Rosamund McCarthy

I am constantly inspired by the not-for -profits I advise.  For more than 25 years, I have utilised the law to create, merge or restructure not-for-profits, set up efficient funding arrangements and work alongside as well as challenge the excesses of multiple regulators.

I invariably have long term governance and tricky technical questions on my plate, but also advise charities in the eye of the storm, helping them to navigate through a regulatory, governance and media maze. I have a track record in defending the rights of charities to speak out and advise political and campaign bodies on the intricacies of electoral law.

I particularly value the long term and collegiate relationships I have with many of my clients and enjoy working at the interface of law, governance and public policy. A joy of my legal life is immersion in numerous sectors ranging from international development to the arts, education, environment, children and young people, animals, health and faith.  It is an enormous privilege to be a small part in the journey of so many amazing causes and visionary charities. The stimulation of working with talented colleagues, sharing knowledge and learning from each other, is also a big plus in my professional life.  

As has been the in-depth experiences I have gained as a charity trustee, often understanding at first hand the pressures that charities and trustees face. All in all, I am delighted to continue advising charities and look forward to the challenges ahead.

I am Joint Head of Bates Well’s Politics, Elections and Campaigning group, and am also recommended for advice on election law, included within Bates Well’s Legal 500 Tier 1 Electoral Law ranking.

I am recommended as a leading Charity Lawyer by Chambers (2018, band 1) and Legal 500 (2018, band 1) and am recommended as a Best Lawyer.

I am described by Chambers and Partners (2017) as giving ‘much lauded assistance to several household-name charities with governance, risk and issues with public policy implications‘ and by Legal 500 (2017) as ‘an absolute star‘.

My clients include start-ups, household name charities, international foundations, campaigning bodies, membership bodies, royal charter bodies and corporate foundations.