Shoosmiths LLP is well-versed in contentious matters for charities, especially around probate and legacies. On the non-contentious side, the firm also advises on commercial and employment issues in addition to charity law matters. Spearheading the practice, Angela Bowman is ‘able to handle high-pressure instructions’ in relation to contested wills and trusts. Kevin McCavish specialises in employment advice for leading UK charities in the arts, healthcare and conservation sectors.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Angela Bowman is very experienced in trusts and estates matters; she is able to handle high-pressure instructions and is very good at client handling.’
‘There is a vast extent of experience within the team, working with charities for many years. They also understand the varying needs of different size charities, from local hospices to major national charities and balance these when dealing with estates.’
‘Angela Bowman always deals with matters in a professional yet personable way, helping to ensure contentious issues are dealt with in as non-adversarial a manner as possible, retaining the charities' reputation whilst protecting their interests.’
‘The team are very approachable creating a partnership rather than a strict traditional business relationship.'
‘Shoosmiths are a large national firm so can field a lot of expertise across a wide range of specialisms.’
Key clients
- Cancer Research
- Macmillan Cancer Support
- Parkinson’s UK
- The National Trust
- RSPB
- Dogs Trust
- Cats Protection
- Blue Cross
- The Donkey Sanctuary
- The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association
Work highlights
Drafted and advised on the new suite of template public procurement documentation for the National Lottery Community Fund.
Provide ongoing pensions law advice and support to the RNIB Pension Scheme Trustees.
Advised the Centre for Homelessness Impact in connection with a Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities-funded project for the provision of systems-wide evaluation of homelessness and rough sleeping services.
Lawyers
Leading partners
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Practice head
Angela Bowman
Other key lawyers
Kevin McCavish; Suzanne Burrell; Alex Lloyd