Birketts LLP provides 'City quality at regional prices', and clients appreciate the firm's 'impressive expertise in the area of charity law and regulation'. The firm counts national charities such as Amnesty International and National Children's Bureau among its clients. The Ipswich office is home to a strong team of charity law specialists, among them 'extremely astute and pragmatic' practice head Liz Brownsell, senior associate Jennifer Marley, and legal director Louisa Saunders, who are 'brilliant communicators, incredibly helpful at breaking down complex issues'. Employment partner Sonya O’Reilly also assists the firm's charity clients.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'City quality at regional prices, highly responsive, good breadth of experience.'
- 'Liz Brownsell has excellent technical knowledge of the UK charity and not-for-profit sector and an ability to translate this into pragmatic and relevant advice for our organisation.'
‘Liz Brownsell always provides practical and useful advice in a timely manner tailored to our charity's needs; whether it's a longer written output or opportunity to sense check something ’
‘A great team, with a clear desire to assist and help the charity and not-for-profit sectors. Liz Brownsell is clearly one of the leading lights in the sector and her knowledge is second to none in terms of developments, legislation and case law affecting it.’
‘The breadth of knowledge held by the team is clearly a differentiator. I have worked with a Liz Brownsell in particular on a number of cases and she is able to relate to each client and understand their needs and any legal pitfalls they must consider, adding value through advice at every interaction. This approach is instilled across her team and allows Birketts to stand out in this sector.’
‘Liz Brownsell and Amy Bradburne - both a real pleasure to work with, understand the complexities of the area very well and give practical useful advice for out charity.’
‘Liz Brownsell is phenomenally hardworking and one of the top charity lawyers in the country. Extremely astute and pragmatic.’
‘Each of the individuals with whom I have worked has been professional, responsive, and proactive in keeping me up-to-date on the status of the engagement. Of special note are Liz Brownsell and Amy Bradburne.’
Key clients
- Amnesty International
- Barnardo’s
- Trust for London
- The UK Cyber Security Council
- Chartered Trading Standards Institute
- The Institute of Brewing and Distilling
- Bp Benevolent Fund
- National Children’s Bureau
- London Diocesan Fund
- The Royal Horticultural Society
- National Institute of Agricultural Botany (NIAB)
- Cats Protection
- East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices
- East Anglian Air Ambulance
- Quadram Institute of Biosciences
- The University of Colorado Foundation
- The University of Colorado UK Foundation
- Child Health Research CIO
- CHESS Homeless
- Christian Youth Ministries
- Castle House Trust (Munnings Art Museum)
Work highlights
- Advised National Children’s Bureau in securing the transfer of ‘Research in Practice’ from another charity.
- Advised Barnardo’s in respect of a c.£1.6 million grant from another national charity to run a pilot project delivering an innovative new US intervention in the UK for the first time.
- Advised the UK Cyber Security Council on its transfer to Royal Charter status, following which it made its first awards of Chartered Cyber Security qualifications in October 2023.
Lawyers
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Liz Brownsell