VWV routinely advises healthcare organisations, arts and educational charities, as well as public sector bodies, on a range of issues. Utilising its broad capabilities, the team is particularly well-versed in issues concerning governance, procurement, state aid, and advice on employees, among other matters. Con Alexander - who leads the team - has spent the majority of his career working with a range of charities on all aspects of charity, company, and trust law. Laura Chesham is noted for her experience in advising faith organisations, while Rachel Tonkin specialises in education sector work, advising universities, schools, and educational charities.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘Con Alexander is a trusted and leading specialist who has helped our charity to navigate complex charity law surrounding trust land.’
‘They give sound advice, based on experience and expertise, in intelligible language.’
‘Con Alexander has enormous experience. He has handled a very complex and innovative cross-border transaction in the charity sector, coordinating advice from lawyers and tax advisers in different jurisdictions.’
‘Con Alexander is an expert in his field, combining deep technical knowledge with years of practical experience dealing with clients, boards, and the Charity Commission. This combines to give clear, focused advice which is pragmatic and proportionate.
'Rachel Tonkin is a highly capable, thoughtful lawyer who is clearly highly experienced in her field. I am as happy to trust her advice and judgement as that of a partner, which is a reflection of her ability.’
‘The legal professionals I have worked with from VWV are intelligent and competent, as one would expect, but also personable and kind. They are brilliant at keeping in regular communication, and at explaining complex legal matters clearly. There is a brilliant wealth of expertise when it comes to charity law, probate, estate accounts, inheritance tax, and anything else to do with estate planning and/or charity legacy income.’
‘Notable mention should go to Laura Chesham; efficient, communicative, and always ready to answer a quick question by phone or email.’

Key clients

University of Bristol
Soil Association
Truro Diocesan Board of Finance
Gloucester Diocesan Board of Finance
Wallace & Gromit's Children's Foundation
Society and College of Radiographers
Royal College of Surgeons
Bristol Old Vic & Theatre Royal Trust
Royal Academy of Music
Novalis Trust
Institute of Cancer Research
Waterloo Foundation
The Francis Crick Institute
The Donkey Sanctuary

Work highlights

Advised the Worshipful Company of Cordwainers in relation to a disposal of almshouses, involving engagement with the Charity Commission and establishing the Company's powers as trustee.
Advised Bristol Charities in relation to range of issues affecting its endowment trusts, in order to support the charity's strategic priorities.
Advised Malvern Hills Trust on a range of governance issues, including the conduct of its annual general meeting and the Trust's powers.