Professional background
I qualified as a solicitor in 1998 in private client and started advising charities from my initial days; I have been practising as a charity lawyer for over 18 years. I worked as general counsel for registered charity Mencap for just under 10 years, before returning to private practice as a Consultant.
I advise charities on a range of legal issues including charity formations and restructures, EDI strategy and governance, fundraising and commercial participation, trustees’ powers and duties, managing conflicts of interest and dealing with interactions with the Charity Commission. I regularly provide pro-bono legal advice to a number of small, medium and large charities, including trustee training and governance reviews.
I have a wealth of experience working with charitable donors and philanthropists, as well as trustees of charitable foundations, to guide and focus their charitable aspirations, and support putting my clients's aspirations into practice.
I have previously held the roles of a Trustee at Citizens Advice Manchester and Governor at the Royal Grammar School, Newcastle upon Tyne.
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