Farrer & Co > London, England > Firm Profile

Farrer & Co
66 LINCOLN'S INN FIELDS
LONDON
WC2A 3LH
England

Living Wage

Corporate and commercial > M&A: smaller deals, up to £50m Tier 1

Farrer & Co’s corporate team has particular expertise in the financial services, media and entertainment, and property sectors. Team head Jonathan Haley  specialises in private company transactions, with particular experience acting for entrepreneurial clients on the sale of regulated businesses (FinTech and LegalTech) to both trade and private equity purchasers. Richard Lane has been acting for a growing number of new US and Middle East-based clients. David Fletcher  has a particular focus on the technology sector. Simon Ward  has in 2021 developed a focus in the regulated wealth management sector. Anthony Turner  has an extensive international practice, particularly for entrepreneurs and in the financial services sector.

Practice head(s):

Jonathan Haley

Other key lawyers:

Richard Lane; David Fletcher; Simon Ward; Anthony Turner; Marie Bates; Tom Bruce; Emily Jamieson; Charlie Court; India Benjamin

Testimonials

‘The team is always quick to respond and generally provide very sound and pragmatic advice.’

‘Calm intelligence and good embracing of technology, particularly in relation company secretarial.’

‘Jon Haley – a calm and re-assuring problem solver.’

‘India Benjamin is very responsive, thorough and extremely pleasant to deal with.’

‘Richard Lane is also very responsive, helpful and commercially minded.’

‘Tom Bruce – best in the business for mid-market M&A – all over every aspect of a transaction while remaining commercially focused and pragmatic – very crisp execution.’

Key clients

Canaccord Genuity Wealth Limited

Arbuthnot Latham & Co

Brookfield Business Partners LP

London Business School

PGA European Tour

Rathbone Brothers plc

Royal Society of Chemistry

J P Boden (Holdings) Limited

Somerset Capital

T. Bailey Holdings Limited

Work highlights

  • Advised Canaccord Genuity Wealth Management (CGWM) on its £54m acquisition of the private client investment management business of Edinburgh based Adam & Co, acquired from Royal Bank of Scotland PLC (RBS).
  • Advised T. Bailey Holdings Limited, part of the Forman Hardy Holdings Group, on the sale of its wholly owned subsidiary T. Bailey Fund Services Limited, a full-service host Authorised Corporate Directorship and fund administration service provider.
  • Advised S-Ventures plc (a listed investor in the health and wellbeing sector) on its acquisition of Pulsin (a plant-based nutrition brand) from its founders.

Corporate and commercial > Partnership Tier 1

With a deservedly excellent reputation‘ the Farrer & Co team covers the gamut of partnership matters from transactional and contentious cases to related investigatory work. Practice head Jonathan Haley  ‘is a superb corporate lawyer’ who is lauded for the depth of his partnership expertise. A team that includes Anna Birtwistle , Kathleen Heycock  and Eleanor Rowswell  advise clients ranging from individuals/UHNWIs and law firms to asset managers, FCA-regulated businesses, family offices and accountants. In addition to departures and team moves, it can also handle broader restructurings and mergers. The group assists a wide range of financial institutions including AIFMDs and funds, an area of focus for FCA regulatory expert Andy Peterkin .  

Practice head(s):

Jonathan Haley

Other key lawyers:

Anna Birtwistle; Kathleen Heycock; Eleanor Rowswell; Andy Peterkin

Testimonials

‘Jonathan Haley is a true expert in his field. He is the person you want on your team if you are planning a large institutional change or transaction.’

Jon Haley is a superb corporate lawyer with huge experience and ability in the field of LLPs. Well able to command respect and serves his client needs extremely well.’

‘Anna Birtwistle is a highly effective and knowledgeable lawyer who is excellent with clients.’

‘Eleanor Rowswell is extremely capable and effective lawyer.’

‘They are incredibly knowledgeable about all matters partnership. Their particular strength is the cross-overs they are able to provide so that, in addition to being able to help clients with their partnership transactions or disputes, they can also advise in relation to a host of related areas such as data protection, tax and regulatory issues. They also work closely with the firm’s private client department to assist the firm’s landed estate clients with their farming partnerships.’

‘Pro active and responsive. Give good practical advice and they try to be positive and helpful. Have a wealth of experience which they can draw on.’

‘First class knowledge of their specialised field, succinct advice, not just a recital of facts.’

‘Farrers have a very effective and experienced employment team which work well in the field of partnerships too. In addition their corporate team has outstanding ability in the field of LLPs. A very established and ‘hall marked’ firm with a deservedly excellent reputation.’

Key clients

Consilia Wealth Management LLP

A UK Top 30 law firm

Somerset Capital Management LLP

A large, landed estate farming partnership

Partners of Beowulf Rewilding

HNC Investment LLP

Founding Partners of Gaillard Banifatemi Shelbaya (a new international law firm)

Trustees of very significant central London landed estate

Family office partnership

Founding partner of a hedge fund

Work highlights

  • Instructed to act on the establishment of a prestigious new family office partnership following the sale of the family’s primary London business and property assets for a value anticipated to be in excess of £80m.
  • Acted for Consilia Wealth Management LLP on its merger with Saltus Private Wealth Management. This is one of a large number of transactions the team has advised on in the sector this year and is typical of our work for FCA-regulated LLPs and Partnerships.
  • Continues to advise Somerset Capital LLP, a boutique asset manager with over £5 billion in assets under management, on both constitutional and restructuring arrangements following its well-publicised purchase of the £82 million Asia Income Strategy fund from Liontrust Asset Management PLC in late 2020.

Dispute resolution > Commercial litigation: mid-market Tier 1

Farrer & Co fields a go-to practice for high-profile, high-value, complex corporate and commercial litigation, particularly cases involving complex company structures and asset holdings, shareholder disputes, and cross-border commercial contracts. Clients additionally benefit from the group's ability to leverage the expertise of the firm's civil fraud and international trusts disputes practices, as well as experience in defamation/reputation management, IP, employment and real estate litigation. The principal figures are highly experienced commercial and corporate litigator Kate Allass, who is 'fantastic with clients'; Jolyon Connell, who 'provides outstanding expertise, advice and service'; John Wilkinson, a fraud and asset tracing expert; and Ben Longworth, who focuses on complex contractual claims. Within the associate pool, Oliver Blundell is a complex international litigation specialist; Sally Mantell acts in a significant range of commercial disputes; and Victoria Atkins assists both claimants and defendants with high-value contentious matters.

Practice head(s):

Kate Allass

Testimonials

‘The commercial litigation team is supported by subject matter experts that can be readily engaged when an issue is multi-faceted, and the level of client service it provides, often at short notice, is exceptional.’

‘Very adaptable, covering a huge range of litigation with a superb cohort of excellent litigators.’

‘Kate Allass is fantastic with clients, especially those with very strong and sometimes incorrect views.’

‘Kate Allass – calm, reflective and assertive when necessary. Brooks no nonsense from opponents while remaining courteous throughout.’

‘Jolyon Connell provides outstanding expertise, advice and service.’

‘Intellectually, Jolyon Connell has an extremely sharp mind, which stays on point and very quickly separates the important and relevant from the unimportant and irrelevant.’

‘Jolyon Connell – honest no-nonsense approach, and great for his willingness to make use of the specialist expertise of his colleagues and his sense of humour. I have the utmost faith in the advice that he provides, even when it is not necessarily what I want to hear.’

Associate Victoria Atkins is always available to the client and with deep knowledge of the entire process.

Key clients

British Airline Pilots Association (BALPA)

Alison Cooper

RP Explorer

Peninsula Business Services Group

Health Assured

Work highlights

  • Successfully represented the British Airline Pilots Association (BALPA) in appeals against it from a successful High Court judicial review decision.
  • Acting for investment fund RP Explorer in its $80m claim against multiple defendants, arising out of investments on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange.
  • Currently representing Dr Bavaguthu Raghuram Shetty in relation to large-value banking litigation in various jurisdictions.

Employment > Senior executives Tier 1

Farrer & Co advises prominent individuals at FTSE companies, leading banks, financial companies, retailers, media companies and City partnerships on appointments, departures, investigations and disputes, including advice on regulatory investigations. On the contentious side, the firm handles Employment Tribunal, High Court and appeal court cases related to restrictive covenants, team moves, discrimination and whistleblowing. David Smellie focuses on senior executive and employment-related safeguarding matters. He leads the practice, which includes Anna Birtwistle, who is ‘first class on content and very tactical in its application’; Eleanor Rowswell, who is recommended for her ‘keen eye for detail, high commercial acumen and consistent focus on the endgame; and senior associate Alice Cave, whose forte is advising senior executives on employment contracts, exit packages and other employment-related issues.

Practice head(s):

David Smellie

Testimonials

‘Eleanor Rowswell consistently proved to be a trusted partner throughout the entire assignment, which spanned nearly a year and multiple complex agreements. A strong listener, with a keen eye for detail, high commercial acumen and a consistent focus on the endgame.’

‘Simon Ward was instrumental in utilising his deep knowledge of employee incentive schemes to provide relevant and clear advice on a range of complex situations that arose during the assignment.’

‘The team were highly responsive – always there, and at short notice.’

‘Eleanor Rowswell demonstrates a rare balance of professional expertise and personal understanding.’

‘Highly knowledgeable and engaged team.’

‘Tenacious and attentive – very responsive and on the ball.’

‘Anna Birtwistle is first class on content and very tactical in its application. Extremely pro-active and helpful. Very supportive and kind whilst being very cool-headed in assessing the situation and driving forward on resolution.’

‘Dedication, commitment, legal skill and negotiation nous mean they are a go-to practice.’

Work highlights

  • Advised 85 new lateral partner hires on their recruitment to EY, which includes advising on complex contractual obligations, often with international elements.
  • Representing the individual members (who are professional airline pilots) of the British Airline Pilots’ Association (BALPA) in all employment-related matters affecting them, including in relation to contractual claims relating to their employment.
  • Advising public company directors, including on many prominent appointments, departures and disputes for board level executives at the country’s largest public companies.

Private client > Agriculture and estates Tier 1

With Paul Krafft at the helm at Farrer & Co the department has ‘an enviable breadth and depth of resources and know how to be able to address a plethora of challenges and needs‘. It continues to advise some of the UK’s largest and highest-profile institutional and private clients on all issues relating to their agricultural and rural landed estates. The first-class team also excels in advising on the sale and purchase of agricultural estates and substantial country houses as well as on other issues such as mineral matters. It has an established reputation for advising on high-quality residential schemes too.  Edmund Fetherston-DilkeJames Maxwell and Simon Pring are all highly recommended. Tom Kirkman and Patrick Hammond were promoted to the partnership. The team garners praise for being ‘available, willing to provide opinions in almost all situations’ and for ‘its style of communication – making it a team that is a pleasure to work with’.

Practice head(s):

Paul Krafft

Testimonials

‘The availability and involvement of a partner whenever required is hugely impressive as is the oversight of associates and the fast turn around of work executed by both partners and associates. The expertise and knowledge displayed in this field of practice combined with extensive practical experience gives confidence that one is receiving the best possible advice and is in very safe hands‘.

‘Very client focused team working closely with institutional and high net worth families and individuals. Significant experience in property law relating to mines and minerals. Strong team with a good age and gender mix. James Maxwell is a very strong lead for the team’.

‘This team is technically very strong and from a sound foundation of experience and knowledge provides a unique solution focused service. The best I have come across in 25 years. Tom Kirkman and Edmund Fetherston-Dilke are both exceptional operators. The depth of knowledge on all rural landlord and tenant matters is second to none‘.

‘The lawyers offer a full service with all areas of law covered. They also look at things differently to ensure that the best service is offered. They are all very very good. They are also available to speak to when you need them and will go above and beyond for their clients’.

The team is exceptional with a breadth and depth of knowledge that is in my nearly 30 years experience, unparalleled.

