The large and specialist team at Bates Wells has a ‘wonderful combination of expertise in the law, deep experience in the sector, and an inherently practical outlook’. Thea Longley heads the practice, which is adept at handling day-to-day issues for its non-profit clients, through to the most complex charity law matters. Philip Kirkpatrick advises many major charities, as well as foundations. Lawrence Simanowitz’s areas of specialisation span charity formations and governance, through to spinouts and campaigning. Stephanie Biden leads the work for faith-based charities, while Laura Soley has a broad charity practice, and covers niche areas such as royal charter bodies and statutory charities. Erica Crump acts for a range of large charities and spearheads the culture and creative cross-departmental offering. Oliver Hunt frequently advises on the structuring and promotion of crowdfunded projects, particularly for renewable energy projects. In April 2024, Jean Tsang and Lucy Rhodes were promoted to the partnership. Suhan Rajkumar is another name to note.
L’éditorial du Legal 500
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Témoignages
Collectés indépendamment par l'équipe de recherche du Legal 500.
- 'Luke Fletcher is very knowledgeable indeed in this area of work and comes with a very strong reputation. He is also an exceptionally responsive, generous and kind person.'
- 'Mark Abbott, in particular, is highlighted for his exceptional expertise, dedication, and understanding of client objectives. His ability to provide strategic, tailored advice has been instrumental in navigating the complex legal landscape.'
- 'Stephanie Biden provides exceptional counsel. She really listens to the issue and appreciates the in-house tensions around budget and use of external resource.'
- 'Simon Steeden is a brilliant partner with strong technical skills in a range of charity law matters, including on political campaigning and election law. Simon provides clear, practical advice to charities and not-for-profits. He is friendly, easy to understand and gives clear and risk-based advice.'
- 'Oliver Hunt is a great partner with a specialty in the impact investing space. He has provided us with thorough, risk-based advice and supported us to understand the sector, risks and way to mitigate them. Ollie is always calm, even on high-risk matters.'
- 'Philip Kirkpatrick is at the same time very kind and also a tough cookie when it comes to standing up for our rights. I'm glad he's on our side! Hannah Lyons's knowledge and understanding of our organisation is very deep.'
- 'The team contain many of the leading specialists in charity law who bring a wealth of experience and know-how to the table. I've worked closely with Lawrence Simanowitz, Hannah Lyons and Laura Soley, who are all excellent.'
- 'I very much value the support of both Lucy Rhodes and Laura Solely, who I've always found to be responsive, helpful, pragmatic and easy to work with. Lucy and Laura are both friendly, approachable and very quick to provide guidance, advice and respond on work requests.'
Clients clés
- Friends of the Victoria Hall
- The Horniman Public Museum and Public Park Trust
- Elba Hope Foundation
- National Deaf Children’s Society
- The Royal Foundation
- Save the Children
- WaterAid
- WWF
- Sightsavers
- Médecins Sans Frontièrs
Points forts
- Advising RSPCA on a huge three-year project to incorporate each of their c. 140 branches.
- Advising The Royal Foundation, the principle philanthropic vehicle of the Prince and Princess of Wales, on a range of matters.
- Advising Save the Children on the charity law implications of its plans for a ‘children’s election’ to run alongside the national general election.
Avocats
Hall of Fame
Avocats au sommet de leur profession, largement reconnus et respectés par l'ensemble du marché pour leur expertise éprouvée et leur intervention récurrente et longue date dans les dossiers les plus complexes et prestigieux.
Les grands avocats du marché
Avocats associés reconnus parmi les leaders du marché par leurs pairs et leurs clients, régulièrement présents dans les grands dossiers dans lesquels ils sont au premier plan.
Les grands avocats de demain
Jeunes associés disposant d’une reconnaissance montante sur le marché, jouant régulièrement un rôle clé dans des dossiers majeurs.
Meilleurs collaborateurs
Jeunes avocats collaborateurs ou counsels qui se distinguent régulièrement par leur présence dans des dossiers importants du marché, et qui sont identifiés par le marché comme de jeunes talents à suivre.
Suhan Rajkumar
Responsable de la pratique
Thea Longley
Autres avocats clés
Philip Kirkpatrick; Lawrence Simanowitz; Stephanie Biden; Laura Soley; Erica Crump; Oliver Hunt; Jean Tsang; Lucy Rhodes; Luke Fletcher; Simon Steeden; Mark Abbott; Molly Carew-Jones; Hannah Lyons; Suhan Rajkumar