Farrer & Co > London, England > Firm Profile
Farrer & Co Offices

66 LINCOLN'S INN FIELDS
LONDON
WC2A 3LH
England
Farrer & Co > The Legal 500 Rankings
Corporate and commercial > M&A: smaller deals, up to £50m Tier 1
Farrer & Co's well-established presence in the private wealth arena makes it a strong choice for ultra-high-net-worth individuals with ties to offshore markets seeking assistance with private M&A transactions. The team has handled a continuous flow of instructions from family offices and investment funds, as well as a number of transactions in the high-growth technology, financial services, hospitality and media sectors. Practice head Richard Lane leads on numerous deals, and is increasingly engaged on matters concerning US and Middle East-based clients. David Fletcher regularly acts for technology entrepreneurs, while Jonathan Haley specialises in private company transactions for clients in regulated industries. Marie Bates and Tom Bruce are both noted for their experience in high-profile transactions, while Emily Jamieson is also recommended by clients for her 'broad knowledge and pragmatism'.
Practice head(s):
Richard Lane
Other key lawyers:
David Fletcher; Jonathan Haley; Marie Bates; Tom Bruce; Emily Jamieson
Testimonials
‘Approachable and knowledgeable. They are pragmatic and commercial, but still do not miss a point.’
‘Jon Haley is pragmatic, calm and sensible.’
‘Emily Jamieson is knowledgeable and incredibly organised.’
Key clients
Arbuthnot Latham & Co
BMJ Publishing Group Limited
Hambro Perks
Brookfield Business Partners LP
London Business School
PGA European Tour
Rathbone Brothers plc
Royal Society of Chemistry
SAGE Publications Limited
Somerset Capital
Work highlights
- Advised Hambro Perks – a high-growth tech investment company – on the successful acquisition of Ombu.
- Advised PGA European Tour on a strategic alliance.
- Advised Cine Valley Studios Development UK Limited on its venture with the University of Reading for the construction of a major film studios complex.
Corporate and commercial > Partnership Tier 1
The contentious professional partnerships bench at Farrer & Co features standout partners Anna Birtwistle, 'highly effective adviser' Eleanor Rowswell and Kathleen Heycock. The regulated financial services sector is a focus for the team, with ongoing mandates relating to contentious regulatory investigations, breach of fiduciary duties and partner exits with heavily contested non-compete obligations. Jonathan Haley, who 'inspires huge confidence and knows what he is doing at all times', leads the practice, with extensive knowledge of non-contentious matters ranging from constitutional document drafting to business-critical firm mergers and acquisitions. Andrew Peterkin is also noted for non-contentious work, particularly in regards to the regulation of LLP and LP vehicles.
Practice head(s):
Jonathan Haley
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Farrer & Co. is one of the top specialist partnership teams. They have a serious depth of knowledge and are also able to draw on their expertise in corporate and employment matters to add to their offering. In addition, they are one of the few firms truly able to marry up their private client and partnership practice to assist those high-net-worth individuals with partnerships forming part of their estates.‘
‘Jonathan Haley’s knowledge of partnership and LLP law is second to none. He is hugely experienced across the range of non-contentious partnership transactions.‘
‘Savvy litigators with good commercial nous.‘
‘It is an excellent team – highly professional and great with clients. It ties in well to the wider services offered by the firm.‘
‘Jonathan Haley is a really good leader. He is superb with big commercial clients, inspires huge confidence and knows what he is doing at all times.‘
‘Anna Birtwistle is an excellent partnership lawyer who is great with people and client focused.‘
‘Eleanor Rowswell brings great skill to her work. A highly effective adviser.‘
Key clients
Partner of Palatine LLP
Senior Equity Partner of a Big 4 Accountancy firm
KPMG Partner
Tellsons Investors LLP
Handelsbanken Wealth Management
Ex-senior partner of Bell Pottinger LLP
Somerset Capital LLP
Trustees of central London landed estate
Founding partner of fund management company
Work highlights
- Acting for Handelsbanken Wealth Management, one of the defendants in the Ingenious film finance scheme litigation, which involves a broad range of allegations – including negligence, breach of duty, fraud, breach of contract and misrepresentation – against dozens of defendants, arising out of investments in LLPs involved in film financing schemes.
- Advised a member of Palatine LLP on their negotiated exit from the firm.
- Advised Somerset Capital LLP, a boutique asset manager, on its well-publicised purchase of the £82m Asia Income Strategy fund from Liontrust Asset Management for £2m (with performance-related deferred consideration).
