Charities and not-for-profit

Farrer & Co

Farrer & Co is ‘a class act’ with ’a depth to the bench in terms of quality of juniors.’ Elizabeth Jones and James Maloney co-lead an ‘exceptional team’, which acts for some of the largest and best-known UK and international charitable organisations. Other noteworthy clients include major grant-making bodies and philanthropic charitable foundations, key corporate foundations, and donor-advised funds. The team covers the full spectrum of matters, from complex cross-border mandates, disputes, and safeguarding issues, to Royal Charter body work. It is also skilled at advising on innovative charity finance matters. The agile team advises on fundraising, grant making, and on major gifts to charities. Sam Macdonald acts for charities and not-for-profit institutions on all aspects of UK charity law and related tax law. Julian Smith is well-known for his work on charity investment, and for his representation of prominent charities in the cultural sphere. Laetitia Ransley was promoted to the partnership in May 2024.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘They are truly experts in their field, totally focused, and, on the rare occasions when they don't have the answer, they know where to look so that we never waste time or pay for juniors to research a subject. A true partner.’
‘Laetitia Ransley is a delight to work with; straight to the point, effective, with an amazing depth of knowledge and, like Elizabeth Jones and Sarah Gill, always focused on maintaining the trust that has been established through open and honest communication.'
‘Sara van der Pas provides a unique insight through previous in-house legal work within a large charity providing genuine insights as if through the eyes of an in-house counsel.’
‘Sam Macdonald is an exceptional partner who goes out of his way to be highly attentive and responsive. He strikes an excellent balance between knowledge of the sector and regulator, alongside a keen mind for strategy and commercial objectives.'
‘Farrer & Co are best in class for charities. I simply wouldn't use another charity law practice. They really practice modern charity governance and ethos in a way many of their competitors don't. They are super responsive, thoughtful and thorough.'
‘Elizabeth Jones is an absolutely first-class mind who is incredibly good with clients, counter-parties and the regulator. As excellent in the room as she is on paper. A ninja in dealing with the most complex cases and making them simple.'
'Sara van der Pas is another first-rate, up-and-coming member of the team who has the added experience of her in-house experience between her years of practice at Farrer & Co.'
‘Farrer & Co consistently provide us with clear, practical and robust advice. Julian Smith is an exceptional lawyer who is always able to balance the academic with the pragmatic.’

Key clients

Samaritans
Elton John Aids Foundation
British Library
Age UK
The Prince’s Trust
National Portrait Gallery
BAFTA
Motability
One Young World Limited
Save the Children

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