The ‘very competent and professional’ practice at Lee Bolton Monier-Williams is headed by Khalid Sofi. Clients range from places of worship and schools to housing associations, social enterprises, international aid organisations, and art and cultural institutions. Several members of the team act as Registrars or deputy Registrars for Anglican Dioceses. Sofi is particularly recognised for his work with Muslim, Sikh, Hindu, and Buddhist communities, and he also regularly works with international aid organisations and philanthropic foundations. Anna Gaston joined the private wealth department in December 2023 from Maurice Turnor Gardner LLP.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Khalid Sofi has maintained his unparalleled knowledge of the charity sector, and especially the faith segment therein, and the regulators. Khalid's depth of knowledge and nuanced understanding of the regulatory landscape are acknowledged as an asset by all leading faith sector charities.'

  • 'Lina Rodriguez is exceptionally efficient and adept in all matters pertaining to the conveyance of property. Continues to manage ambitious deadlines and complex negotiations with consummate ease and reliability.'
  • ‘I have worked with both the property and charities teams within LBMW and have found all interactions to be highly professional and efficient. I'd like to specifically mention Howard Dellar for excellent support.’

  • ‘We value our relationship with Ian Blaney and LBMW. Ian provides prompt, clear and concise advice on a range of ecclesiastical legal matters.’

  • 'Khalid Sofi stands out as an incredible and talented figure, able to assess the case and provide clarity in response and overall manage the work even where different departments are involved. He has always been accessible and responds promptly.’

  • ‘Staff are professional, personable and very helpful, explaining legal aspects and always ready to give useful advice. Would particularly mention Howard Dellar and Nishita Gudka.’

  • ‘Khalid Sofi is brilliant at advising and representing charities, helping them to get their governance in order, and steering them through difficult circumstances. Michael Anderson is excellent at handling all aspects of his cases.'

  • 'Howard Dellar is meticulous in his work and really dedicated to getting the best possible outcomes. He has a great gift for explaining the legal system whilst also showing sensitivity and care to his clients, especially in what can be stressful and traumatic situations.'

Key clients

  • Bishopsland Educational Trust
  • The Bletchingdon Community Foundation
  • Society of the Faith
  • The Richmond Charities
  • Muslim Charity Helping the Needy
  • Al-Khair Foundation
  • Jamia Al Karam
  • Diocese of Derby
  • James Percy Foundation
  • The Orthopaedic Research and Education Trust
  • Restless Development
  • International Centre for Integration and Cohesion
  • Action for Humanity
  • Halal Food Foundation
  • East London Mosque and London Muslim Centre
  • Islamic Help
  • Muslim Welfare House
  • Balham Mosque

Work highlights

  • Advised the Diocese of Derby on a wide range of matters, including in relation to several Church of England Primary Schools and provided Registrar services.
  • Advised Al-Khair Foundation on a governance review, its property, and its media intellectual property.
  • Advised Restless Development on their governance.

Lawyers

Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Khalid Sofi

Other key lawyers

Lina Rodriguez, Howard Dellar, Nishita Gudka, Michael Anderson, Anna Gaston, Niamh McKay, Ian Blaney