Dispute resolution > Commercial litigation: mid-market Tier 1
Farrer & Co's 'really excellent' corporate and commercial litigation practice is regularly instructed in major disputes. It is a first port of call for clients in cases involving complex company structures and asset holdings, shareholder disputes and cross-border commercial contracts. Almost all of the practice's work has an international dimension; recent highlights included matters spanning the Caribbean and Channel Islands, as well as the Middle East, Asia and Eastern Europe. Leading the firm's commercial litigation team is Adrian Parkhouse, who has over 30 years of civil litigation experience. The group also includes Kate Allass, who has particular expertise in complex corporate and shareholder disputes. Jolyon Connell is noted for commercial disputes involving financial institutions, private banks and investment funds. Also integral to the department are commercial litigation specialists Ben Longworth and John Wilkinson. Ian De Freitas focuses on claims concerning data privacy, IP, IT and outsourcing issues. William Charrington and Blue Elliott are experienced senior associates, Victoria Atkins has 'superb mastery of cases involving multiple jurisdictions' and Oliver Blundell is 'a hard-working junior with good judgement'.
Practice head(s):
Adrian Parkhouse
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘A really excellent litigation team that knows its stuff, and has a great understanding of what clients want and how to get it for them (if it can be done). No weak links at all.‘
‘Hard-working, prompt deliveries, able to reach out to other parts of the firm for expertise, and pleasant to work with – supportive during tough times in dispute resolution.‘
‘Excellent expertise and experience in this area.‘
‘While Kate Allass is a very good lawyer, her handling of clients is second to none.‘
‘Adrian Parkhouse heads the department with tremendous experience, skill and charm – justly renowned.‘
‘John Wilkinson is a very experienced litigator and Jolyon Connell stands out as a determined, thoughtful and quick young partner with a knack for complexity and numbers.‘
‘Associate Victoria Atkins has superb mastery of cases involving multiple jurisdictions.‘
‘Associate Oliver Blundell is a hard-working junior with good judgement.‘
Key clients
Tiago da Silva
British Airline Pilots Association
Handelsbanken Wealth & Asset Management
Sir Owen Glenn KNZM ONZM
Kea Investments
Independent Schools’ Bursars Association
RP Explorer
Edgeworth Capital
Work highlights
- Defended Handelsbanken Wealth & Asset Management against a very large, complex multi-party claim involving over 500 claimants and a broad range of commercial allegations, which arose out of investments in film financing schemes.
- Acted for Tiago da Silva, an UHNW investor, in a high-value claim in the High Court against the directors and owners of an Estonian property investment company.
- Assisted Edgeworth Capital with pursuing substantial debts, owed by two internationally renowned property developers in connection with the restructuring of the Santander headquarters in Madrid and associated bankruptcy proceedings before the High Court in England.
Employment > Senior executives Tier 1
With 'a world of experience in handling senior employment matters', Farrer & Co has a long-established reputation acting for clients at FTSE companies, leading banks, and in a range of other industries including the aviation sector. It advises on high-profile exits and appointments, often involving a senior team, severance packages, breaches of contracts and restrictive covenants. It also assists clients regarding regulatory investigations, reputational protection issues and discrimination and whistleblowing cases. The hugely experienced David Smellie, who leads the group, also advises employers and William Dawson is a well-known senior consultant. David Hunt's practice also includes senior executive work in addition to employer side matters, while Eleanor Rowswell garners much respect from peers and clients; 'she is adept at gaming out the scenarios and devising strategies for successful conclusion' and 'has a great bed-side manner'. Anna Birtwistle is considered 'a class act' when it comes to negotiating high-value exits, misconduct investigations in the financial services sector and discrimination and whistleblowing cases. Senior associates include the 'brilliant' Alice Cave, whose expertise ranges from negotiated exits to court proceedings.
Practice head(s):
David Smellie
Other key lawyers:
Eleanor Rowswell; Anna Birtwistle; Rachel Nolloth; Alice Cave; William Dawson; David Hunt
Testimonials
‘Eleanor Rowswell is just brilliant. Fast, pragmatic, tough in defending your interests and she has a great team around her to deal with matters quickly and efficiently. You really feel that they are best in class and have all the right capabilities. Very nice style. Down to earth, approachable, easy to deal with and no big egos.’
