United Kingdom - Scotland • Private client
Burness Paull LLP
Led by Graeme Palmer, the charities team at Burness Paull LLP acts for household names as well as grassroots organisations and newly established charities. The practice is noted for its strength in providing corporate governance advice and has recently been increasingly active in sector-specific education, social housing and renewable energy work. ‘Extremely knowledgeable’ senior associate Emma Maxwell advises on corporate, commercial and charity law matters, while Emma Manson is a key contact for sector-specific commercial property law and dispute resolution.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
'I honestly cannot speak highly enough of them.’
‘Thorough in their approach at all times, extremely professional services. Deadlines are not missed, which is critical to the charity and ease of business. Diverse range of expertise available and extremely experienced how this applies to the charity practice.’
‘The team at Burness Paull is extremely approachable and no wrong door approach to get advice. The strength and diversity of the team allows quick responses and solutions.’
‘Recently, we have worked mostly with Emma Maxwell, who is always easy to talk to, knowledgeable and generally a pleasure to work with.’
‘Emma Maxwell provides focused advice and detailed knowledge of the third sector, on charity regulation and governance in a friendly and easily understood way.’
‘The charities and not-for-profit team at Burness Paull has extensive knowledge and experience. We have worked with them over many years and cannot fault their service.’
‘Emma Maxwell is extremely knowledgeable and approachable. She is highly skilled in being able to explain technical jargon to those who need to know their legal responsibilities as charity trustees.’
‘They have a client-centred and collaborative approach and understand the challenges faced by third sector organisations like ours. They have gone above and beyond what I might have expected on several occasions.'
Key clients
- FRP Advisory Trading Limited
- Crossdykes Community Services Limited
- Sanctuary Scotland Housing Association Ltd
- Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO)
- National Youth Orchestras of Scotland (NYOS)
- Scottish Football Benevolent Trust
- Changeworks Resources for Life Ltd
- Development Trusts Association Scotland
- Link Group Limited
Work highlights
- Acted for Crossdykes Community Services Limited and its charitable parent company, Crossdykes Community Benefits Limited, in connection with establishing the Crossdykes Windfarm community investment project.
- Worked with the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) to prepare an updated suite of template documents for various common charitable structures and accompanying guidance published on their website. The templates are accessed and used by many of SCVO’s members, including companies limited by guarantee, Scottish charitable incorporated organisations (SCIOs) and unincorporated associations.
- Acting for National Youth Orchestras of Scotland (NYOS) on various matters, including governance, general contracts (such as funding agreements) and employment.
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Graeme Palmer