Eversheds instructed by Gresham College

The appointment is for 12 months and is a first for the independent college, which has previously always retained the position in-house.

The retirement of the company secretary prompted the organisation to look into outsourcing the role, which will now cover the administrative function as well as advising the college on developments in charity law.

Registrar Barbara Anderson commented: "We decided outsourcing was definitely the way forward for this role. We're a small organisation and wouldn't require a full-time person in-house.

"Eversheds was the obvious firm for the job, as they come highly recommended, with an impressive client list in this sector."

The college was founded over 400 years ago and remains committed to providing free public lectures in the City of London.

Cambridge-based corporate partner Glynne Stanfield will be leading the Eversheds team.