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(020) 7831 0081Chambers Review
Radcliffe Chambers is the pre-eminent set in the market and houses an impressive bench of standout practitioners. Its members routinely appear in the most significant charities matters and are regularly involved in cases that reach the Supreme Court, acting both for charities as well as for the Charity Commission and the Attorney General. Its wide client base includes multinational charities, clubs, housing associations, educational institutions and local authorities. Highlights include Jaffer v Jaffer, which concerned disputes related to a leading Islamic charity, and Attorney General v Zedra Fiduciary Services, a case looking at the validity of a charitable trust. The set has amongst its ranks a former Deputy Charity Commissioner, a former junior counsel to HM Attorney General in charity matters, and a former standing counsel to the Charity Commission. Radcliffe barristers demonstrate prowess in all manner of disputes, including those concerning trustee issues, ratings and legacies.
John Clark is the Head of Clerking.
Notable Practitioners
Francesca Quint is well known and highly praised for her advisory work in particular. She is instructed by philanthropists, international charities, organisations and trusts at both national and local levels. She is well versed in handling Charity Commission inquiries and restructuring and is also an accredited mediator and a former deputy commissioner at the Charity Commission.
"Francesca's grasp of charity law and related commercial issues is second to none."
Robert Pearce KC is widely regarded as a leading silk for charity disputes as well as advisory work. His recent work includes advising trustees, charities and religious orders on issues as varied as constitutional matters and gifts in wills. He regularly advises and acts for the Charity Commission on high-profile issues and is routinely instructed by the Attorney General. Solicitors consistently approach him for advice on particularly complex questions.
"Robert is incredibly knowledgeable and pragmatic in his advice. He is great for technical and challenging matters."
"Robert is our go-to Counsel for complex charity matters. He is lovely to work with and is able to get to grips with hugely complex matters."
"Robert is a tremendous source of wisdom and a calm and unflappable advocate."
Joshua Winfield is strongly focused on litigation but also conducts drafting and advisory work. He has particular experience advising religious charities. He regularly counsels on disputes over land and matters involving gifts in wills.
"Josh gives excellent, responsive and commercial advice."
Josh Lewison has an excellent reputation for handling charities disputes, especially those with a private client angle or insolvency aspects. He is strong on matters concerning trustee issues and is an expert on maladministration of charities, discrimination cases and conflict of interest claims. He is also noted for his deft handling of charity matters that require commercial law expertise. On the non-contentious side he is well experienced in matters surrounding the formation of charities and has advised charities looking to establish themselves.
"Josh is a practical and sensible lawyer with a good command of the issues."
Matthew Mills is a junior barrister who also teaches at Oxford University. He has a focus on charity law and particular experience of working with religious charities.
"Matthew works hard to keep ahead of the developments. He is an absolutely invaluable junior who is efficient, responsive and very thoughtful."
"Matthew provided clear and detailed advice."
Thomas Dumont KC has a number of top charities as clients and is a sought-after litigator for disputes regarding trust analysis and tax exemption. He regularly handles inheritance disputes and represents national charities, educational institutions and executors.