People

Alison Maclennan 

Short Biography

Alison went to Christ’s Hospital School, then Reading University.  She qualified as a barrister and practised (11, Old Square/Radcliffe Chambers) for 12 years. She is now also qualified as a solicitor and having been in private practice has now established her own specialist firm Third Sector Law..

Alison has always specialised in charity law and has extensive knowledge of the subject gained during her time as a leading junior at the Bar. She has also written texts on the Charities Act 2006 and Running a Charity. She is currently serving on The Guardian panel of experts. She is experienced and well known in the sector and understands the unique concerns of charities and trustees.

Alison has gained extensive experience of working with charities whose objects include the whole range of charitable activity, from religion to theatres, from hospices to almshouses and many many more. The diversity of the sector and innovations in the sector are guaranteed to present challenges for charities. Third Sector Law exists to help with these challenges.

Alison’s work in the litigation sphere has resulted in representation in the High Court in cases such as Hanchett-Stamford v. Attorney General and Others.  She has also advised high profile clients on aspects of political campaigning by charities. She maintains an interest in European charity law and the operation of charities in other jurisdictions.

Alison is a highly capable lawyer consistently ranked by the various guides to the legal profession and she retains an interest in facilitating the vision and missions of charities as well as problem solving on their behalf. She is very enthusiastic and is relishing the opportunity at Third Sector Law of establishing a credible, cost effective local alternative to London law firms who dominate the voluntary sector. She believes that Third Sector Law is well placed to give the best value to charities without compromising on quality.

Legal Guides

Chambers UK

Alison Maclennan has built up an impressive charities practice of her own. Having learnt from the best, she is now but one of a handful of barristers who devote the bulk of their practice to charity law. Maclennan has enjoyed a monumental rise through the ranks and gained widespread recognition as one of the most talented juniors at the Bar. She advises on a full range of aspects of charity law, including trusts legacies, governance and constitutional issues.

Chambers UK

“AM known for her sensible practical advice and her ability to think outside the box

Legal 500

AM is growing a superb reputation. She is technically sound and comfortable with clientsAM maintains her reputation as a whiz kid on the commercial aspects and runs a broad ranging charities practice that is going from strength to strength

Chambers UK

scrapper extraordinaire, and is considered to be increasingly prominent in the field. Although younger than many of her counterparts she joins the top band of their tables this year due to weight of solicitor recommendation

Legal 500 Leading Junior

Impressive knowledge and enthusiasm of [AM] who is one to watch for the future

Alison Maclennan is widely hailed as a rising star, keen and commercially minded

Leaders at the Bar” in charities of Chambers Guide to the Legal Profession:

….has a growing reputation and is praised for her excellent commercial sense