‘Excellent practical and legal knowledge of their subject, depth of team for all matters rural and all matters that affect the purchase of a complex rural estate.’

‘Patrick Hammond and Edmund Fetherston Dilke, are both excellent in practical and legal terms, both highly likable, good with clients , approachable and helpful and very responsive’.

‘Associate Emily Zethraeus’ wise counsel and work are outstanding’.

Key clients

Duchy of Lancaster

Duchy of Cornwall

Church Commissioners for England

The Crown Estate

Burghley House Preservation Trust Limited

All Souls College, Oxford

Work highlights

  • Advising on the sale for c.£50M of a major East Anglia estate with farms, studs, commercial property and around 50 cottages.
  • Advising the client on the grant of leases of quarries in Cornwall for the purpose of lithium extraction and processing.
  • Advising the client on a development agreement for the promotion of 12 sites, including former coal mines, for the residential development for up to nearly 2,000 houses.

Private client > Art and cultural property Tier 1

Farrer & Co has an excellent reputation for its art and cultural property expertise and is best-known for its work with the international super-rich. It advises on many family trusts both in the UK and overseas. Head of department is Adrian Parkhouse who excels in art litigation, and senior associate William Charrington is also developing a strong art-related disputes practice. James Carleton advises many commercial art dealers, private owners and collectors as well as other entities such as charities and banks on cross-border art, heritage law and philanthropy. The team also has an impressive art lending practice. Bethan Waters regularly advises lenders and borrowers on all aspects of finance and security where art is used as collateral. Julian Smith acts for some of the bigger historic house charities and private collections that are destined for public and charitable collections. Peter Wienand also plays a key role in this practice.

Practice head(s):

Adrian Parkhouse

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘Adrian Parkhouse is top quality and, in terms of raw brain-power, one of the finest litigation solicitors in London. Clients rightly love him, because he gives top quality service and gets superb results. He’s also utterly unflappable in the most extreme circumstances. If I had an art-dispute, he’d be the only person I’d consider’.

‘Will Charrington is super clever, unbelievably hardworking, and an excellent lawyer. Top drawer for any art dispute’.

Farrer & Co was able to put together a team of specialists across IP and property law to support complex four-way negotiations on a series of contracts to facilitate the purchase, loan and lease of an exceptional piece of cultural property’.

‘There was no doubt the technical expertise was exceptional, but just as important was the lead partner’s (Paul Jones) ability to anticipate the other parties’ positions and next moves so that ultimately contentious issues did not prohibit the development of positive long term working relationships between the parties‘.

‘The ability to prioritise the ultimate goal of successful completion of the deal and identify acceptable compromises and solutions – the ability to work across different areas of law and to see the impact of one type of contract on another in a combined transaction – the ability to explain complex technical issues to a lay client to equip the client to make a decision and evolve the brief‘.

‘Strength in depth; clear and wide-ranging expertise in a niche market; confident and assured approach to the provision of advice’.

‘William Charrington (Senior Associate) is head-and-shoulders above many of his peers. His advice is always clear and given in a measured and digestible manner’.

Key clients

NFT Nation

The Art Fund

Natural History Museum

Victoria & Albert Museum

Imperial War Museum

Science Museum

Museum of London

Historic Royal Palaces

Dulwich Picture Gallery

Geffrye Museum

Tate Britain

Greenwich Foundation for the Old Royal Naval College

Private client > Charities and not-for-profit Tier 1

The ‘skilled and experienced’ team at Farrer & Co is ‘known for providing the highest quality legal advice to charities and the not-for-profit sector’. Anne-Marie Piper (who can ‘simplify extremely complex technical issues’) co-heads the department with Elizabeth Jones. Jones advises charities that are working internationally and continues to do a considerable amount of work in establishing corporate foundations. Its client base includes some of the largest and best-known UK and international charitable organisations and it is highly recommended for its transactional and structuring advice to charities that have extensive group, trading and constitutional structures. The team has been busy too advising on the establishment and operation of a number of high-profile corporate foundations. Another core area of expertise is advising on charity finance matters. The versatile team is also adept at handling complex disputes and at managing reputations and it is also recognised for its expertise in all areas of fundraising law and practice. Other key names in the area include James Carleton, Sam Macdonald, Julian Smith and James Maloney.

Practice head(s):

Anne-Marie Piper; Elizabeth Jones

Testimonials

‘Anne-Marie Piper – high availability for clients, despite being senior partner. Deep and lengthy knowledge of the sector, personable, responsive, measured and accessible’.

‘The individuals that we have worked with know the organisation, its history and led a large project for us over 10 years ago. Because of this they are well versed in the areas that we need advice on. They are also well connected with other firms overseas where we needed specialist advice regarding an overseas subsidiary’.

‘The team at Farrer is incredibly engaged and willing to help, whilst also keeping a very tight rein over hours. Since we started working with them we have never been let down, and my Board and I have never had cause to question their advice or recommendations or indeed the quality and thought which has gone into it; with other firms it felt sometimes as if the response was often “hedged” which wasn’t useful at all’.

‘James Maloney is genuinely interested in our work, what we do as a Trust and how to support us by ensuring we have the correct frameworks in place, and the best advice. Not only that he is very fair and transparent on costs, he treats the whole team here with respect and has shown understanding of sensitive situations’.

‘The lawyers are very responsive to requests for advice at short notice. They are creative in finding solutions and good at articulating the legal position and what options we may have. They are also good at presenting information to members of the board of trustees who need the reassurance of legal advice but are often coming to situations cold’.

‘Farrers has an exceptionally strong team of experienced Charity lawyers and we believe that they give us excellent advice. The partners we have dealt with have strong “people” skills. They are very easy to work with, take trouble to understand clients and their wishes and communicate well. The firm is also strong in other areas relevant to the trust such as property and employment’.

‘Excellent balance of strategic and practical advice, deep understanding of our organisation and key risks we are facing in the context of wider developments in the sector. Excellent judgment, listening skills, patience – sense of shared endeavour –  Esp. Peter Wienand’.

‘Hannah Whyatt ably supported and supervised by Julian Smith as partner recently provided critical advice and drafting for a complex and high value endowment fund and grant contract variation. They were involved in negotiations with project partners and provided a view on risk and general practice in an area where my own experience was more limited’.

Key clients

Now Teach

Age UK

AllChurches Trust

Motability

Paul Hamlyn Foundation

Home-Start UK

Sweaty Betty Foundation

Women for Women

The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA)

Care4Calais

Work highlights

  • Over the year the team has advised on the establishment and operation of a number of high profile corporate foundations (i.e. charities established by commercial companies).
  • Paul Hamlyn Foundation is one of the largest independent grant-making charities in the UK. The team continues to advise PHF in relation to its grant making programme, including in relation to the renegotiation of the terms of a significant grant to the Royal Opera House.
  • Advised Charities Property Fund – a substantial charitable investment fund, which has over £1.2bn in assets, on a cross-border change of its trustee to an entity established in the UK as a result of Brexit.

Private client > Contentious trusts and probate Tier 1

Farrer & Co ‘has great strength in depth in this field and has excellent litigation management skills and technology to assist in managing significant litigation’. Toby Graham who has an ‘incredible appetite for hard work, gets the big cases and is brilliant at driving cases forward’ and Jeremy Gordon who is ‘vastly experienced and always completely calm even when under serious pressure’ co- head the department. It is recommended for its work on complex and high-value trust and estates disputes that frequently have an international dimension. The practice is also increasingly instructed as administrator for UHNW estates which are subject to litigation and is instructed more frequently in very high value capacity and court of protection matters. Joanna Poole ‘who brings steely determination to the most complex of disputes’ is also recommended; newly-promoted partner Elizabeth Sainsbury ‘is an excellent addition to the partnership’; and Charlotte Fraser is ‘very capable’.

Practice head(s):

Toby Graham; Jeremy Gordon

Other key lawyers:

Joanna Poole; Henrietta Mason; Charlotte Fraser; Elizabeth Sainsbury; Tom McPhail; Joseph de Lacey

Testimonials

‘An excellent trust litigation team with a good breadth of expertise and an efficient and responsible approach to dealing with difficult matters. Jeremy Gordon and Toby Graham are both excellent litigators in the trust and probate field with some very good support at associate level’.

‘It is always a delight to work with Farrer & Co’s team as it brings such depth of knowledge and experience to every case. The service to clients is impeccable’.

‘Jeremy Gordon – an ‘A list’ practitioner in this area, an effortless strategist who is able to negotiate with polite force. Charlotte Fraser – absolutely fantastic, a superstar’.

‘Toby Graham – massive experience and knowledge, combined with a debonair charm. Henrietta Mason – delightful and hugely knowledgeable. One of the best solicitors in London. Joanna Poole – effortlessly brilliant. Joseph de Lacey – a terrific associate’.

‘Toby Graham is one of the best known partners in this field – he is hands on, really knows his trust law, has great judgment and is very good at managing very large scale litigation. Tom McPhail is pretty much the best associate I have come across anywhere’.

‘Farrers has an extremely strong team in the contentious trusts field. I have worked with a wide variety of the partners and associates over a number of years, on numerous contentious trusts cases. It would be my “go to” UK firm for any contentious trusts matter’.

‘Toby Graham. Toby is simply a star performer. He brings a wealth of academic and practical knowledge and experience – whatever the trusts issues are in a case, he will have seen them before or know a lot about them. He is also extremely dedicated to achieving the client’s goals‘.

‘One of the leading teams with broad and deep experience of all of the issues that crop up in contentious trust litigation. Charlotte Fraser – cool, collected and hugely effective‘.

Key clients

Sir Owen Glenn KNZM ONZM

The Administrators of the Estate of Vladimir Scherbakov

Trustees of family trusts of well-known English family

JTC Employer Solutions Trustee Limited

Executor for the Estate of the Duke of Edinburgh

Guardian of minor beneficiaries of UHNW family trusts

Daniel and Caroline Phillips

Executor of the estate of Keith Beresford (deceased)

UHNW Middle Eastern individual

Work highlights

  • Acting in a highly complex and multi-jurisdictional piece of trust litigation, which has been running for a number of years and has repeatedly broken new legal ground.
  • Acting in the administration of the Estate of the late Vladimir Scherbakov in the context of ongoing cross border litigation over the succession to his estate and lifetime disputes.

Private client > Family Tier 1

Farrer & Co‘s ‘vast history of providing impeccable service is apparent in all that it does and everyone it employs’. The ‘urbane, clever and astuteWilliam Massey heads the department that has an excellent reputation for its high-value and complex work that involves substantial assets, foreign jurisdictions, complicated asset structures as well as trust and tax issues. It has a sophisticated client base including UHNW families and international clients. Claire Gordon regularly works on cases where the assets involved are £200m or more. Sarah Hutchinson is hugely respected for her work on both financial and children matters.  In addition Caroline Holley  is well-known for her expertise in international cases. There have been changes to the team at a senior level – Simon Bruce is now at Dawson Cornwell LLP while Edward Floyd joined the team from Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP. Frederick Tatham was recently promoted to the partnership. ‘Farrer’s reputation as one of the leading firms in London is well-deserved. It has the resources and personnel to deal with the biggest and most complex of cases, whether involving litigation or not.’

Practice head(s):

William Massey

Other key lawyers:

Claire Gordon; Sarah Hutchinson; Edward Floyd; Flora Harragin; Caroline Holley; Alex Woolley; Frederick Tatham; Suzanna Eames; John Davies; Amy Radnor; Kelly Merris

Testimonials

‘Simply an amazing team. Farrer is a full service private client firm and the family department is second to none. Undoubtedly one of the very best firms in London. I cannot speak highly enough about them. They are all team players and they play the game to their clients’ very best advantage’.

‘Sarah Hutchinson and Alex Woolley are both excellent, and clearly a great team. Their attention to detail and thoroughness is next to none, constantly reassuring with great eQ skills. They prepared me well and were very understanding of my preferences. Their experience with similar cases gave me confidence in their ability to execute and win. Great people and easy to get along with’.

