Laura trained with us and qualified into the Charities team in March 2013 in our Bristol office.
She advises independent schools, charities and other not-for-profit bodies on a range of charity, company and trust law matters, encompassing governance and constitutional issues, incorporations, strategic advice and support to clients looking at setting up a charity.
Laura also advises faith based charities and bodies associated with the Church of England on all aspects of ecclesiastical, Canon, charity, company and trust law. In particular, Laura advises on marriage in the Church of England, all aspects of pastoral re-organisation, the appointment and resignation of clergy and clergy discipline matters, together with providing governance advice to diocesan boards of finance and Parochial Church Councils.
She leads on the administration of the team's charitable company secretarial service and regularly assists with updates to the Jordans Charities Administration Service. Laura was also a contributor to Charity Governance (Jordans, 2014).
Laura's keen interest in the third sector allows her to fully understand the needs of clients and provide helpful and pragmatic advice to assist with and resolve a variety of legal issues.
'She has a strong grasp of charity law and is able to explain issues clearly and concisely. She is able to read a situation quickly and tailor her explanation and advice so that it has the best effect.' - Chambers & Partners 2021
Laura Chesham is 'highly recommended.' - Legal 500
Laura is an enthusiastic baker and enjoys sewing, and in her spare time you can often find her in the kitchen baking a cake or at her sewing machine! She also enjoys travelling and reading.
Laura is also a member of the Charity Law Association and The Ecclesiastical Law Association.