About

Provided by VWV

Charities tell us that they want a law firm that provides pragmatic and commercially focused legal support for their trustees and senior management teams to help them deliver the best outcomes for their beneficiaries.

Our experienced team of charity lawyers is always on hand to provide practical solutions to problems and to give the confidence to react positively to opportunities.

We have a large team of sector specialist lawyers carrying out a wide range of work for a diverse range of clients, much of which is complex and sensitive. Our charities team is one of the largest outside London, although our clients are based throughout the UK and overseas. Within the wider charity sector, we specialise in advising charities involved with faith healthcare, the arts and education. We also specialise in advising public sector bodies such as local authorities on charity law and charity trusteeship.

We are trusted legal advisers to a great many charity trustees and senior managers, who rely on our charity law expertise and our 24/7 support. Every client relationship is managed by a partner who commits to knowing your charity's unique culture and is supported by a team of specialist charity lawyers who all have a genuine passion for charities and what they do.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers
Charities - UK-wide
3
Band 3
What the Team is Known For

VWV advises regional and national clients on all issues related to charities and their operations, including governance, procurement, state aid, collaborations and compliance. The team additionally offers commercial support on real estate, employment, data protection and transactional projects. The firm is best known for its independent school and university clientele, but also advises healthcare organisations as well as faith-based charities and environmental organisations.

Work Highlights

Provided by VWV
  • VWV represented Islamic Centre of England in a statutory inquiry launched by the Charity Commission.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers
1
Con Alexander
Head of Charities
1
Band 1

Con Alexander is a renowned adviser to clients from a number of areas, including universities and schools, conservation charities and grant-giving organisations. He frequently assists clients with complex governance structures, transactional matters, trustee issues and funding arrangements. Alexander also possesses extensive experience interacting with regulatory bodies.

"Con is highly experienced and knowledgeable. A highly trusted advisor."

"Con Alexander provides outstanding, commercially aware and incisive advice and solutions."

3
Shivaji Shiva
3
Band 3

Shivaji Shiva frequently advises a wide array of charities on issues such as charity governance and commercial matters, as well as interactions with the Charity Commission. He has particular expertise handling matters on behalf of faith-based charities.

"Shivaji has excellent knowledge and provides very balanced advice."

U
Laura Chesham
U
Up and Coming

Laura Chesham is an up-and-coming partner who is regularly called upon to advise charities on restructuring, merger and grant related matters.

"Laura is very good at communicating and provides good quality advice."

U
Leila Goodarzi
U
Up and Coming

Bristol-based Leila Goodarzi is a partner in the VWV legacy protection team. She is skilled in advising high profile clients on a variety of legacy dispute issues.

"Leila has been hugely helpful at all times."

"Leila has an excellent ability to explain complex processes and legalities to lay individuals without losing any details. She is exactly the sort of lawyer you want on your side in any situation."

Ranked Lawyers at
VWV

Provided by Chambers
Filter by
Band

UK-wide

Charities

1
Con Alexander
Head of Charities
1
Band 1
3
Shivaji Shiva
3
Band 3
U
Laura Chesham
U
Up and Coming
Charities: Legacy Disputes

U
Leila Goodarzi
U
Up and Coming

Members

Provided by VWV

Andrew Wherrett

Chloe Brunton

Con Alexander

Head of Department

Emma-Jane Dalley

Laura Chesham

Paul Voller

Rachel Tonkin

Clients

Provided by VWV

Diocese of Gloucester

Diocese of Truro

Harpur Trust

King Edward VI Foundation, Birmingham

Malvern Hills Trust

Royal College of Surgeons

Society and College of Radiographers

Soil Association

University of Bristol

Industries

Provided by VWV

Charities / Not for Profit

Education

Government

Healthcare

Private Clients / Individuals

Sports