Katie Exell

Solicitor

020 7551 7932

Email Katie

Experience

I joined the Charity and Social Enterprise team at Bates Wells as a solicitor in October 2019, after completing my training contract at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP.

I undertake a wide range of work for clients operating in the charity and not-for-profit sectors, which includes advising on bespoke contracts, mergers between charities, and the incorporation and registration of new charities. Within the Charity and Social Enterprise department, I am a member of the sector groups for health and social care, faith-based organisations, the culture and creative industry, and international NGOs. I have a particular interest in advising organisations which focus on disability, healthcare, and human rights.

Highlights

  • I am advising an almshouse charity on a potential merger.

    I have been working with Stephanie Biden to advise an almshouse charity on a potential merger with another almshouse charity in other to further both of their charitable purposes. This has involved a due diligence review, considering the objects within the governing documents of both charities, and drafting the proposed heads of terms.

  • I am providing advice on the registration of a new charity which intends to focus on providing support to refugees.

    This involves advising on the process of establishing a charitable incorporated organisation, drafting the constitution for the charity, and preparing the application to register with the Charity Commission.

  • I am advising various clients on the options for restructuring as a not-for-profit entity.

    Each of these matters involves a detailed analysis of the current for-profit company group structure and advising the client on the restructuring options available to them.

Areas of expertise:

Services

Charity

Sectors

Culture & Creative
Faith-based Organisations
Health & Social Care
International NGOs

Qualifications and career

  • University of Durham, BA in English Literature (First Class Honours) – 2012 to 2015
  • University of Law, Graduate Diploma in Law (Distinction) – 2016 to 2017
  • University of Law, LLM in Professional Legal Practice (Distinction) – 2017
  • Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP, Trainee Solicitor – September 2017 to August 2019
  • Secondment to Argent (Property Development) Services LLP, Trainee Solicitor – March 2019 to August 2019
  • Admitted as a solicitor in September 2019
  • Bates Wells, Charity and Social Enterprise Solicitor - October 2019

Pro bono, memberships, and appointments

  • Member of the Charity Law Association
  • Former volunteer on human rights research projects for Reprieve and Amicus
  • Former pro bono advisor at a legal advice clinic in London