The large and specialist team at Bates Wells has a ‘wonderful combination of expertise in the law, deep experience in the sector, and an inherently practical outlook’. Thea Longley heads the practice, which is adept at handling day-to-day issues for its non-profit clients, through to the most complex charity law matters. Philip Kirkpatrick advises many major charities, as well as foundations. Lawrence Simanowitz’s areas of specialisation span charity formations and governance, through to spinouts and campaigning. Stephanie Biden leads the work for faith-based charities, while Laura Soley has a broad charity practice, and covers niche areas such as royal charter bodies and statutory charities. Erica Crump acts for a range of large charities and spearheads the culture and creative cross-departmental offering. Oliver Hunt frequently advises on the structuring and promotion of crowdfunded projects, particularly for renewable energy projects. In April 2024, Jean Tsang and Lucy Rhodes were promoted to the partnership. Suhan Rajkumar is another name to note.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Luke Fletcher is very knowledgeable indeed in this area of work and comes with a very strong reputation. He is also an exceptionally responsive, generous and kind person.'
- 'Mark Abbott, in particular, is highlighted for his exceptional expertise, dedication, and understanding of client objectives. His ability to provide strategic, tailored advice has been instrumental in navigating the complex legal landscape.'
- 'Stephanie Biden provides exceptional counsel. She really listens to the issue and appreciates the in-house tensions around budget and use of external resource.'
- 'Simon Steeden is a brilliant partner with strong technical skills in a range of charity law matters, including on political campaigning and election law. Simon provides clear, practical advice to charities and not-for-profits. He is friendly, easy to understand and gives clear and risk-based advice.'
- 'Oliver Hunt is a great partner with a specialty in the impact investing space. He has provided us with thorough, risk-based advice and supported us to understand the sector, risks and way to mitigate them. Ollie is always calm, even on high-risk matters.'
- 'Philip Kirkpatrick is at the same time very kind and also a tough cookie when it comes to standing up for our rights. I'm glad he's on our side! Hannah Lyons's knowledge and understanding of our organisation is very deep.'
- 'The team contain many of the leading specialists in charity law who bring a wealth of experience and know-how to the table. I've worked closely with Lawrence Simanowitz, Hannah Lyons and Laura Soley, who are all excellent.'
- 'I very much value the support of both Lucy Rhodes and Laura Solely, who I've always found to be responsive, helpful, pragmatic and easy to work with. Lucy and Laura are both friendly, approachable and very quick to provide guidance, advice and respond on work requests.'
Key clients
- Friends of the Victoria Hall
- The Horniman Public Museum and Public Park Trust
- Elba Hope Foundation
- National Deaf Children’s Society
- The Royal Foundation
- Save the Children
- WaterAid
- WWF
- Sightsavers
- Médecins Sans Frontièrs
- Royal Albert Hall
- Shelter
- RSPCA
- Luminate
Work highlights
- Advising RSPCA on a huge three-year project to incorporate each of their c. 140 branches.
- Advising The Royal Foundation, the principle philanthropic vehicle of the Prince and Princess of Wales, on a range of matters.
- Advising Save the Children on the charity law implications of its plans for a ‘children’s election’ to run alongside the national general election.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Suhan Rajkumar
Bates WellsLeading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Stephanie Biden
Bates Wells
Laura Soley
Bates WellsNext 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.
Thea Longley