Shakespeare Martineau LLP, based in Sheffield, fields an ‘exceptional charity law practice’ with a rapidly growing client roster. The group is active for clients in the healthcare, heritage, and education sectors, handling a range of work. Catherine Rustomji leads the team, drawing on over 25 years’ experience acting for charities, not-for-profit organisations, charity trustees, and other groups and individuals active in the practice area. Also key are commercial specialist Carys Thompson and IP expert Kerry Russell.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘SHMA has an exceptional charity law practice with approachable, friendly professionals.’
‘Catherine Rustomji in particular has an unparalleled knowledge of the charity sector and is exceptional in setting up new charitable organisations or helping with governance, all delivered with real understanding and empathy. She is very approachable and practical.’
‘The team consists of many very experienced individuals. Hence, you are not just handled by one of the team, but by the right expert.’
‘Individuals at SHMA keep you informed and are clear on next steps.’
Key clients
- Leeds Jewish Welfare Board
- North Yorkshire Hospice Care
- Yorkshire Adoption Agency
- Rotherham Hospice Trust
- Tees Valley Community Foundation
- Disabled Living
- Yorkshire Baptist Association
- York Archaeological Trust
- Holbeck Together
- Teesside Hospice
- Kirkwood Hospice
- Disability Positive
- Bone Cancer Research Trust
- Amanda and Martin Port Foundation
- Association for Information Technology Trust (AITT)
- Society of Dyers and Colourists
- The Miscarriage Association
- North West Cancer Research
- United St Saviour’s Charity
- Young Enterprise
Work highlights
Advising York Archaeological Trust on all charity governance and constitutional queries and have also been instructed as employment/HR advisers, and commercial and IP.
Acting as legal advisers to the Society of Dyers and Colourists, advising on commercial and IP matters, as well as governance and compliance.
Acting as legal advisers to North Yorkshire Hospice Care on charity governance, registration, legal structures and mergers
Practice head
Catherine Rustomji
Other key lawyers
Carys Thompson; Kerry Russell