‘Claire Gordon is an immensely impressive solicitor. She has an excellent command of the law (particularly in respect of international matters), has reliable instincts and a strong strategic vision. Ed Floyd is a strong addition to the Family team. He’s a good lawyer. Suzanna Eames is a star of the future – and already deservedly successful in her own right.’

‘William Massey is an amazing head of department. He is one of the very finest divorce lawyers in London. Caroline Holley is simply brilliant. She guides her clients through the stormy waters of divorce and takes them to a safe port of good settlement or victory in court. She can second guess the outcome of any case – she is always right. Her clients  adore her’.

‘John Davies is an up and coming senior associate who is clearly a partner in the making. He drafts killer letters which literally win cases. Edward Floyd is a first rate solcitor and a man you want on your side. His case and client management skills are fabulous. Frederick Tatham has recently been appointed partner and he deserved it. He is a highly polished member of the team. His strategic thinking is magnificent’.

‘Will Massey combines his huge experience with a soothing bedside manner that gives clients total confidence. Flora Harrigan would be a star of the future were she not a star of the present! Caroline Holley is dogged but unfailingly thoughtful. Claire Gordon can command the room with her intelligence and calm’.

‘Farrers balances the gravitas, respect and experience derived from its enviable long history as a firm and leading department (literally for centuries)with a modern and dynamic approach. Its complimentary, tax private client and trusts expertise makes it a one stop shop for complex financial matters and always able to call on just the right expertise no matter how esoteric the financial issue or structure. They have a universally strong partnership but are also keen promoters of the younger members, and the partners are based on merit not time served’.

‘Ed Floyd, was a very canny recent recruitment from Pennington Manches. He is a details and technical demon, with a a very strong financial and black letter law brain. No point no matter how esoteric or buried in the papers escapes him.  Clare Gordon is a star. Utterly charming and universally liked in the profession (no mean feat) she has a core of steel and combines a humane yet ruthlessly tactical approach’

Key clients

Mrs Goddard-Watts

The beneficiaries of the X Settlement

Ms K

Work highlights

  • Acted for Mrs Goddard-Watts in relation to her long-running case. Her financial remedy claims were restored for the second time, and a further fresh determination of her claims took place which resulted in a further award being made. The most recent judgment has been reported as Goddard-Watts v Goddard Watts [2022] EWHC 711. This has been an extremely complex matter, involving difficult and unprecedented legal issues.
  • Advised the beneficiaries of a family trust who intervened in hard fought High Court divorce proceedings between their parents in order to protect the substantial trust interests. As can be seen from the judgment (WX v HX (Treatment of matrimonial and non-matrimonial property) [2021] EWHC 241), the team was successful in protecting its clients’ trust interests.
  • It is acting for the mother in unusual Children Act proceedings involving the alienation of two young children from their primary carer mother by their father. At the final hearing in January 2022 the court ordered a transfer of residence to its client. However, prior to the final hearing taking place, the father abducted the children to Australia, and it is now involved in Hague Abduction proceedings in order to secure their return. The judgment has been reported as Re A and B (Child Arrangements: Parental Alienation) [2022] EWFC B11.

Private client > Personal tax, trusts and probate Tier 1

Farrer & Co has a stellar reputation for its work with a broad range of clients from families and individuals to regularly advising trustee companies, banks/wealth managers and family offices. Sarah von Schmidt  works with a substantial number of international families and their family offices advising a mixture of trustees and beneficiaries on significant trust restructuring, planning as well as family governance and succession issues. Bryony Cove  helps many UK and US clients with their own businesses or those with self-generated wealth  as well as family businesses, landed estates and artistic talent. Russell Cohen  advises some of the wealthiest families in the world on a variety of highly complex and challenging issues. Catherine McAleavey  is a known name for her work on trusts and succession planning matters and regularly acts for mostly UK-based wealthy individuals and families.  Nick Dunnell  is another key member of the team who specialises in onshore and offshore trusts and personal tax matters for UK resident and non-resident individuals.

Practice head(s):

Bryony Cove; Sarah von Schmidt

Other key lawyers:

Russell Cohen; Catherine McAleavey; Nick Dunnell; Alexandra Hollingshead; Oliver Piper; Richard McDermott; Holly Jones; Jennifer Ridgway

Testimonials

‘Farrer’s personal tax, trusts and probate team is an exceptional bunch. Highly technical, personable, and extremely skilled at navigating clients and advisers through complex and challenging situations. No advisory team is complete without them’.

‘Bryony Cove is a standout partner. Technically brilliant, extremely approachable, available and pragmatic, Bryony’s advice on any private client issue is highly valued’.

‘Richard McDermott is a friendly and calming presence and is wonderful to work with‘.

‘Very reliable and established private client firm’.

‘Russell Cohen – established, clients like him, very easy going manner. Holly Jones – very reliable’.

‘Jennifer Ridgway is superb. Technically astute and fantastic with clients.’

‘Jennifer Ridgway is a star in the making, she is hugely capable.’

‘Jennifer Ridgway is an outstanding private client lawyer and has an unrivalled knowledge in personal tax trusts and probate. She has an extremely personable approach and wins the confidence of new clients with ease.’

Public sector > Education: institutions Tier 1

Farrer & Co works with a range of leading university clients, advising on investment fund management, joint ventures and charity law. The team is led by David Copping, whose work includes both domestic and international work, research collaborations and IP rights. Sam Macdonald focuses on charity law, from philanthropists donating to higher education institutions to international organisations working with the British charity sector. David Smellie advises on employment law, including HR issues and tribunal claims. Kathleen Heycock specialises in safeguarding and student matters, having previously worked in HR for a leading university.

Practice head(s):

David Copping

Other key lawyers:

Sam MacdonaldDavid Smellie; Kathleen Heycock

Testimonials

‘First-rate service, clever and pragmatic teams with unrivalled experience in this sector.’

‘Farrer & Co have an outstanding understanding of the higher education and charity sectors which means we always get very well thought out, pragmatic and workable advice.’

‘David Copping is our contact partner and is excellent – responsive and readily available. He analyses complex issue quickly and allocates the work to the right people.’

‘There is a breadth of competence, a willingness to engage with and disentangle high levels of complexity, a responsiveness and the confidence and experience to give clear and actionable advice which is highly distinctive about this team.’

‘Sam Macdonald – responsiveness, composure, patience, experience.’

Key clients

Association of Commonwealth Universities

Imperial College London

Institute of Cancer Research

King’s College London

London Business School

The Open University

The Rhodes Trust

The University of Cambridge

The University of Oxford

The University of Westminster

Universities UK

University for the Creative Arts

University of Warwick

Work highlights

  • Advised Imperial College London, as leading panel provider for employment and commercial work, on a range of high-profile HR and commercial matters.
  • Advised King’s College London on the implementation of its major UK/Sino strategic joint venture with Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech), in particular staff appointment arrangements.
  • Advised a number of leading UK universities on issues arising from the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

Public sector > Education: schools Tier 1

Farrer & Co handles a wide range of educational matters, including issues ranging from harassment to immigration and mergers and acquisitions. In addition to this, the practice advises on the financial and safeguarding sides of schooling across the UK. Head of education Jonathan Eley has been advising schools on withdrawal from the Teachers' Pension Scheme and union issues. David Smellie heads the firm's safeguarding unit, being involved in high-stakes employment band child protection work, including handling serious allegations of child abuse. Sam Macdonald specialises in charity law, advising on regulatory matters and fundraising with regards to schools as charitable trusts. Katie Fudakowski previously spent a decade as a barrister, meaning she brings a decade of experience and insight from a barrister's perspective. Associate Alice Yandle assists with complex employment, parental and pupil issues.

Practice head(s):

Jonathan Eley

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘Farrers have a strong team in the educational space. We often use them to help with dispute resolution with parents in our schools and for safeguarding advice.’

‘The quality of advice has always been excellent – pragmatic, supportive and the team shows a real understanding of the education sector. The advice takes into account the sector and the nuances of working in education. The firm is also proactive in providing advice at a general level as situations change which is very reassuring.’

‘A multi-disciplined and talented team is led by a number of partners. The lead partner varies, this is dictated by the area of law that is being advised on.’

‘David Smellie – A figure of national importance as an expert, advisor and thought leader in safeguarding.’

‘The education team is well resourced and managed. Team members have excellent in-depth experience in a wide variety of matters which are relevant to clients in the education sector ranging from employment to complaints to external reviews. They take a collaborative approach, sharing sector knowledge and often working with the charities team to do the same.’

‘Alice Yandle is outstanding, one of the best lawyers I have ever worked with. She is super bright, strategic in her approach and always thinks a few steps ahead and with the ultimate preferred outcome in mind. Add to that her client care skills, diligence, responsiveness and phenomenal grasp of the law and issues in any situation, and you have the real deal: a solicitor who you can rely on and who will look out for their client. It is rare to find an advisor with Alice’s emotional intelligence.’

‘Full service team with great experience in the education sector. Great to have in your camp for regulatory work. Accessible and responsive.’

‘Alice Yandle is our main contact. She is truly exceptional in every way – cares deeply about her work, appears very conscientious and presents her advice to us clearly and with great skill. The advice is always practical and easy to follow.’

Key clients

Alleyn’s School

Alpha Plus Group

Benenden School

Bryanston School

Charterhouse

Cognita

Danes Hill School

Downe House

Dulwich Prep School

Eton College

Grey Coat Hospital

Hampton School

Harrow School

Highgate School

Independent Schools’ Bursars Association

King’s College school Wimbledon

Latymer Upper School

Magdalen College School

Manchester Grammar School

Marlborough College

Methodist Independent Schools Trust

Nottingham High School

Shrewsbury School

St Catherine’s School Bramley

St George’s College Weybridge

St Mary’s School Ascot

St Paul’s Girls School

St Paul’s School

The Bury Grammar Schools

The Mill Hill School Foundation

The Perse School

Tonbridge School

Uppingham School

Wellington College

Westminster School

Winchester College

Work highlights

  • Advised leading independent school, Magdalen College School, on a major new overseas collaboration for the opening of a network of international schools across China and Hong Kong.
  • Assisted an independent review for Winchester College into the activities of John Smyth KC (now deceased) who had groomed and abused a number of boys and young men from top UK independent schools and universities under the guise of evangelical Christianity, including at Winchester College.
  • Advised on a low-level concerns policy: A guide for organisations which work with children that the Department for Education included within Part Four of its revised statutory guidance Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE). This marks a significant step forward for the better protection of children – not just in schools and colleges, but also in any organisation working with children.

Real estate > Residential property Tier 1

The ‘outstanding’ team at Farrer & Co ‘provides a high level of service’ as ‘you have a good hierarchy with the principal having a lot of knowledge and experience with several very capable team workers reporting quickly to the principal if needed’. Laurie Horwood  is a key member of the department that remains focused on complex work across the residential property market in prime Central London and in the countryside. Laura Conduit  predominately advises on buying and selling both leasehold and freehold residential property for her clients with values ranging from £25,000 to in excess of £30m. Newly promoted partner Hugh Wigzell is vastly experienced in high-value conveyancing matters and acts for both banks and borrowers in secured lending transactions. Other areas of expertise include acting on new-build acquisitions and sales in addition to representing purchasers who are based outside of the UK. Edmund Fetherston-Dilke is also recommended. It is a team that ‘works seamlessly together’.

Practice head(s):

Laurie Horwood

Other key lawyers:

Laura Conduit; Hugh Wigzell; Annabel Dean; Edmund Fetherston-Dilke; Jenna Whistler; Adam Fletcher; Lindsay Cunningham

Testimonials

‘Partners are very much involved and lead their teams, which cannot be said for all real estate firms. A hands on approach, without interfering, offering a smooth transaction. All members of the team we’ve worked with are extremely knowledgeable, sensible, practical and communicate! The service is a cut above the rest and Farrer & Co is the top law firm we recommend to discerning clients’.

