International Private Client: Global-wide

THE FIRM This leading international private client team has more than 150 lawyers based around the world and receives invaluable support from the firm's incomparable global network. It continues to expand its global offering, for example opening a Luxembourg practice with a team of experienced tax advisers. The team advises an impressive international client base on a wide variety of issues, including trust structures, family succession, cross-border tax and trust disputes. Clients truly appreciate the firm's global network and its ability to provide seamless service on multi-jurisdictional matters.

Sources say: "Baker & McKenzie provides a very important source of information and education for the trust industry because the firm takes a keen interest in helping to solve and anticipate clients' problems."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Paul Stibbard co-chairs the global wealth management practice and is based in London. According to market sources, "he is hugely experienced, very well respected and highly regarded." Miami-based Robert Hudson has been described by clients as "one of the best foreign tax lawyers in the USA." Stephanie Jarrett heads the wealth management practice in Geneva and enjoys a very strong reputation in the Swiss market for her trusts and international tax planning work. Also in the Miami office, Simon Beck co-chairs the global practice alongside Stibbard. He has vast expertise in international work, attracting clients from many countries in Asia and Latin America. London-based litigation partner Anthony Poulton heads the trusts disputes group. He joins the table this year and is recognised for his expertise in international contentious trusts.

THE FIRM Macfarlanes has established itself as a first-class firm for international private client work and sets the standard with outstanding work in this sector. The team continues to advise international family offices and high net worth individuals from diverse regions on complex planning and trust structuring matters. Its private property team has also been very active alongside its team of experts in charitable and philanthropic work. Clients appreciate the lawyers' global commercial awareness, and their commitment to providing a seamless service to clients. It also has a very strong litigation practice, acting on a wide range of international disputes.

Sources say: "An absolutely fantastic firm." "An outstanding private client practice and high-quality international tax planning service."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Partner Jonathan Conder is the head of Macfarlanes' private client practice and is extremely well respected by peers in this field. Clients say he is a "very proficient trusts and tax lawyer with very good commercial awareness." Robin Vos is another leading private client and tax lawyer, with one source noting: "He's absolutely first rate with a good following of clients and commercially very strong – I can't speak more highly of him." Partner Sebastian Prichard Jones earns plaudits for being extremely knowledgeable, particularly in matters relating to the USA. He focuses on advising international families on asset-holding structures, operation of family offices and tax issues. Matthew Pintus is very well regarded in the market as an "extremely solid lawyer who's a real pleasure to work with." He focuses on issues relating to inheritance and capital gains tax, as well as probate matters. Sources say the "very accomplished" Charles Lloyd heads the trust and probate litigation group. Sources say he is "very accomplished," and "easy to work with and solution-focused." Edward Reed makes a debut in the rankings this year having received universal praise from clients and peers. He has built a very strong client base, particularly in France and Switzerland.

THE FIRM This firm enjoys a great reputation in the international private client sector, with a prominent team spanning the USA, the UK, China and Switzerland. It is recognised for advising clients on cross-border issues relating to the USA, while its Asian practice continues to flourish as a result of increasing demand for wealth structuring in the region. The team regularly advises high net worth individuals and families on offshore trust structuring in jurisdictions such as the British Virgin Islands (BVI). It is also very active in trust and succession disputes, demonstrating its all-round service.

Sources say: "We rate Withers very highly." "The firm has a variety of knowledge regarding different markets, which is essential to be able to provide a broader approach if you have a multinational client or global family."

KEY INDIVIDUALS John Riches stands out among a very talented group of lawyers and is very highly respected as a lawyer "who really gets out there and shapes the law." He works very closely with family offices, advising them on cross-border matters. Also based in London is partner Dawn Goodman, a key figure in the litigation arena who is described as "bright and marvellously assertive." Hong Kong-based Joseph Field is lauded for his vast experience in this field.

