Mishcon de Reya LLP provides a ‘very friendly service and excellent advice’. With Chris Willis Pickup at the helm, the team is praised for its ability to ’very clearly explain quite complicated legal terminology’. It frequently advises leading charities in the technology, innovation, life sciences, and research sectors. Other areas of focus include working with international philanthropists, advising on social and impact ventures, and on charitable foundations. Andrew Goldstone is also well-regarded for his philanthropy advice.
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Chris Willis Pickup inspired confidence throughout. His knowledge of the workings of the Charity Commission was very deep and useful.'
'Rosie Lucas was an excellent team player. She made the production of fiddly and complicated documents seem easy. She took problems off our desk and gave us back solutions.’
‘Broad reach of the firm geographically really helps as our clients are mostly US based. Ability to pull in expertise as necessary across multiple fields, like IP and.'
‘Chris Willis Pickup blends an excellent level of technical competence with sensitivity to business needs and commercial realities. Rosie Lucas is also excellent.’
‘Chris Willis Pickup is always a delight to work with. He arrives to calls with a thorough understanding of the issue at hand, and is ready to support us to navigate complex issues in a way that makes them feel manageable and constructive.'
‘Mishcon de Reya's charities team (brought in as part of the merger with Taylors Vinters) is exceptional. While still small and growing, it is extremely strong in all areas and adding more depth.'
‘Chris Willis Pickup is a standout leader in the sector; his background in the Charity Commission gives him an almost unique perspective on understanding the Commission's perspectives and navigating their processes smoothly.'
'Chris Willis Pickup brings a near perfect balance of an impeccable and deep understanding of the law, coupled with an admirable pragmatism. His wise counsel continues to be invaluable to us. I'm thrilled that Mishcon is investing in the practice and bringing in incredibly high-quality associates to add strength in depth.’
Key clients
- Macmillan Cancer Support
- Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- Captain Tom Foundation
- Big Society Capital
- Alzheimer's Research UK
- Jesus College, Cambridge
- RCN Foundation
- lowRISC C.I.C.
- Founders Pledge
- Royal Entomological Society
- Brink Foundation
Work highlights
- Advised Royal Botanic Gardens Kew and its trading subsidiary, RBG Kew Enterprises Limited, on the legal implementation of their first research spin-out, Kew REACH, in partnership with Greensphere Capital's nature-based solutions venture capital fund and climate incubator, Gaia Sciences Innovation.
- Advised Alzheimer's Research UK on its contractual relationship and regulatory requirements for a new partnership with Omaze, for a high-profile luxury house raffle that guarantees the charity at least £1m.
- Supported Founders Pledge, a UK and US charity, with the legal set-up and launch of Pledge Ventures, a value-aligned venture fund designed to operate as a flywheel for impact and to build up a long-term capital endowment for Founders Pledge.
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Chris Willis Pickup