A key port of call for CICs, not-for-profit organizations, and registered societies, HCR Hewitsons is geared to handle charity conflicts of interest, initial registration, and mergers. In Cheltenham, Rosie Phillips is often engaged in policy reviews and the releasing of restricted funds. Virginia Henley and Saffa Mir departed to Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP.
Charities and not-for-profit in East Midlands
HCR Hewitsons
Other key lawyers:
Rosie Phillips
Testimonials
‘I work with several professional advisors in my role, and what distinguishes Harrison Clark Rickerby’s is their professionalism and credibility.’
‘They are serious about delivering a meaningful and impactful service, which, in turn, fosters a sense of trust and assurance that the individuals and organisations I work with have the knowledge, skills, and expertise to accomplish the task in hand thoroughly with a friendly, personable and professional approach.’
‘The individuals I work with are responsive, personable, and professional. They always keep their word and deliver on their commitments. They care about people and their reputation to the extent that there is continuity in their approach to people and projects. They are upfront and honest and consistently meet or exceed expectations.’
‘We have used the practice for a number of years and have always found their service to be professional, effective, efficient and excellent value for money. We have received good and clear guidance translated to the needs of the Charity and Board of Trustees, which has then led to effective action and delivery – the team always does what it says it will do.’
‘We have particularly enjoyed receiving the regular new bulletins from the practice and invitations to attend workshops offered on relevant issues to our charity. It feels like we work in partnership with the practice to ensure the best outcomes for us.’
‘The team works collaboratively and flexibly always willing to adapt and adapt to the ways the charity works. They have offered new perspectives and possible ways to overcome unforeseen problems or difficulties.’
‘As I knew nothing about setting a charity up from scratch, I was carefully taken through the steps and options. Someone was always available when I got stuck to guide me through the process. They had prompt responses.’
‘They are highly accessible and communicate in a highly effective manner be that by telephone, email or letter, and/or in person. We have been impressed by the can-do attitude, professionalism, kindness and compassionate care shown by the team in meeting our requirements and needs.’
Key clients
Medicines Development for Global Health Limited
Scott Bader Company Limited
Charity Commission (The Kingdom Church GB)
Northamptonshire Association for the Blind
St Giles Charity Estates
Three Counties Agricultural Society
Ravenstone Hospital
Becketts & Sargeant’s Educational Foundation
Trilogy Active
The Manna House Trust
Wellingborough School
Sir Thomas White’s Northampton Charity
Stuntney Village Hall
New Leaf Learning
Community Spaces Northampton
Work highlights
- Advised Charity Commission on 2 new interim management appointments.
- Provided trustee training to Homerton College, Cambridge.
- Advised St Giles Charity Estates – an ancient local Northamptonshire acre home, almshouse and grant-making charity – on its incorporation.
Shakespeare Martineau LLP
Counting cultural, educational, and religious charities on its client roster, Shakespeare Martineau LLP is vastly knowledgeable of legacy administration matters. With over two decades of experience in the sector, national practice head Catherine Rustomji is particularly focused on constitutional and governance matters surrounding charities. Andrew Wilkinson and Debra Burton split their time between Leicester and Nottingham; Wilkinson leads the firm’s contentious trusts and probate team and is skilled in legacy disputes. Fiona Miller spends time across the firm’s offices and Ellis Pugh in Nottingham handles regulatory matters.
Practice head(s):
Catherine Rustomji
Other key lawyers:
Andrew Wilkinson; Debra Burton; Fiona Miller; Ellis Pugh; Ben Darlow
Testimonials
‘Catherine Rustomji is a pragmatic specialist charity lawyer who provides excellent advice in an easy-to-understand manner. She is a solution-driven person and does the best for her clients in an effective way. Some charity lawyers get bogged down in the details, while Catherine does not. She is very strong on governance.’
‘All the team involved in the work carried out were very friendly, approachable, and attentive. The whole process from start to finish was very clear and the communication was excellent. Every step was explained in simple language that we understood.’
‘Catherine Rustomji and Fiona Miller were accessible and offered valuable advice and guidance from start to finish and always responded to communication quickly, keeping us informed all the way through the process.’
‘Andrew Wilkinson is simply superb.’
‘Good sensible team.’
‘Debra Burton – very good operator. Very sensible, commercial, knowledgeable, and gets results. Excellent.’
‘Their processes were clear and made the journey as simple and painless as it could have been.’
Key clients
Battersea Dogs’ and Cats’ Home
Launde Abbey
Nottingham Youth Orchestra
Southwell & Nottingham Diocesan Board of Finance
Coal Industry Society Welfare Organisation (CISWO)
NIDAS
Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance
Yorkshire Adoption Agency
Rene House CIC
Northern Consortium
Boccia England
The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Newark on Trent St Mary Magdalene with St Leonard
Rene House CIC
Take Her Lead
Work highlights
- Advised the Coal Industry Social Welfare Organisation on governance, legal structures, duties of trustees, and managing conflicts of interest.
- Advised the Southwell & Nottingham Diocesan Board of Finance on a range of charity governance and charity constitutional matters.
- Advising on the formation and registration of a charity operating in Nottingham.
Nelsons Solicitors Limited
Often working in conjunction with the firm’s corporate, dispute resolution, and employment teams, Nelsons Solicitors Limited is a strong choice for a range of Derby-based charity entities. Kevin Modiri oversees the team from Derby, while employment law specialist Peter Nicholson operates out of Nottingham and is vastly experienced before the High Court. Also based in Nottingham, Gemma Hooper’s recent caseload encompasses major governance reviews and is a particularly strong choice for almshouse and grant-making charities.
Practice head(s):
Kevin Modiri
Other key lawyers:
Peter Nicholson; Gemma Hooper
Testimonials
‘Gemma Hopper is very proactive, keeps charity accounts up to date, and always responds quickly.’
‘Good communications and keeps clients informed and up to date.’