Brachers (Part of Lawfront)‘s team is well-regarded for its work in the agricultural and charitable sectors, with a particular focus on advising elderly and vulnerable individuals. The team regularly handles complex cross-border matters and includes a dedicated Court of Protection practice, which often handles complex statutory will applications. Practice head Christopher Eriksson-Lee is noted for his expertise in capital tax planning, frequently advising clients on strategies to mitigate inheritance and capital gains tax liabilities.
Personal tax, trusts and probate: Kent, Surrey, Sussex in South East
Brachers (Part of Lawfront)
Praxisleiter:
Christopher Eriksson-Lee
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Justine Sloover; Mary Rimmer; Sarah Mannooch; Emma Hegarty
Referenzen
‘Brachers‘ has a long history of looking after clients in Kent and the surrounding regions. It has a loyal following amongst customers, earned over many decades by providing practical legal advice, delivered in a warm, friendly and professional manner. It offers a full suite of legal services, providing a one-stop legal shop for clients, at prices well below those found in London. ’
‘Warm & welcoming, professional, good listeners, practical advice, excellent knowledge of the law, efficient, calm and helpful.’
Charles Russell Speechlys LLP
The Guildford-based private client team at Charles Russell Speechlys LLP is led by Sally Ashford, who is recognised for assisting high-net-worth individuals and family business owners with estate planning and inheritance tax mitigation mandates, particularly through the use of trusts. Richard Honey is noted for advising families on deed of variation strategies to optimise tax reliefs, and family business owners on generational succession planning. Harriet Betteridge often assists high-net-worth clients with trust taxation issues.
Praxisleiter:
Sally Ashford
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Harriet Betteridge; Catherine Caddy; Richard Honey; Lauren Clarke; Natalie Butler
Referenzen
‘Charles Russell Speechlys’ private client team, particularly the Guildford office, are one of my key contacts in the UK. I am consistently impressed by their legal expertise, professionalism, and international reach. Their enthusiasm is noteworthy.’
‘The team is well-structured with fee earners at every level. They are friendly, communicative, and demonstrate a clear commitment to understanding and prioritising their clients’ needs.’
‘Sally Ashford has clearly and carefully built her private client team, and she is an excellent leader who is both respected and liked. She is a trusted adviser. I have seen her skillfully manage complex situations involving multiple stakeholders with varying levels of financial understanding, and she consistently makes her clients feel confident and at ease.’
Cripps
Cripps’ offering is jointly led by Kate Arnold, who heads the firm’s private client group, and Jessica Jamieson, who leads the private wealth team in Kent. The team advises a broad spectrum of clients, including families, UK and international businesses, professionals in the legal and financial sectors, and rural estate owners. Paul Fairbairn is recognised for his expertise in advising both UK-based and international families on tax and succession matters. Clare Savory is also recommended for her expertise in succession planning, lifetime gifting, and trust arrangements, frequently involving cross-border elements.
Praxisleiter:
Kate Arnold; Jessica Jamieson
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Kate Arnold; Paul Fairbairn; Clare Savory
Referenzen
‚I find the availability of the staff I have dealt with to talk and correspond with me is excellent. Ease of contact has to be the most important facility any business offers.‘
‚The team were very helpful and approachable. Taking time to explain the different steps of the probate process.‘
‚Creative solutions to inheritance issues. Having created a family trust, the worry of tax returns is dealt with smoothly by them.‘
Highlight-Mandate
- Advised a high-net-worth client, non UK domiciled with a global estate valued between £500 million and £1 billion, on estate planning and international trusts. This included drafting a UK will, coordinating wills across five jurisdictions, establishing a Cayman Trust, advising on Swiss and EU succession laws, and mitigating UK tax risks, particularly in light of the upcoming 2025 non-dom tax changes.
- Advised a terminally ill client on estate planning, ensuring business continuity, tax efficiency, and asset protection. This included succession planning for a company, strategic property transfers to optimise tax benefits, and flexible will drafting to accommodate upcoming legislative changes.
