England - London • Public sector
Lee Bolton Monier-Williams
Lee Bolton Monier-Williams is well-known for its ability to advise numerous schools and Diocesan Boards of Education on all educational undertakings. The practice places particular emphasis on school property transactions, having advised on complex site transfers, and is also regularly instructed to advise on a range of charity law issues, especially in connection with the establishment of new educational charities. Practice head Howard Dellar acts for numerous charities and multi-academy trusts and has a strong record of advising on academy conversions, and Ian Blaney is a key contact for Church of England school site acquisitions and land swaps. Khalid Sofi widens the team’s expertise through his ability to advise Muslim charities and schools on governance and strategic issues.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘All team members at LBMW are extremely efficient, professional and knowledgeable. Advice is always effective and received in a timely manner.’
‘Ian Blaney's work on academy conversions is exceptional.’
‘An exceptionally professional and personal service. The Team at LBMW take time to understand the client's needs and have subject-matter experts to suit the different cases. The personal service is extremely valued: Many of the cases are extremely complex, and the Team at LBMW have the skill to translate the issues into jargon-free terminology.’
‘Experts in their field. The advice and guidance from all members of the team is crystal clear, with a specific mention to David Whittington and Jane Grenfell. They have provided outstanding guidance and advice.’
‘Working with LBMW feels like working with trusted colleagues, rather than an external team. LBMW's skill range is broad and specialist, offering a great, all-in-one service.’
‘David Whittington is incredibly knowledgeable and enthusiastic and a pleasure to work with. Ian Blaney is similarly knowledgeable and incredibly able. Jane Grenfell brings a wealth of charities experience, which has proven invaluable.’
‘Susan Newell is really great. She offers a personal service and is capable of offering various actions which could be taken, so you feel well-informed. She is also willing to give firm opinions based on law and previous experience, making you feel confident in the choices you take.’
Key clients
- Canterbury Diocesan Board of Education
- Chichester Diocesan Board of Education
- John Whitgift Foundation
- Lincoln Anglican Academy Trust
- Lincoln Diocesan Board of Education
- Oxford Diocesan Board of Education
- Salisbury Diocesan Board of education
- St Edmundsbury & Ipswich Diocesan Board of Education
- Whitgift Foundation
Work highlights
- Advised Canterbury Diocesan Board of Education on a possible reversion of a school site.
- Advised Southgate Mosque and Community Centre, a new charity which had acquired a £6.6 m listed property in London to be converted into a community centre and place of worship, on the proposed structure for the charity, preparing the governing document and registering with Charity Commission.
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Howard Dellar