Experience

I’m a senior associate working across both the Dispute Resolution and Charity teams, with a particular focus on all things political. I advise political parties, candidates and campaigners on election rules, internal disputes, regulatory issues and getting their message across effectively whilst complying with the legal frameworks that apply.

Highlights
  • Fighting fake news When a charity working in difficult conditions across the Middle East found itself subject to a campaign of disinformation , accusing it of links to terrorism, I worked with the Charity to source evidence to successfully rebut the allegations to the Charity Commission who had opened an investigation after mainstream papers had picked up the story.
  • Establishing new political parties The current political climate has opened up the field for many new voices to be heard, I have assisted with establishment of a variety of new political parties and political movements including drafting their constitutions, and helped them understand how to comply with election and campaigning law and data protection, in a world where there has never been more opportunity to try new things in the political space.
  • Advising an International Development charity on how to launch a new campaign compliantly I recently advised a large charity on the many different legal regimes that apply to campaigns, including lobbying, advertising and fundraising regulation, the ‘non-party campaigning’ rules under election law, charity law restrictions on political activity and defamation. I reviewed their core campaigning materials to spot potential issues and suggest amendments to lower certain risk areas to give them the confidence to go ahead.
  • I have given advice to the designated Remain campaign during the EU Referendum, Britain Stronger in Europe
  • I’ve assisted a regulatory body with its more complex investigations
  • I have acted to resist an application for judicial review of a regulatory body and substantive judicial review proceedings;
  • I advise various organisations on compliance ahead of the major elections of the last few years
  • I’ve acted for a major arts charity in a governance dispute and related matters;
  • I acted for some of the former trustees of a charity in a high profile inquiry and court proceedings
  • I’ve advised an organisation on the application of counter-terrorism law on its humanitarian activities
  • I’ve given advice regarding Charity Commission compliance investigations/visits
  • I have advised on Electoral Commission investigations and electoral law court applications
  • I’ve advised a statutory office holder on governing legislation and procedural requirements