National recognition for Penningtons Manches charities team

Posted: 22/09/2017

The charities team at leading law firm Penningtons Manches was delighted to be announced as the runner-up for the Best Charity Law Firm Award at the highly-regarded Third Sector Awards last night. The award has been closely contested and was eventually won by City law firm Clifford Chance. Penningtons Manches was the only other firm selected for the shortlist – all the more remarkable given the charities team was only formed in April 2016.

In its first year and a half the team has been extraordinarily successful, having already won work from 18 of the UK’s top 25 charities (by legacy income). They have also been instructed by Oxbridge Colleges, universities, schools, charitable trusts, grant making bodies, royal charter bodies, and many smaller charities and start-ups.

The team has also been shortlisted in the ‘Advisory Provider of the Year’ category at the Charity Times Awards which take place in two weeks’ time.

Head of Charities, Alison Talbot, commented: “We are absolutely thrilled to have been recognised in this way, particularly as our practice was only fully established in the Spring of last year. We have come such a long way in a short time and I’m incredibly proud of the team’s hard work and what we’ve achieved together. Last night’s ceremony recognised so many brilliant leaders within the sector, and highlighted some fantastic initiatives, so we’re very honoured to have been considered alongside them.”

In spring 2017 the team commissioned a survey to explore the nature of the relationship between probate professionals and charity legacy teams, and to identify opportunities for innovation and improvement. The survey was developed with input from the ILM, STEP and the Law Society. The results, launched in June, are enabling the department to drive forward dialogue between both groups, and also with regulatory bodies and member associations in both sectors, with the aim of bringing about positive and ongoing change.

Return to news headlines