Lee Bolton Monier-Williams is renowned for its expertise in advising a wide array of schools and a majority of the Dioceses in England and Wales. Its expertise includes school property transactions, such as complex site transfers, and on charity law issues, particularly concerning the creation of new educational charities. Team leader Howard Dellar represents charities and multi academy trusts and has a strong track record on academy conversions. Ian Blaney specialises in the intersection of charity, education and church law and works on projects for Diocesan Boards of Education; Khalid Sofi is expert in advising charities and not-for-profit organisations linked with Muslim communities; and Nishita Gudka is adept at handling commercial, education and charity property matters.
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘We use LBMW for academy conversions and find their knowledge of Church School land issues superb. When a complex situation arises they have always managed to mediate a successful outcome.’
‘The whole team at LBMW are very supportive across our diverse range of legal requirements from land and land transfers and the complicated structure of our locations through to our ever increasing legal support requirement for our ongoing and increasing academisation programmes. The extensive knowledge and experience from the Education Team sets them apart from the other legal companies the Diocese uses.’
‘Ian Blaney and Jane Grenfell's way of working and engaging with the client puts the client at ease, one feels very "safe" in their hands. I am very confident that I am being advised and guided by the very best experts in their field and at times trusts and land ownership matters relating to the education sector are minefield so it is extremely reassuring to have experts such as Ian and Jane on side.’
'Jane Grenfell gives excellent advice on Education and Charity law, she adopts a direct approach which I value greatly. Jane guided me through a challenging academisation of a shared school site. Which was one of the longest outstanding academisations in England at the time.’
‘This practice provides expert advice in the field of education and charity law. They are extremely knowledgeable on the technicalities in these areas and have a vast experience and track record to call upon. I regularly recommend them to other potential clients.’
‘Lee Bolton Monier-Williams has been absolutely superb in the support they have given us. They have excellent knowledge and experience of the law relating to education. They have been able to think through problems and produce creative solutions, are astute at negotiating with solicitors representing partners/stakeholders on a number of issues, from land transfer through to expectations of governance.’
‘Howard Dellar's knowledge and experience is second to none. He understands the political climate of our Trust and education in general, and his advice is always spot on.’
Key clients
- LAAT (Lincoln Anglican Academy Trust)
- Lichfield Diocesan Board of Education
- Liverpool Diocesan Board of Education
- Liverpool Diocesan Schools Trust
- Hurst Education Trust
- Lincoln Diocesan Board of Education
- QUEST Trust
- Children's Endeavour Trust
- St Edmundsbury & Ipswich Diocesan Board of Education
- Rainbow Multi Academy Trust
- Oxford Diocesan Schools Trust
- Oxford Diocesan Bucks Schools Trust
- All Saints Schools Trust
- Blackfen School for Girls
- Kings Education Trust
- Derby Diocesan Board of Education
- Ridgeway Education Trust
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Howard Dellar