Withers LLP

Charities and philanthropy

Alison is a partner in the charities team. She has over 25 years of experience in advising charities and other non-profit bodies, and those who contract with or donate to them.

Her clients include an eclectic mix of service providers, grant-makers, educational bodies, aid agencies and research institutes, as well as individual and corporate philanthropists.

She advises on all aspects of charities’ activities but specialises in strategic and governance advice. She is particularly well known for her expertise on medical charities (especially those linked with the National Health Service), educational charities, charities associated with government and international charity issues.

Alison is well used to negotiating for clients with the Charity Commission and other regulators. She is the past Chairman of the Charity Law Association and the current Chair of Governors at a leading school.

Qualified in 1981. Solicitor with Crossman, Block & Keith 1981-87; joined Withers 1988 and became a partner in 1991.

Contributor to ‘Charities Manual’ (Tolley’s) ‘Practical Trust Precedents’; ‘Revenue Law’ (Tolley). Editorial board and contributor ‘International Charitable Giving; OUP.

English

Charity Law Association; Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners; International Institute of Foundation and Association Lawyers; Law Society.

Notting Hill & Ealing High School; Girton College, Cambridge (MA Classics and Law); Lancaster Gate College of Law.