Spearheaded by Andrew Studd, the talented team at Russell-Cooke LLP advises across the full spectrum of governance issues, mergers, and restructurings, as well as fundraising and data protection. It excels in advising on charity registrations and on Charity Commission investigations. In addition, it is frequently called upon to provide specialist charity property and employment advice to many household name charities. The group is also well-regarded for its work in philanthropy-related mandates. James Sinclair Taylor is recommended, along with Chris Rowse, who is a trusted adviser to numerous prominent national institutions. Pippa Garland advises charities across a wide range of sectors on all aspects of charity law.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Sukanya Ransford has been an absolute star! She provided sound advice and support whenever it was needed.'

  • ‘I admire that Russell-Cooke has a team wholly dedicated to working with charity sector clients and the various different scenarios that appear. The team know their areas really well, and also have personal connections to causes they feel passionate about.'  

  • ‘Strong specialist knowledge conveyed in ways that make sense, with a very can-do approach; looking at how to make something happen, rather than presenting the barriers that need to be overcome.’

  • ‘Andrew Studd is incredibly knowledgeable, but wears this knowledge lightly, presenting complex matters in simple and accessible ways that makes for effective and engaged decision-making as a result of his input.’

  • ‘Excellent knowledge of charity law and charity governance, in particular Pippa Garland.'

  • ‘Pippa Garland's expertise and ability to speak to matters directly herself is notable. Carla Whalen's expertise in employment law was also excellent. Both instil the confidence you want from legal counsel. ’

  • ‘The team are extremely responsive and collaborative. Chris Rowse and Alison Sadler are an excellent team and I very much enjoy working with them.’

  • ‘I must give special mention to Sukanya Ransford for her advice on charity governance matters.'

Key clients

  • UK for UNHCR
  • British Heart Foundation
  • Breast Cancer Now
  • UNICEF UK
  • Sadler’s Wells
  • Anthony Nolan
  • St John Ambulance
  • Borough Market
  • National Council for Civil Liberties
  • Youth Hostel Association

Lawyers

Hall of Fame
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Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Leading partners
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Next 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.

Andrew Studd

Other key lawyers

James Sinclair Taylor, Chris Rowse, Pippa Garland, Sukanya Ransford, Carla Whalen, Alison Sadler