Charities

Prominent practice which acts for all types of charities, including notable work for social care and heritage charities as well as schools and all types of religious organisations. Advises on the full range of issues faced by charities, including creation, fundraising, governance, mergers and restructuring. Also acts for charities on contentious legacy and regulatory matters, including trustee, registration and governance disputes. Further noted for its work assisting social enterprises with project structuring and financing matters.

One interviewee notes that the firm is "unsurpassed in terms of specialist expertise and excellence in client care."

Another interviewee remarks: "I find their service exceptional. I particularly value their capacity to listen to the issues we confront and the calm and deliberate way that they subsequently offer solutions."

A client explains: "We find their service to be outstanding - they are utterly reliable, have an extraordinary ear for our needs as a client and provide precisely and succinctly targeted advice. Whatever may be the legal equivalent of a doctor's bedside manner, the entire Stone King team have it in abundance and to perfection in our experience."

Assisted the Samuel Courtauld Trust with various matters, including tax issues surrounding the gift of an art collection from a US citizen and the subsequent cancellation of a tour of the collection in Japan.

Alexandra Steffensen is a senior associate who regularly advises charitable organisations involved in the faith, education and heritage sectors. She possesses significant expertise in relation to mergers and constitutional issues.
"She has been a pleasure to work with in a very collaborative way."

Ann Phillips is one of the most experienced and highly regarded practitioners in the charities sector. She has advised on countless significant matters, with recent work including assisting large-scale charities with their global operations and international relationships.
"Her expertise in the field is unrivalled."

Hannah Kubie advises charities and social enterprises on a variety of issues, including complex acquisitions and sales transactions, grant arrangements and social investments.
"I trust her entirely and she would always be my first port of call with any issue."

Julian Blake maintains a particularly strong reputation for his social enterprise expertise and his advice on innovative projects and partnerships in the sector. In addition to his proficiency in questions of charity finance, public service commissioning and multiparty agreements, he has significant experience in the establishment and governance of charities.
"He provides insightful, progressive and solution-focused advice." "Julian is renowned nationwide for his exceptional legal expertise and outstanding client care."

Reema Mathur possesses a strong reputation for her representation of a range of third-sector organisations. She centres her practice on the provision of advice to national and international charities on constitutional and operational matters, including mergers, asset transfers and trustee disputes.
"She really knows what she is talking about and understands the field very well." "She is an excellent lawyer who is very reliable and goes the extra mile."

Rosamund McCarthy is a leading practitioner with experience in a wide range of charity law issues. She has notable expertise advising clients on regulatory matters and inquiries as well as assisting with corporate structuring and governance issues.
"She is a brilliant lawyer who is highly personable and one of the leading experts on charity law. She brings a passion to the role and is committed to the ethos of the sector." "She is solution-focused, pragmatic and responsive."

Stephen Ravenscroft is a respected adviser to a range of charities, with a focus on those involved in education. His experience includes charity registrations, incorporations and governance matters, as well as complex financing and restructuring transactions.
"Stephen's manner and competence clearly underpin the first-rate attention we consistently receive. It is fundamentally reassuring to know that we are so well served with such a top-flight reserve of insight and knowledge." "He is efficient, supportive and provides relevant, clear and effective advice."

Tim Rutherford regularly advises religious institutions, heritage organisations and almshouses, along with other clients operating in the not-for-profit sector. His work covers a wide range of matters, such as mergers, governance advice and legacy issues.
"He has clarity of thought and is creative in finding ways forward. He makes himself available and responds to communications promptly." "He is exceptionally helpful and very knowledgeable in his field."

Tom Murdoch advises a range of social enterprise and charity clients, including learned societies, think tanks and professional membership bodies. His practice includes assisting with significant investments and intra-organisational disputes, as well as registrations and reorganisations.
"Tom Murdoch is an excellent solicitor - he is thorough and provides very good client care." "He is a technically sound and diligent lawyer."