Charities: Legacy Disputes
UK Guide 2025 : UK-wide
Band 1
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
+44 20 7597 6364About
Provided by Withers LLP
Our practice is renowned for advising 65% of the UKs leading charities. We are dedicated to investing in our clients and supporting them in everything they do, from day to day governance to complex and challenging matters involving regulatory engagement. We understand the importance of their work and ensure that is at the core of the advice we provide as their trusted advisor. This has led to us having long-standing relationships with our clients as we have been there since the beginning.
Our clients range in sectors from medical and NHS focused charities to sports, education and art and cultural assets. These clients instruct us on everything from safeguarding and strategy to employment and managing the media and reputation. We are known for our full service offering as we are able to offer our clients all of their legal needs under one roof including tax, real estate or dealing with legacies.
Over the years, we have built a strong and international philanthropy practice which is underpinned by our strength and knowledge in the charity and not for profit sector. Beyond this, we are the only UK charities practice with US attorneys working in London and the US, which enables us to provide an international offering and expertise on UK-US charitable structures.
Chambers Review
Withers advises on a range of leading charities and provides expert counsel to healthcare, education, arts and sports clients. The firm advises on a broad spectrum of issues faced by charities, ranging from constitutional reviews to legacy disputes. The team is also recommended for advice on complex UK-US charitable structures and their tax requirements. It has a strong reputation for providing guidance on charity matters to philanthropic families and individuals.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Withers helpfully translates charity law into practical advice for clients. The team builds strong relationships and is responsive to the client's needs."
"Withers has great strength across the board."
"Withers helpfully translates charity law into practical advice for clients. The team builds strong relationships and is responsive to the client's needs."
"Withers has great strength across the board."
Notable Practitioners
Alison Paines offers clients the benefit of her deep experience advising trustees and large, prominent charities on governance and structuring matters. She regularly assists with new charity registration, mergers, and regulatory investigations and inquiries.
Chris Priestley is the head of the charities offering at Withers and enjoys an excellent reputation for his advice to high-profile clients on domestic and international matters. He possesses an in-depth knowledge of governance and commercial issues, grant agreements and charity incorporations.
"Chris knows everything there is to know about charity law."
"Chris is hugely knowledgeable and experienced."
Paul Hewitt is a London-based lawyer at Withers who has a distinguished practice that sees him advising on trust and probate disputes. He frequently assists with cases concerning residuary gifts made to charitable beneficiaries with national profiles.
"Paul is fantastic to work with and is a first port of call for a tricky legacy case."
Roger Waite is a partner in the London office of Withers and is a key part of the firm's charities team. He frequently supports charities on matters relating to governance, partnership and incorporations, in addition to providing advice on taxation and funding issues.
"Roger is very clear in his communication and helpful with his advice."
"Roger provides clear, efficient and pragmatic advice. He is always focussed on finding a workable solution."
Ranked Lawyers at
Withers LLP
UK-wide