England - East Anglia • Private client

Mishcon de Reya LLP

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Mishcon de Reya LLP is noteworthy for the growing strength of its charities, social ventures and philanthropy practice. Led from London by Chris Willis Pickup, but present in Cambridge through ‘exceptional’ senior associate Emma Millar, the practice acts for major UK charities, among them Alzheimer’s Research UK, Wellcome Trust, and The East of England Agricultural Society. Millar notably assisted the Royal Entomological Society with the development of the charity’s plans for revenue diversification.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘The team is very well-versed in different business models and configurations that will greatly help anyone either already operating in, or considering entering the not-for-profit space. The practice understands innovation, progressive business models, aligning org and governance structures with strategy and designing legal frameworks that incentivise the right behaviours.

  • 'The Taylor Vinters team and firm is the first (of many) we have worked with that felt aligned with our values in this way, that felt human first ahead of anything else, and that felt energetic and even fun to work with.’
  • ‘Taylor Vinters have been able to provide a comprehensive range of expertise and advice on a range of diverse topics to support our organisation in a complex transaction involving the sale of a commercial events business and a multi-million-pound land sale. A key feature which influenced the selection and appointment was their knowledge of charity law.’

  • ‘The team at Taylor Vinters have given our organisation significant support over the last two years and hopefully will continue to do so. Proposals are clear for different/new areas that we work in and are explained in plain English. The team also focuses on delivering value for money, passing work to junior colleagues where feasible or advising on alternatives where the charity may be able to save money.'

  • ‘Individuals go above and beyond to fully understand what we are doing and what we are trying to achieve. Their knowledge and how to apply this to a charitable organisation is excellent. Their advice is always clear and estimates are given before doing any work. All those we work with are superb and we highly value the whole team. All partners and associates are exceptional, including Emma Millar.’

  • ‘Excellent team led by the superb Chris Willis Pickup who brings a deep understanding of charity law coupled with an unparalleled knowledge of the workings of, and how to work with, the Charity Commission.’

  • ‘Really comprehensive service, proactive engagement and thorough follow up - I felt like I was in good hands.’

  • ‘I think that the uniqueness is based on something simple but rare. The team's knowledge and experience is just exceptional - you feel in the absolute safest of hands with them. And this is combined with a deep commitment to working sensitively with the people involved - they understand that being right is not enough: you also have to help people get to a position where the answer is palatable. So for me, it's a combination of technical skill and people skill. It's very special.’

Key clients

  • Alzheimer's Research UK
  • Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
  • Wellcome Trust
  • Founders Pledge
  • Opora
  • Royal Entomological Society
  • Parenting for Lifelong Health
  • GSR Foundation
  • Play Included CIC
  • The East of England Agricultural Society

Work highlights

  • Advising the Royal Entomological Society in diversifying its revenue streams and supporting commercial and governance policies.
  • Advising on the registration of Opora, a charity working with Ukrainian refugees settling in the UK .
  • Advised Play Included CIC on the international expansion of its innovative Brick-by-Brick programme for neurodivergent children.

Lawyers

Rising stars

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Chris Willis Pickup

Other key lawyers

Emma Millar