major national directories

Chambers UK, A Client's Guide to the Legal Profession 2008

"clients appreciate this "on the ball" group for its "good response rate" and "clear and consistent advice."

Chambers UK, A Client's Guide to the Legal Profession 2007

Best of the UK

Blake Lapthorn leads the pack of the most highly regarded firms outside London, with six offices across the South and Thames Valley. The team of six charities specialists is renowned for its “thorough and wide range of services”.

The South (Rank 1)

The Firm:  This outstanding charities team is going from strength to strength following the firm’s recent merger with White & Bowker. The move significantly extended the group’s presence in the South East and brought White & Bowker’s impressive legacy team into the firm. Clients praise the group’s “flawless, timely and accurate advice”, making particular mention of its “seamless interaction” with property, employment and litigation specialists at the firm. The team continues to develop its ecclesiastical and education expertise, in addition to working with a wide range of medical research, healthcare and social housing bodies. It has also established a charities shop unit to cater for the trading and retail needs of charities.

The Lawyers:  The “formidable” Elizabeth Davies heads the group from the Portsmouth office and is widely applauded for her “calm, informed approach and pragmatic commercial know-how. Her practice includes extensive advisory work on governance, corporate structures, accountability, fund-raising and trading issues.

Thames Valley (Rank 1)

The Firm: The Oxford office of this leading national group works in tandem with its Portsmouth counterpart to offer “excellent, joined-up work” to clients across the country. Offering “sound, dependable advice with good business sense”, the team has expanded and developed its client base of traditional Oxford educational charities to include national and international charitable organisations. The group has broad experience of formation and hive-off issues. In addition to working with a wide range of medical research, healthcare and social housing bodies, solicitors continue to develop their ecclesiastical and education expertise. The team has also established a charities shop unit to cater to the trading and retail needs of charities clients.

The Lawyers: Market leader Joss Saunders wins praise for his “absolute commitment and shrewd advice”. In addition to advisory work for a wide range of leading national charities he has a role as an in-house legal advisor for Oxfam.

Legal 500 legal directory 2005

South East (Rank 1)

With a wide-ranging and dedicated charities practice, Blake Lapthorn provides a 'highly effective service', advising on issues including governance, trading, strategy and fundraising. Department head Elizabeth Davis is praised for her 'extensive knowledge' of charities law. Joss Saunders, who is also an in-house legal adviser at Oxfam, is highly respected.

Allianz Dresdner Top 3000 Charities 2005/6

The firm is ranked eleventh in the listing of national charity law advisers and top regionally-based team.