About
Sarah leads the Firm’s Charity, Philanthropy and Not for Profit team, advising a wide range of charities and mission driven organisations on governance, regulation and strategic change.She also works closely with philanthropists, impact driven corporates and family offices, helping them put clear legal structures in place to support their giving and long term philanthropic ambitions.
Clients value Sarah’s practical approach and her deep understanding of how charities operate in practice, shaped by her early career working for an international aid charity.
Advising charities and not for profit organisations
Sarah advises charities and not for profit bodies on the full range of charity law and other legal issues, helping them to successfully navigate the complex regulatory environment within which they operate. Her work often involves supporting organisations through periods of change, such as restructures, divestment of assets, mergers and collaborations.
Her work helps clients to comply with their trustee duties, supporting strategic decision making and helping organisations navigate regulatory requirements while staying focused on their purpose.
Philanthropy and family office giving
Sarah works with philanthropists, well known corporates and family offices to help them structure their charitable giving in a way that reflects their values and long term objectives. This includes advising on the establishment and governance of charitable vehicles, as well as assisting clients with the management and administration of the charity’s activities and helping to ensure ongoing regulatory compliance.
She enjoys working alongside individuals and families who want their giving to have a lasting and meaningful impact and supporting them as their philanthropic strategies evolve over time.
Sector insight and engagement
Sarah is actively involved in the charity sector. She is a regular speaker at the Firm’s charity training sessions and speaks at external conferences and seminars. She has also published articles in a range of charity sector publications.
Sarah is a member of the Charity Law Association.
Recognition
Sarah is recognised as a Leading Individual by Legal 500 and Chambers for her work in charity law.
Practising jurisdiction
Sarah is admitted to practise in England and Wales.
Experience
- Conducting governance reviews for a number of well-known charities
- Acting on charity mergers and collaborations between charities and third parties both inside and outside the sector
- Helping founders to establish new charities and advising on the restructuring of existing charities and dealings with the Charity Commission as regulator
- Advising several large national “household name” charities (including some incorporated by Royal Charter) on a wide variety of issues including significant changes to their governing documents
- Providing support at board meetings and advising on the role and responsibilities of charity trustees
- Providing bespoke client training