‘Eleanor Rowswell provides excellent client-focused advice, based on her deep experience and knowledge. She is adept at gaming out the scenarios and devising strategies for successful conclusion of the various projects on which she works. She has a great bed-side manner.‘
‘I worked with them on a contentious employment matter. They will tell you the things the things you need to know – not want you want to know. They are definitely the premier league team – they have a world of experience in handling senior employment matters and were able to guide me through a very difficult negotiation. Very strategic thinkers and equipped with all the legal knowledge and skill you need. But they also treated me as a person – not just a client to whom services are delivered. They always made sure I was feeling comfortable about the proceedings.‘
‘Eleanor Rowswell was the partner. Alice Cave was the Senior Associate. Eleanor brings the wealth of experience and Alice is a brilliant professional. Her work was of superb quality and her personable nature gave me complete trust in their handling of my case. I would recommend them to everyone.‘
‘Farrer has an employment team which is one of the best in the country. They act for both senior executives and companies, and indeed trade unions. David Smellie, David Hunt and William Dawson (now a consultant) are amongst the best employment lawyers in the business. They are excellent with clients, brilliant lawyers and great tacticians. Their team of associates are extremely hard working and responsive. I would particularly recommend Rachel Nolloth. I have recommended senior executives to them.‘
‘A very well-resourced team with expertise across many different sectors, equally comfortable undertaking tribunal and High Court work. They have high quality associates and are particularly good at ensuring that there is the appropriate resourcing for all of their matters.‘
‘Anna Birtwistle – a real star of the employment law world. It was a coup for Farrer to hire her a couple of years ago. She is highly dynamic, intelligent and proactive. Equally adept acting for employers and employees, with particular expertise in partnership matters.’
‘Anna Birtwistle is a class act. A joy to work with, tenacious and strategic. Adept at dealing with situations where employment and regulations combine.’
Work highlights
- Continue to provide independent legal advice to all new lateral partner hires on their recruitment to EY, which includes advising on complex contractual obligations, often with international elements.
- Act for and represent the individual members (who are all professional airline pilots) of BALPA in all employment-related matters.
- Advising public company directors on many prominent appointments, departures and disputes for board level executives at the largest public companies in the country.
Private client > Agriculture and estates Tier 1
Farrer & Co fields a first-class team that advises an array of landowning institutions, larger estates and individual landowners. It advises on the full spectrum of specialist areas including the sale and purchase of agricultural estates and substantial country houses in addition to other areas such as the exploitation of sporting and mineral interests, all aspects of rural development in addition to village green applications, manorial rights and tax and succession planning. It also has an established reputation for its advice on the delivery of high-quality residential schemes. Simon Pring heads the large team that includes Edmund Fetherston-Dilke who advises a number of major estates on a large variety of complex issues including agri-environmental schemes and riparian issues. Paul Krafft is skilled at advising private, charity and institutional clients on all aspects of agricultural and rural matters. James Maxwell is a recognised name for his expertise in mineral rights.
Practice head(s):
Simon Pring
Other key lawyers:
Edmund Fetherston-Dilke; Paul Krafft; James Maxwell; Patrick Hammond; Rose Gurney
Testimonials
‘Good collaborative approach to working with us as agents to mutual clients. One of the few legal firms claiming to be experienced specialists in minerals that actually is! James Maxwell and Patrick Hammond have been attentive and responsive in our dealings and are able to take a pragmatic approach to issues that require addressing on a practical as well as legal basis‘.
‘Exceptional attention to detail; specialists in the sector; great to work alongside. James Maxwell, Rose Gurney‘.
‘I principally work with the Agricultural Estates team led by James Maxwell. The team works incredibly well together and delivers a comprehensive service. The team draws on other individuals within the business where required. When the team does, there is a seamless transition and specialist advice is delivered as if it were from our principal contact. The ability to build strong relationships with all members of the team is invaluable‘.
‘Comprehensive team of specialists in the field of rural estates, farms and country houses. Excellent reputation for the highest standards of legal advice. Edmund Fetherstone-Dilke – represents technical excellence with hard work and a sense of humour!‘.
‘Practical, innovative, intelligent and entertaining which I have found to be skills usually lacking in the legal profession. Edmund Fetherston-Dilke is in my view incomparable in terms of breadth of experience, intelligence and approach to dealing with legal matters‘.
‘I know that Farrer & Co will be able to deliver sound advice with prompt delivery. Rose Gurney has proven incredibly adept at handling large sales for one of our clients over the past two years. A real common sense approach with an excellent eye for detail’.
‘The team is diverse, true to specialism and has breadth and depth. No challenge is too great. Can do attitude , breadth of knowledge and speed of service delivery‘.
Key clients
Duchy of Lancaster
Duchy of Cornwall
Church Commissioners for England
Burghley House Preservation Trust Limited
The Crown Estate
Work highlights
- Advised on the purchase in a tight deadline of an Estate in southern England for over £40m comprising arable land, woodland, residential properties and commercial buildings.
- Acted in the negotiation of an option for the grant of a lease of rights for the extraction of a rare metal for use in cutting edge technology in the manufacture of cars.
- Advised on the promotion of land in South West England for development as 2,500 houses, to include advising on ownership structures and negotiating with various tenants.