‘Laura Conduit, Laurie Horwood and Hugh Wigzell are a thoroughly professional team who are always on hand to answer any questions posed either by myself or by our mutual clients. Something which is rare these days! Their knowledge is detailed and advice is concise. Always prepared to look at everything from all angles and possibilities and going above and beyond their remit. A pleasure on every occasion to work with delivering a smooth outcome’.

‘I work regularly with the principal partners; Laurie Horwood, Annabel Dean, Laura Conduit and Edmund Fetherston-Dilke in the residential property department. I also work closely with their associates including Jenna Whistler, Hugh Wigzell and Adam Fletcher, all of whom are excellent at understanding any legal issues which come to light following a survey and clearly explaining this to the client. All of the partners and associates I work with exhibit a keen attention to detail and a quick understanding of the problems or issues I raise with them. They are also all very personable and pleasant individuals and it is a pleasure to work with them!’.

‘The team is always on hand and works extremely closely together. They have given excellent advice throughout all the transactions I have worked with them on. My main dealings have been with Hugh Wigzell who has been exceptional, always contactable, professional, polite and very knowledgeable.’

‘An outstanding team for residential conveyancing. Exceptional experience and knowledge throughout the team but also extremely approachable and excellent bedside manner. I know I can recommend them in the full knowledge that clients will get an exceptional service.’

‘Having worked on several deals with Annabel, Laura, Hugh, Lindsay, Jenna, Edmund and Laurie, I can vouch they are all brilliant. Incredibly conscientious, open minded, experienced, hardworking and intelligent’.

‘The team has a far-reaching and multi disciplinary practice. So whilst we may use 90% of one section within the firm, it is great to know we have the back up of further expertise in different fields should we need it’.

‘Laura Conduit is a consummate professional, she is diligent, consistent and available whenever needed. Reacts rapidly to problems and nothing is too much trouble. Edmund Featherstone Dilke, is a man with more real estate law knowledge than anyone else I have ever dealt with. His calm and relaxed approach betray quite what is going on in his brain’.

TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Media and entertainment (including media finance) Tier 1

Farrer & Co is a go-to firm for publishing matters, particularly for news organizations and academic publishers. On the commercial side, practice head Paul Jones regularly takes the lead, advising publishers as well as broadcasters and rights owners. Jones has recently been highly involved in digitization matters for his clients. David Morgan has a broad practice, with expertise in publishing, broadcasting, and advertising. Henry Sainty is an established figure in the space, acting for clients such as Bauer Media, Yell, and Sage Publications and assists clients in the sports' sector with media law issues.

Practice head(s):

Paul Jones

Other key lawyers:

David Morgan; Thomas Rudkin; Henry Sainty; Peter Wienand; Richard Lane; Jonathan Ely; Ian De Freitas; Owen O’Rorke; Alan Baker; Natalie Rimmer

Testimonials

‘David Morgan was extremely popular with the business – he was very responsive and available, and went above and beyond to make our lives easier. He also had a very thorough approach and knew our documents inside out.’

‘Farrers are unique in the range of services they provide. They have provided dedicated forums to support in-house lawyers which, in my experience is unique. Through this forum they deliver specialist training, which has been a great support for myself and my team.’

‘David Morgan is an outstanding lawyer. Not only is his knowledge exceptional, but what stands him apart is his real-world application of the law. He understands our industry and doesn’t waste our time with silly suggestions. Thomas Rudkin is also a fantastic lawyer. Again, he understands our industry and adjusts the advice he provides accordingly.’

‘Feel like you are working in partnership to get to the right result.’

‘Friendly, accessible and responsive with a broad range of expertise.’

Key clients

Bauer Media

The Economist Group

Telegraph Media Group

Yell

Sage Publications

PA Media

BMJ Publishing Group

British Library

Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music

Guardian News and Media

New York Times

Work highlights

  • Acting for the Telegraph Media Group in commercial contract review and data protection measures.
  • Advising The Economist Group on both pre- and post- publications matters, including weekly advise on pre-publication content issues across all print editions and in connection with Economist Radio and Economist Films.
  • Advising The British Library on its licensing arrangements with Find My Past in relation to its digitization of the Library’s newspaper collections.

Investment fund formation and management > Retail funds Tier 2

Farrer & Co specialises in advising on the structures of FCA-approved funds, from OEICs to master-feeder structures. The firm also advises clients on unique fund structures, including charity and church funds and funds for tax-exempt investors. Practice head Grania Baird has over two decades of experience in supporting asset and fund managers on new products and regulation, with a particular focus on FCA-regulated funds. Andy Peterkin represents private funds and advises on alternative capital raising structures. Jessica Reed advises asset managers on the establishment of UCITS, NURS and ESG funds.

Practice head(s):

Grania Baird

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

“Jessica Reed is an incredibly attentive and personable partner. She takes the time to clearly explain complicated regulatory issues and provides workable and creative proposals to achieve an effective outcome. Jessica has an impeccably efficient working and project management style and provides regular progress updates, which made me feel confident and respected as a client.”

Key clients

Thesis Unit Trust Management Ltd/Tutman LLP

Omnis Investments Limited

Oxford University Endowment Management Ltd

Rathbone Unit Trust Management Limited

The Charities Property Fund/Savills Investment Management (UK) Ltd

Handelsbanken ACD

Smith & Williamson Fund Administration Limited

Aubrey Capital Management Ltd

Investec Wealth & Investment Ltd

Y-Tree

Work highlights

  • Acted on the sale of T Bailey Fund Services to Waystone.
  • Acted for Omnis Investments on the launch of a range of new tactical asset allocation funds.
  • Acted for Thesis Unit Trust Management Limited on a range of new fund applications.

TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Reputation management Tier 2

Farrer & Co's reputation management team has a strong record of providing strategic planning, prevention, and reactive advice in response to complex reputational situations and crises. The team acts for high-profile clients in the entertainment and creative industries, as well as the education and business spaces. With specialist expertise in the sports sector, practice head Julian Pike assists a broad range clients with pre-publication issues, the right to be forgotten, and broader cyber protection. Tom Rudkin handles defamation and libel claims for HNWIs, multinational corporations, and non-profit organisations, with a focus on online reputational issues. Associate Alicia Mendonca-Richards is also recommended.

Practice head(s):

Julian Pike

Other key lawyers:

Tom Rudkin; Alicia Mendonça-Richards; Athalie Matthews; Oliver Lock

Testimonials

‘The team is the leader in the market for reputation management legal expertise and guidance for clients in our opinion. The team always seeks to bring to the disposal of the client ‘best in class’ third party partners to provide a holistic approach to their client deliverables and needs. They are by far the most transparent and flexible strategic firm that we deal with.’

‘Julian Pike, Thomas Rudkin and Olly Lock – we talk to on a weekly basis. They always remain in contact and make us feel very much a collaborative partner in providing the necessary client solutions. These individuals are very good at also engaging in new markets sectors, where their expertise is well suited.’

‘Farrer & Co are experts in their field in terms of reputational management.’

‘We have done significant amounts of work with Farrer & Co over the years and view them as a go to firm for reputation management. Significant expertise built up over many years, and a strong team at both partner and associate level. They continue to innovate and broaden their offer, sometimes bringing on board third party experts to provide additional insight and expertise which is very helpful. Strong client handling and client care – clients get that bespoke feel.’

‘Julian Pike – hugely experienced, with a vast array of expertise to draw upon, Julian still enjoys getting stuck in and fighting for his clients. Charming to work with and delivers first rate advice. A pleasure to work with.’

‘Tom Rudkin – we have been working with Tom for several years and his recent partnership is well deserved. Brings a young and innovative perspective to issues around social media and online, he has also built specialist expertise in education and safeguarding. Very hard working and a pleasure to work with and still top of his game.’

‘Athalie Matthews – very much a rising star, Athalie gives great advice and really cares about the results her clients get. Writes beautifully and can act at speed.’

‘Tom Rudkin is exceptional – he provides an all round service starting with outstanding advice on how to respond to press enquiries, dealing with the lawyers for the newspapers and general advice.’

Key clients

The Sackler Family

Eton College

Martin Glenn

The Football Association

The Economist Newspaper Limited

BMJ Publishing Group Limited

England and Wales Cricket Board

BAFTA (British Academy of Film and Television Arts)

James and Pippa Matthews

Duke of Edinburgh’s Estate

Work highlights

  • Advising Martin Glenn (former CEO of The FA) on successful libel and harassment proceedings.

Crime, fraud and licensing > Fraud: civil Tier 3

Led by John Wilkinson, the civil fraud team at Farrer & Co can showcase involvement in several multi-party cases, frequently involving freezing injunctions and asset tracing elements. The workload often spans numerous jurisdictions, and the group puts an emphasis on financial services claims. Adrian Parkhouse has more than 30 years of experience in dispute resolution, and Jolyon Connell acts in matters concerning digital assets and cryptocurrencies.

Practice head(s):

John Wilkinson

Other key lawyers:

Adrian Parkhouse; Jolyon Connell; Oliver Blundell; William Charrington

Testimonials

‘The team are engaged, humble and highly competent. They work very well as a team and no ego shines above their commitment to the work. Very creative, responsive and practical.’

‘I work closely with John Wilkinson, a stand-out lawyer who applies creativity, empathy and practicality to his work. I love working with him; he makes our engagements with other clients easier through his seamless collaboration and support.’

‘Farrer & Co has an excellent reputation. The litigation team I have worked with is used to acting for both plaintiffs and defendants in fraud actions, and is particularly alive to the difficult professional issues that arise in that context, and the often creative paths one has to take to further the client’s interests. As such, they have a degree of imagination and flexibility not often found.’

‘The Farrer & Co team does the very highest level of fraud work with a very lean operation. It has excellent partners and associates.’

‘Good collaboration with the client.’

‘John Wilkinson has long experience of complex civil fraud, which he deploys with great judgment and intuition.’

‘John Wilkinson heads the fraud practice and brings years of experience, prompt attention as the matter develops, assembling external and internal teams as necessary to cover all angles.’

‘Jolyon Connell was impressive in his grasp of our claim.’

Key clients

RP Explorer Limited

Edgeworth Capital

Work highlights

  • Advising Dr B R Shetty on his defence of multiple sets of high value proceedings around the world in connection with the collapse of the NMC group – valued at c.$8bn.
  • Advising Ian Pellow in his defence of Commercial Court proceedings in which he was accused of a $280m fraud against Ukrainian state controlled entities.
  • Advising RP Explorer Limited, a Cayman investment fund, in its $80m claim for fraud against multiple defendants, arising out of the client’s investments on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange.

Employment > Employers Tier 3

Demonstrating a ‘balance of understanding and empathy whilst offering robust and clear advice’, Farrer & Co continues to grow its specialist contentious practice, with new instructions in internal investigations, discrimination, whistleblowing and dismissal-related claims. In the non-contentious space, the firm assists employers with design and implementation of appropriate safeguarding policies, large-scale redundancy and collective consultation programmes, trade union work and TUPE. Head of practice David Smellie has developed a strong relationship with employers in the education and sports sector. Rachel Lewis is sought after by employers from the cultural, professional services, while David Hunt acts for financial institutions. Anna Birtwistle, Kathleen Heycock and Eleanor Rowswell are the other integral figures. William Dawson retired in April 2021.

Practice head(s):

David Smellie

Testimonials

‘Farrer & Co are professional and responsive, they provide a firm balance of understanding and empathy to the queries we bring to them whilst offering robust and clear advice.’

‘The approach is always human and many of the support measures the team offer e.g. the podcast series and weekly employment law updates always ensures you are working with a firm that has its finger on the pulse of contemporary employment practice.’

