The market-leading practice at Brodies LLP acts for the largest charities, regulatory bodies and higher education institutions in Scotland. Practice head Kenneth Pinkerton has considerable experience in handling the gamut of charity and third sector-related mandates, including governance issues, mergers and reorganisations. With a focus on corporate governance matters, Brenda Scott further bolsters the team’s capabilities, and Christine O’Neill is recognised for her experience as a litigator. Commercial contract specialist Martin Sloan and accredited mediator Lynne Marr are other key members of the team, and Rebekah Leviston is also recommended.
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The team work exceptionally well together, always giving clear advice and taking decisive action when agreed.’
‘The team is uniquely positioned, with deep and broad connections in the Scottish charity sector, and access to other key experts from within the wider Brodies portfolio.’
‘Kenneth Pinkerton's response times are excellent, and his advice is both considered and pragmatic. He is personable, and has taken the time to build a relationship with us, and understand our business and our strategy.’
‘The Brodie's team are consummate professionals, whilst being wonderfully personable, kind and helpful. They appreciate nuances and always seek to understand the underlying purpose of any given project or task, and as a result, we always work very well together. I know I can turn to them with any questions, simple or complex.’
‘Kenneth Pinkerton has been extremely helpful to me in various instances, ranging from sharing knowledge about terminology and best practice in the legacy giving space, to providing tactical consultation and document development.’
‘Brodies are extremely knowledgeable and offer high quality and well-thought out advice.’
'Kenneth Pinkerton is one of the leading experts on charity law, governance and regulation in Scotland, and his advice is invaluable.
'Christine O'Neill has been of tremendous assistance with her clarity of insight and advice on matters of legal and regulatory compliance.'
Key clients
- Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR)
- University of Edinburgh
- Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust
- ENABLE Scotland
- Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA)
- Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh
- Maggie's Centres
- Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh
- Edinburgh International Festival
- Royal Botanic Gardens of Edinburgh
Work highlights
- Acting as sole legal adviser to the Scottish Charity Regulator on investigations regarding management and misconduct by trustees, advice surrounding it's powers sand risks of challenge, providing governance and charity trustee training to the Board, and training to OSCR personnel.
- Acting for Scotland's biggest charity in complex issues including student discipline cases, policy matters including free speech and equalities, litigation support, data protection advice, complex employment matters, as well as charity law and VAT advice
- Providing full-service advice to Scotland's welfare charity including governance and charity law, data protection and commercial contract work and leading negotiations with the union surrounding a job evaluation scheme.
Lawyers
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Kenneth Pinkerton