Private client > Art and cultural property Tier 1
Farrer & Co is recommended for its work with the international super-rich in addition to advising collectors, dealers and art advisers. The 'top notch' team also boasts considerable expertise in advising on philanthropic structures. It receives plaudits too for its impressive private banking practice and for its expertise in the art lending world. Adrian Parkhouse and James Carleton co-lead the group that also acts for leading museums, galleries and charities as well as top-class landed estates. Parkhouse has an enviable reputation for his work as an art litigator. Carleton has particular expertise in cross-border art, heritage law and philanthropy. Julian Smith is well-regarded too for his work with charities and non-departmental public bodies in the heritage sector while Rhoddy Voremberg has extensive experience of working with the owners of landed estates on long-term strategic planning matters. Peter Wienand also advises a range of bodies in the heritage and cultural sector.
Practice head(s):
Adrian Parkhouse; James Carleton
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Best-in-show. Really super. Adrian Parkhouse: The best art specialist solicitor in the UK‘.
‘I have found that the firm has compendious knowledge and practice in the field of taxation of and pertaining to art and cultural property. I have worked mainly with Rhoddy Voremberg but also James Carleton. Their knowledge and attention to detail are invaluable‘.
‘A depth of knowledge about art and cultural property which is evident in all they do. Strength in depth: a broad, experienced team. Sound, focused commercial advice based on clear experience. William Charrington (senior associate) has been our principal contact at Farrer for English legal advice on art and cultural property, supervised by partner Adrian Parkhouse. Charrington is superb: he is smart, his writing is concise and he always appears unflappable. He clearly enjoys what he does and is terrifically good at it. I would not hesitate to recommend him‘.
‘The team was exceptional and always responded diligently. Adrian Parkhouse was very thorough and knowledgeable – giving great advice and delivering the right results‘.
Key clients
Natural History Museum
Victoria & Albert Museum
Imperial War Museum
Science Museum
Greenwich Foundation for the Old Royal Naval College
The Art Fund
Museum of London
Historic Royal Palaces
Dulwich Picture Gallery
Geffrye Museum
Tate Britain
Private client > Charities and not-for-profit Tier 1
Farrer & Co has a prestigious client base of some of the largest and best-known UK and international charitable organisations. In addition it works with numerous major grant making bodies and philanthropic charitable foundations. Under the leadership of Anne-Marie Piper it is well-regarded for its transactional and structuring advice particularly involving charities with extensive group, trading and constitutional structures. It also receives plaudits for its charity finance advice and has a dedicated safeguarding unit that acts for a range of charities. Julian Smith acts for a broad array of foundations and functional charities. Sam Macdonald advises charities and other not-for-profit institutions on all aspects of UK charity law and related tax law. James Carleton advises various institutional charities with significant investment assets while Peter Wienand is recognised for his work with charitable organisations in the cultural and educational spheres. Elizabeth Jones and James Maloney are among the other key members of the team.
Practice head(s):
Anne-Marie Piper
Other key lawyers:
Julian Smith; Sam Macdonald; James Carleton; Peter Wienand; Elizabeth Jones; James Maloney; Ben Pass; Laetitia Ransley
Testimonials
‘Legally rock-solid – good at balancing with practicalities / realities. Anne-Marie Piper – personable, pragmatic and responsive‘.
‘It is a strong and well respected practice with a range of specialisms and a particular understanding of charity law. Julian Smith has built up a detailed understanding of our organisation over the years specifically on its powers‘.
‘Julian Smith – Exceptional depth of subject knowledge with the ability to apply this pragmatically‘.
‘Specialists in Charity and in particular Museum and IP work. Expert, willing to advise rather than just set out the legal parameters, fast and efficient. Only dealt with two individuals in the last year, both excellent: Julian Smith and Benjamin Pass‘.
‘The team at Farrer & Co consistently delivers to a very high standard and goes above and beyond to ensure client satisfaction. Its knowledge and expertise across all areas of charity law is excellent. All of the team is a pleasure to work with. All billing is made in a clear and timely manner. Elizabeth Jones is excellent. She has provided us with a consistently high service and is extremely professional and knowledgeable‘.
‘Excellent, thoughtful, high quality service given at all times, with a really human touch. Lizzie Jones is excellent – intelligent, experienced and both supportive and challenging in equal measure. She is responsive and able to provide high quality advice on a wide range of charity issues. Her calm and thoughtful approach is particularly helpful with other senior stakeholders within my organisation‘.
‘The charities team at Farrer is the best in the field as far as I can tell. The advice has always been very helpful and most importantly relevant. Elizabeth Jones heads up the team that we work with, they are all very approachable and extremely knowledgeable‘.
