Department profile
Charities
UK Guide 2026 : UK-wide
Rankings
Ranked Individuals
Ranked Individuals
Chambers Review
Provided by Chambers
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
Farrer & Co have a wide range of specialists that they can draw on when advice on specific topics is required. We are extremely happy with the services that Farrer & Co provide.
Charities respondentUKFarrer has brought a wealth of experience and expertise, it always felt like they were a team rolling their sleeves up and were able to use their expertise to problem solve.
Charities respondentUKThey are personable, approachable and the advice feels reassuring. They're able to understand the intersecting parts of challenges and break down the different legal parts in helpful ways.
Charities respondentUKIt has a detailed understanding of our constitutional documents, fantastic understanding of the Charity Commission's approach and provides considered and pragmatic views on how to navigate changes.
Charities respondentUKFarrer & Co are always incredibly responsive and able to work to very tight deadlines when necessary, sometimes at very short notice.
Charities respondentUK
Notable Practitioners
Provided by Chambers
Band 1 
Band 1 Julian Smith
Julian Smith is a renowned market figure who is well known for his expertise in charity finance and governance matters. He regularly advises religious, educational and cultural charities on mergers, reorganisations and tax structures, as well as regulatory issues. We receive excellent support from Julian on all matters. We consult with Julian on a very wide range of matters and quality advice is always delivered in response to our needs.
Charities respondentUKJulian is calm, professional, deeply expert and able to articulate complex issues to help aid understanding and cut through to the issues and help stakeholders to buy in.
Charities respondentUK
Band 1 
Band 1 Sam Macdonald
Sam Macdonald is a highly experienced adviser to a notable list of charities, including prominent education bodies. His practice includes corporate restructuring and charity establishment, while he also advises on governance frameworks, commercial partnerships and grant-making activities. Sam Macdonald is a legend of charity law.
Charities respondentUKSam is a strong leader and expert in his field
Charities respondentUKSam is very commercially aware and provides pragmatic advice on complex and detailed matters.
Charities respondentUK
Band 2 
Band 2 Elizabeth Jones
Elizabeth Jones assists with matters including charity governance, restructuring and fundraising, as well as broader commercial and contractual issues. She has particular expertise in advising charities involved in education and research. Lizzie is an exemplary partner who provides an expert level of support and advice to the charity.
Charities respondentUKLizzie is an excellent lawyer and provides us with a first class service at all times. It is an absolute pleasure working with her.
Charities respondentUKLizzie is a very talented lawyer and great to have on your side.
Charities respondentUKA naturally elegant leader of Farrer & Co's Charities practice, with a brilliant legal mind and an excellent client manner.
Charities respondentUK
Band 3 
Band 3 James Maloney
James Maloney advises a range of third-sector organisations, including grant-making charities, social investment funds and trusts, among others. His expertise covers governance and policy issues, as well as the establishment of charitable foundations, funds and initiatives. James Maloney is really methodical, incredibly calm and very responsive. You feel you are in very good hands, technically and practically.
Charities respondentUKWe really enjoyed working with James, he brings a solid understanding of the work and issues, a keen interest in the shifts and changes in the charity sector. He is very personable and approachable.
Charities respondentUKWe are very happy with James.
Charities respondentUK
Up and Coming 
Up and Coming Laetitia Ransley
Laetitia Ransley is a senior associate in the Farrer & Co charity and community team. Her work includes assisting national charities and philanthropists with governance, financing and operational matters. Laetitia is professional, responsive, deeply expert and provided an excellent, safe collaboration and partnership approach which hugely helped move the project on and keep us moving forwards.
Charities respondentUKLettie is excellent and a pleasure to work with.
Charities respondentUKLaetitia is a very good lawyer, strategic thinker, personable with keen interest in understanding our needs.
Charities respondentUKShe has all the qualities to be an outstanding partner: great technical skills and knowledge, the ability to look at the big picture, people skills and a commitment to her clients and their success.
Charities respondentUK
Ranked Individuals at Farrer & Co LLP (5)
UK-wide
Julian Smith
Charities
View profile Sam Macdonald
Charities
View profile Elizabeth Jones
Charities
View profile James Maloney
Charities
View profile Laetitia Ransley
Charities
View profile
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