International Private Client: Global

THE FIRM This firm fields private client lawyers in a large percentage of its many offices worldwide. Its adoption of a truly global approach enables it effectively to handle multi-jurisdictional work. Peers note that the firm's spread and the absence of a need to rely on other domestic firms is an advantage for the practice. The team is handling an increasing amount of work from Russia, the Middle East and the Far East, working for large wealthy families and major financial institutions. 

Sources Say: "I would go to them for multi-jurisdictional tax work especially, as they don't need to source advice from local law firms."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Paul Stibbard specialises particularly in work arising from the Middle East, and has a real interest in Islamic guardianship and succession laws. He is widely praised by market sources for his "excellent reputation and great contacts" and "years and years of experience." Stephanie Jarrett has a particular handle on Irish matters, and also tackles strategic issues. She has recently been working on the cross-border trust issues in a major multibillion-dollar divorce case. Based in Miami, Robert Hudson does a lot of Latin American work and commands "the greatest respect in the international tax area."

THE FIRM This firm only has one office, in London, but draws praise across the market for its truly excellent and international private client practice. The team has seen a large increase in contentious work in the past year, in both litigation and alternative dispute resolution. Peers highlight that the group attracts some of the very richest people as clients.

Sources Say: "They have such an incredible brand in London that their reputation reaches internationally."

KEY INDIVIDUALS The majority of department head Jonathan Conder's work is international in origin or destination. He is described as "very assured and excellent with client relationships," and specialises particularly in acting for international entrepreneurs. Tax and estate planning specialist Robin Vos's international and domestic practices are both equally strong. Peers confirm that he is "as able a private client lawyer as you could ever meet." Matthew Pintus heads Macfarlanes' probate practice and has a long and successful history at the firm. He draws praise from market sources for his tax-efficient trust knowledge. Sebastian Prichard Jones has strong connections with Eastern Europe and extensive experience of US estate planning, having previously been seconded there. Market sources rate him as "both creative and very good technically." Owen Clutton is a long-standing presence in this market and offers particular knowledge and experience in charity matters, especially in the field of governance.

THE FIRM This new London-based boutique was formed in May 2009, when the first-rate private client practice amicably split from Allen & Overy. The firm focuses almost entirely on private wealth management, and also undertakes charity law and commercial trusts matters. With a strong client base already in place, the team is maintaining the momentum it gained at A&O and peers expect it to go from strength to strength.

Sources Say: "They've taken a top-drawer practice competing directly with the very best and put it into a boutique format."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Clare Maurice has a real focus on private client matters, and also handles some general charity work. She has a "blue-chip powerhouse client base" and is held in high regard by sources who describe her as "very practical and incisive in getting answers to difficult questions." Ceris Gardner has a strong background in wealth management and also possesses expertise in UK immigration law. Richard Turnor concentrates on partnerships, particularly the regulations regarding the establishment and maintenance of LLPs. Sources also note his more general commercial work and say he is "a pleasure to work with." Arabella Saker is widely praised for her broad practice encompassing standard private wealth work as well as commercial trust matters and trust litigation.

THE FIRM This firm offers private client advice from most of its offices, which include bases in London, Geneva, Hong Kong, New York and the British Virgin Islands. The wealth planning group is split into three disciplines – family business; international; and funds, investment and taxes – and is tightly connected with other departments within the firm, such as corporate/commercial and dispute resolution. Peers confirm that the team has particular strength in the field of trust litigation, and emphasise the array of talent on offer within the group. 

Sources Say: "The team has strength in depth, international expertise and the backup of the firm as a whole."

KEY INDIVIDUALS John Riches focuses on governance and control structures for families; his broad and informed practice benefits from his tax background. Peers praise him as a "real star" whose high level of activity keeps him in the spotlight. Dawn Goodman is part of the firm's contentious trusts group and has been playing an increasing role in matters arising out of the uncertain global financial situation. She represents both trustees and beneficiaries in trust litigation, and sources indicate that she has "carved out a real reputation in the field." Joseph Field is noted for his global overview, having recently moved to the firm's Hong Kong office after spending time in both London and New York.