THE FIRM This 18-partner private client team is very active, advising users from diverse jurisdictions such as Russia, China and, closer to home, Ireland. The very highly rated contentious trusts team is very busy with disputes involving Hong Kong, Singapore, Cyprus and Switzerland. This firm is sought after for its dedication to providing top-notch practical advice and service. Highlights include advising a number of Swiss banks and legal firms on the Liechtenstein Disclosure Facility.

Sources say: "The firm is exceptionally good – consistent, effective and speedy, and you get a response whenever you want it regardless of its complexity."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Mark Bridges is very highly commended by the wider market. Sources describe him as a "first-class lawyer with solid international exposure, and excellent at dealing with clients." In addition to his expertise in trusts, tax and succession matters, he also deals with contentious trusts work. James Edmondson heads the private client team and is recognised for his strong reputation in the international scene. Toby Graham is a leading contentious trusts lawyer and a "very well-known operator." He has played key roles in disputes in the Caribbean, the Channel Islands, Cyprus, Singapore and Switzerland.

THE FIRM This very well-established London-based firm successfully represents a strong international client base. A joint venture with the Family Business Advisory Group in Dubai has resulted in a significant increase of work from the Middle East, in addition to growing interests in Asia and Latin America. The group also has a two-partner private client team based in Monaco providing real estate, tax and financial advice to high net worth individuals.

Sources say: "We think very highly of the firm." "A talented bunch doing very good work."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Partner Nicholas Jacob is an influential figure in the market, with significant expertise in dealing with clients from the Far East and South-East Asia. Sources describe him as "a hugely experienced international practitioner." Head of the tax and private capital group, Anthony Thompson focuses on the Middle East and is described by clients as "a pleasure to work with and a very good trusts lawyer. He has a really broad knowledge of succession laws in many jurisdictions."

THE FIRM This group has firmly established itself as a key player in the international private client market as a result of its outstanding quality of work and client service. Clients appreciate the personal service and efficiency provided. An increasing number of cross-border trust disputes have kept the dispute resolution team busy of late. The group notably acts for Lord Palumbo's three oldest children in their claim to remove him as a trustee of the family trust and to disclose his dealings with the trust assets.

Sources say: "I've been doing a lot of work with Maurice Turnor Gardner. The firm is just terrific – really, really impressive."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Clare Maurice is a leading figure at this firm and "clearly at the top of her field," according to sources. Her expertise lies in international tax and estate planning. Ceris Gardner receives high praise from the market for her work in the sphere. Clients say: "She's really great – thorough and academic, but also very commercial and full of ideas." Partner Richard Turnor splits his time between international private client work and advising on partnership matters. Peers rate his private client practice very highly and thoroughly enjoy working with him. Arabella Murphy (formerly Saker) is building a very strong following in the non-contentious and contentious private client market. International peers say: "She's very good and we definitely enjoy working with her."

THE FIRM This leading US firm has a broad coverage of the USA with offices in New York, Chicago, Silicon Valley and Los Angeles, and a significant overseas offering via the increasingly prominent London practice. The team is held in very high esteem by the wider market for the excellent calibre of international work it has been involved in. Notable work includes acting as lead counsel for the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in its dispute against the trustees of the Helmsley Charitable Trust.

Sources say: "A top firm with a lot of very good private client attorneys."

KEY INDIVIDUALS New York-based partner Henry Christensen heads the international private client team, including the new London practice. He is an extremely well-known lawyer with "an amazing client base and reputation."

THE FIRM This firm has a very strong foothold in the international market and further strengthened its global offering with the opening of offices in Switzerland and Luxembourg in June 2011. The team has 19 partners covering a range of jurisdictions and regions, including the Gulf, the Far East, the USA and Switzerland. A large part of the practice concentrates on advising family offices while also representing major wealth managers, private banks and ultra high net worth individuals. The remarkable list of clients includes Elle Macpherson, who the team successfully represented in her dispute with liquidated bank Kaupthing Singer & Friedlander.

