Oxford-based Daff Richardson and Cambridge-based Hilary Aldred co-head the department at Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP that is particularly well-known for its legacy work with various local and national charities. It is skilled at advising on the creation of philanthropic structures as well as delivering a wide range of guidance to exempt, excepted and registered charities on governance, regulatory and charity issues.
Reading-based Gemma Woodhouse also supports on employment matters for charities clients.
‘A fantastic team. Knowledge of the law is second to none. They are completely dedicated to achieving the best outcomes for clients. They also have formidable expertise in managing complex and sensitive investigations.’
‘Penningtons Manches Cooper deliver the same top quality service to their charity clients as they provide to their other corporate clients. They are committed and enthusiastic in helping the not for profit sector.’
‘Hilary Aldred is an outstanding lawyer and tactician, knows the law back to front and has an impressive following.’
‘Daff Richardson is enormously experienced and able to answer most questions. When not able to help, she is able to direct clients to parts of her firm where she knows there is expertise.’
The Legal 500 - 2023 edition
Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP has ‘national coverage, with quality offerings in all offices’.
‘They have a solid understanding of the charity industry and so were able to support our organisation through a turbulent time due to Covid-19.’
‘Daff Richardson is very approachable, practical, and displays great experience. Sam Rose provides consistently excellent advice.’
Senior associate Sophie Whitbread has 'exceptional organisational skills' and frequently assists education institutions and charities with the management of employees.
The Legal 500 - 2022 edition
Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP advises a diverse range of clients, including educational institutions and training providers, public service and membership organisations, and ecclesiastical and faith-based organisations, as well as private individuals and philanthropic bodies. The team’s expertise spans constitutional and governance advice through to serious incident reporting and safeguarding issues. Other strengths lie in advising on data protection and complex legacy disputes.
The Legal 500 - 2021 edition
Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP acts for charitable organisations such as educational institutions and membership organisations, disability charities and registered social landlords. The multi-disciplinary practice advises on a broad range of matters including governance, corporate and commercial, real estate, public law, legacy disputes and employment matters. Henrietta Mason, Daff Richardson and Hilary Aldred are the key contacts.
The Legal 500 - 2020 edition
Penningtons Manches LLP fields 'a strong team with a lot of experience in this area of law, particularly contentious charity law work'. Major clients include Oxford colleges, universities, academy schools, trusts and further education colleges.
The Legal 500 - 2019 edition