The team at BDB Pitmans ‘works together seamlessly and is always client-focused’. Jonathan Brinsden's areas of expertise span advising on cross-border transactions, and on social impact and ESG investments. The group advises all types of charities on charity registration and governance, as well as on commercial activities and corporate partnerships. It has considerable expertise in resolving trustee disputes, conducting charity investigations, and facilitating Charity Commission compliance. In addition, it has a significant philanthropy practice, and routinely helps charities and social enterprises on ESG matters. Penny Chapman is ’highly recommended', and Sarah Williams advises on a wide range of governance and regulatory matters. Nicola Evans is also sought after for her work in this space. Harriet Ainsworth left the firm for an in-house position.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Jonathan Brinsden is an exceptional partner. We very much appreciate how Jonathan has taken the time to get to know us as charity, so we have complete confidence when we discuss matters together that he understands what is important to us and how we approach our work.'
- 'Jonathan Brinsden is smart, responsive, witty, and all round a great person to work with.'
‘Sarah Williams was quick to understand the complexity of our position and to use her expertise to give us very helpful advice and guidance through aspects of paperwork.’
‘First-class technical advice but mixed with pragmatism and able to be practical and commercial.’
‘The team's creative approach to problem solving, the fact that they are always extremely responsive and they consistently bring the right level of commerciality to projects that we have worked on together.’
‘Jonathan Brinsden is a hands-on partner who always pursues our interests passionately, while at the same time providing thoughtful and practical commercial advice. He is very accessible, with an ability to explain complex issues in an easy to understand manner.'
‘Empathetic, kind, compassionate. Brilliant people to work with who take the time to properly understand. Preena Patel and Sarah Williams have given advice promptly, considerately and with great compassion.’
‘Jonathan Brinsden provides excellent advice. He has wide experience of and connections in the charity and not-for-profit sector, which are very valuable. He is always a delight to deal with.'
Key clients
- ABF The Soldiers Charity
- The Hermitage Foundation
- Barts Charity
- The Big Give Trust
- The Cochrane Collaboration
- Christ Church, Oxford
- Goldsmiths Students Union
- HALO Trust
- Holocaust Education Trust
- Jewish Care
- Landmark Trust
- BBC
- MS Society
- Nuffield Health
- The Pret Foundation
- Twining Enterprise
- Royal National Theatre
- RNRMC
- Royal Opera House
- Royal Star and Garter Homes
- Ruth Strauss Foundation
- World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts
Work highlights
- Advised the Hermitage Foundation, which was established to support the Hermitage Museum of St Peterburg, Russia, on reviewing its activities in light of the Russia/Ukraine conflict and associated sanctions and how the Foundation would need to adapt its activities whilst the conflict subsists.
- Advised Whittington Health NHS Trust on The Michael Palin Centre for Stammering Children, a collaborative joint venture between the NHS Trust and Action for Stammering Children.
- Advised Nuffield Health on the successful response to a challenge brought in the Supreme Court on the proper test for 80% mandatory charity rates from business rates, worth over £2bn per year for the sector.
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 partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Nicola Evans
BDB PitmansNext Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Sarah Williams
BDB PitmansPractice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Jonathan Brinsden