Expert partner joins to head up law firm’s national charity team
Leading full-service law firm Shakespeare Martineau has welcomed specialist partner Catherine Rustomji to head up its national charity team. unLTD spoke to Catherine to learn about her role in South Yorkshire…
Hi Catherine, great to meet you! Can you tell us a little bit about your role?
Since 2000, I have worked supporting charities, not for profit organisations, community groups, schools, colleges, churches, welfare and professional associations. I work on everything from setting up a new charity or social enterprises through to board development, mergers and modernisation. I find all aspects of governance very interesting and I try to work in a very positive and empowering way – I don’t like anyone to feel like I’m telling them off!
How did you first start working with the charity/not for profit sector?
It was a happy accident! Having left law school, I found a role that offered me a training contract specifically focused on qualifying as a charity solicitor. That meant my training was very different and I found myself really hooked. It’s a sector full of really interesting people and really important work and I have always found lots to be passionate about.
Have you seen a change in the types of organisations that you are working with?
Even larger charities are aware that people want to support local. People can identify with charities that provide services in their area and charities are very aware that they can’t rely on long term support but need to demonstrate their value to the community they are part of.
In terms of the work that I do, governance is important as charities seek to be more strategic in their approach. As they try to focus their efforts to be more effective in a climate where lots of the community rely on them, it’s really important that they have a good strategy that they feel confident in.
Who would you like to speak to in South Yorkshire and how can you help them?
I’d love to work with any new or established charities, charity trustees and social entrepreneurs who are interested in better understanding their roles and learning about liability issues. I’d also be keen to speak with charities who would like to have a chat about their own structures and if there may be a better way of working for them. There’s a lot to know, and always lots of different options to explore.
How are you finding your role with the Shakespeare Martineau team in Sheffield?
Shakespeare Martineau is a focused firm, which has a clear strategy for its people and itself, so I am delighted to be working at the core of a strong team to offer a complete service to our charities and not for profit clients. I have been part of charity trustee training events with BHP Accountants for a number of years in South Yorkshire so it’s great to be working from a Sheffield base with a really positive and energetic team!
Catherine’s appointment is the latest in a string of new partner hires as part of the firm’s growth strategy, broadening its footprint both north and south.
As well as broad expertise in charity law, Shakespeare Martineau’s full-service team is able to support organisations with legacies, employment law, funding and corporate advice, intellectual property considerations, and real estate advice. The team also has particular and unique expertise advising charities on contentious probate issues.