The ’proactive’ and ‘knowledgeable’ team at Stone King LLP remains at the forefront of charity law. Led by faith charity expert Tim Rutherford, the group provides specialist advice on various issues, such as charitable status, crisis management, social enterprise and cross-border work, for a range of clients, including faith charities, almshouses and historic trusts . Christopher Jones has extensive experience in ecclesiastical property issues, routinely supporting CofE dioceses and parishes. Daniel Harris is an expert in cross-border and multi-jurisdictional matters, while Luke Watson offers advice on national and international contentious probate and legacy disputes. Alexandra Steffensen is also an expert in faith-based charities and Alexandra Weatherdon’s diverse caseload includes governance and constitutional issues.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Tim Rutherford is both an experienced and high-quality professional as well as a very kind, simple and approachable person. He delegates responsibilities to his associate solicitors but is informed of everything. He follows up on the processes. When he considers it appropriate, he gives advice himself. Tim's monitoring of the processes is a source of confidence and security for us.'
- 'Alice O'Mahony is an excellent teacher. She has been with us every step of the way, guiding and advising us. She prepares the documents and delivers them to us for review and pertinent changes. She knows our needs in advance and, when necessary, facilitates their quick management.'
‘Tim Rutherford has been a great support to our charity over many years. He is quick to respond and his advice is always clear and comprehensible.'
‘I have worked with Daniel Harris and Luke Watson and have found them very competent, conscientious and knowledgeable, and good at managing clients' expectations.’
‘I am very impressed with how pro-active Stone King are. We do not have to keep chasing them for updates. They always seem to be on top of the situation and are keen to move it forward for us.’
‘They are very, very approachable and understanding. I have worked mainly with Tim Rutherford. I value the depth of his knowledge, his courteousness and how he will take time to explain complicated legal issues in a way that I can understand. He is pro-active in moving things forward and can look at multiple issues at one time.’
Key clients
- Institute of Our Lady of Mercy
- The Oxford Union Society
- Congregation of La Retraite
- Durham Aged Mineworkers Homes Association
- The Almshouse of St John the Baptist and St John the Evangelist
- Duchesne Trust
- Positively UK
- Cyprus Combined Services Parachute Centre
- Family Action
- Temple Ecclesiastical Charity
Work highlights
Advising the Institute of Our Lady of Mercy on issues arising from the relocation and restructuring of the Hospice.
Conducting a full governance review for The Oxford Union Society and advising on its incorporation.
Advising the Congregation of La Retraite together with four further religious orders, on a multi-million endowment fund for the Centre for Catholic Studies at Durham University.
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.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Practice head
Tim Rutherford
Other key lawyers
Christopher Jones; Daniel Harris; Luke Watson; Alexandra Steffensen; Alexandra Weatherdon; Alice O'Mahony