LBMW Legal 500 2024 Rankings

LBMW's “Education-Schools” and “Charities and Not for Profit” sectors are ranked highly by Legal 500 in its 2024 results published today. Khalid Sofi has been identified as a "Leading Individual" and Ian Blaney has been recognised for his exceptional expertise in academies conversions.

Charities and not for profit – Tier 4

Praised for providing a ‘very personal service’, the dynamic team at Lee Bolton Monier-Williams advises a diverse range of clients from churches and schools to housing associations, social enterprises, international aid organisations and art and cultural organisations. Led by Howard Dellar, it continues to advise a variety of clients from various Christian denominations, the Muslim community and secular organisations. Khalid Sofi plays a significant role in advising charities that are linked with Muslim, Sikh, Hindu and Buddhist communities.

Practice head(s): Howard Dellar

Other key lawyers: Khalid Sofi; Susan Newell; Ian Blaney; Ed Henderson

Education - Schools – Tier 3

Lee Bolton Monier-Williams is well-known for its ability to advise numerous schools and Diocesan Boards of Education on all educational undertakings. The practice places particular emphasis on school property transactions, having advised on complex site transfers, and is also regularly instructed to advise on a range of charity law issues, especially in connection with the establishment of new educational charities. Practice head Howard Dellar acts for numerous charities and multi-academy trusts and has a strong record of advising on academy conversions, and Ian Blaney is a key contact for Church of England school site acquisitions and land swaps. Khalid Sofi widens the team’s expertise through his ability to advise Muslim charities and schools on governance and strategic issues.

Practice head(s):Howard Dellar

Other key lawyers: Ian Blaney; Khalid Sofi; Susan Newell; Jane Grenfell; David Whittington

Testimonials

‘We have worked very closely with Khalid Sofi. We value his attention-to-detail and willingness to help us grow and develop as an organisation. He is responsive and open to any and all queries we have’.

‘The particular expertise LBM-W offers in ecclesiastical law is exceptional. The team works together to provide guidance and advice at every level for our organisation. We work with a specialist team headed by Ian Blaney, supported by colleagues with areas of expertise and availability –  Howard Dellar, Susan Newell and Ed Henderson’.

‘Khalid Sofi – has unparalleled knowledge of the charity sector (and especially the faith segment therein) and interactions with the Regulators. Khalid’s depth of knowledge and nuanced understanding of the regulatory landscape are acknowledged as an asset by faith sector charities’.

All team members at LBMW are extremely efficient, professional and knowledgeable. Advice is always effective and received in a timely manner.’

‘Ian Blaney’s work on academy conversions is exceptional.’

‘An exceptionally professional and personal service. The Team at LBMW take time to understand the client’s needs and have subject-matter experts to suit the different cases. The personal service is extremely valued: Many of the cases are extremely complex, and the Team at LBMW have the skill to translate the issues into jargon-free terminology.’