Experience

I am an Associate in the Real Estate team at Bates Wells, advising clients on a broad range of commercial property matters with a particular focus on the charity sector.

Since qualifying in 2023, I have supported charities, social enterprises, faith organisations as well as sports and educational bodies of all sizes in achieving their purpose-led objectives. My practice covers the property aspects of charity mergers (including independent schools), incorporations, restructures and strategy advice on asset utilisation. I also regularly advise on acquisitions and disposals involving complex options and overage, as well as landlord and tenant matters.

Within the education sector, I have significant experience in academy conversions and transfers, foundation trust matters, statutory transfers and obtaining Secretary of State consents.

Highlights
  • I have acted on the incorporation of several Charitable Incorporated Organisations (CIOs), including a recent incorporation of a Roman Catholic religious institute with a portfolio of properties across the UK.
  • I have advised on the £37.5m disposal of a dairy farm in West London.
  • I have been the trusted adviser to a national autism charity, managing lease renewals and land acquisitions to expand its special educational needs provision.
  • I have assisted a faith charity with the successful completion of a £7m Central London disposal of surplus land for development purposes.
  • I recently assisted an almshouse charity with the acquisition of property for a residential development project in Essex.
  • I have advised on the relocation of England’s first state-funded Muslim school.
  • I advised a Royal Charter body on the acquisition of new office space in London.
  • I have acted on property matters for several of the UK’s largest academy trusts, including a trust overseeing more than 60 primary and secondary schools.
  • I have supported a heritage charity in managing a unique portfolio of historic assets. Key work includes the leasing of a Grade II-listed blacksmith forge built in the 1800s and advising on the receipt of an operating watermill in rural Worcestershire.