Sources say: "I've really liked the firm's awareness of the laws in other jurisdictions, which makes it easier to work with the group on cross-border structuring." "Service is very comprehensive with a sincere dedication to ensuring clients' needs are attended to at all times."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Overall head of the group, Charles Gothard is described as "oozing gravitas – clients like him, recognise his skills and listen to him. He is a very strong lawyer particularly for clients with cross-border aspects." The "very knowledgeable and enthusiastic" Mark Summers heads the new Zürich office and receives increasing recognition in the international arena. He also has extensive experience in working with US clients and leads the US private client practice. Partner Graeme Kleiner "is always very supportive and prepared to go the extra mile for you," source comment. He heads the trust and dispute department, and a large proportion of his work comes from Switzerland and the Far East. London-based Sanjvee Shah debuts in the rankings this year having earned widespread market recognition, particularly for her expertise in Indian law.

THE FIRM This leading global offshore firm has an outstanding network of offices in key offshore jurisdictions and continues to be sought after for its expertise in increasingly complex trust structuring and litigation. The Guernsey private client practice is a relatively new addition to the firm's already impressive network and further strengthens its popularity with high net worth individuals, international private banks and trust companies. In addition, a very strong team of trust litigators complements the private client team.

Sources say: "Their service is excellent, they are responsive and when I instruct them I have every confidence that the quality of the advice will be just right."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Carlos de Serpa Pimentel is a leading Cayman Islands trust practitioner and has recently been appointed as global head of the private client and trusts practice group. Clients say he "is very personable with clients, has a good grasp of the law and provides sound practical advice." He handles both contentious and non-contentious trust-related work.

THE FIRM This Zürich-based firm has a broad coverage of the Swiss market with offices in Geneva, Lugano and Zug, and is highly recommended by peers and clients for the excellent quality of its work. The team advises major international clients on a vast array of issues, such as tax, cross-border trusts, estates planning, matrimonial property disputes, and trust and estate litigation, as well as probate matters. Recent work includes advising Swiss and non-Swiss heirs on tracing assets held in offshore trusts, and successfully acting for the heirs in a multibillion-dollar cross-border inheritance dispute against an offshore foundation holding the assets.

Sources say: "I think it's an excellent firm. A very upmarket, high-quality law firm."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Tina Wüstemann has taken over as the head of the private client practice after the recent retirement of Nedim Peter Vogt. She earns huge praises from peers, who say: "She's just terrific – incredibly responsive, concise and to the point."

THE FIRM This distinguished Jersey firm enjoys a superb reputation in the Channel Islands and has an increasingly prominent network of offices, including in Mauritius, Dublin and Geneva. The team of trust specialists regularly advises on trust formation, wealth management and preservation, pensions schemes and trust regulatory issues. Highlight work includes advising trustees on the establishment of a new trust, and drafting the trust documents as well as the acquisition of assets worth over USD1 billion.

Sources say: "They are a great firm and we are very happy with them – very professional and efficient with core strength in Jersey trust and private client work."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Alan Dart is the leading private client and trusts partner at Bedell Cristin and is based in the Jersey office. "He is a pre-eminent trust specialist and has an excellent reputation," according to commentators.

THE FIRM This firm, based in London, Singapore, Abu Dhabi and Moscow, enters the rankings this year after receiving strong recommendations from the global market for its increasing presence in the international arena and outstanding client service. The recent arrival of Rupert Ticehurst has strengthened the litigation team, while the Singapore practice is led by Simon Michaels who joined from Baker & McKenzie. Notably, the team advises an international billionaire on tax, trust and commercial matters related to corporate holding structures and ongoing projects by his established family private trust company. Clients include Barclays Wealth, HSBC International Trustee, Rothschild Trust (Cayman) and UBS.

Sources say: "They've built up an impressive private client practice – very good with clients, complete attention to detail and very good time management."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Partner Rupert Ticehurst recently joined this team from Herbert Smith and brings vast experience in contentious and non-contentious trust matters as well as an impressive reputation. Sources praise him as being "excellent with clients."