‘Farrer continues to be consistent with utmost professionalism, and reliable advice. I work now with many teams across the firm and the service has been consistent throughout. Laeticia’s professionalism and consistency never wavers. I would like to specifically highlight the work we did together on Covid which took up a lot of time and thinking, during an extremely stressful moment for all of us, and her strategic as well as legal inputs were extremely valuable’.
Key clients
National Emergencies Trust
Wellcome Trust
Agudas Israel Housing Association Limited
Surrey Wildlife Trust
Age UK
Motability
The Rhodes Trust
Japan House
Cycling UK
Somerset House Trust
Work highlights
- Advised National Emergencies Trust on its Covid-19 Appeal.
- Assisted the innovative OKRE project of the Wellcome Trust to spin out into a separate charity
- Instructed by Agudas Israel Housing Association Limited in R v Hackney London Borough Council and Agudas Israel Housing Association Limited, the first case on the charities’ exception in the Equality Act 2010 to reach the Supreme Court.
Private client > Contentious trusts and probate Tier 1
Farrer & Co 'has a market-leading contentious trusts team, with real quality from top to bottom'. It is frequently involved in many of the largest trust/estates disputes each year which often have an offshore dimension and involve values of several billion pounds. It has a number of eminent practitioners. Jeremy Gordon advises private and corporate clients on a range of trusts and estates disputes. Toby Graham specialises in high-value and international trusts and estates disputes. Joanna Poole advises trustees and beneficiaries on the full range of onshore and offshore contentious matters including some big-ticket litigation. Charlotte Fraser is adept at handling international trust, probate and succession disputes. The first-rate team was pleased to add Henrietta Mason to its ranks as a consultant from Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP. 'The team as a whole remains deservedly prestigious, with real strength in depth. Despite having a formidable reputation, the lawyers are extremely personable across the board'.
Practice head(s):
Toby Graham; Jeremy Gordon
Other key lawyers:
Joanna Poole; Charlotte Fraser; Henrietta Mason; Elizabeth Sainsbury; Tom McPhail
Testimonials
‘The team’s reputation for handling big trusts disputes is second to none. The lawyers are involved in all the big cases and provide an excellent service to their clients. Toby Graham has a formidable reputation and fights hard for his clients. Jeremy Gordon is excellent at client handling. Jo Poole has an eminently sensible approach to litigation and real expertise. There are some outstanding associates such as Elizabeth Sainsbury.’
‘At the top of their game. Brilliant team players, collaborative and constructive whilst remaining worthy opponents. Jeremy Gordon is great to work alongside or against. He is so experienced, able and affable but not afraid to be tough when necessary. Clients, rightly feel safe in his hands.’
‘Toby Graham remains at the top of his game and combines natural charm with a steely edge. Charlotte Fraser is an outstanding next generation partner who has an excellent way with clients.’
‘Invaluable experience and agile mindset which is a particular asset in cross-border matters involving complex interactions of laws and procedures. The quality of the team, combined with its availability and listening skills make it a go to firm. Toby Graham is at the top of his game and is able to comprehend and assist with absolute precision the challenges of each matter with a mix of absolute competence and reactivity and are a delight to work with.‘
‘The team at Farrers has a depth of experience and provides high-quality service for high-quality clients. Jeremy Gordon is level headed and fights his clients’ corner. Toby Graham is an able and technical lawyer who knows a lot of law and enjoys looking at all angles of a dispute.’
‘I have worked with the team on numerous cases and have always found it to deliver a top-notch service, at a cost which is distinctly economical relative to peers. Toby Graham has a top-notch understanding of the field and an unparalleled breadth of experience. He also has a relentless focus on the interests and wishes of his clients. Jo Poole is also excellent. At associate level, Tom McPhail is absolutely outstanding.‘
‘A brilliant team, led by partners who are at the top of their game and stocked with high-quality associates. They are an absolute pleasure to work with. Reliable, hardworking, and high-quality work product. All done by people who have the ‘human touch’ and are capable of having a laugh with. Jeremy Gordon – possibly the most charming man in the legal world. A brilliant partner who commands respect from his team and the Bar, and has excellent judgment through years of experience. Toby Graham – incredible work ethic and ability to run the biggest and most complicated litigation and keep momentum going. Great fun and an absolute battler for his clients.’
‘Charlotte Fraser – a rising star who will be one of the stand out partners of the trusts disputes world in the future. Very clear about what the issues are and has excellent commercial judgment. She is also absolutely delightful to work with. Lizzy Sainsbury – another rising star who will surely be a partner before long: she is effectively operating in that role already. A brilliant manager of litigation, great team player, with excellent analytical skills. Tom McPhail – one of the best associates I’ve come across in terms of being on top of the detail and knowing a case inside out. His work is consistently excellent.’