‘Anna Britwistle is exceptional: not only a brilliant lawyer, she has uncommon tactical nous, and is always willing to go the extra mile.’

‘The employment team provide holistic professional and pragmatic support on all people related matters at our charity pulling in experts to support complex issues when required.’

‘They provided innovative training to all our senior leadership team responsible for carrying out complex investigations to ensure we operated within the law but also mindful of EDI and best practice.’

‘The most amazing standout partner for me is Rachel Lewis. She is very responsive to our organisations needs and has worked hard to understand the complexities of how we operate. Her advice provides the legal advice but also pragmatic recommendations of the best way to achieve an outcome.’

‘Dedication, commitment, legal skill and negotiation nous mean they are a go to practice.’

‘Very attentive and friendly service. Employment advice is always first class delivered in a very professional manner.’

Key clients

British Airline Pilots Association (BALPA)

Imperial College

C Hoare & Co

The Natural History Museum

London Business School

Fisher Phillips

The Independent Schools Council

The Independent Bursars’ Association (ISBA)

A national hotel chain

A number of leading independent schools and school groups

Work highlights

  • Acting or the British Airline Pilots’ Association (BALPA) on all employment related matters, including in relation to individual members’ claims and industrial relations matters.
  • Advised Imperial College on all aspects of employment law, from day-to-day HR issues and Tribunal claims to highly complex employment matters.
  • The preferred UK employment counsel for US Employment Law firm Field Fisher, providing UK legal advice for their US corporate clients.

Real estate > Commercial property: development Tier 3

The Farrer & Co team is well known for its mid-market work as well as its legacy developments with landowners; clients consider the group to be ‘pioneers’ in this space. Elsewhere, it has seen an increase in instruction from US backed private equity firms looking to invest in development projects in the UK, particularly in TV and film studio productions. Practice head Mark Gauguier handles both development and investment work, with specific expertise in handling large scale urban developments. Henry Stevens  specialises in development transactions and portfolio management relating to institutions and estates, while senior associate Barbara Beasley focuses on institutional investment, including forward funding and purchases.

Practice head(s):

Mark Gauguier

Other key lawyers:

Charles Anderson; Kate Corke; Sarah Aggarwal; Henry Stevens; Barbara Beasley

Testimonials

‘The Farrers team are the pioneers of working with landowners for legacy development. It is their common aspiration that creates the legal environment which fuses landowner ambition with the commercial acumen of the developer, leading to better social, aesthetic and financial outcomes and the creation of better new places.’

‘The team are all high calibre individuals who are very focused upon their work, engaging well with all parties and working collaboratively towards the best outcome for their clients.’

‘The best connected firm of lawyers in the country with an extraordinary depth of knowledge.’

‘Charles Anderson – a level of knowledge and experience like no other with a true passion for his job.’

‘Barbara Beasley is a good thinking lawyer who is quick to understand problems and works hard to resolve them.’

Key clients

Charities Property Fund

Duchy of Cornwall

Highbridge Properties plc

Shinfield Studios Limited

UKVB LuxCo 1 S.à r.l

The Ironmongers Company

The Royal College of Surgeons of England

The British Library

Property Trust Group

Victoria and Albert Museum

Arbuthnot Latham & Co Ltd

Commonwealth Real Estate LP

Blackhall Global Partners LLC

Englefield Estate Trust Corporation

Gascoyne Cecil Estates

Graven Hill Purchaser Ltd

Work highlights

  • Advising the Duchy of Cornwall’s Poundbury Development (the urban community at Dorchester) and their Nansledan Development (the urban community at near Newquay in Cornwall).
  • Advising in relation to the British Library’s St Pancras development, reported as a £1 billion project.
  • Advised on Blackhall Global Partners on a landmark transaction with The University of Reading for the construction of a major film studios complex in Shinfield, Berkshire, the acquisition and associated development costs of which are circa £350 million.

Real estate > Property litigation Tier 3

The practice at Farrer & Co has a range of specialisms that cater to clients needs; the team is renowned for its advice to charities, not for profit organisations and schools. The practice is led by Siobhan Jones who has longstanding experience as a specialist property litigator. Her expertise includes the resolution of beneficial interests, negligence, covenant construction and neighbourly matters. Jo Ord  is noted for her broad expertise in matters concerning dilapidations, possession proceedings and telecommunications. Tom Dobson's expertise is sought for matters concerning landlord and tenant work, property finance disputes and agricultural work.

Practice head(s):

Siobhan Jones

Other key lawyers:

Jo Ord; Tom Dobson

Testimonials

‘Fantastic all round.’

‘Jo Ord – very switched on and decisive. Gives clear tactical advice.’

‘An exceptional team who genuinely care about their client’s interest.’

‘Jo Ord – a very able, likeable lawyer with a good commercial brain. Siobhan Jones – a formidable property litigator combining charm with real genuine ability.’

‘The team is very well resourced at all levels – every fee earner is talented and highly capable. They work brilliantly together and collaborate effectively with counsel.’

‘Siobhan Jones is a brilliant team leader: she is great at seeing the big picture and developing tactics but also very engaged on the detail.’

‘Tom Dobson is an excellent all rounder; he is a great lawyer, an effective communicator, highly organised, very good on tactics and thinking strategically to achieve client aims. Always a pleasure to work with and a true star.’

‘The whole team is great! They are fun, human and approachable.’

Key clients

Charities Property Fund

AFTC Limited (Noble Group)

Porcelanosa

JH Muirfield

University of Oxford

S&P Farms (Beaumont Brook and Bradwell Power Station)

Derhalli

All Souls College, Oxford

Duchy of Lancaster

Duchy of Cornwall

Diageo Pension Trust Limited

Royal College of Surgeons

Church Commissioners

Vevil Group

Louvre Group of Hotels

Citi Bank

C Hoare & Co

BNP Paribas

Work highlights

  • Advised Charities Property Fund on a stream of commercial landlord and tenant matters including lease renewals and insolvency issues.
  • Advised the Duchy of Cornwall and the Duchy of Lancaster on a range of contentious property matters.

TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Sport Tier 3

Farrer & Co is instructed on governance, integrity and safeguarding issues in sport. The practice is home to a unique safeguarding unit, which acts for a range of national and international sporting institutions. Practice head Julian Pike advises on corporate and reputation management strategy as well as disputes for sports sector clients. Henry Sainty specialises in commercial contracts and data protection. David Hunt and Katie Fudakowski represent sports governing bodies on the full-range of employment and equality related matters. Tom Bruce is noted for handling corporate, governance issues, critical joint ventures and the structuring of international sporting events. Paul Jones and Owen O’Rorke are also recommended.

Practice head(s):

Julian Pike

Other key lawyers:

David Hunt; Henry Sainty; David Hunt; Katie Fudakowski; Tom Bruce; Paul Jones; Owens O’Rorke; Kate Allass; Tom Rudkin

Testimonials

‘In the context of sports law, Farrer & Co is the firm that has been longest in the sector and it has built up a wealth of experience and knowledge enabling it to deliver practical and effective administration of matters on behalf of clients, in particular sports governing bodies.’

‘Julian Pike is one of the UK’s leading reputation management lawyers.’

‘Tom Rudkin is an excellent litigator and adviser, with a brilliant client manner, and a sense of what will be important in any dispute. He is calm, assured, and expert – always thinking ahead of the client’s strategic imperatives.

‘Julian Pike is truly excellent and charming with clients as well as being v bright.’

‘Farrer & Co have a long history of working in sports and therefore have a depth of knowledge in many different areas’

‘Julian Pike is excellent in all aspects of sport, particularly with issues around reputational management.’

Key clients

PGA European Tour

The FA

International Canoe Federation

Lawn Tennis Association (LTA)

England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB)

World Netball

Martin Glenn

British Swimming

UK Athletics

Henley Royal Regatta

Work highlights

  • Advised Martin Glenn, former CEO of the Football Association on defamation and harassment proceedings in the High Court against a former employee of Fulham Football Club, Craig Kline.
  • Advised the LTA’s safeguarding and legal team in relation to complex safeguarding matters and the management of live cases, involving regulatory, criminal, DBS compliance and data protection issues.
  • Worked with UK Athletics (UKA) to draft fundamental amendments to its constitutional documents including its articles of sssociation, athletics appointments panel terms of reference, and election regulations.

Employment > Immigration

Elena Hinchin leads Farrer & Co‘s immigration practice, which works closely with the firm’s corporate and tax offerings to support corporate clients, and works with the family team to advise high-net-worth individuals and families. The team also has strength in litigation through experienced barrister Lee Jackson. Associate Tom Hardwick is a key contact for family applications and human rights appeals outside the rules, while associate Sonia Cala-Lesina is particularly adept at securing Global Talent visas for artists, writers and academics. Zoe Jacob has now moved to Boodle Hatfield LLP.

Practice head(s):

Elena Hinchin

Testimonials

‘Very strong private client immigration team which combines well with the firm’s wider practice in disparate areas such as family law and dispute resolution.’

‘Farrer & Co is a team of highly professional lawyers who are able to solve different complex problems. I would like to point out that the team is very attentive to customers and has a clear organisation of workflow.’

‘I am happy with the quick response they’ve given to all my queries with necessary clarification. They were available always and have done application processing as quickly as possible. Will definitely recommend.’

‘Really efficient team that accomplishes what it tells you it will do at the price that it tells you it will do it at. No negative surprises just effective working. At the same time they are readily available quickly should any client hurdles appear. Couldn’t ask for a better service.’

‘Elena Hinchin, partner of Farrer & Co, is a high-level professional. She is distinguished by the ability to work with a large amount of information, sensitive and attentive attitude to the client, thoughtful and correct selection of necessary documents. A properly constructed plan of our cooperation helped to achieve a successful result.’

‘Great, full service team advising on immigration. Elena Hinchin is exceptional in this space. She goes far beyond the black letter law and gives highly practical and commercial advice. She is a go-to advisor for any high-stakes immigration advice.’

‘Sonia Cala-Lesina is the person we work with. She is personable, knowledgeable, efficient and keeps us up to date with everything. Elena Hinchin is the partner. She is great and I feel extremely comfortable with the team.’

‘Elena Hinchin leads the team and is uniquely placed to act for individuals based in former CIS states. She is hugely experienced, extremely well-connected, highly efficient and effective in achieving positive outcomes.’

Real estate > Commercial property: investment Tier 4

The Farrer & Co team is well known for its mid-market work as well as its legacy developments with landowners; clients consider the group to be ‘pioneers’ in this space. Elsewhere, it has seen an increase in instruction from US backed private equity firms looking to invest in development projects in the UK, particularly in TV and film studio productions. Practice head Mark Gauguier handles both development and investment work, with specific expertise in handling large scale urban developments. Henry Stevens  specialises in development transactions and portfolio management relating to institutions and estates, while senior associate Barbara Beasley focuses on institutional investment, including forward funding and purchases.

Practice head(s):

Mark Gauguier

Other key lawyers:

Hayley Wilson; Charles Anderson; Kate Corke; Sarah Aggarwal; Henry Stevens; Barbara Beasley

Testimonials

‘A friendly approachable, no nonsense team that get the job done (and well!)’

‘Hayley Wilson is fun to work with, because she is thorough, meticulous and efficient’

Meghan Hatfield is great, thorough and responsive’

Key clients

Charities Property Fund

Duchy of Cornwall

Highbridge Properties plc

Shinfield Studios Limited

UKVB LuxCo 1 S.à r.l

The Ironmongers Company

The Royal College of Surgeons of England

The British Library

Property Trust Group

Victoria and Albert Museum

Arbuthnot Latham & Co Ltd

Commonwealth Real Estate LP

Blackhall Global Partners LLC

Englefield Estate Trust Corporation

Gascoyne Cecil Estates

Graven Hill Purchaser Ltd

Work highlights

  • Advised a newly-formed Luxembourg real estate investment fund on various acquisitions focussing on the retail park sector with an aggregate value of c.£67m.
  • Advised Blackhall Global Partners on a landmark transaction with The University of Reading for the construction of a major film studios complex in Shinfield, Berkshire, the acquisition and associated development costs of which are circa £350 million.