- Advised a client on the establishment of an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) as part of a complex corporate restructuring. This included ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, aligning trust structures with the broader corporate strategy, and navigating complexities related to historic trusts.
Irwin Mitchell
Irwin Mitchell’s private client practice is led by Caroline Shelton. The team handles the full spectrum of wealth and succession planning issues, including wills, trusts, powers of attorney, estate administration, Court of Protection work, and both pre- and post-death tax planning. Shelton is noted for assisting both UK and international high-net-worth clients, particularly in relation to structuring assets to preserve and transfer wealth. Rose Macfarlane is a key figure in the team. In 2024, the group broadened its regional presence with the launch of a new office in Brighton.
Praxisleiter:
Caroline Shelton
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Liam Colville; Rose Macfarlane; Sophia Parkes
Referenzen
‘Irwin Mitchell provide an excellent and reliable private client service.’
‘Brilliant, solutions-driven service, great client care, always responsive.’
‘Professional advice, carefully explained, and dealt with in a prompt and capable manner.’
Highlight-Mandate
- Advising trustees on the termination of a trust holding shares in a private company with gain, and with a US resident beneficiary set to receive a share of the trust assets.
- Advised the daughter of a highly successful 1960s producer whose widow died leaving an estate of £50m+ to her two children. Two very different variations of the mother’s Will were advised on, partly for efficient tax planning for the daughter, but also to ensure that there was equality between the siblings across different asset classes as a result of the very specific will legacy structure.
- Advised business owners on the options available to them to settle or give outright shares in their business with a view to capturing the then 100% uncapped BPR on such companies, and potentially to limit CGT exposure through paying on settlement rather than holding over the gain. Clients opted to make use of multiple trusts to mitigate ongoing IHT during the lives of the trusts, and all aspects were completed in advance of the budget on a strict timescale to ensure full compliance.
Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP
Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP’s Guildford-based team has in-depth expertise in UK and international tax matters, regularly advising individuals, trustees, and executors on complex trust and estate structures. The team is particularly experienced in matters involving UK trusts and beneficiaries of offshore trusts. The practice is led by Lucy Edwards, whose broad focus spans international wealth planning, family governance and philanthropy. Hannah Gearey is noted for assisting vulnerable clients and those receiving personal injury awards, often advising on the structuring and management of protective trusts. Cecelia Ward is also recommended.
Praxisleiter:
Lucy Edwards
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Hannah Gearey; Cecelia Ward; Rachel Neal; Vanessa Riley
Referenzen
‘Excellent private client team, with strength in depth and reasonable rates.’
‘Cecelia Ward has led on this matter for us, with support from Vanessa Riley. Cecelia has an excellent eye for detail and the ability to grapple with complex and difficult probate, trust and tax issues. Vanessa is diligent and meticulous in dealing with probate and trust records.’
‘Whilst some firms of solicitors might seek to provide legal advice and draft documentation economically, Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP prefers to offer a more sophisticated service addressing the more complex needs of higher net worth individuals covering all the possible scenarios and relevant points.’
Russell-Cooke LLP
Russell-Cooke LLP’s private client team is recognised for its expertise in succession planning, often representing family-owned businesses. The department is jointly led by Kieran Bowe, who advises high-net-worth individuals on tax and estate matters, and Julie Man, whose practice concentrates on business succession and cross-border issues, particularly those involving clients based in the US.
Praxisleiter:
Julie Man; Kieran Bowe
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Carly Argent; Annika Bell
Referenzen
‘A high level of private client expertise for a firm of its size, with a strong focus on collaboration with other professionals and advisers to ensure that clients receive a service tailored to their needs.’
‘High levels of expertise and a personalised service, based on understanding a client’s real needs and encouraging deeper discussion to ensure those needs are met effectively.’
