Chambers Review
Maitland Chambers' members include some of the most renowned barristers in the market, who are regularly involved in seminal cases. Tackling advisory work as well as disputes, the team acts for a variety of clients, including charities and their directors, religious organisations and local authorities. Barristers here are also regularly instructed by the Charity Commission. Matters undertaken include appeals against the regulator's decisions, ratings relief disputes and cases concerning charities' constitutional issues. In the recent past the set has been involved in leading matters such as Keeping Kids Company, a very high-profile disqualification case concerning the conduct of directors of a charitable company, in which the judge considered the duties of the directors (who were volunteers) at the interface between company law and charity law. Other cases of interest include the Supreme Court case of Rittson-Thomas v Oxford City Council,an important decision on the Schools Sites Act 1841, which is of ongoing significance in relation to a very large number of school sites and the local authorities responsible for them. One solicitor, when asked about their experience of working with Maitland's barristers, said: "It's been great; they're very easy to work with."
"The clerks are exceptional at responding to our queries and dealing with the court."
John Wiggs is the senior clerk.
Notable Practitioners
Andrew Westwood KC has long experience of representing charities in contentious cases and has regularly acted for the Attorney General and the Charity Commission. He handles charities work as part of a wider chancery practice, and is an expert on trusts and estates issues. His charities practice includes land and governance disputes, as well as constitutional and corporate advisory work. He frequently advises religious organisations and schools.
"Extremely impressive both in terms of the quality of his advice and his level of service. He provides advice that is accessible to the client and enables them to move forward in a constructive way."
Maxim Cardew has a strong commercial chancery litigation practice, and is frequently instructed by trustees and beneficiaries for charity disputes. He also has experience of acting for and against the Charity Commission.
"Maxim Cardew is a very strategic thinker, and his ability to steer a course through the issues and find tactical solutions is exceptional."
"Maxim has a brilliant mind and is making a real name for himself."
Matthew Smith is a celebrated junior who has appeared in several leading charity cases in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. He advises on all issues relating to charities including questions of trustee duties, land disputes and matters concerning charitable status and rates. He is also an expert on the law relating to charities and politics, and is held in high regard across the board by his peers and clients. Smith has particular experience of acting for schools and colleges.
"Matthew's just excellent. He is clear, to the point, responsive and an excellent written advocate, who's also quick on his feet."
"He has an encyclopaedic knowledge of charity."
Christopher McCall KC is a leading charity silk who has abundant experience of dealing with issues facing notable non-profit organisations. He is highly respected for his advice on trust and tax matters and is known for his considerable expertise in charity formation. McCall has appeared many a time in cases before the appellate courts, including the Supreme Court and House of Lords, and is particularly renowned for his work on constitutional issues.
"Christopher McCall KC shows excellent judgement and is able to navigate a clear route through complex issues."
Ranked Barristers at
Maitland Chambers
Silks (KC)
London (Bar)