Real estate > Planning Tier 4

The ‘excellent and very personable’ Karen Phull leads the planning team at Farrer & Co which has 'excellent knowledge of planning law' and strength in advising on urban development and community projects, and judicial review proceedings. Anthony McNamee assists clients with planning and consenting processes, and seeking compensation relating to compulsory purchases. The firm serves a wide variety of clients such as high-net-worth individuals, international investors, and local authorities.

Practice head(s):

Karen Phull

Other key lawyers:

Clair Sheppard; Anthony McNamee

Testimonials

‘Farrer & Co have a good strong team dealing with property and land issues. Having dealt with the firm over a number of years I am impressed by their practical advice.’

‘Karen Phull is first rate, having a local authority background which gives her a significant advantage over other planning lawyers. Combined with the huge strength in depth of the firm’s extensive property work this puts her in the ideal space to advise on complex transactions.’

‘Very proactive very knowledgeable and always happy to discuss tactics, the approachability was very very impressive.’

‘I would say that the team are very commercially aware and provide pragmatic advice by setting out options for discussion. Their strength is their strong relationships with clients and consultants.’

‘I would say that they are highly skilled and, most importantly, easy and good to work with. Many projects go on for many months or years and it is essential to have confidence in their abilities and to be able to work well together.’

‘Excellent knowledge of planning law and careful and attentive service to private clients concerned about planning issues.’

‘Karen Phull is excellent and very personable.’

‘The team is very personable and approachable and make themselves available – they go above and beyond. They have a good range of knowledge and have the ability to explain complex technical points in really user friendly ways.’

Key clients

The British Library

Shinfield Studios Limited

Graven Hill Purchaser Ltd

Porcelanosa UK Limited

Arden Property Limited

Agenda S1 Limited

Burghley House Preservation Trust

Paul Saggers Associates Limited

Charities Property Fund

Work highlights

  • Representing Shinfield Studios Limited in respect of a major film studios complex in Shinfield, Berkshire, securing planning permission for a sustainable, state of the art facility for sophisticated film production of approximately 1 million sq ft.
  • Advising The British Library in relation to its St Pancras development which includes the construction of gallery facilities and public realm.
  • Acting for Burghley House Preservation Trust in respect of the redevelopment of its site at St Martins Park.

TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Intellectual property: trade marks, copyright and design Tier 4

Clients instruct Farrer & Co’s IP department for advice on high-stakes cross-border transactions and litigation. Particularly strong in non-contentious contexts, namely IP strategies, copyright licensings and rights exploitation, the team is trusted by clients in the arts, education, charity and cultural sectors. Peter Wienand heads up the practice, advising on international deals and collaborations in the entertainment space. David Copping  also focuses on IP-rich sectors, including the technology, culture, and higher education industries, and Owen O’Rorke handles both contentious and non-contentious matters.

Practice head(s):

Peter Wienand

Other key lawyers:

Alan Baker; Paul Jones; David Copping; Owen O’Rorke; Ian De Freitas; Anisha Birk; Natalie Rimmer

Testimonials

‘Their practical approach to matters, putting client’s interest before any other matter. Very intensive involvement, creating a seamless team with the clients.’

‘Peter Wienand is a very competent partner who is extremely knowledgeable and takes a sensible approach to resolving disputes. Anisha Birk is an excellent associate who provides very high quality support.’

‘Paul Jones is a highly competent partner who provides a strong commercial approach and runs a strong team.’

‘Natalie Rimmer is an expert in IP law. We have had the opportunity to work with Natalie and she has profound expertise.’

Key clients

The Economist

Art Fund

Tarquin’s Gin

The Economist

University of Cambridge

Imperial College

Institute of Cancer Research

Winchester College

The Photographers’ Gallery

Sophisticated Games

Work highlights

  • Advised NFT Nation on its terms document governing the ownership transfer of Mad Cat Militia NFTs (similar to Bored Ape Yacht Club) and licences to certain intellectual property rights (including limited merchandising rights) in the underlying digital artworks to buyers.
  • Advising The Economist weekly on pre-publication content issues across its print editions, as well as in connection with Economist Podcasts and Economist Films.
  • Advising University of Cambridge on matters relating to online teaching and managing the IP rights subsisting in online video and sound recordings of lectures.

Real estate > Construction: non-contentious Tier 5

Farrer & Co‘s private client expertise is mirrored in its construction team, with the team often acting for private individuals, private banks and overseas investors. Edward Banyard Smith leads the team, adding to the practice’s longstanding reputation for advising cultural, charitable, and educational institutions on building projects.

Practice head(s):

Edward Banyard Smith

Testimonials

‘The practice has a very good reputation.’

‘Edward Banyard Smith is extremely knowledgeable, helpful, responsive and efficient. He strikes the perfect balance between professional and friendly.’

‘Although the team is a small one, it has a level of expertise, knowledge and experience that belies its size.’

‘The team is experienced and knowledgeable about the standard forms of construction contracts, and it is well versed in dealing with projects of all sizes and complexity.’

‘Edward Banyard Smith has a calm and reassuring approach combined with a deeply impressive level of knowledge and expertise, enabling him to provide comprehensive and incisive advice across the full range of construction issues.’

Key clients

Duchy of Cornwall

Coutts & Co

Charities Property Fund

Artesian Property Partnership

Price & Myers LLP

Arbuthnot Latham & Co

Shinfield Studios Limited

Worshipful Company of Skinners

Triodos Bank NV

Graven Hill Purchaser Limited

Work highlights

  • Acting as the legal advisers to the Duchy of Cornwall’s Poundbury and Nansledan Developments.
  • Advising Shinfield Studios Limited on a landmark transaction with The University of Reading for the construction of a major film studios complex in Shinfield, Berkshire.
  • Advising The British Library in relation to its St Pancras development, which involves the disposal of the 2.8-acre St Pancras development site for commercial investment and the construction of gallery facilities and a public realm for The British Library.

Real estate > Property finance Tier 5

The real estate finance group at Farrer & Co is highly adept at advising commercial lenders and private banks, as well as real estate funds, high-net-worth individuals, developers, and charities. The group assists these clients with investment and development finance mandates. Martin Blake heads the practice with a thriving practice involving commercial and residential property finance transactions and development and acquisition financing. Other notable members include Bethan Waters, who focuses on the banking side of transactions; Simon Graham, who advises both borrowers and lenders; and Marc Glancy, who is strong in secured lending matters.

Practice head(s):

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘The Farrer team has strong expertise in real estate matters and never relies only on one individual. In case of absences, the hand overs are smooth so that there is continuity in the coverage. They provide clear guidance to the bank not only on the legal matters, but also when looking at the operational and commercial aspects.’

‘Experts in complex landed estate and trust structures. The team work well together to find solutions and communicate their thought process and decisions clearly.’

‘The quality of their service and the constant level of the service regardless of the contact person are praiseworthy. The lawyers have a good ability to find solutions to tailor made requests.’

‘They are very responsive and always available when needed. Very professional and dedicated.’

‘Commercial, pragmatic and practical advice on when a point is important and when to concede.’

‘Relationships are always very personable and professional at the same time. The various colleagues always demonstrate an extremely high level of knowledge.’

‘The individuals are incredibly approachable and friendly, but also very professional in their approach.’

‘Martin Blake is very hands on and will step in when he feels there are more difficult situations to discuss and assist the bank in the decision process for pragmatic solutions that never jeopardise the bank’s legal position.’

Key clients

Coutts & Co

C. Hoare & Co

Deutsche Bank

Lloyds Bank plc

Royal Bank of Canada

Rothschild & Co Wealth Management UK Limited

Triodos Bank NV

Arbuthnot Latham & Co., Ltd

OakNorth Bank PLC

Citibank

Work highlights

  • Advised Coutts & Co on a comprehensive refinancing of a rural estate involving both loan facilities made available to an individual in his personal capacity as well as trustee of a will trust.
  • Advised Deutsche Bank in relation to the refinancing of four cross collateralised facilities totalling £37.65m in aggregate.
  • Advised Coutts & Co on an amendment and restatement of an existing facility secured by a luxury hotel in the Cotswolds in order to refinance an existing facility and to facilitate further investment for capital expenditure.

Risk advisory > Data protection, privacy and cybersecurity Tier 5

Companies in the education, media, retail, tech, charities and financial services sectors turn to Farrer & Co for assistance with a wide range of matters, spanning data subject access requests, data protection compliance, investigations and litigation. Leading the group is Henry Sainty, who excels in ePrivacy regulations, GDPR matters and freedom of information law. Ian De Freitas focuses on ICO investigations and data breaches and Peter Wienand is a key contact for international data transfers. Another name to note is Owen O’Rorke, who handles both contentious and non-contentious matters.

Practice head(s):

Henry Sainty

Key clients

Telegraph Media Group

We Buy Any Car

Independent Schools Bursars Association (ISBA)

J.P. Boden & Co

Lawn Tennis Association (LTA)

The Economist Newspaper

Samaritans

Canonical

UK Athletics (UKA)

Activity Alliance (English Federation of Disability Sport)

Work highlights

  • Assisted We Buy Any Car with an ICO investigation into the company’s online marketing activities and alleged lack of compliance with the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations.
  • Advised the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) on data protection issues, including numerous matters arising from the LTA’s complex relationships with clubs, counties, coaches and players in an information sharing and safeguarding referral context, as well as cross-organisation data sharing agreements and direct marketing compliance.
  • Acted for Independent Schools Bursars Association (ISBA) on a number of data protection matters.

Corporate and commercial > Financial services: non-contentious/regulatory Tier 6

Farrer & Co’s financial services offering is steered by Grania Baird, a wealth management, asset management and private banking specialist whose workload has recently encompassed post-Brexit projects, platform arrangements and outsourcing policies. The team is also adept in regulated business establishments, financial promotion rules, consumer credit regulations and mortgage conduct of business rules.

Practice head(s):

Grania Baird

Other key lawyers:

Nandini Sur

Testimonials

‘The team is very responsive, and provides focussed, commercial advice’.

‘Grania Baird, for her breadth of legal knowledge as well as industry awareness. Nandini Sur, for her commercial acumen and willingness to engage with business colleagues directly when advising.’

‘Very responsive and produce very good work.’

‘Very collaborative, hard working, pragmatic and knowledgeable.’

Key clients

Rathbones Group plc/Rathbone Investment Management Ltd

Arbuthnot Latham & Co., Limited

Royal Bank of Canada

Nedbank Private Wealth

Brookfield Asset Management

Canaccord Genuity Wealth Limited

SG Kleinwort Hambros

Handelsbanken Wealth Management and Handelsbanken plc

James Hambro & Partners LLP

Zedra Trust Company (UK) Limited

Work highlights

  • Advised Canaccord Genuity Wealth Group Holdings (Jersey) Limited on its £164m acquisition of the entire issued share capital of Punter Southall Wealth Limited, acquired from Psigma Wealth Limited.

Dispute resolution > International arbitration Tier 6

Farrer & Co‘s commercial arbitration practice covers sectors such as post-transactional and other corporate disputes, energy, financial services, construction and public procurement. The team is also expert in investor-state arbitration, art-related issues and sports disputes. ‘Highly skilled lawyerHendrik Puschmann is well known for his shipping, marine construction and energy work; Kate Allass is ‘a great strategist‘; and John Wilkinson is an asset tracing, fraud and arbitration specialist. Oliver Blundell and Tom Rudkin are the team’s key associates.

Practice head(s):

Hendrik Puschmann

Testimonials

‘Farrers has one of the best disputes teams in London (and anywhere). They do a stupendous job – always available, technically excellent, good drafting, very cost-conscious, and (importantly) unstuffy.’