‘The views expressed are based on a series of meetings in Q4 2024. It was our first experience of Russell-Cooke, who were recommended by our financial adviser. They worked collaboratively with our adviser and accountant to resolve complex estate matters, resulting in a well-considered trust solution after careful evaluation of all tax implications.’
Stevens & Bolton LLP
The team at Stevens & Bolton LLP is equipped to advise on a broad range of matters, including succession planning, estate administration, wills and lasting powers of attorney, tax planning, and the management of UK and international trusts. The group is also well-versed in advising non-UK domiciled individuals and clients with international estates, and is frequently instructed on matters involving heritage assets and landed estates. Rosie Todd heads the team and is recommended for her skill in handling issues arising at the intersection between personal wealth and corporate structures, frequently advising entrepreneurs and fund managers on tax planning strategies post-corporate exit. Daryl Fox is noted for his expertise in estate administration and post-death planning.
Praxisleiter:
Rosie Todd
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Daryl Fox; James Hardaker; Gareth Walliss; Matthew Peto
Referenzen
‘Daryl Fox and the team have been helpful and proactive in dealing with my elderly mother’s estate, including trust arrangements from my father’s estate. They are knowledgeable and pleasant to deal with.’
‘Stevens & Bolton is a practice based outside London, but with a level of expertise the same as any London firm.’
‘S&B comprise are a highly professional team, personable people, covering the full range of skills and contacts that a top end legal service should provide.’
Highlight-Mandate
Thomson Snell & Passmore
Thomson Snell & Passmore’s team has broad expertise spanning business succession, landed estates and agriculture issues, and charitable giving. The practice is known for assisting individuals and families on wealth structuring and preservation. Department head Nicola Brant brings substantial experience in advising landowners and high-net-worth families on estate planning and asset protection, with a strong focus on mitigating inheritance and capital gains tax exposure. Esther Lee is a key practitioner within the team, regularly supporting clients through the estate administration process and advising on available reliefs and exemptions to help ease tax liabilities.
Praxisleiter:
Nicola Brant
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Helen Stewart; Simon Mitchell; Esther Lee
Referenzen
‘I work with Esther Lee who is someone I never hesitate to recommend as she brings an efficient, kind and pragmatic approach to her work. She blends a deep knowledge of her specialism developed over more than twenty years of experience with a personable and empathetic approach – she is clear at a time when clients need it most!’
‘The team is extremely knowledgeable, understands the application of the law, are personable and approachable whilst maintaining professionalism.’
‘Simon Mitchell is outstanding. He always makes himself available for me, is clear understands the law and is able to provide good and helpful advice together with quality drafting and documentation.’
DMH Stallard LLP
Led jointly by Sara McGrigor, Nadia Cowdrey and Lorna Fairbairn, DMH Stallard LLP’s private client practice operates across the South East, with offices in Brighton, Guildford, Hassocks, and Horsham. The group has vast experience in advising high-net-worth individuals on all aspects of estate and succession planning, including the creation and management of trusts, wills, powers of attorney, and estate administration. Furthermore, the department often closely collaborates with the firm’s property and family teams to represent clients with substantial UK and international assets.
Praxisleiter:
Lorna Fairbairn; Nadia Cowdrey; Sara McGrigor
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Simon Rozzier; Catalina Lowe
Referenzen
‘They bring city expertise to a regional firm: a good number of the team have come from city firms, bringing that experience with them.’
‘The practice has a wealth of experienced and empathetic personnel, essential for this work.’
‘A broad depth of experience and knowledge, professionally delivered, whilst retaining approachability and friendliness.’
Judge & Priestley LLP
Judge & Priestley LLP’s private client team routinely acts for high-net-worth clients, leveraging its specialist expertise in private wealth, philanthropy, cross-border estates, digital asset succession, and matters involving the EU Succession Regulation. The department is co-led by David Chandra, who advises on estate administration, wealth structuring and succession planning, and Brian Tan, who is particularly experienced in handling complex matters involving trust law, personal taxation, and lifetime planning.
