Recommendations
Recognised as a Key Lawyer
[Tom Pratt] takes his time to explain situations and advises in the most helpful way possible
Experience
I provide a wide range of contractual, commercial and governance advice to charities, social enterprises, commercial organisations and creative businesses and individuals. I advise on a variety of commercial and charity law matters, including in relation to start ups, collaborative working and (re)structuring, funding, contractual arrangements, intellectual property (including copyright) and governance and constitutional issues.
I have a particular focus on working with cultural and creative clients (a former trustee of Dance United) and is a core member of Bates Wells’ Culture + Creative team.
- I acted for the Energy Efficiency Partnership for Buildings and The National Energy Foundation on the spin out of the Energy Efficiency Partnership for Homes initiative from the Energy Saving Trust
- I have advised on a number of spin outs of services from public bodies into social enterprises, including establishing Hounslow Education Business Partnership as a separate enterprise to the London Borough of Hounslow and acting for Realise Futures CIC in relation to Suffolk County Council’s flagship 'divestment' programme
- I have established a number of charities and social enterprises, including the David Lynch Foundation UK and several community interest companies
- I advised 3SC, a key organisation involved in the delivery of the government’s flagship Work Programme, on structural and sub-contracting arrangements
Areas of expertise:
Qualifications and career
- Nottingham University, BSC (Joint Hons) Maths & Philosophy, 1995
- Worked in Tokyo, Japan as an English teacher and translator, 1996
- Manchester Metropolitan University, Post-graduate Diploma in Law, 2002
- Chester College of Law, Legal Practice Course, 2003
- Joined Bates Wells, 2004
- Admitted as a solicitor, 2006
- Three months working as legal assistant with Tate Gallery, 2006
Pro bono, memberships, and appointments
- Former Trustee of Dance United
- Member of the Charity Law Association
- Works with a number of charities on a pro bono basis, including Prison Radio Association
- Regular speaker on charity law and social enterprise law, including with The School for Social Enterpreneurs and Law Works
- Contributor to a number of publications, including Third Sector and Jordans Charities Administration Service