THE FIRM This strong private client practice has a leading contentious trusts team working hand in hand with the well-established non-contentious private client team in London and Oxford. It is very highly praised for its advice on tax and succession planning, the establishment of charitable trusts and trust disputes. The team is increasingly busy advising family businesses on issues such as succession planning, and international clients on the establishment of offshore asset-holding trust structures. It notably acts for a number of landed estates, including the Bedford Estate and the Folkestone Estate.

Sources say: "We've been extremely impressed with Boodle Hatfield – it responds rapidly with clear practical solutions."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Veteran practitioner Richard Moyse has vast experience and gains immense respect in the international private client arena. He continues to be very involved in this field as a member and past president of the International Academy of Estate & Trust Law. Partner Simon Rylatt is very well regarded for his contentious and non-contentious work, and is described as a "tremendous intellect with an impressive sense of calm." 

THE FIRM This New York-based private client practice is very well recognised in the market and is part of a very strong full-service firm. It is sought after for its tremendous expertise in tax and estate matters relating to the USA, and for its wider coverage of contentious and non-contentious trust and probate matters. The team also provides tax and corporate governance advice to corporations, banks, non-profit entities, charities and foundations.

Sources say: "Incredibly responsive and ethical – just a first-class level of professionalism and strong capabilities in international tax and estate matters."

KEY INDIVIDUALS "Major rainmaker" Robert Lawrence enjoys a tremendous reputation for his exceptional international estate planning work. He chairs the firm's private client practice and is based in New York.

THE FIRM This boutique firm focuses exclusively on advising high net worth individuals and family offices on local and international aspects of tax and estate planning, probate matters, tax compliance and real estate. Clients from Latin America, the Caribbean and Europe frequently retain this Florida-based team for its strong expertise in this area, and for its commendable attention to clients' needs.

Sources say: "A premium firm in assisting private high net worth individuals in estate planning, real estate transactions and investment structures in the USA and Caribbean."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Managing partner Steven Cantor is best known for his notable international tax planning practice. He is praised for his international awareness and familiarity with the Latin American market and cross-border structures.

THE FIRM This acclaimed offshore firm has a first-class reputation for trust and private client work in the Channel Islands, with offices in Jersey, Guernsey and London. Increasing interest from international families in establishing complex trust companies in the region has kept the team very busy of late. The establishment of trust structures in Canada is another lucrative source of work. Clients include Deutsche Bank, Northern Trust Fiduciary Services (Guernsey), Carey Trustees and Richmond Fiduciary Group.

Sources say: "The best firm in Guernsey – Careys gives very accurate, responsive, up-to-date and focused advice."

KEY INDIVIDUALS "Very experienced trust lawyer" Paul Matthams is based in Jersey and specialises in advising clients on trusts and pensions. He heads the Jersey office's fiduciary law group, while deputy managing partner Russell Clark heads the trusts and fiduciary department in the Guernsey office.

THE FIRM The prominent private client team at this well-established UK firm has shifted its focus towards a more global platform, with increasing prominence in Asia, South America, Africa and the Middle East. The firm also has a practice in Geneva, with a focus on providing wealth structuring, tax and succession planning to international clients. The strong team of nine partners was retained by a large number of clients seeking ongoing tax advice and guidance on the Liechtenstein Disclosure Facility.

Sources say: "Precise, solution-oriented, brilliant technically, very knowledgeable about international tax matters and great with clients."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Partner Catriona Syed is a leading individual at this firm with very strong international expertise, splitting her time between London, Geneva and Zürich. Clients rate her very highly and say: "She's extremely pragmatic and looks for the best and most pragmatic solution for the client." Bart Peerless is fast developing a superb practice with a focus on the USA. He is recognised as "extraordinary and proactive – a consummate professional." He has also recently been invited to join the International Academy of Estate & Trust Law. 