Praxisleiter:
David Chandra; Brian Tan
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Peter Taylor
Referenzen
‘A diverse and talented team, which brings together experienced professionals with specialist expertise across various legal principles.’
‘The firm stands out for its deep expertise in private international law, particularly in handling cases involving French assets. Their highly specialised team possesses extensive knowledge of conflict of laws and jurisdictional issues, delivering tailored solutions in complex cross-border matters.’
‘What sets Judge & Priestley apart is its personalised approach — each client’s matter is handled with a tailored strategy, ensuring clear communication and proactive guidance throughout the legal process.’
Keystone Law
Keystone Law’s private client team is experienced in handling succession planning for high-net-worth individuals, including the drafting of complex wills and estate structuring. Camilla Bishop is a key figure in the group, recognised for her expertise in inheritance tax matters and long-standing experience in estate planning. Robert Knight is also recommended for his experience in advising on will and trust structuring, probate, powers of attorney, and post-death variations.
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Camilla Bishop; Robert Knight; Simon Mackie; Lloyd Junor; Ashton Davis; Will Norton
Referenzen
‘The trusts and probate team are excellent. They have two well established partners who are widely respected in our field.’
‘I have worked with Ashton Davies and Lloyd Junor. They are heavyweights in estates and trusts litigation. Ashton and Lloyd each has a deep knowledge of estates and trusts law. They are highly experienced and tenacious litigators. Incredibly effective at achieving positive outcomes for clients in often difficult circumstances. ’
‘Ashton Davies and Lloyd Junor together make up a brilliant team of trusts and probate specialists.’
Moore Barlow
Moore Barlow’s private client team is well-regarded for its work involving tax-efficient succession strategies, often on behalf of high-net-worth individuals. The practice is led by Naomi Wilkes, a full STEP member, who is noted for her deep experience advising individuals and families on estate planning and wealth structuring.
Praxisleiter:
Naomi Wilkes
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Sonia Green
Referenzen
‚ The team are very friendly & puts one at ease. Their knowledge & how they explain how to deal with complicated issues is very re-assuring. They give an indication of what their costs are likely to be & I found that they kept to this. The team ethos they apply is also so beneficial & gives re-assurance to the client.’
‘The extent of their knowledge & their ability to impart this to the client. They are interested in you as an individual as well as a client. In my dealings with Sonia Green, I found her extensive knowledge extremely helpful & it is always a pleasure to meet up with her.’
‘Depth of experience in the area of probate, trusts and charities.’
Renaissance Legal
Renaissance Legal is a boutique firm with a strong focus on supporting disabled and vulnerable individuals, along with their families and carers, with the full range of private client issues. Led by Katherine Miller, who is particularly adept at assisting families of those with learning disabilities, and Philip Warford, who often acts for major national charities, the team advises on specialist matters including wills and trusts, in addition to powers of attorney, and Court of Protection applications.
Praxisleiter:
Philip Warford; Katherine Miller
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Stuart Price; Gina Cucciniello; Sarah O’Sullivan; Deborah Henn
Referenzen
‚My wife and I instructed Renaissance Legal to deal with our personal affairs, including ensuring that our disabled son is well provided for. Katherine Miller was superb. Following the death of my mother-in-law, we recommended Renaissance to my father-in-law. Everyone was so sympathetic, caring, and incredibly professional. They managed his affairs, including ensuring his will was up-to-date and properly reflected his wishes. Renaissance made a very difficult occasion become very reassuring.‘
‚The Renaissance Legal Team is uniquely positioned to provide outstanding advice to those of us with disabled and vulnerable family members, ensuring that we are able to plan for the future and make difficult decisions for our loved ones and wider family knowledgeably and effectively.‘
‚Skill and expertise with regard to learning disabilities set this practice apart and make it truly unique. As a client wanting advice, guidance, and support on complex issues regarding planning our daughter’s future, we have received outstanding professional help.‘
Kernmandanten
Mencap
National Autistic Society
Highlight-Mandate
- Advising Mencap, its employees and service users, providing legal advice and support including a telephone helpline service for parents and carers of learning disabled people. The firm advises the legacy ream, the wills and trusts team and have assisted Mencap Trust Company. This involves answering technical legal questions, passing on legal updates, reviewing literature given to the families they help and training staff.
