Debenhams Ottaway supports regional and national charities through any regulatory and legal issues that may arise. In particular, the firm can leverage its probate expertise to assist charities in securing legacy donations, including where the estate has been contested. Andrew Yates, whilst heading the practice, advises charities on M&A, trustee duties and incorporations. Claire Sharp is central to the team, assisting in trust formation and restructuring. Neil Neil Mercer is another noted member of the team, with special expertise in commercial property advice for charities and not-for-profits in the religious and education sectors. Andrew Spearman is well-versed in the tax aspects of trust constitution and administration.
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Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Debenhams Ottaway have strong market knowledge and are able to deal with complex issues, often having to unpick long and complicated histories in doing so. This I attribute to the diligence of their team and the care they give their work.’
‘Neil Mercer is extremely diligent and clear in his advice to clients, even where having to explain complex issues.'
‘They have the expertise to be able to deal with a wide range of issues very competently. I have always found them to be friendly and helpful and sort issues out quickly.’
‘I have worked with a number of people over the past year who have all provided excellent service and are proactive in their approach.’
‘Neil Mercer has been thorough, clear, and quick to respond.’
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
Work highlights
Acting for The Hubbard Trust, an educational trust established by a Will, advising the trustees on a variety of data protection-related issues and undertaking a contract review exercise related to a proposed change to the supplier of the trust web hosting services.
Providing Youth Talk, an incorporated charity helping young people with mental health issues, pro-bono charitable and corporate advice to its CEO on its constitution, trustee duties and assistance on holding general meetings.
Negotiated on behalf of InspireAll, a leisure organisation and registered charity that provides community sport, recreational and arts services, regarding 25 leases following a successful bid to run leisure centres in both Hertsmere and Milton Keynes,
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; Jonathan Foy