‘Hendrik Puschmann is highly experienced and highly regarded in the UK, Austria and internationally. Extraordinarily knowledgeable and hardworking, he is also very responsive, and can be relied upon to respond to queries quickly and without fuss.

‘Provides excellent legal advice and service. Hendrik Puschmann and his team answer all questions in due time and in a most satisfying manner – no weaknesses’

‘Hendrik Puschmann is a star arbitration lawyer. His knowledge of the field is encyclopaedic, he is a master tactician, and he manages to condense highly complex matters into clear, comprehensible advice and drafts.

‘Hendrik Puschmann is a highly skilled lawyer.’

‘Hendrik Puschmann is not only very responsive, the input he provides is to the point. He’s always open to pursuing creative avenues and he’s supportive of alternative dispute resolution methods.’

‘Hendrick Puschmann is a really good arbitration practitioner – he sees the wood from the trees and maintains calm under enormous pressure.’

‘Kate Allass is excellent – a great strategist, who is very much a trusted adviser and go-to lawyer for clients with complex disputes.’

Key clients

Hitzinger (in administration)

HTI High Tech Industries (in administration)

International Canoe Federation

Vattenfall Vindkraft

Work highlights

  • Successfully defended an appeal made to CAS by La Federation Francaise de Canoe Kayak et Sports de Pagaie and Le Comite National Olympique et Sportif Francais, alleging that the ICF had not allocated athlete quota places in accordance with the ICF’s Olympic Qualification Rules.
  • Acted for the ICF in Court of Arbitration for Sport proceedings, in relation to Tokyo 2020 and an appeal by the United States Olympic Committee and American Canoe Association, concerning the allocation of athlete quota places.
  • Acted for Vattenfall in relation to claims under various contracts for the Horns Rev 3 project, the largest offshore wind park in Europe.

Public sector > Education: individuals

Farrer & Co is synonymous with the highest quality legal advice and service.

The firm: The firm advises individuals, families, businesses, financial services, educational and not-for-profit organisations on every aspect of the law, wherever the need arises. From its offices in London the firm works with trusted professionals around the world to deliver a seamless international service.

The firm’s clients present it with complex and varied challenges. Whether that’s a complicated family trust issue, a multinational corporate transaction, or an emerging threat to their reputation, they need clear thinkers who can advise on the best solutions, fast thinkers when speed is of the essence and agile thinkers who can produce a fresh approach to get the job done. That’s why they choose Farrer & Co.

Clients value the firm’s in-depth knowledge, technical excellence and diversity of disciplines. But what really binds the firm’s long-standing relationships with them is its approach: personable, pragmatic, plain speaking and always steadfast in its values, which it holds dear. Values which mean the firm gains its clients’ trust, always striving to do the right thing, and aims for the best results for them.

Superb client service sits at the heart of everything Farrer & Co does – modern lawyers with timeless values.