- Advising the service users of National Autistic Society (NAS), providing specialist legal advice through a telephone helpline service. The firm works alongside the NAS to provide advice and support to parents and carers of people with autism via a telephone helpline.
Thackray Williams LLP
Thackray Williams LLP‘s private client team is known for acting for clients in the entertainment sector, supported by the firm’s wider experience in royalties-related matters spanning literature, sport, and music. The practice is jointly headed by Elliot Lewis, who focuses on handling wills, tax, and estate administration issues for high-net-worth clients, and Anthony Macey, who advises individuals and families on succession planning and probate matters.
Praxisleiter:
Elliot Lewis; Anthony Macey
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Nima Stepney; Lee Ann Diaz
Referenzen
‚They offer a strong personal service, adapting to clients‘ needs in terms of meeting location and format. They are subject experts in the area we generally refer clients to, but they appear to offer a full range of legal services.’
‘I have dealt with a range of individuals, both solicitors and support staff. In addition to referring clients to them, I have also used them as a professional sounding board. They are always willing to take my call or reply to emails promptly, even when I am not paying for that element.‘
‚Their approach with clients is friendly, and their work is of a high standard. I have seen other solicitors make mistakes, but that does not happen with individuals at Thackray Williams.’
TWM Solicitors LLP
The team at TWM Solicitors LLP offers advice on a broad spectrum of issues concerning wills and estate planning, probate and estate administration, and trust matters. Led by Laura Walkley and Duncan Mitchell-Innes, the team specialises in trust creation and administration, along with ad-hoc trust advice. The team also handles Court of Protection issues, and often acts for clients with multi-jurisdictional estates.
Praxisleiter:
Laura Walkle; Duncan Mitchell-Innes
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Allison Crossman; Joanna Soteriou
Referenzen
‘TWM partners take time at the beginning of instructions to ensure that they fully understand what you are hoping for. They then advise on any aspects that may prove problematic or which may need to be modified to comply with legislation. Their honest opinions and transparency are much appreciated.’
‘Staff are knowledgeable, approachable and get the job done.’
‘Efficient, personable and knowledgeable.’
Warners Solicitors
Warners Solicitors‘ team is described by clients as ‘knowledgeable, and community-spirited’. The team’s client base spans the IT, entertainment, and property development industries. Under the leadership of Mary Shaw, the team has extensive experience in a wide range of areas, including the preparation of trust deeds and the handling of cross-border probate matters. Arshoo Singh is recommended for his expertise in advising international clients. Philip Raggett retired in 2024.
Praxisleiter:
Mary Shaw
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Martin Terrell; Gail Hall; Arshoo Singh; Richard Theobald
Referenzen
‘Everyone I have dealt with at Warners has been kind, sensitive, courteous, and professional.’
‘Warners are a very good size for a firm of solicitors, with two offices near us. They offer all the disciplines required, being substantial enough to provide comprehensive services, but not so large that they become overly corporate or expensive. The staff have been chosen to fit with the professional attitude while remaining approachable and friendly – a winning combination.’
‘A highly regarded traditional private client team offering excellent service to their clients.’
Birketts LLP
Birketts LLP’s private client team is particularly well known for advising business owners on succession strategies, including both the transfer of business interests and personal assets. The department is jointly led by Jack Royall, Louise Long, and newly promoted partner Sarah Hickey, and also advises on wills, trust structuring and long-term wealth preservation matters.