THE FIRM This firm has strong domestic and international private client practices; the latter has grown particularly in the last few years. The international practice receives a good deal of work through the firm's Geneva and Bahrain offices, and deals mainly with two types of client: resident non-domiciled individuals and overseas figures with UK businesses or investments. In recent years the team has been handling a large amount of restructuring work resulting from the fallout of changes in the legislation regarding tax for non-domiciled individuals.

Sources Say: "Private client work is part of their DNA so they are able to do any work for the real super-rich families."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Catriona Syed previously headed up Charles Russell's Geneva office, but has since returned to practise in the UK. She is also qualified in the British Virgin Islands, and focuses on the establishment of international fund structures. Peers recommend her as "clear and authoritative." Bart Peerless has been at the firm for more than ten years and has in that time built up a strong domestic and international practice, with sources describing him as "a star of the future; he's very able."

THE FIRM Farrer & Co has built an excellent reputation for domestic private wealth management for landed clients, and is also handling increasing amounts of highly praised international work. The London-based firm is not hampered by its lack of overseas offices, thanks to its great network of international contacts, and attracts a good deal of referral work from some high-quality non-UK outfits.

Sources Say: "They get some major international work, no doubt about it."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Mark Bridges acts for some extremely prestigious and wealthy clients, and is noted within the sector for his tax and successions trusts practice. He advises a number of high-profile British clients, but is also widely praised by market sources for his strong international presence. James Edmondson is "really at the top of the market," according to peers. He specialises in offshore structures and reorganisations, and has been busy of late with work resulting from the global economic downturn. Toby Graham heads the firm's specialist contentious trusts and estates group, and has a great deal of experience in the sector. Peers attribute much of the group's success in the contentious area to his excellent work, mentioning his presence in many of the leading trust disputes.

THE FIRM This Swiss group successfully maintains its excellent international reputation, according to peers who emphasise the lawyers' outstanding work in inheritance, immigration and tax law. The firm's strong presence in both Geneva and Zurich attracts some particularly wealthy clients.

Sources Say: "It still stands alone in terms of boasting a serious profile for a European firm."  

KEY INDIVIDUALS Richard Pease is no longer a partner but maintains an active presence in his role as a consultant and is highly rated for his private client work. Peers are confident that he is "definitely someone you'd go to if you wanted trust law expertise in Switzerland." Partner Caroline Deletra has a background in transactional law, and has expanded her practice to include international private client matters, for which she is widely praised.

THE FIRM This private client team has close links with the firm's corporate and commercial group. LG has recently expanded into Moscow, where it acts for a number of major Russian oligarchs with complex legal requirements. The firm's Middle Eastern practice remains strong despite the loss of former head of private capital Andrew Young.

Sources Say: "They are devoted to the international side of the work."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Nicholas Jacob has a major presence in the Far East, and focuses particularly on Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong and China; sources confirm that he has "built up an excellent practice in Asia." Caroline Garnham has recently been working on regulatory issues in the Bahamas, particularly on the creation of a new type of foundation. Peers assert that she "has always had a very strong practice." Anthony Thompson is the new head of the tax and private capital group, and focuses on work deriving from the Middle East. 

THE FIRM This outfit's broad private client practice has a certain emphasis on tax work, due to a number of the lawyers having backgrounds in that area. The team has a combination of strong international and domestic private client capabilities. It is handling an increasing amount of international matters, particularly relating to the USA, the Middle East and India. 

Sources Say: "The large department is very client-friendly and takes the practice very seriously."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Charles Gothard is well renowned in the market and "well liked by lots of contacts and clients," according to peers. He spends a good deal of his time on Middle Eastern issues. Mark Summers handles much tax-driven work, including a significant number of US matters. He is experienced in funds structures, private hedge funds and LLP structuring. Graeme Kleiner recently joined from Withers and heads the firm's trusts and estates team, focusing on disputes from trust and succession issues. Peers stress that "he really knows what he's doing in the area of international disputes."

