Stone King LLP fields a team renowned for representing a prestigious array of charities in regulatory and contentious legacy affairs, with particular expertise extending to faith charities and Almshouses in addition to third sector clients active in education. Tim Rutherford is regularly sought after by Roman Catholic religious orders and Diocese clients, while Alexandra Steffensen also acts for faith charities alongside corporate foundations, independent schools and museums. Governance and constitutional matters form part of Alexandra Weatherdon‘s advisory portfolio.

With a diverse charity portfolio, VWV is active across a broad range of sectors with a specific focus on third sector clients operating in healthcare, arts and education. The firm also assists public sector bodies and universities on their charity law needs, and fields expertise in matters such as governance, regulatory compliance, constructions, and fundraising. Con Alexander helms the Bristol-based practice and counts transactions, restructuring and tax matters amongst his area of expertise. Faith organisations regularly turn to Laura Chesham, while Rachel Tonkin was promoted to partner in July 2023 and is particularly active advising charitable universities.

Noted as housing a ‘superb team’ which is involved in ‘some of the most high-profile cases’, Wilsons excels in dispute work within the charity sector. The firm counts a number of the largest national charities amongst its portfolio, whom it advises in contentious trust and probate matters as well as in trustee dispute cases. Charlotte Watts, who is hailed as an ‘excellent lawyer and a very tough litigator’, leads the Salisbury-based practice. Peter Jeffreys is another key name to note within the team who specialises in charity legacy issues, as is ‘standout litigator’ James Aspden.

Foot Anstey‘s practice provides support to charities in relation to property, contentious trust and probates, as well as employment and immigration. ‘Innovative and enthusiastic partner and team leader’ Lucy Gill heads up the practice and also leads the firm’s legacies team. Commercial matters for the third sector are handled by Alexandra Hammond, while Andrew Mackie focuses on charity law and governance. Emma Facey is another key member dealing with legacies, where she is often called upon to support clients in will and trust disputes.

Situated within the firm’s disputed wills and trusts team, Ashfords LLP‘s practice covers charity litigation and legacy disputes as well as non-contentious matters such as governance, compliance and real estate. Head of private wealth Michael Alden jointly helms the charities team together with two other key partners: Kerry Morgan-Gould, who also leads the firm’s contentious charities group, as well as head of disputed wills and trusts Robert Horsey. Disputes within the third sector are also a core part of Barny Croft‘s advisory portfolio.

Charles Russell Speechlys LLP's South West offering works in collaboration with the firm’s national offices to advise charity and not-for-profit clients on the full gamut of matters including governance, real estate, and employment. A trio of practitioners leads the team form Cheltenham: Christopher Page advises third sector clients on family, estate, and succession planning, Julia Cox specialises in personal tax and trust, and Ian Brothwood also heads the firm’s strategic land team. Penelope Byatt is noted for her expertise in constitutional and governance matters alongside handling incorporations and mergers for charities.

Praised for its provision of ‘excellent practical advice on a complex area of law’, DAC Beachcroft LLP is a popular choice for charities acting in the health and social care and education sectors as well as those in need of public law support. Aside from its pure charity law expertise, the practice also offers clients advice on areas such as competition, corporate transactions, and data protection. Practice head Emma-Jane Dalley fields a diverse advisory portfolio that includes tax, governance, and fundraising matters.

With particular expertise in matters spanning Cornwall, Exeter and Bristol, Michelmores LLP handles a broad range of work for national charities including legacy disputes, charity creation issues, regulatory work and commercial matters. Edward Porter leads the practice’s non-contentious work, and Tony Cockayne is the key contact for contentious work.

Tozers Solicitors LLP fields a vibrant charity practice that is popular with both regional and national charities who turn to the firm for assistance with a vast range of issues including those relating to charity law, dispute resolution, contested probate, and property. James Evans helms the group and has longstanding experience in this sector; he advises on matters such as constitutional issues, transactions and mergers, and funding. Charity governance constitutes a particular area of expertise for Amy Laver. Commercial litigator Martin Laver and property-related specialist Vernon Clarke are further key contacts in the practice.

Burges Salmon LLP fields a practice experienced in pure charity law as well as in advising third sector clients on employment, tax, and corporate matters. Catherine De Maid leads the team and is well-versed across estate planning, trust and international tax-related matters, acting for charitable organisations and family foundations, amongst others. The group is also noted for its extensive expertise at the cross-section with property, where Ross Simpson is the lead partner.

Stephens Scown LLP remains a popular outfit for charities active across a number of sectors including housing, education, and healthcare. Led by Laurie Trounce, the team’s advisory portfolio extends to merger and restructuring projects, fundraising, and governance issues. Olivia Miller is another key member in the team acting on matters pertaining to trustee disputes, governance, and charity law compliance.

Led jointly by Matthew Clayton and Alasdair Garbutt from Cheltenham, Willans LLP leverages its expertise across practice areas, including commercial property and litigation, to advise charities and not-for-profits on a variety of day-to-day needs, while also providing pure charity law advice pertaining to constitutional, regulatory, and governance matters. Nigel Whittaker is a key contact who brings experience in real estate to the team, while commercial property is an area of focus for Charlotte Cowdell.