Qualifications and experience
• Exeter University LLB Hons (1st) 1992-1995
• Guildford College of Law (Distinction)1995-1996
• Trainee Solicitor, Allen & Overy 1997-1999
• Solicitor, Allen & Overy 1999-2001
• Solicitor, RadcliffesLeBrasseur 2001-2002
• Joined Bates Wells & Braithwaite 2002
• Worked at charity, the National Pro Bono Resource Centre in Sydney, Australia 2003-2004
• Re-joined Bates Wells & Braithwaite 2005
Type of work
• General charity law advice with a particular specialism in trusts, endowments and legacies
In particular:
• Advising charities in relation to legacies including:
- Legacy fundraising, including advising on legacy marketing material
- Advising on legacies for particular purposes
- Devolution of legacies post-merger/re-organisation
- Court of Protection matters including applications for Statutory Wills
- Advising on general probate issues such as duties of executors/trustees, appropriation of assets etc
- Dealing with difficult legacies including advising on removal of executors
- Assisting with disputed probate matters, disputes relating to construction of legacies and claims under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975
• Advising in relation to endowment funds including:
- Setting up endowment funds
- Advising on permanent endowment issues including release of permanent endowment
• Trusts law advice including:
- Establishment of charitable trusts
- Amending trust deeds
- Advice on trustee issues and so on
• Cy-près schemes
• Ex gratia payments