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Withers

Charities: Legacy Disputes

UK Guide 2026 : UK-wide

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Withers

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About

Provided by Withers

Our practice is renowned for advising 65% of the UKs leading charities. We are dedicated to investing in our clients and supporting them in everything they do, from day to day governance to complex and challenging matters involving regulatory engagement. We understand the importance of their work and ensure that is at the core of the advice we provide as their trusted advisor. This has led to us having long-standing relationships with our clients as we have been there since the beginning.

Our clients range in sectors from medical and NHS focused charities to sports, education and art and cultural assets. These clients instruct us on everything from safeguarding and strategy to employment and managing the media and reputation. We are known for our full service offering as we are able to offer our clients all of their legal needs under one roof including tax, real estate or dealing with legacies.

Over the years, we have built a strong and international philanthropy practice which is underpinned by our strength and knowledge in the charity and not for profit sector. Beyond this, we are the only UK charities practice with US attorneys working in London and the US, which enables us to provide an international offering and expertise on UK-US charitable structures.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Charities: Legacy Disputes - UK-wide

Band 1

What the Team is Known For
Withers advises on a range of leading charities and provides expert counsel to healthcare, education, arts and sports clients. The firm advises on a broad spectrum of issues faced by charities, ranging from constitutional reviews to legacy disputes. The team is also recommended for advice on complex UK-US charitable structures and their tax requirements. It has a strong reputation for providing guidance on charity matters to philanthropic families and individuals.
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Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Withers advised the Arts Council on the Cultural Recovery Loan Scheme.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • What truly distinguishes them is their commercial mindset and ability to integrate seamlessly into our business. They don't just advise on the law, they understand our context.

    Charities: Legacy Disputes respondentUK

  • They are extremely responsive, no matter the issue, they come back to us very quickly with advice on how to proceed. I am yet to come across an issue that they haven't been able to deal with superbly.

    Charities: Legacy Disputes respondentUK

  • I consider Withers to be an extended team member. They consistently demonstrate an innate understanding of how charities operate and what is required internally to approve next steps.

    Charities: Legacy Disputes respondentUK

  • Withers provides clear, practical guidance on charity law, making complex issues accessible for clients. The team is highly responsive and takes a proactive approach to building strong relationships.

    Charities: Legacy Disputes respondentUK

  • Withers has a huge pool of knowledge on all aspects of charity law. They certainly understand and appreciate our charitable status and our reputation is always paramount to them.

    Charities: Legacy Disputes respondentUK

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Alison Paines
    Alison Paines

    Alison Paines

    Alison Paines offers clients the benefit of her deep experience advising trustees and large, prominent charities on governance and structuring matters. She regularly assists with new charity registration, mergers, and regulatory investigations and inquiries.
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  • Chris Priestley
    Chris Priestley

    Chris Priestley

    Chris Priestley is the head of the charities offering at Withers and enjoys an excellent reputation for his advice to high-profile clients on domestic and international matters. He possesses an in-depth knowledge of governance and commercial issues, grant agreements and charity incorporations.

    • Chris is a brilliant mind, with plenty of wisdom, experience and he is commercially aware.

      Charities: Legacy Disputes respondentUK

    • Chris is a great adviser on international matters and with a very down-to-earth approach for practical issues.

      Charities: Legacy Disputes respondentUK

    • Chris Priestley is always responsive and available to provide sage advice. His knowledge of the Charity sector is second to none.

      Charities: Legacy Disputes respondentUK
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  • Paul Hewitt
    Paul Hewitt

    Paul Hewitt

    Paul Hewitt is a London-based lawyer at Withers who has a distinguished practice that sees him advising on trust and probate disputes. He frequently assists with cases concerning residuary gifts made to charitable beneficiaries with national profiles.

    • I have known Paul for many years and his professionalism and knowledge stand out instantly. He is often my usual 'go to' if I have any concerns on cases.

      Charities: Legacy Disputes respondentUK

    • Paul is an excellent lawyer who responds quickly and helpfully. He is always straight to the point and cuts to the heart of the issue in question.

      Charities: Legacy Disputes respondentUK

    • Paul is consistently excellent when we required support for contentious probate matters. He is quick to respond and always extremely helpful. We can't fault the service that we have received from him.

      Charities: Legacy Disputes respondentUK

    • Paul is highly respected in the charity world. He is the best at keeping costs down. Paul is good at difficult cases and can really analyse them well.

      Charities: Legacy Disputes respondentUK

    • Paul is responsive, highly knowledgeable, approachable and an expert in his field.

      Charities: Legacy Disputes respondentUK
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  • Philip Reed
    Philip Reed

    Philip Reed

    Philip Reed has vast experience acting for charities and not-for-profits and regularly advises on governance matters and mergers. He often works with charities in the education and arts sectors. Philip is also a longstanding charity trustee himself.

    • Philip is very good at keeping the central team informed. He does a good job at working calmly and sensibly and we lean on him to help with any coordination and we value his help there.

      Charities: Legacy Disputes respondentUK

    • Philip is very approachable, knowledgeable, practical as well. Provides well connected advice and is very sensible. He has a realistic approach to implementation of legal principles.

      Charities: Legacy Disputes respondentUK

    • Philip is a pleasure to work with; responsive and highly knowledgeable and with the pragmatism that enables you to understand the legal ramifications of deploying a real-world solution.

      Charities: Legacy Disputes respondentUK
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  • Roger Waite
    Roger Waite

    Roger Waite

    Roger Waite is a partner in the London office of Withers and is a key part of the firm's charities team. He frequently supports charities on matters relating to governance, partnership and incorporations, in addition to providing advice on taxation and funding issues.

    • Roger is very responsive, thorough and clear with his advice and what steps are required.

      Charities: Legacy Disputes respondentUK

    • Roger has been instrumental in the projects we've operated this year and his exceptional industry knowledge and advice has been key in enabling growth.

      Charities: Legacy Disputes respondentUK

    • Roger has provided an absolutely excellent level of service to us, in quite challenging circumstances. He has been highly responsive, always providing high quality advice.

      Charities: Legacy Disputes respondentUK

    • Roger is a superb Partner at the firm, who provides first class advice.

      Charities: Legacy Disputes respondentUK

    • Roger is very supportive and incredibly knowledgeable.

      Charities: Legacy Disputes respondentUK
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Ranked Individuals at Withers (5)

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