Praxisleiter:
Jack Royall; Louise Long; Sarah Hickey
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Glen Miles; Dalia De Loera Pierre
Referenzen
‘The firm has a wide spread of expertise and depth of staff, enabling it to work in a dynamic and up-to-date way that delivers very satisfactory outcomes for their clients. They are a very professional outfit without forgetting the importance of the personal touch.’
‘Birketts are excellent at providing a high level of personal service. They also have a breadth of expertise to turn to.’
‘They are one of the most dependable and skilled legal firms we’ve dealt with. Their conveyancing and probate work in particular has been exceptional. They remain calm, responsive, and focused under pressure, and their communication is second to none – always clear, honest, and timely.’
Girlings
Girlings’ team advises on all aspects of estate and succession planning, including will drafting, probate and intestacy matters, and asset protection strategies. The practice is led by Charlotte Nock, a STEP affiliate who is experienced in handling matters concerning international estates.
Praxisleiter:
Charlotte Nock
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Lesley Rushton; Joshua Parton
Referenzen
‚Girlings Solicitors LLP do not just advertise themselves as a team—they operate as one on every case. Clients consistently praise the smooth, coordinated approach from first contact to conclusion. The team are warm, welcoming, efficient, and knowledgeable.‘
‚Girlings offer a comprehensive range of services under one roof, meaning clients avoid delays or the need to involve external professionals. Every staff member communicates clearly and helpfully, whether in writing or over the phone, providing a consistent sense of safety and expertise throughout complex matters.‘
‚Having dealt with other practices across the country, Girlings stood out for their organisation and professionalism. They respond promptly and thoroughly, ensuring clients never feel rushed or overlooked, while maintaining a caring and attentive approach.‘
Howell-Jones LLP
Howell-Jones LLP’s private client team, jointly led by Jess Buttaci and Helen Hotten, routinely advises on high-net-worth estates, inheritance tax planning, and business property relief. The team is often instructed in matters involving complex estates spanning multiple sectors. Philip Johns retired in March 2024.
Praxisleiter:
Helen Hotten; Jess Buttaci
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Serena Welch; Lavanya Hart; Hadiha Waheed; Emma Sayers
Referenzen
‚The team is professional, friendly, and welcoming. They will do as they say in terms of getting back to any query that you might have.‘
‚Compared with other solicitors I have used in the past, I found this firm particularly approachable and willing to explain matters in layman’s terms without any sense of superiority. Charges were clearly set out, and we were informed quickly when costs might exceed the original estimate.‘
‚They are friendly, professional, open, and transparent. They take the time to explain all the processes, making sure you are informed and reassured at every stage.‘
Mayo Wynne Baxter LLP
Mayo Wynne Baxter LLP’s team is recommended for its expertise in estate and succession planning, particularly on behalf of high-net-worth individuals, entrepreneurs, and rural families with agricultural interests. Led by Fiona Dodd, the practice is experienced in advising on the administration of estates and family trusts and lasting powers of attorney.
Praxisleiter:
Fiona Dodd
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Rebecca Louis; Jessica Partridge
Morr & Co LLP
Morr & Co LLP’s private client team, led by Holly Chantler, is known for advising older and vulnerable clients on Court of Protection matters, estate planning, and capacity issues. The team also handles cross-border wills, business and heritage property, and tax planning mandates involving trusts and overseas assets.
Praxisleiter:
Holly Chantler
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Sarah Sarwar; Jonathan Jacobs; Natalie Payne; Jessica Williams
Referenzen
‚I have found this practice to be reliable, trustworthy, and consistent. They collaborate well with financial planners to achieve the best outcomes for clients.‘
‚They are honest with clients, always outlining the pros and cons of any actions they may take.‘
‚Jonathan Jacobs is a solicitor I have worked with and known for over 20 years. Throughout this time, he has always been clear in his explanations, delivered on his promises, and communicated effectively with clients. I have absolutely no hesitation in recommending Jonathan to clients.‘