Key clients
Sir Owen Glenn KNZM ONZM
Kea Investments Limited
Summit Trust Company
The Executors of Mrs Staveley
RBC (CI) Ltd
Coutts
The Trustees of the Hampden Settlement
Age UK
Martin Foreman and Bryony Cove (as executors of the estate of Michael Cowan)
The Administrators of the Estate of Vladimir Scherbakov
Work highlights
- Acting for Sir Owen Glenn KNZM ONZM and Kea Investments Limited (PM1) 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. The claims for equitable compensation were pursued through vehicles held within a trust structure.
- Acting for the attorneys of an UHNW individual worth $17-25bn in Court of Protection Proceedings seeking the revocation of the Lasting Power of Attorney. The dispute has been featured in the national and worldwide press.
- 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. Assets are held in complex structures across a number of jurisdictions.
Private client > Family Tier 1
Farrer & Co has a stellar reputation for high-value and complex work involving substantial assets, foreign jurisdictions, complicated asset protection structures, trusts and tax issues. It provides a 'Rolls-Royce service for every client' and acts for a sophisticated client base including UHNW families and international clients that span numerous jurisdictions. It is not unusual for the group to be involved in cases with assets of up to or over £1bn and the team has played a pivotal role in numerous reported cases. It is highly rated too for its work on complex international children matters. 'Tower of strength' William Massey heads the team that has an 'exceptional range of lawyers from the most senior down to the most junior members of the team'. 'Senior statesman' Simon Bruce is routinely instructed on the highest-value cases. Claire Gordon remains a key figure for her work on cases where the assets regularly exceed £200m. Sarah Hutchinson has a busy caseload as well as being a mediator. Jeremy Posnansky QC is adept at advising on extremely complex financial cases. Amy Radnor was promoted to the partnership. It is 'a superb machine bringing together the very finest legal minds'.
Practice head(s):
William Massey
Other key lawyers:
Simon Bruce; Claire Gordon; Sarah Hutchinson; Jeremy Posnansky QC; Caroline Holley;Amy Radnor; Flora Harragin; Alexander Woolley; Clare Serenyi; Frederick Tatham
Testimonials
‘One of the very best family law departments in London. It is impossible to praise this team more highly. Every member of the team is fantastic. Caroline Holley is a superstar. Her clients adore her for her incisive mind, strategic abilities and charming manner. You couldn’t find a better solicitor to fight your case and give you calm realistic advice. Simon Bruce remains at the top of the tree – probably the best male divorce solicitor in London. He has a brain the size of a planet with an encyclopaedic knowledge of international family law unsurpassed by any other London divorce lawyer’.
‘One of the premier teams in the field. All members benefit from the wide field of private client work (especially tax and trusts) within the firm and in which each member of the family team is steeped. The lawyers take a measured approach and do not “put on a show” for the sake of it. A calmness of approach belies a cast iron core of good judgement, fine black letter lawyering, approachability and fearlessness in defence of a client’s interest. Attention to detail is universal, and the department has the trust of the courts and opponents alike and the respect of the bar. The firm name is a hallmark of a quality and pedigree that is not just an artefact of the past‘.
‘William Massey leads consummately from the front. Softly spoken, and urbane, he is one of the most charming doing the work. Behind this sits a formidable litigation talent and fine black letter lawyer. Clients love him and opponents know they have to be on their mettle. Claire Gordon is a star, she is destined to be one of the handful in the very top tier for a very long time. Utterly charming and a pleasure to be instructed by, belies an inner focus and steel employed for the best interests of the case and client. She is intellectually formidable including on esoteric jurisdiction issues yet humane, and with superb tactical judgment‘.
‘Sarah Hutchinson leaves no stone unturned and is both beyond thorough and nuanced in her approach. Exceptional with clients in a crisis, or who need to be persuaded as to what is really in their best interests. She is a delight to work with, and a very fine lawyer indeed. Clare Serenyi frequently runs huge cases as the main representative, and in any other firm would be partner. She is certainly better than many more established names‘.
‘Preparation and approach is immaculate. Tactical and calm the firm is first tier in every way. Alex Woolley and William Massey are stand out. Calm, exceptionally bright as well as measured I would recommend them to any client‘.
‘Flora Harragin is outstanding and growing in stature as a leading member of the Farrer team. She is sensitive to client mood and anxieties yet decisive when it comes to strategic decision – ie provides the complete service a client might need. Simon Bruce continues to provide an effortlessly first class service – clients absolutely love him. He inspires total confidence for the client‘.
