Charities Law Firm’s Guildhall Launch

Published on: 7 Jul, 2013
Updated on: 9 Jul, 2013

Cllr David Ems, Deputy Mayor; Alison Maclennan, principal Third Sector Law; Tony Richmond, master at Abbots Hospital

The Deputy Mayor of Guildford, David Elms; Alison Maclennan, principal Third Sector Law; Tony Richmond, Master at Abbot’s Hospital.

by Liz Raum

Guildford’s business leaders gathered at the Guildhall (July 2) to welcome and support the launch of Third Sector Law, a specialist law firm supporting charities and their professional advisers.

Alison Maclennan, the principal of the firm, who has the unusual distinction of being dually qualified as a solicitor and barrister, moved to Guildford over a year ago while working with Stephens & Bolton, LLP.

During the past year, Alison decided to launch her own law practice here. She said: “Guildford is such a nice town and you have London nearby, it’s great for your clients.”

Sue Turner, Almshouse Associates; Caroline Reeves, Chair of Trustees, Stoke Hospital; Anne Meredith, trustee, Stoke Hospital

Sue Turner, Almshouse Associates; Cllr Caroline Reeves, chairman of trustees, Stoke Hospital; Cllr Anne Meredith, trustee, Stoke Hospital.

Having specialised in charity law and donating her expertise as a legal advisor, the room was filled with supportive and appreciative charities. Sue Turner, Almshouse Association, said: “I’m here supporting Alison. She kindly donated her time and gave a number of talks in a series of seminars for trustees of Almshouse Association. We know she will be successful.”

But attendees were not all from the charity field. Also happy to celebrate the launch was Chaz Brooks, creative director and co-founder Chaz Brooks Communications, who said: “I’m here supporting local business. Guildford is a great place to do business. I work here, live here and my daughter goes to school here. We must support local business.”

Chaz Brooks, Chaz Brooks Communications; Stephen Meredith"

Chaz Brooks of Chaz Brooks Communications and Stephen Meredith.

Representing the council the Deputy Mayor, David Elms, welcomed the diversity of commerce in the town. He said: “This is a thriving borough and this is a new company within the borough. New blood is always welcome. To continue being a thriving borough, a diverse commerce base is necessary and that is what this type of commerce brings to our community. The future is you, the people who work, live and spend money in the community: you are the heart and soul of our boroughs’ success. Welcome to our community.”

Alison Maclennan, principal, Third Sector Law is located 28-30 High Street, Guildford.