THE FIRM Peers note the continuing success of this offshore firm. It has a base in Bermuda and offices in a large number of international jurisdictions including Bahrain, Hong Kong and the Isle of Man, the latter courtesy of a recent merger with high-quality group Dickinson Cruickshank. Having dealt with private client work from its inception, Appleby covers all aspects of the sector, including taking directorship roles within private trust company structures set up for clients.

Sources Say: "A very sound firm. It's now one of the very best groups for this work."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Carlos de Serpa Pimentel is based in the firm's Cayman Islands office. He has a background in litigation and is involved in much of the firm's contentious trust work as well as more general private client work. Peers rate him as a "sound practitioner who has gone from strength to strength."

THE FIRM A traditional firm with a long history of domestic private client work, Boodle Hatfield operates out of offices in London and Oxford. Market sources report that the firm is increasingly making efforts to offer a wider service, noting that its international presence is growing consistently. The team is strong on both the contentious and non-contentious sides, particularly with regard to probate work. 

Sources Say: "They have moved on from the more traditional area; I see them more and more on the international stage."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Having been at the firm since 1973, Richard Moyse has a great amount of experience in private client work. Now a senior consultant, he remains very active and is, according to peers, "key to the firm's attraction of international work." Simon Rylatt is highly regarded by market sources for his private client work, particularly in the field of trust disputes, though his practice also includes non-contentious matters.

THE FIRM This firm's private client group deals with a broad spectrum of matters including cross-border succession, trust and tax planning, international prenuptial and post-nuptial agreements and trust disputes. It is well recognised for its excellent track record in these and related areas.

Sources Say: "They have some glittering international clients."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Bob Lawrence is the chair of the private client department. He has a very strong reputation for tax and succession planning in particular, although as group head his practice touches all aspects of the team's work. As one peer put it, "everyone says terrific things about him."

THE FIRM This Channel Islands firm is highly regarded in the market for bringing together the non-contentious and contentious sides of its trust department, enabling a much smoother and more rounded experience when difficulties arise in clients' investments. It provides high-quality advice to its primarily trustee client base, and has earned considerable respect in the sector.

Sources Say: "They stand out as being able to deal with things commercially and give very accurate advice; they're just fantastic."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Paul Matthams heads the group's Jersey fiduciary law group and mainly concentrates on trusts and pensions issues. Sources rate him very highly, highlighting his "extremely strong UK tax background."

THE FIRM This Bermuda-based firm now has offices all over the world and adopts a particularly trust-focused approach to private wealth management. The team handles all aspects of trust work, both contentious and non-contentious, dealing primarily with well-established, tried and tested structures. The firm's contentious offering has been boosted recently with some astute lateral hiring.

Sources Say: "They have always been amazing."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Alec Anderson is "very well respected and has a significant reputation," according to market commentators. As department head he has a broad practice, with a particular focus on trust creation and restructuring. Sara Collins recently joined from Maitland and is "in a class of her own," according to market commentators, who see her arrival as a real coup for the firm. She is based in the Cayman Islands office and specialises in trust disputes.

THE FIRM This compact firm has a major presence in the market. The team initially focused on domestic work, but peers note that it is expanding to handle a number of large multi-jurisdictional matters.

Sources Say: "If there is a massive international family dispute, they are almost always involved."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Alison Meek is "absolutely a quality figure," say market sources, who particularly praise her contentious trust and estate work. Lucy Gibson focuses on complex tax planning work for her mainly international client base. Peers describe her as "a very good problem solver who gets things organised."

THE FIRM This firm goes for quality over quantity, focusing on the representation of a selection of very wealthy clients. The team benefits from the firm's global reach and excellent name, and the lawyers handle a large amount of work originating from Russia, the Middle East and the Far East for very high net worth individuals.

Sources Say: "A compact team, but a major force."

