Neil is head of charities at Mills & Reeve, with responsibility for its 250+ charity clients, which include many of the largest and best-known names in the UK and internationally. Neil is a commercial specialist and is involved in much of the firm’s cutting edge work for the sector, for example around alternative fundraising and innovative deal structures for charity, NGO, university and further education clients. He works closely with specialists in IP, tax, contested legacies and procurement to deliver complete and commercial solutions to his clients’ challenges, whatever and wherever their activities are. A large part of Neil’s work is international. He is part of a team that has advised universities on collaborations and new campuses in over 50 countries. He has been seconded to leading law firms in China, India, Abu Dhabi and Qatar and is the head of firm’s Middle East desk. Neil is also a Notary Public.
England - East Anglia • Private client
Mills & Reeve LLP
The charities and social enterprise practice at Mills & Reeve LLP advises an impressive array of charity clients, among them the Francis Crick Institute, The Children’s Trust and the Institution of Engineering and Technology. 'Exceptional lawyer' and practice head Neil Burton, charity finance-focused Sarah Seed, fundraising specialist Dona Ardeman, and employment expert Nicola Brown are some of the key practitioners to note in the Cambridge office. The team stands out for its ability to ‘clearly identify risks and best approaches'. Principal associate Nathalie Jacoby-Danesh moved to Browne Jacobson LLP in April 2023.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The practice is able to respond and provide opinion at very short notice without compromising the quality of the advice. It is able to work with its own specialist teams to provide seamless and comprehensive advice. It is very mindful of the scope of what is being asked and does not exceed costs by providing additional advice without checking this is required and wanted. The firm is also very flexible efficient in billing.’
‘The individuals are very experienced and good at identifying the key arguments. They do not view it is a transactional process but think holistically about what information, if available, may support or enhance key points. They clearly identify risks and best approaches, meaning decisions made and steps taken are based on the client's appetite for risk.'
- 'The team quickly grasps the organisational position and will listen and give a balanced view on alternative approaches. Nicola Brown gives well-rounded advice on complex issues.’
‘An all-rounder law firm with expertise in all key areas to provide that immediate and timely legal support.’
‘Neil Burton is an exceptional lawyer with a real talent for client relationship building and providing commercially astute advice.’
‘I find them not only knowledgeable about the field but also transparent about costs which makes the decision to proceed or not with a specific project much easier. I have found the support staff I have worked with on more administrative matters to be both efficient and conscientious.'
- 'The regular charity updates provided by Mills and Reeve are informative and timely. I also take advantage of a range of the Mills and Reeve webinars, both those aimed at charities and at the commercial sector. We have found them to be accessible and informative even if not specifically tailored to the charity sector.’
‘Neil Burton and Mark Ashton at Mills and Reeve are both knowledgeable and approachable and, most importantly, able to apply that knowledge to the specific circumstances of my organisation.’
Key clients
- Coalition of Epidemic Preparedness Innovation (CEPI)
- Childrens Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF)
- Institution of Engineering and Technology
- Henry Smith Charity
- Francis Crick Institute
- Cornwall Care
- RAF Benevolent Fund
- The Children’s Trust
- IMechE
- Royal Institute Chartered Surveyors
- St Dunstan's Educational Foundation
Work highlights
- Advised CIFF on a wide-range of charity, governance, funds, regulatory, tax, corporate and commercial matters.
- Advised the charity trustees of Cornwall Care Limited on its charity disposal /merger to Sanctuary, which included charity trustee duties; disposal rules; and governance issues.
- Advising the IET on charity law and constitutional matters; trading subsidiaries, governance and corporate issues such as intra-group arrangements and associated tax aspects; overseas not-for-profit branches; and offering strategic advice to the board.
Lawyers
Leading individuals
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Neil Burton