Email address
[email protected]Contact number
(0117) 925 2020About
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
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
- VWV represented Islamic Centre of England in a statutory inquiry launched by the Charity Commission.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"The VWV team is knowledgeable and approachable. They are clear in their advice and understand the client's perspective, and are able to offer pragmatic solutions as well as the purely legal view."
"The team draws on the strengths and knowledge of their lawyers to ensure that solutions are approached from a 360-degree angle. Responses from VWV are not only speedy but also accurate and detailed."
"The VWV team is knowledgeable and approachable. They are clear in their advice and understand the client's perspective, and are able to offer pragmatic solutions as well as the purely legal view."
"The team draws on the strengths and knowledge of their lawyers to ensure that solutions are approached from a 360-degree angle. Responses from VWV are not only speedy but also accurate and detailed."
Notable Practitioners
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."
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."
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."
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
UK-wide
Members
Provided by VWV
Andrew Wherrett
Chloe Brunton
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