Department profile
Radcliffe Chambers

Charities

UK Bar Guide 2026 : London (Bar)


Radcliffe Chambers

Rankings

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Charities - London (Bar)

Band 1

Band 1


What the Team is Known For

Radcliffe Chambers is the pre-eminent set in the market and houses an impressive bench of standout practitioners. Its members routinely appear in the most significant charities matters and are regularly involved in cases that reach the Supreme Court, acting both for charities as well as for the Charity Commission and the Attorney General. Its wide client base includes multinational charities, clubs, housing associations, educational institutions and local authorities. Highlights include Jaffer v Jaffer, which concerned disputes related to a leading Islamic charity, and Attorney General v Zedra Fiduciary Services, a case looking at the validity of a charitable trust. The set has amongst its ranks a former Deputy Charity Commissioner, a former junior counsel to HM Attorney General in charity matters, and a former standing counsel to the Charity Commission. Radcliffe barristers demonstrate prowess in all manner of disputes, including those concerning trustee issues, ratings and legacies. One solicitor praises the set, saying Radcliffe Chambers is "top of its field in charity law."

John Clark is the head of clerking.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • The clerks are always very responsive and professional.

    Charities respondentUK Bar
  • The clerks always reply very quickly.

    Charities respondentUK Bar
  • I deal exclusively with John Clark. I can always get hold of him; if I want him he rings back promptly and is easy to talk to about fees.

    Charities respondentUK Bar
  • Radcliffe Chambers' clerks are second to none.

    Charities respondentUK Bar

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Star IndividualsRobert Pearce
    Star IndividualsRobert Pearce

    Robert Pearce

    Robert Pearce KC is widely regarded as a leading silk for charity disputes as well as advisory work. His recent work includes advising trustees, charities and religious orders on issues as varied as constitutional matters and gifts in wills. He regularly advises and acts for the Charity Commission on high-profile issues and is routinely instructed by the Attorney General. Solicitors consistently approach him for advice on particularly complex questions.

    • Robert has a brilliant mind and clearly knows everything there is to know about charity law. Importantly, he is also extremely good at dealing with clients and understanding what makes them tick.

      Charities respondentUK Bar
    • Robert Pearce is a first-class charities lawyer.

      Charities respondentUK Bar
    • He is excellent.

      Charities respondentUK Bar
  • Band 1Joshua Winfield
    Band 1Joshua Winfield

    Joshua Winfield

    Joshua Winfield is strongly focused on litigation but also conducts drafting and advisory work. He has particular experience advising religious charities. He regularly counsels on disputes over land and matters involving gifts in wills.

    • Joshua is cost-effective, efficient and quick. He is clear in his views, will take a view and doesn't equivocate. He took on board the nuances, and is very good at taking time to understand context.

      Charities respondentUK Bar
    • Joshua Winfield is incredibly user-friendly and responsive. He has an ability to get to the heart of the issue in a short timeframe and provides succinct and clear advice.

      Charities respondentUK Bar
    • Joshua Winfield is very good to deal with. He is always very responsive and turns things around quickly. He is very user-friendly, diligent and knows his law.

      Charities respondentUK Bar
    • Joshua is clearly knowledgeable.

      Charities respondentUK Bar
  • Band 2Josh Lewison
    Band 2Josh Lewison

    Josh Lewison

    Josh Lewison has an excellent reputation for handling charities disputes, especially those with a private client angle or insolvency aspects. He is strong on matters concerning trustee issues and is an expert on maladministration of charities, discrimination cases and conflict of interest claims. He is also noted for his deft handling of charity matters that require commercial law expertise. On the non-contentious side, he is well experienced in matters surrounding the formation of charities and has advised charities looking to establish themselves.

    • Josh Lewison is an excellent barrister.

      Charities respondentUK Bar
  • Band 2Matthew Mills
    Band 2Matthew Mills

    Matthew Mills

    Matthew Mills is a junior barrister who also teaches at Oxford University. He has a focus on charity law and particular experience of working with religious charities.

    • He is a great junior, accessible and makes the law as simple as can be. He is a very good barrister.

      Charities respondentUK Bar
    • Matthew Mills displays an outstanding level of legal understanding at the same time as being approachable.

      Charities respondentUK Bar
    • Matthew is really responsive and his advice is clear and practical.

      Charities respondentUK Bar
    • Matthew was incredibly knowledgeable and an excellent advocate.

      Charities respondentUK Bar
    • Matthew is brilliant. He is so engaging and so articulate.

      Charities respondentUK Bar
  • Band 3Thomas Dumont
    Band 3Thomas Dumont

    Thomas Dumont

    Thomas Dumont KC has a number of top charities as clients and is a sought-after litigator for disputes regarding trust analysis and tax exemption. He regularly handles inheritance disputes and represents national charities, educational institutions and executors.

    • Thomas Dumont is very approachable with a great sense of humour. He deals with things promptly. He has been robust in his defence of our standings.

      Charities respondentUK Bar

Ranked Barristers at Radcliffe Chambers (5)

London (Bar)

What success is built on

Chambers is the leading data and intelligence partner for the legal sector.

Explore thought leadership