KEY INDIVIDUALS John Wood has a great reputation and is "very highly influential," according to market sources, who recognise his importance for several of the firm's key clients. Rupert Ticehurst focuses almost entirely on international work, and has a background in both contentious and non-contentious work. Market sources praise him widely, asserting that "he has done a great job moving Herbert Smith onto the international stage." Robert Hunter recently arrived from Allen & Overy and is "maintaining his position at the top of the tree" for trust litigation work, according to peers.

THE FIRM This team predominantly acts for institutions using trusts in commercial transactions. With a global network centred around the Cayman Islands office, the firm is well placed to serve large financial organisations and major corporations. It earns high praise from peers, who recognise its strong market position.

Sources Say: "It has had a great trust and private client practice for a long time."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Justin Appleyard is well known in the offshore market for his trust work and multi-jurisdictional experience. As head of the firm's global trusts group, he has a wide reach and has built up an "extremely strong reputation."

THE FIRM This US firm has a broad private client offering, covering all major aspects of the sector, including wealth transfer, succession planning, trust formation and contentious matters. It is increasingly making an impact in the area, and is becoming one of the leading US firms in the sector. Peers praise the lawyers for having real star quality.

Sources Say: "It's on the edge of becoming a really big power in terms of international private client work."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Henry Christensen is based in the firm's New York office and particularly well known for international estate planning. He has a long history within the sector and is well respected by market sources, one of whom stated: "I would go a very long way to work with him."  

THE FIRM This firm's global network attracts a wide range of clients, and it is experiencing particular growth in the Middle East and Far East. The firm primarily represents corporate trustees and tends to handle high-value transactions, aided by its own trust company, Ogier Fiduciary Services. The firm's presence has been growing in recent years, and market commentators view it as one of the main outfits on the private client side.

Sources Say: "I see it a lot in the market and have always found it extremely good."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Head of the private client and trusts team, Steve Meiklejohn concentrates on underlying trust structures, direct client interaction and employee benefit structures. He has a solid and growing reputation within the Channel Islands, with peers praising him as "very good, measured, careful and knowledgeable." Philip Le Cornu is a relatively new presence in the sector, described by sources as a hot prospect: "He's a figure who's beginning to be very well known."

THE FIRM This firm has an assured position in Switzerland, with four offices giving broad, high-quality coverage; its international standing is also highly praised. With notable experience in areas such as trust litigation, succession planning and cross-jurisdictional issues, the team has the ability to deal with the full range of issues for its high-quality client base.

Sources Say: "I would use it in Zürich. I like it; it's a good firm."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Head of private client work Nedim Peter Vogt is a considerable figure within the sector, with market sources describing him as "exceptional and technically superb." His practice covers both contentious and non-contentious matters.

THE FIRM This Channel Islands firm has long had a strong presence in the sector. The team focuses particularly on private trusts, and also handles extremely complex and innovative fund structures.

Sources Say: "An offshore firm that has expanded very significantly."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Alan Dart has a real international capability, overseeing a significant proportion of the firm's broad workload. His technical ability is well known, with peers marking him out as "one of the very best individuals in Jersey."

THE FIRM This firm operates out of Miami and has a handle on the Latin American market, which constitutes a large part of its workload. Market commentators appreciate Cantor & Webb's specialised nature, holding it up as a leading firm in the sector.

Sources Say: "An international tax boutique with a good Latin American focus."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Managing partner Steven Cantor is "unquestionably good." He has significant expertise in international investment structures, and continues to operate at a high level.

THE FIRM Based in the firm's New York office, this trusts and estates team can draw on Day Pitney's wide global client network. Market commentators appreciate that the group has a wide base of expertise and deep experience.

Sources Say: "Day Pitney is pre-eminent for tax, trusts work and related matters."

KEY INDIVIDUALS As US chair of the Society of Trust & Estate Practitioners, Warren Whitaker is evidently a major presence in the market. Peers note his high level of activity as well as his quality and standing in New York.

