The Legal 500

Forsters is recognised as a dynamic firm serving both commercial and private clients.

The firm: Forsters has over 100 lawyers and 200 staff.

Based in Mayfair, the firm works across all major practice areas but has a particular focus on property and private client. The firm’s size and partner-led approach allow it to put together the innovative multi-disciplinary teams required to deal with complex matters on a cost-effective basis.

Types of work undertaken: Commercial property: with one of the largest specialist property groups in London, the department has an excellent reputation for its strength in investment work for institutional clients and property companies, development work and acting for public sector bodies and occupiers. Key clients include: LBG Funds managed by Scottish Widows Investment Partnership, BA Pensions, the Crown Estate, The Mercers’ Company, F&C, McDonald’s Restaurants, Palmer Capital, LXB Properties, Mayfair Capital and Cheshire West and Chester Borough Council.

Six specialist teams: planning, construction, property litigation, property finance, tax and hotels supplement and enhance Forsters’ all-round property service.

Residential property: Forsters is one of the few leading London law firms with a specialist residential property group. It acts for both UK and overseas-based clients representing landlords, tenants, investors, high-net-worth individuals and developers. Its outstanding leasehold enfranchisement team acts for major estates and residents associations, as well as individuals.

Banking and finance: Victoria Edwards leads this team, which acts for both borrower clients and many leading banks in relation to property and general finance work.

Planning: Tim Taylor has taken over as head of the planning group, with leading expert Michael Cunliffe now a consultant.

Private client: Forsters has one of the largest teams in London, with a reputation as one of the leading firms for all types of private client services. Clients include individuals, trusts, landed estates, charities and private banks. Advice is provided on tax and estate planning for both UK and offshore clients. The offshore tax and trusts team, led by partners Carole Cook, Patrick Harney and Kelly Noel-Smith, advises settlors, trustees, beneficiaries and the directors of non-resident companies on the implementation of offshore structures and their UK tax consequences. Forsters acts for UK clients on all aspects of tax planning and wealth management services, including wills and probate, domicile and residence issues, and the establishment of trusts.

Landed estates: Penny Elliott and Andrew Lane lead a highly rated team which has been strengthened by the appointment of Rupert Mead and Peter Golden as new partners. Many of the firm’s lawyers have spent their professional lives advising landowners and have a wealth of experience in this area.

Divorce and family law: the highly regarded family group is skilled in dealing with high-net-worth settlements on divorce and separation and all family-related issues. Cases are often highly complex, involving an international element and questions of jurisdiction.

Corporate and tax: the firm acts for listed and private companies, financial institutions, partnerships, sole traders and entrepreneurs on a wide range of commercial issues, and also offers specialist employment law advice. The group specialises in the structuring of property transactions. Partners include Craigie Pearson, whose expertise includes the hotels and leisure, and not-for-profit sectors, and Elizabeth Small, a corporate and property tax lawyer.

Litigation: the litigation team has carved itself a niche in contentious trusts and probate matters, as well as continuing to grow its commercial and banking litigation capabilities. The team now has three partners.

Breakdown of work %
Property 52
Private client/divorce and family 27
Litigation 13
Corporate/tax 8

Number of UK partners 37
Number of other UK fee-earners 75