England - London • Private client
Charles Russell Speechlys LLP
Charles Russell Speechlys LLP has a strong reputation for its work with various high-profile national and international charities, as well as with historic cultural institutions, ecclesiastical bodies and military charities. Led by Sarah Rowley, the practice covers the full range of legal requirements that charities may have from fundraising and data protection matters, to mergers and acquisitions; it also deftly handles a broad range of contentious matters. The group is well equipped to manage large-scale projects for charities, as well as being adept at establishing and managing charitable and individual foundations. The legacy management practice at the firm's Guildford office advises many UK charities on both contentious and non-contentious probate matters. Simon Weil is another key member of the department; he specialises in tax planning, trusts and philanthropy. Senior associate Liz Gifford joined the team from Barker Gotelee.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Having used multiple firms specialising in charity law, I have no hesitation in recommending Charles Russell Speechleys to any charity. They are efficient, hugely knowledgeable and very enjoyable to work with. I actively enjoy consulting them'.
‘Sarah Rowley is an exemplary partner: accessible, smart, quick and highly informed. Her advice is always clear, high quality and timely. The whole team are very impressive in their grasp of sector issues and ability to cut through to the key issues'.
‘Proactive, approachable and outstandingly professional. They put their clients first and they are so approachable - this latter point makes them almost unique'.
‘Approachable, friendly and personable but with a deep sense of trust in all that they do. Stand-out partner is Sarah Rowley who goes above and beyond every time'.
‘I work with Penelope Byatt who provides outstanding client service and has a deep knowledge of charity law'.
Key clients
- Nike
- Dementia UK
- Westminster Abbey
- City & Guilds of London Institute
- Royal Air Force Museum
- Marie Louise von Motesiczky Charitable Trust
- The National Army Museum
- National Museum of the Royal Navy
- Samaritans
- British Computer Society
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Leading individuals
Charles Russell Speechlys LLP
Sarah Rowley leads the firm’s Charity, Philanthropy and Not-for-Profit team advising a wide variety of charities and not for profit bodies. She is a regular speaker at our popular Charity Training sessions, records podcasts on sector issues and also speaks at external conferences and seminars. Sarah advises on governance, regulation, structuring, change management, strategic issues, fundraising, constitutional matters and mergers and collaborations involving charities. Sarah is a member of the Charity Law Association and has published articles in several charity sector publications and has first-hand experience working for a charity, as she spent the first two years of her professional life working for an international aid charity. Sarah has worked with a number of charities including RNLI, Samaritans, Dementia UK, City & Guilds of London Institute, Autistica, Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund and the National Museum of the Royal Navy.
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Sarah Rowley