LBMW rankings rise in "Legal 500"

LBMW's “Education-Schools” and “Charities and Not for Profit” sectors are ranked higher by Legal 500 in its 2022 results just published. Ella Westby has been identified as a "rising star", and Khalid Sofi is recognised for his work. Quotes from the Legal 500 website say:

Charities and not for profit- tier 4 (from tier 5)

Howard Dellar leads the specialist 'professional and friendly' team of charity lawyers at Lee Bolton Monier-Williams that advises a wide range of not-for-profit groups from many faith organisations (in particular the Muslim community) and secular organisations. Its involvement in communities across the country ranges from churches and schools, housing associations, social enterprises, charities and not-for-profit organisations. The 'efficient and effective' team advises charities of all kinds and at various stages of their lifecycle. Khalid Sofi is recognised for his work with charities that are linked with Muslim, Sikh, Hindu and the Buddhist communities.

Practice head(s):Howard Dellar

Other key lawyers:Khalid Sofi; Ian Blaney; Lina Rodriguez; Ella Westby; Jane Grenfell

Education - Schools -tier 3 (from tier 4)

Lee Bolton Monier-Williams stands out for its expertise in Church of England school matters, with a unique 'blend of expertise in charity, education and ecclesiastical law'. The team also advises a large number of other faith education providers, with in-house expertise in Islamic law, as well as non-faith schools. Practice head and senior partner Howard Dellar has provided the Church of England Education Office with extensive advice on the implications of academisation for church schools. Ella Westby specialises in constitutional, land, funding and trusts work within the education sector, particularly in relation to academies.

Practice head(s): Howard Dellar

Other key lawyers: Ella Westby

Rising star- Ella Westby

Testimonials

‘Lee Bolton Monier Williams has a diverse team that has a solid knowledge of the charity sector. We have worked with Khalid Sofi for many years, and his outstanding knowledge in the charity sector coupled with the years of experience gained from working with Muslim Charities makes it a stand out for us‘.

‘LBMW provides a wide spectrum of services without diluting the in-depth expertise of any particular area. This allows for a one-stop-shop for all legal services where seamless communication and referrals between areas of expertise and partners allow for all aspects of one’s needs to be met. LBMW excels at maintaining relationships by instilling confidence through the quality of its work and advice which is thorough, timely, well reasoned and comprehensive’.

‘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. Khalid is adept at realigning charity governance and charity structures to work and be compliant in what are currently challenging times. Khalid can help overcome very substantive challenges through identifying a clear road-map and assisting in achieving a solution. Lina Rodriguez – exceptionally efficient and adept in all matters pertaining to conveyance of property. Manages ambitious deadlines and complex negotiations with consummate ease and reliability‘.

‘The service we receive from Ella Westby is exceptional. She always listens to our requirements and seeks an effective solution. She is incredibly efficient and communicates extremely well. We have used her services for ten school conversions now because the service she provides is so good.’ 

‘A very knowledgeable company. Able to answer a range of educational questions and queries. Advice is thorough and the service is prompt.’

‘Howard Dellar is both pragmatic and empathetic. He understands where the client comes from and speaks in a way that is accessible and enlightening. Despite his obvious capability, Howard is able to simplify matters and identify the key information that the client needs to know and respond to. His positive manner is encouraging and you always sense a solution is possible.’