Mr Paul Ridout > Moore Barlow > Guildford, England > Lawyer Profile

Moore Barlow
THE ORIEL
SYDENHAM ROAD
GUILDFORD
GU1 3SR
England

Position

As a highly experienced solicitor in Moore Barlow’s Guildford office, Paul possess a wealth of expertise in the area of charity law, having spent more than 20 years specialising in this field. His knowledge is extensive, enabling him to provide his clients with the guidance they need to navigate the complex legal requirements that come with running a charitable organisation.

Working with the Charity Commission

Prior to training as a lawyer, Paul worked at the Charity Commission, an experience that has proven invaluable in his current role. This unique perspective has provided him with an in-depth understanding of the regulatory environment surrounding charitable organisations and has equipped him with a deep knowledge of the legal framework that governs their operations.

Paul advises a diverse range of charity clients, with a particular focus on faith-based organisations and charities operating in the cultural/heritage, medical, and conservation fields. With extensive experience in this area, he is adept at guiding his clients through a range of legal issues, including constitutional changes, mergers, and regulatory compliance. He also offers guidance on matters such as sponsorship, grant-making, and trading activities.

He supports clients in all their dealings with the Charity Commission, from initial registration to ongoing regulatory compliance and inquiries, he is there every step of the way to provide the guidance and support clients need to succeed.

Outside of his legal role he’s a keen photographer of local wildlife and of the night sky and has been an enthusiastic road cyclist since his teens.

Lawyer Rankings

South East > Private client > Charities and not-for-profit

(Leading partners)

Paul RidoutMoore Barlow

Moore Barlow has an expansive charity practice, with experience in the housing, education, religious and health sectors. The firm is also practiced in reputation management for charities going through a crisis. It has additional experience advising private philanthropists. Gordon Reid, whose specialisms include reputational and governance advice, heads the practice alongside Joanna Lada-Walicki, an expert in employment and pastoral concerns. Paul Ridout, who joined the practice from Hunters Law LLP in April 2023, focuses on advising faith-based charities on mergers and constitutional matters. George Shepherd is a key member of the team, advising youth, religious and health charities.

London > Public sector > Education: schools

Moore Barlow is adept at handling complex strategic work, advising independent schools and sector associations on a vast range of issues, such as inspections, data subject access requests, employment matters, exclusions, parental complaints, and safeguarding. The schools team, led by Joanna Lada-Walicki, assists in school acquisitions and mergers, strategic policy and statue reviews while Gordon Reid assists in all aspects of charity law as well as school mergers. Ben Collingwood is key for his expertise in matters concerning students with special educational needs. Adam McRae-Taylor and Olivia Stanton cover Teachers’ Pension Schemes (TPS) work, while Paul Ridout has a particular focus on faith schools.