THE FIRM This firm maintains its excellent reputation in the offshore world, providing clients with expertise in the international private client sector and the support of a strong global network. Recently, a large part of the team's work has involved the reorganisation of trusts and tax planning. Key clients include Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan, Scotiabank & Trust Cayman, Cayman National Trust and First Trust Bank in the Bahamas.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Alec Anderson is director of the Bermuda practice and a renowned individual who is rated extremely highly by peers for his international trust and estate planning expertise. He heads the global trust and private client group, and also advises clients on trust disputes.

THE FIRM This London-based boutique firm has earned its reputation as a serious market player in the international private client field, thanks to its strong expertise in non-contentious trust, tax and probate law, as well as litigation. The team also handles a lot of cross-border matters, particularly related to jurisdictions such as Bermuda, Guernsey, Jersey, the Cayman Islands and Switzerland.

Sources say: "Phenomenally good boutique – they have a solid offering and are terrific with clients."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Partner Lucy Gibson has a formidable trust and tax practice, advising a large international client base. Peers call her an "excellent, practical-minded and thorough" practitioner. "A tenacious fighter and immensely experienced," Alison Meek specialises in contentious trust and estate matters, with a strong focus on the UK and offshore markets.

THE FIRM Swiss firm Lenz & Staehelin has key prominence in Switzerland, with offices in Zürich, Geneva and Lausanne. The team regularly advises high net worth individuals on various matters, including estate and wealth planning. Other clients include large financial institutions, trust companies and family offices. Another active area within the practice is the establishment and ongoing administration of Swiss foundations and charities.

Sources say: "An excellent law firm in Switzerland with exceptional service."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Veteran practitioner Richard Pease is a "tremendous ambassador for the trust industry." With over 35 years of experience as a partner of this firm, he has invaluable experience and has established an outstanding reputation. Stefan Breitenstein heads the Zürich private client practice.

THE FIRM This offshore firm has built a network of offices strategically placed in key jurisdictions such as the BVI, the Cayman Islands, Dubai, Dublin, Hong Kong and London. The 12-partner team dedicated to this area is best known for its trust expertise, offering clients invaluable experience from its long-standing market presence. It is also supported by a strong team of litigators, who have seen an increasing number of trust disputes of late.

Sources say: "One of the best reputations for representing ultra high net worth clients." "A team with strong litigation qualities."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Cayman-based partner Justin Appleyard leads the global trusts group and specialises in trust and fiduciary matters, particularly relating to corporate and commercial transactions.

THE FIRM This distinguished offshore firm has established itself as a key offshore player with a strong trusts practice. Teams based in Jersey, Guernsey and the Cayman Islands regularly advise major international clients on the establishment and operation of private and commercial trusts. In Jersey, the team acts for trustees of several distressed unit trusts structures holding property in the UK, on matters such as lending arrangement restructuring, removal and retirement of trustees and winding up of unit trusts.

Sources say: "They deserve a lot of praise."

KEY INDIVIDUALS "Exceptionally bright technical expert and superb negotiator" St John Robilliard is a very well-regarded trust litigator, particularly in offshore jurisdictions. He is based in the Guernsey office, while Morven McMillan, who recently joined the team, heads the trusts group in the Cayman Islands.

THE FIRM This very active global offshore practice continues to expand its global offering with the recent move of partner Marcus Leese to the Hong Kong office reflecting increased interest from the Far East, in addition to its presence in nine other jurisdictions. The well-regarded trust team has been busy advising clients on increasingly complex trust structures, as well as major family disputes over trust assets.

Sources say: "Their turnaround time is superb and from an advisory point of view they are very practical."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Jersey-based Steve Meiklejohn is head of Ogier's private client and trusts team. He is very well known in the offshore world for his strong expertise in this area.  

THE FIRM This very well-respected private client practice earns its excellent reputation in the global market through its strong US and international exposure. Trust, estate, tax planning and corporate advice forms a large part of the work covered by the New York-based team, which advised the majority of the beneficiaries of the Pritzker family on the restructuring of their USD25 billion global business. Other notable work includes advising Alcon on the formation of the USD50 million funded Alcon Litigation trust, to support litigation on behalf of Alcon's minority shareholders. 