DepartmentNameEmailTelephone
Senior partner Jeremy Gordonjeremy.gordon@farrer.co.uk
Agriculture and estates Simon Pringsimon.pring@farrer.co.uk
Art and cultural property Adrian Parkhouseadrian.parkhouse@farrer.co.uk
Banking and Finance Grania Bairdgrania.baird@farrer.co.uk
Charities Elizabeth Joneselizabeth.jones@farrer.co.uk
Civil fraud John Wilkinson/Adrian Parkhouseadrian.parkhouse@farrer.co.uk
Construction Edward Banyard Smithedward.banyardsmith@farrer.co.uk
Contentious trusts Toby Graham/Henrietta Masontoby.graham@farrer.co.uk
Corporate/M&A Richard Lane/Jonathan Haleyjonathan.haley@farrer.co.uk
Data protection Henry Saintyhenry.sainty@farrer.co.uk
Defamation/reputation management Julian Pike/Tom Rudkinjulian.pike@farrer.co.uk
Dispute resolution Siobhan Jonessiobhan.jones@farrer.co.uk
Education: higher and further education David Coppingdavid.copping@farrer.co.uk
Education: schools Jonathan Eleyjonathan.eley@farrer.co.uk
Employment David Huntdavid.hunt@farrer.co.uk
Family/matrimonial William Masseywilliam.massey@farrer.co.uk
Financial services Grania Bairdgrania.baird@farrer.co.uk
Immigration Elena Hinchinelena.hinchin@farrer.co.uk
Insolvency and restructuring David Fletcherdavid.fletcher@farrer.co.uk
Intellectual property Peter Wienandpeter.wienand@farrer.co.uk
Investment funds Grania Bairdgrania.baird@farrer.co.uk
Media and entertainment Henry Saintyhenry.sainty@farrer.co.uk
Partnership Jonathan Haleyjonathan.haley@farrer.co.uk
Planning Karen Phullkaren.phull@farrer.co.uk
Private client Sarah von Schmidtsarah.vonschmidt@farrer.co.uk
Private equity Richard Lanerichard.lane@farrer.co.uk
Private wealth disputes Toby Graham/Henrietta Masontoby.graham@farrer.co.uk
Real estate Mark Gauguiermark.gauguier@farrer.co.uk
Real estate finance Martin Blakemartin.blake@farrer.co.uk
Residential property Laurie Horwoodlaurie.horwood@farrer.co.uk
Sport Tom Brucetom.bruce@farrer.co.uk
Tax David Gubbaydavid.gubbay@farrer.co.uk
PhotoNamePositionProfile
Sarah Aggarwal photo Sarah AggarwalSarah has experience of a variety of commercial property matters including acquisitions,…
Kate Allass photo Kate AllassKate has a varied litigation and arbitration practice, acting for corporations, institutions…
Ben Amoah photo Ben AmoahBen advises both claimants and defendants on all aspects of commercial litigation…
Charles Anderson photo Charles AndersonCharlie has over 30 years’ experience of advising on commercial property investment…
Graham Anderson photo Graham AndersonGraham advises a broad range of clients including national and international businesses,…
Victoria Atkins photo Victoria AtkinsAssociate
Grania Baird photo Grania BairdGrania advises asset managers, private banks and other financial services firms on…
Alan Baker photo Alan BakerAlan assists with a wide range of IP and commercial matters, primarily…
Edward Banyard Smith photo Edward Banyard SmithEdward has significant experience of advising on all aspects of construction and…
Marie Bates photo Marie BatesMarie advises on a broad range of corporate matters and commercial transactions…
Barbara Beasley photo Barbara BeasleyBarbara advises a broad range of corporate, institutional and private clients on…
Anisha Birk photo Anisha BirkAnisha is an Associate in the Intellectual Property & Commercial team. She…
Anna Birtwistle photo Anna BirtwistlePartner at Farrer & Co since June 2019.
Charlotte Black photo Charlotte BlackCharlotte is Counsel in the Tax team. Charlotte advises on all direct…
Martin Blake photo Martin BlakeMartin has broad experience in a range of domestic and international banking…
Oliver Blundell photo Oliver BlundellOliver is an Associate in the Dispute Resolution team. Oliver advises corporate…
Mark Bridges photo Mark BridgesMark is the chair of private client at Farrer & Co and…
James Bromley photo James BromleyJames is a Senior Associate in the Tax Team. He has experience providing tax advice…
Tom Bruce photo Tom BruceTom advises corporate and commercial clients on a broad range of corporate…
Mark Burgess-Smith photo Mark Burgess-SmithMark Burgess-Smith joined Farrer & Co in 2020 as Senior Counsel in…
Alice Cave photo Alice CaveAlice advises clients on a wide range of employment matters, both contentious…
William Charrington photo William CharringtonWilliam advises corporate clients, institutions and individuals on a wide range of…
Kate Chatters photo Kate ChattersKate advises individuals and estates in relation to a wide range of…
Russell Cohen photo Russell CohenRussell advises on all aspects of tax planning, estate planning and trust…
Laura Conduit photo Laura ConduitLaura is a specialist residential property solicitor experienced in freehold and leasehold…
Jolyon Connell photo Jolyon ConnellJolyon advises individuals, companies and institutions on a wide range of contentious…
David Copping photo David CoppingDavid is the Head of the Higher Education Group. He specialises in non-contentious…
Kate Corke photo Kate CorkeKate deals with a wide range of property matters including the sale…
Bryony Cove photo Bryony CoveBryony specialises in mainly onshore work including complex inheritance tax and capital…
Lindsay Cunningham photo Lindsay CunninghamLindsay deals with a wide range of residential property matters, in particular…
Diana Davidson photo Diana DavidsonDiana advises on all aspects of trust law, including onshore and offshore…
John Davies photo John DaviesJohn qualified as a solicitor in 2013 and works on a broad…
William Dawson photo William DawsonWilliam advises employers and “high flyer” employees, based both in the City…
Ian De Freitas photo Ian De FreitasPartner
Annabel Dean photo Annabel DeanAnnabel deals with a wide range of legal issues affecting residential, commercial…
Andrew Dickson photo Andrew DicksonAndrew is a private client lawyer specialising in tax and estate planning…
Nick Dunnell photo Nick DunnellNick’s main areas of expertise are tax and trusts, particularly the taxation…
Suzanna Eames photo Suzanna EamesAssociate
Adele Eastman photo Adele EastmanAdele originally qualified at Farrer & Co, specialising in employment and education…
Jonathan Eley photo Jonathan EleyJonathan advises employers and senior executives on the full range of legal…
Blue Elliott photo Blue ElliottBlue is a Senior Associate in the Disputes team. Blue assists on…
Veryan Excelby photo Veryan ExcelbyVeryan has a diverse range of clients and advises on all areas…
Edmund Fetherston-Dilke photo Edmund Fetherston-DilkeEdmund advises several major estates on the full variety of legal issues…
Sophie Fewson photo Sophie FewsonSophie predominately advises UK-domiciled private clients on wills and estate planning. She…
David Fletcher photo David FletcherDavid is a corporate partner and advises on a broad range of…
Charlotte Fraser photo Charlotte FraserCharlotte has broad experience acting for both private and corporate clients on…
Charlotte Freeman photo Charlotte FreemanCharlotte advises on a variety of banking and financial transactions acting for…
Katie Fudakowski photo Katie FudakowskiPartner
Charles Fursdon photo Charles FursdonCharles advises private, commercial and institutional clients on a wide range of…
Mark Gauguier photo Mark GauguierMark has a wide range of commercial property experience and he has…
Jessica Gibson photo Jessica GibsonAssociate
Marc Glancy photo Marc GlancyMarc has a broad banking and financing practice advising individuals, corporates and…
Jeremy Gordon photo Jeremy GordonJeremy advises clients both private and corporate on a wide range of…
Caroline Gordon photo Caroline GordonCaroline provides advice to UK and international clients on their tax and…
Claire Gordon photo Claire GordonClaire enjoys a diverse client base and an extensive caseload involving all…
Toby Graham photo Toby GrahamToby is head of Farrer & Co’s Contentious Trusts and Estates group. He…
Simon Graham photo Simon GrahamSimon is head of the Banking practice. He advises lenders and borrowers…
David Gubbay photoMr David GubbayCorporate tax expert David Gubbay works across the firm’s sectors to help…
Rose Gurney photo Rose GurneyRose is a Senior Associate in the Rural Property team. Rose’s experience…
Jonathan Haley photo Jonathan HaleyJonathan is head of the professional practices group at Farrer & Co.…
Patrick Hammond photo Patrick HammondPatrick advises a range of individual and institutional landowners on matters relating…
Flora Harragin photo Flora HarraginFlora works on a broad range of family matters, both contentious and…
Kathleen Heycock photo Kathleen HeycockKathleen is a Partner in the Employment Team who is recognised for…
Gerard Heyes photo Gerard HeyesGerard specialises in managing and resolving disputes and contentious regulatory issues in…
Rebecca Heyworth photo Rebecca HeyworthRebecca is a Senior Associate in the Family team. Rebecca deals with…
Alexis Hille photo Alexis HilleAlexis specialises in providing advice to UK and international individuals, family offices…
Elena Hinchin photo Elena HinchinElena has nearly 10 years’ experience in Immigration Law. She built up…
Caroline Holley photo Caroline HolleyCaroline advises a diverse client base on both contentious and non-contentious matters,…
Alexandra Hollingshead photo Alexandra HollingsheadAlexandra specialises in providing advice to trustees and UK and international individuals…
Rachel Holmes photo Rachel HolmesRachel provides technical legal support and lectures (both internally and externally) on…
Laurie Horwood photo Laurie HorwoodLaurie’s practice covers a wide range of matters relating to residential and…
Sara Hunt photo Sara HuntAs the Knowledge Lawyer for the family team at Farrer & Co,…
David Hunt photo David HuntDavid advises a broad spectrum of clients from the education, sports, banking,…
Sarah Hutchinson photo Sarah HutchinsonSarah is a partner and family mediator. She works on a broad range of…
Jeremy Isaacson photo Jeremy IsaacsonJeremy qualified as a solicitor into the Intellectual Property & Commercial team…
Georgina James photo Georgina JamesGeorgina James joined Farrer & Co as a Partner in Private Wealth…
Emily Jamieson photo Emily JamiesonEmily is Counsel in the Corporate team. Emily advises corporate and commercial…
Siobhan Jones photo Siobhan JonesSiobhan specialises in all aspects of property related litigation and dispute resolution.…
Paul Jones photo Paul JonesPaul Jones is a commercial contracts expert with an exceptional track record…
Elizabeth Jones photo Elizabeth JonesElizabeth is the practice head for Charities at Farrer & Co. Elizabeth…
Alice Kendle photo Alice KendleAlice advises individuals, institutions and corporate clients on a wide range of…
Caroline Kirby photo Caroline KirbyCaroline specialises in planning, drafting, establishing, troubleshooting and restructuring UK and international…
Thomas Kirkman photo Thomas KirkmanTom advises landowners on a wide range of rural matters, with a…
Paul Krafft photo Paul KrafftPaul’s main area of practice is in advising private and institutional clients…
Katie Lancaster photo Katie LancasterKatie is a partner in the employment team and is head of…
Richard Lane photo Richard LaneRichard advises on a broad range of corporate transactions including acquisitions, disposals…
Sally Lane photo Sally LaneSally is familiar with all legal aspects of a sale and purchase…
Fred Lee photo Fred LeeFred is in the Commercial Property team and advises on a wide…
Rachel Lewis photo Rachel LewisRachel provides advice across a full spectrum of employment issues to a…
Ben Longworth photo Ben LongworthBen advises corporate clients, high net worth individuals and not-for-profit organisations on…
Antonia Lyne photo Antonia LyneAntonia specialises in intellectual property, commercial and data protection law. She has…
Sam Macdonald photo Sam MacdonaldSam is the Head of the Schools Group. He advises charities and…
Rachel Mainwaring-Taylor photo Rachel Mainwaring-TaylorRachel advises individuals, families and trustees, both in the UK and internationally,…
James Maloney photo James MaloneyJames advises a broad range of charities and other organisations, including grant-making…
Henrietta Mason photo Henrietta MasonHenrietta specialises in disputes about trusts and wills and has been consistently…
William Massey photo William MasseyWilliam Massey is a partner at Farrer & Co and head of…
Athalie Matthews photo Athalie MatthewsAthalie is highly experienced in all aspects of the law surrounding reputation…
James Maxwell photo James MaxwellJames acts for private and institutional landowners in relation to the management…
Catherine McAleavey photo Catherine McAleaveyCatherine advises individuals, families and trustees on UK capital tax and succession…
Richard McDermott photo Richard McDermottRichard advises on all aspects of trust law, wills, tax and estate…
Tom McPhail photo Tom McPhailTom is a Senior Associate in the Contentious Trusts & Estates team.…
Alyson Morrell photo Alyson Morrell
Serena Nicholls photo Serena NichollsSerena provides advice to corporate, institutional and senior executive clients on a…
Matthew North photo Matthew NorthMatthew advises lenders and borrowers on a wide range of international and…
Susanna O'Leary photo Susanna O'LearySusanna specialises in the sale and purchase of residential premises and the…
Owen O'Rorke photo Owen O'RorkeOwen joined Farrer & Co in 2014 having spent five years at…
Jo Ord photo Jo OrdJo assists on a wide variety of contentious matters for individual, institutional…
Isabel Paintin photo Isabel PaintinIsabel advises predominantly UK-domiciled Private Clients and Charitable Organisations on a wide…
Adrian Parkhouse photo Adrian ParkhouseAdrian is head of the art and heritage group. He has broad…
Lucy Penn photo Lucy PennLucy is an Associate in the Disputes team. She acts for both…
Andy Peterkin photo Andy PeterkinAndy advises a wide range of financial institutions, including asset managers, private…
Karen Phull photo Karen PhullKaren has extensive experience in a wide range of planning matters including…
Julian Pike photo Julian PikeJulian heads Farrer & Co’s reputation management practice. He has more than…
Oliver Piper photo Oliver PiperOliver advises individuals and institutions on all matters relating to the formation,…
Anne-Marie Piper photo Anne-Marie PiperAnne-Marie is head of the Charities team. She acts for sponsors of…
Charmaine Pollock photo Charmaine PollockCounsel
Nicola Pomfret photo Nicola PomfretNicola advises trustees, banks and high net worth individuals on tax and…
Joanna Poole photo Joanna PooleJoanna is a member of Farrer & Co’s specialist Contentious trusts and…
Simon Pring photo Simon PringSimon is head of the estates and private property team. He advises…
Hendrik Puschmann photo Hendrik PuschmannHendrik is co-head of Farrer & Co’s Arbitration group. Sources praise his…
Alice Quirk photo Alice QuirkAlice joined the Family Department as an associate in November 2017 after…
Amy Radnor photo Amy RadnorAmy joined Farrer & Co in 2018 from a Tier 1 central…
Claire Randall photo Claire RandallClaire advises UK and international clients on their estate and tax planning…
Jane Randell photo Jane RandellJane assists in a variety of contentious and non-contentious intellectual property and…
Laetitia Ransley photo Laetitia RansleyLaetitia is a Senior Associate in the Charity and Community team. Laetitia…
Jessica Reed photo Jessica ReedJessica advises a wide range of financial services firms, including asset managers,…
Simon Rees photo Simon ReesSimon has looked after high net worth individuals and families for more…
Natalie Rimmer photo Natalie RimmerNatalie is an Associate in the Intellectual Property team.
Catherine Rogers photo Catherine RogersCatherine advises predominately UK-domiciled clients on wills and estate planning, including advising…
Eleanor Rowswell photo Eleanor RowswellEleanor is an experienced employment lawyer who advises both senior executives and…
Katy Ruddell photo Katy RuddellKaty has extensive experience in financial services law, both in-house and in…
Tom Rudkin photo Tom RudkinTom is an Partner in Farrer & Co’s Reputation Management practice, and…
Elizabeth Sainsbury photo Elizabeth SainsburyElizabeth advises on a wide range of commercial, trust and private wealth…
Henry Sainty photo Henry SaintyHenry is head of the media, entertainment and technology group. He specialises…
Clare Serenyi photo Clare SerenyiClare works for a wide variety of clients on private family law…
Sonal Shah photo Sonal ShahSonal’s work focuses on landed estates, high value probate matters with cross-border…
Claire Sheppard photo Claire SheppardClaire has over 25 years’ experience in environmental law. She advises clients…
Richard Shillito photo Richard ShillitoRichard advises print and online publishers on libel, privacy, contempt and related…
David Smellie photo David SmellieDavid is head of the Employment team. He has wide experience of…
Julian Smith photo Julian SmithJulian has specialised in advising charities since 1994, and acts for a wide…
Annabel Spearman photo Annabel SpearmanAnnabel is a Senior Associate in the Private Client Services team. Annabel…
Rose Spencer-Longhurst photo Rose Spencer-LonghurstRose works on a wide range of family matters, contentious and non-contentious…
Alison Springett photo Alison SpringettAlison provides tax and trust planning advice to UK domiciled and resident…
Francesca Steel photo Francesca SteelFrancesca is a residential property specialist experienced in working on high-value residential…
Francesca Steel photo Francesca SteelFrancesca is a residential property specialist experienced in working on high-value residential…
Henry Stevens photo Henry StevensHenry is experienced in acting in a wide variety of commercial real…
Maria Strauss photo Maria StraussMaria specialises in contentious business, dispute resolution and employment law for Religious…
Nandini Sur photo Nandini SurNandini Sur is an Associate in our Banking and Financial Services team.…
Daisy Tarnowska photo Daisy TarnowskaDaisy works on a broad range of family law matters, both contentious…
Frederick Tatham photo Frederick TathamFreddie works on a broad range of family law matters, both contentious…
Caroline Tatham photo Caroline TathamCaroline is a Senior Associate in the Banking and Finance team.
Anthony Turner photo Anthony TurnerAnthony is a partner in the corporate team. He advises both corporate…
Katy Tydeman photo Katy TydemanKaty advises a range of institutional and private landowners on agricultural and…
Caroline Vollers (née Pearce) photo Caroline Vollers (née Pearce)Caroline has experience working with both international and UK-domiciled clients needing advice…
Rhoddy Voremberg photo Rhoddy VorembergPrivate client lawyer Rhoddy Voremberg has significant experience advising individuals and families…
Simon Ward photo Simon WardSimon advises on private company acquisitions, disposals and fundraisings. Simon specialises in…
Bethan Waters photo Bethan WatersBethan assists on a wide variety of banking matters. She works with…
Sarah-Jane Watson photo Sarah-Jane WatsonSarah-Jane specialises in employment law. She advises employers and employees on a…
Jenna Whistler photo Jenna WhistlerJenna focuses on acting for both purchasers and sellers of high value…
Hannah Whyatt photo Hannah WhyattHannah deals with a range of clients including charitable trusts and companies,…
Peter Wienand photo Peter WienandPeter is head of the IP and commercial team. His practice areas…
Hugh Wigzell photo Hugh WigzellPartner
John Wilkinson photo John WilkinsonJohn is a Partner in the Dispute Resolution team. John is highly…
Graham Williams photo Graham WilliamsGraham has over 25 years’ experience in the field of pensions law…
Hayley Wilson photo Hayley WilsonHayley advises clients on all aspects of commercial property, ranging from high…
Amy Wren photo Amy WrenAmy is a Senior Counsel and Knowledge Lawyer in the employment team,…
Alice Yandle photo Alice YandleAlice is a Partner in the Employment and Safeguarding teams. Alice advises…
Nyla Yousuf photo Nyla YousufNyla specialises in corporate insolvency with detailed knowledge of the various formal…
Emily Zethraeus photo Emily ZethraeusEmily is familiar with the issues which can arise in relation to…
Sarah von Schmidt photo Sarah von SchmidtSarah specialises in advising wealthy individuals and their families, entrepreneurs and landowning…
Number of UK partners : 74
Number of other UK fee-earners : 186

At Farrer & Co, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive workplace where everyone is able to thrive and bring their whole self to work.

We work hard to ensure we are creating an inclusive environment in which people can progress and fulfil their potential based on merit and regardless of age, disability, gender, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation. Or socio-economic background.

We place a strong emphasis on the wellbeing of our people and pride ourselves on being a supportive employer; our firm’s Wellbeing Charter recognises the importance of balancing a thriving career with a happy and fulfilled personal life. We think this is reflected in the fact that we have an exceptionally low staff turnover.

At Farrer & Co we value diversity of thought and background, and we celebrate the different contributions everyone can make to the firm. We believe that creating an inclusive workplace is everyone’s responsibility.

Diversity and inclusion enriches the culture of the firm and also means that we are better positioned to continue to provide a first-class service to our clients.