Our team is recognised by legal and charity commentators as one of the leading practices in the country working with and supporting the third sector. It comprises a core group of specialist charity lawyers supported by lawyers in other disciplines who are also experienced in the charity field. In this way we offer a full service to our third sector clients including property, employment, IP, commercial and dispute resolution advice as well as advice on issues specific to charities.

We understand that the third sector operates in unique circumstances with specific pressures from its regulatory framework. However, despite being not-for-profit, third sector clients are still operating in a commercial environment and need realistic, practical advisers. We specialise in commercially-aware advice both now and for the future, which is why we work closely with clients’ other advisers, such as accountants, and maintain close relationships with the Charity Commission and the Registrar of Companies, as well as other regulators.

EDUCATION

We have particular expertise in the educational sector. We have acted for a wide range of schools, higher education colleges and universities, advising them upon educational issues including corporate governance and regulatory matters. We have increasingly worked on the commercial issues affecting educational establishments and the wider implications of regulatory and legal issues such as health and safety regulations and discrimination.

We have worked with educational establishments upon their joint venture and partnering arrangements and also had specific experience in funded research projects and commercialisation.

From conception onwards we are able to advise the third sector upon

• Constitutional matters
• Trustee concerns
• Finance and funding
• Legacy administration
• Legacy disputes
• Relationships with third parties
• Asset management
• Internal management

For further information, please contact Rachel McCullough.