Virginia Henley
Partner
Virginia heads the firm’s charities team and plays an active role in the education sector group. She advises charities, Oxbridge colleges, universities and schools, and a wide range of not-for-profit organisations, on core legal, regulatory and governance issues.
Her specialisms include charity governance, almshouses, funding and fundraising, trustee training, restructuring and mergers, registrations and incorporations, commercial arrangements including trading subsidiary arrangements, and serious incident reporting. Described as a leader in her field by the Legal 500, where she has achieved a top tier partner ranking and is praised for being ‘knowledgeable, professional, helpful, practical, easy to contact and supportive’, Virginia is a member of the Charity Commission’s interim manager panel as well as the Charity Law Association.
I am passionate about my work in the charity and social enterprise sector, because I work with people every day who are making a positive difference. Being able to bring my knowledge and expertise to help navigate their legal challenges is truly satisfying and feels like a privilege.
She works closely with the firm’s private client and business services teams, particularly on real estate, employment and corporate matters. Widely recognised by both peers and clients for her positive and pragmatic approach, Virginia combines an unswerving attention to detail with a focus on achieving the best possible outcome. She is based in Penningtons Manches Cooper’s Cambridge office and regularly works out of both the Oxford and London offices.
Recent work highlights
Governance training
Interim charity manager
Governance review
Charity incorporation
Re-establishing charity status
External recognition
What people are saying
A brilliant lawyer. I have 100% confidence in her knowledge and understanding of all aspects of charity law. She really understands the sector very well and has a practical, client focused approach. I couldn’t recommend her highly enough.
Virginia Henley is knowledgeable, professional, helpful, practical, easy to contact and supportive.
Virginia Henley leads with grace, humility and accessibility at all times.
Virginia Henley is an excellent team leader who is passionate about the charity sector.
Related news and insights
