lawyers
Neil Mercer, Andrew Spearman, Claire Sharp