‘This is a very solid department; from partners to the most junior solicitor. The lawyers provide exceptional client care and are well versed in representing those ultra and high net worth individuals. It has a strong practice in complex child disputes. Sarah Hutchinson is an exceptional solicitor. She has amazing client care skills and is passionate about her work and in getting the best possible result for the client. Sarah is all over the detail of a case; she is hardworking and extremely effective at what she does. A joy to work with. Flora Harrigan is super intelligent and will leave no stone unturned. She is empathetic but also a brilliant strategic thinker. She inspires confidence‘.
‘The team gets excellent work and are truly family experts. The lawyers understand the needs of a client and have the client at the forefront of their practice. I am excited for them in that their current partners are the next generation and are forging a great name for themselves and they have some exceptional juniors coming up – they are always a firm to reckon with but the future is very bright for them. Sarah Hutchinson – exceptionally bright lawyer. Very personable but she has razer sharp intellect. Caroline Holley – another brilliant partner who has made a great name for herself‘.
Work highlights
- Acted for the wife since her separation from her husband in 2009. This is the first reported case of a second financial remedies final order being set aside on the basis of a second fraudulent non-disclosure. The wife’s financial remedy claims have now been restored and the team is acting for her in relation to the fresh determination of her claims. This has been an extremely complex matter, involving difficult and unprecedented legal issues.
- Advised the husband in connection with his wife’s application for a financial remedy on divorce. The final hearing took place at the end of March 2020, and was the first fully contested financial remedies application to be heard remotely. The major issues for determination were (i) the valuation of the client’s shareholding in his company; and (ii) what proportion of the total assets should be considered matrimonial. The single joint expert agreed with the husband’s approach to valuation, and the judge therefore accepted the husband’s position. The judge also accepted that a considerable proportion of the overall wealth was generated post separation and was therefore non-matrimonial. This was a highly successful piece of litigation on behalf of the client and was reported as G v T [2020] EWHC 1613 .
- 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.
Private client > Personal tax, trusts and probate Tier 1
Farrer & Co has a vast array of talented practitioners with 'exceptional legal knowledge' who advise many wealthy families and individuals, as well as trustee companies, banks/wealth managers and family offices. Sarah von Schmidt heads the stellar team that is 'extremely responsive and professional' and is also praised for its 'collaborative approach'. The group provides a 'seamless service and first-rate advice' and works with substantial international families and their family offices, advising a mixture of trustees and beneficiaries on significant trust restructuring and strategic planning as well as family governance and succession issues. The team receives plaudits for its strength at advising the internationally super rich on a broad array of multi-jurisdictional issues. Other clients include entrepreneurs, property investors and developers as well as landed estates and private equity companies. The team garners praise for its 'strong technical knowledge' and for its ability to 'tailor the right solution for the client'. Sonal Shah was promoted to the partnership.
Practice head(s):
Sarah von Schmidt
Other key lawyers:
Mark Bridges; Russell Cohen; Rhoddy Voremberg; Bryony Cove;Catherine McAleavey ;Oliver Piper; Alexandra Hollingshead; Richard McDermott ;Nick Dunnell ; Rachel Mainwaring-Taylor; Sonal Shah ; Isabel Paintin ; Nicola Pomfret
Testimonials
‘The depth and breadth of knowledge within the private client team and across the firm is excellent. The partners really get to know their client and understand their needs. The structure adopted by the team offers value for money. There is great empathy and understanding. Whilst offering a modern and proactive service their knowledge of issues particularly for landed estates remains valid today. Sarah von Schmidt – intelligent and has a great deal of experience of trusts and succession. She is very personable and offers great support. Bryony Cove – extensive experience particularly advising entrepreneurs. Very calm and capable. Builds strong relationships with clients’.
‘A large and vastly experienced team: there is very little the lawyers haven’t seen before and they take everything in their stride. As a team, it is the ultimate pair of safe hands. Bryony Cove: a real name – extremely well-respected for her experience, calm approach, and insight. Excellent with clients. Sonal Shah: extremely efficient with an excellent manner. Richard McDermott: very thoughtful and quickly spots all angles; unfailingly polite and reassuring to clients‘.
‘Oliver Piper – great technically and really great client service and manner. He is someone who quickly gains his clients’ trust and the trust of the wider private client community‘.
‘Very good team, works well with other people. Good private client offering. Richard McDermott – excellent, friendly, good at getting to the heart of the problem, responsive. Catherine McAleavey – very experienced, pragmatic, cuts to the heart of the issue, friendly, nice to work with‘.
‘Its size perhaps marks it out – there’ll always be someone appropriate for the task at hand. Catherine McAleavey has real gravitas, huge experience and a great manner with clients. Rhoddy Voremberg – male version of the above! Isabel Paintin – very engaged and clever, really nice to work with. Have also enjoyed working recently (on a short matter) with Sonal Shah‘.
