Areas of practice:

Sylvie advises on a wide range of charity law matters, including:

• the establishment of charities
• trustee duties and governance
• restructuring and mergers
• trading issues and setting up and running trading subsidiaries
• fundraising and commercial participation
• endowments (including permanent endowments)
• charity law aspects of borrowing and lending
• Gift Aid and general advice on tax-efficient giving
• public benefit requirements
• grant-making
• cross-border issues

She has a particular specialism in matters concerning heritage charities (particularly stately homes, museums and heritage railways), almshouses, faith organisations (including places of worship for all faiths, Cathedrals and both charitable and non-charitable religious communities) and the establishment and governance of international or cross-border charities and NGOs.

Sylvie features in Chambers & Partners in band 1 of the national rankings and is listed in Legal 500 as a recognised expert in charity law.  Sylvie is a charity trustee and honorary company secretary of a number of charities. 

Testimonials:

"We always thought we were in good hands. She's meticulous and gave us good advice - and in layman's terms too." (Chambers & Partners)

"Highly knowledgeable, friendly and practical" (Legal 500)

Professional memberships:

• Charity Law Association - Executive Committee Member
• Ecclesiastical Law Society
• Society of Trusts and Estate Practitioners
• Sylvie is a Dementia Friend