THE FIRM This firm has a reputation for representing wealthy Swiss clients. It is increasingly well known internationally, and is building an impressive multinational client base. The lawyers are particularly familiar with working on investment funds issues, and the firm also boasts a strong contentious practice.

Sources Say: "They are doing some pretty impressive big-ticket work."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Bruno Boesch was previously a corporate lawyer but has now become a private client specialist. He also acts as an arbitrator, giving him excellent dispute resolution experience for contentious matters. Philippe Pulfer has been a partner since 2005 and has swiftly built up a considerable reputation for trust work. He is based in Geneva but has experience of working in London, which has improved his ability to act truly internationally. He is renowned for "always giving a quick, clear response."

THE FIRM This firm has a strong following both internationally and in its Guernsey base. The lawyers are spending an increasing amount of time setting up private trust companies, and have also been handling more contentious work, including a number of large multi-jurisdictional disputes.

Sources Say: "Always well respected in private client terms."

KEY INDIVIDUALS A member of Ozannes' litigation team, St John Robilliard usually acts as a consultant on major trust disputes. He regularly works on large international matters, including a recent complex succession case. Peers hold him up as a "real leader in the field."

THE FIRM This firm sold its trust company, Mourant Private Wealth, to Royal Bank of Canada in late 2008, and also recently lost partner Alan Binnington. However, it continues to offer trust advice to international clients from a network that stretches from its Channel Islands base to include Luxembourg, Hong Kong and the Cayman Islands, among others locations. Peers assert that the firm remains capable of making a strong showing.

Sources Say: "They have some very good private client lawyers in the Channel Islands."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Giles Corbin is the key contact for trust-related work.

THE FIRM This Swiss firm's specialist private client team concentrates primarily on wealth transfers, insurance and fund structures. The two-partner team also covers offshore companies, trusts and succession planning.

Sources Say: "They have lawyers you would definitely think of if you're going to Switzerland." 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Inheritance law specialist Edgar Paltzer has an accreditation from the Swiss Bar Association. He attracts strong praise as one of Switzerland's very best lawyers in this field, with sources indicating that "he is extremely knowledgeable on international client practice."

THE FIRM This relatively compact team handles some high-profile matters in the private client area. Based in Canada, the firm also has a well-regarded office in London and is well known for its work in international estate planning, particularly in Canada, the Middle East and Latin America.

Sources Say: "The lawyers there do a lot of important work." 

KEY INDIVIDUALS UK-based Richard Hay heads the London private capital group and has a broad focus on wealth management. Market commentators say he is particularly renowned for Latin American work, and describe him as "very well known and exceptional."

THE FIRM Sullivan & Cromwell's private client group prides itself on its seamless integration with the rest of the firm, thus giving clients access to its highly rated corporate and litigation expertise. The team covers all types of work in the sector, and has particular prowess in family succession matters.

Sources Say: "The group contains some amazing star performers." 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Basil Zirinis focuses on both the contentious and non-contentious aspects of trust work, and specialises particularly in international tax planning. He is highly praised by peers, who note that he acts for "a lot of international super-wealthy clients."

THE FIRM Sources confirm that this London-based firm has expanded from its domestic roots to occupy a much broader international position. It offers a broad range of advice and is handling an increasing amount of restructuring work arising out of the difficult economic situation. 

Sources Say: "Very present in banking issues and strong for contentious trusts work."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Mark Buzzoni heads the private client, tax and incentives group, specialising particularly in trust and tax planning. He primarily works internationally rather than domestically. Tax expert Andrew Hine is involved in the contentious side of the practice, handling trust litigation and contentious probate matters.

THE FIRM This group has a presence in a number of the more important offshore jurisdictions and is well known for its international private client work. The firm is particularly strong in the British Virgin Islands, and has an extensive global network that enables the team to handle multi-jurisdictional matters. Peers note that the lawyers have built up a substantial trust practice in recent years.

Sources Say: "It has a stellar reputation."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Managing partner Grant Stein is the main contact.