England - North • Private client
Muckle LLP
Muckle LLP’s charities practice demonstrates a strong profile advising on charity law and governance in the sports and education sectors. Samantha Pritchard leads the charities team since joining in December 2022 from Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP. She has particular expertise advising charities on mergers, collaboration, governance issues, operational and Charity Commission compliance matters. Joanne Davison draws on her wealth of experience in governance and project work, regularly advising on restructuring and joint ventures as well as establishing social enterprises. Chris Hook, promoted to partner in April 2023, is the key contact for sports clubs on not-for-profit structures, mergers, governance, trustee duties and commercial matters. While John Devine left the firm in October 2022 to go in-house, he remains a consultant solicitor.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The team are friendly, approachable and explain legal issues and their advice in clear and accessible terms.’
‘People make the difference! Despite everyone being busy time is taken to get to know you as a client, understand the issue you need help with and then to discuss the different approaches that can be taken. A good blend of commercial, legal and common sense.’
‘Joanne Davison always has time, cares about people, charities and communities and you never feel you are wasting her time.'
‘Very client-focused and detailed with regard to taking on board client concerns and ensuring clarity of assessment and issues. In depth knowledge of the subject based on experience and knowledge. Significant client and issue support within a diverse professional team. Reasonable cost giving a very good value for money.’
‘Worked closely with Samantha Pritchard who's attention to detail and assessment skills are excellent. Sam has a personal approach based on an empathetic character enabling her to deal with tricky issues and subjects sympathetically but in detail.’
‘Highly personable team who always leave you with a sense that they really care about their clients and will go above and beyond to deliver a quality service which meets a clients needs and exceeds expectations. Always found Joanne Davison and Richard Nixon to be incredibly approachable, thorough and efficient. Had the pleasure of meeting Ryan Douglas a promising Paralegal on the team who was supporting the work of David Towns from the Estates Team and it was great to see Junior staff encouraged and supported to deliver quality work as part of the team.’
‘The team are excellent, I would highly recommend as their knowledge of the charity sector and regulatory requirements is second to none. There is a genuine culture of collaboration and a strength in depth, drawing upon the relevant expertise across the firm in order to make sure we get the best advice possible. As well as providing excellent technical advice, they’ve invested time in and developed a real understanding of our organisation.’
‘Chris Hook has a clear and refreshing approach, and his advice is always prompt and focused. He has a strong an understanding of charity governance and the key issues for charities.’
Key clients
- The Football Foundation
- parkrun Global
- Great North Air Ambulance Service
- The Alnwick Garden Trust
- The Greggs Foundation
- The Premier League Charitable Fund
- County Durham Community Foundation
- Chelsea FC Foundation
- Tyneside Cinema
- St Cuthbert’s Care
- Children’s Heart Unit Fund (CHUF)
- Newcastle University Students’ Union
- Mental Health Concern (Concern Group)
- Rape Crisis England and Wales
- CSIS Charity Fund
- Hospital of King James Gateshead
- The Little Theatre Gateshead
- Dame Allan’s Schools
- Newcastle Dog & Cat Shelter
Work highlights
- Advising the Football Foundation on the national roll out of the £200m Hubs Programme facilities launched by The Football Association (FA).
- Acting for parkrun Global Limited, advising on all legal matters including corporate governance, data protection issues, various commercial agreements with sponsors, contractual issues with former sponsors and overseas franchise holders.
Lawyers
Rising stars
Next Generation Partners
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Samantha Pritchard