Sources say: "We consider that Sullivan & Cromwell stands out among its competitors for its unique appreciation of the affairs of ultra high net worth international families."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Basil Zirinis receives tremendous plaudits from peers and clients for his excellent client service and cross-border expertise, handling advisory and contentious work. Market sources say: "He is formidable – he has a sharp intellect and is extremely good at conveying complex concepts to clients."

THE FIRM This renowned firm is increasingly prominent on the international scene, gaining recognition through the expansion of its private client team. It advises a long list of affluent clients on a range of matters, including tax and trust planning, probate, property and contentious trusts. Highlights include acting for the beneficiaries of a complex Bermuda trust in proceedings to restructure the trust and assets, worth over USD4 billion. The team also advised the executors of a GBP340 million South African estate, including variations pursuant to UK and US tax advice.

Sources say: "Very good all-round firm with a very proactive and ambitious team that provides practical advice."

KEY INDIVIDUALS The "incredibly talented" Andrew Hine has a very solid private client practice with a focus on tax and trust matters. Partner Mark Buzzoni is highly commended for his excellent work in this field and similarly specialises in trust and tax planning. He heads the private client, tax and incentives group in London. Steven Kempster focuses on trust and estate disputes, and was described by one commentator as "one of the best trust litigators."

THE FIRM This firm is very well established in Switzerland, with offices in Zürich and Geneva as well as London and Spain. The team has also been actively involved in advising on philanthropic matters as well as charitable projects, including setting up a foundation in Geneva to expand a local art museum.  

Sources say: "I think they're excellent and they all act very much as a team."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Partner Philippe Pulfer has significant expertise in the private client industry and is "very practical and extremely approachable." In addition to his wide private client practice, he is heavily involved in art law. Bruno Boesch established the firm's office in London, where he is now based. He regularly advises art and antiquities collectors.

THE FIRM This firm's distinctive private client practice has a particular focus on trust litigation. The team is made up of private client litigators with valuable experience in tax, trust and probate matters. It is regularly involved in large family trusts and probate disputes, and regularly acts on behalf of trustees and prominent high net worth individuals.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Consultant John Wood is a veteran practitioner with a wealth of international experience, and continues to be active in the industry through associations such as the Society of Trust & Estate Practitioners. The "extremely impressive" Robert Hunter is a leading litigator who splits his time between trust litigation and fraud and asset tracing. He heads the trusts litigation practice and continues to impress clients with his work in this area.

THE FIRM This notable Swiss firm is praised for its heavyweight international practice. The ten-lawyer team regularly appears before Swiss courts in various proceedings relating to trust and estate disputes. In addition to advising clients on the establishment and implementation of investment vehicles, the team also advises large charitable foundations on tax and compliance issues.

Sources say: "We use them regularly and they are excellent for international work."

KEY INDIVIDUALS The "very eloquent" Edgar Paltzer is the prominent private client practitioner at this practice with a diverse range of expertise, including wealth planning, trust structures, private banking and tax. He leads the practice alongside Markus Frey.

THE FIRM This Canadian firm has a private client team based in Montréal, New York and London, and houses specialists in tax, commercial and regulatory matters. Clients from Canada, the Middle East and Latin America frequently seek advice from the team on estate planning structures and tax issues.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Richard Hay is the head of the international private banking and financial regulation practice in London, and a specialist in tax and regulation with respect to estate planning. He is also the co-chairman of the Society of Trust & Estate Practitioners International Committee.

THE FIRM This established offshore firm has a very wide global footprint, with offices in the Cayman Islands, the BVI, London, Jersey, Dublin, Hong Kong, Dubai and Singapore. The private client team earns client praise for its outstanding level of service and its experience in advising high net worth individuals and international trustees on the setting up and administration of trusts in the Cayman Islands, the BVI and Jersey.

KEY INDIVIDUALS In the BVI office, partner Christopher McKenzie is a vastly experienced trust expert and the key contact for this practice.