‘The team is very responsive and pleasant to deal with. The lawyers make it a priority to understand a client’s needs and meet their expectations as to quality and speed of services. Alexandra Hollingshead stands out for being very hands-on and user friendly‘.
‘Working with the private client team at Farrer & Co, you can expect a highly professional, worldly knowledgeable and plain speaking approach, a team who are happy and experienced in working alongside other professionals wherever required. My experience is of working with Rachel Mainwaring-Taylor and Richard McDermott in particular has added significant value to both my knowledge of the work they do and how they help resolve complex matters in a simple and easy to understand way‘.
‘Good balanced team in the private client sector. Good partner support such as Bryony Cove and Sarah Von Schmidt. Nicola Pomfret is a stand out associate. Russell Cohen: a brilliant lawyer who is at the same time personable‘.
Public sector > Education: institutions Tier 1
The ‘highly knowledgeable and responsive‘ higher education practice at Farrer & Co acts for numerous prestigious UK universities, advising on issues across the sector including investment fund management work, charity law, domestic and international major joint ventures and consumer law. Other key areas of expertise include property and construction matters, employment and student disputes, and reputation management and crisis management issues. Complex employment and staff issues, including unfair dismissals, race and gender discrimination cases, and whistleblowing claims are another core pillar of work. The group is also known for its expertise in international collaborations, UK/China collaborations in particular. Practice head David Copping is a key name, advising higher education clients on major IP and commercial matters. Sam Macdonald advises universities on UK charity law and the related tax issues. The ‘proactive and knowledgeable’ Kathleen Heycock specialises in higher education employment matters and student safeguarding.Practice head(s):
David Copping
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The team is very knowledgeable and has great insight into sector practices.’
‘The lawyers in the team are all very bright and responsive. They are both technically good and practical in their approach and advice, and the advice is not abstract but actionable.’
‘The individuals are personable, helpful, knowledgeable and well connected.’
‘Highly knowledgeable and responsive team.’
‘Kathleen Heycock – pragmatic approach, proactive and very knowledgeable.’
Key clients
Imperial College London
The University of Cambridge
The University of Oxford
King’s College London
Universities UK
London Business School
The Open University
The Rhodes Trust
The University of Westminster
University of Warwick
Work highlights
- Appointed as legal advisers to Imperial College London, across both employment and general legal matters.
- Advised a number of leading UK universities on the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, including on consumer law issues, IP aspects of online teaching, and R&D and other activities relating to battling the pandemic.
- Advised King’s College London and a number of other UK universities on major international collaborations, including King’s planned ground-breaking multi-year collaboration with SUSTech (Southern University of Science and Technology) in Shenzhen, China.
Public sector > Education: schools Tier 1
Headed up by Jonathan Eley, Farrer & Co stands out for its work for UK independent schools and groups of schools. Key areas of work include Covid-related queries, school M&A, racial discrimination and equality matters, immigration work, and employment and HR issues. The firm has notably strong expertise in child protection and safeguarding work, housing a dedicated safeguarding unit. David Smellie has specialist expertise in safeguarding and child protection work for schools, while Katie Fudakowski, who has a wealth of experience in discrimination and SEND litigation, has advised on peer-on-peer abuse and gender-based violence matters. Sam Macdonald regularly handles high-level restructuring and complex governance issues, and associate Alice Yandle supports schools on employment, education and child protection matters.Practice head(s):
Jonathan Eley
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Professional. Hugely knowledgeable. Very considerate of the customer. Offer a broad range of subject strengths.’
‘David Smellie is an outstanding lawyer. Very good to work with – considerate, experienced, good strategically.’
‘What makes this team unique is their ability to collaborate and connect with a wide variety of experts in the field in order to meet our specific needs as a company including experts with knowledge of best practices globally, internationally and domestically.’
‘Excellent advice, highly responsive.’
‘Alice Yandle and Jonathan Eley have been brilliant on every issue we have engaged them on. Excellent, thorough advice which is both practical and easy to follow.’
‘Katie Fudakowski has provided guidance on employment issues, TOR and disciplinary procedures. Her judgement is excellent, she is quick and responsive and always understands what our needs are and how to shape our direction.’
Key clients
Winchester College
Eton College
Harrow School
Cognita
Charterhouse
Downe House
Alpha Plus Group
Grey Coat Hospital
Westminster School
Independent Schools’ Bursars Association
Tormead School
Latymer Upper School
Work highlights
- Supported a wide range of schools on the full spectrum of Covid-related legal issues, including school closures; fee reductions and disputes; parental disputes and complaints; school reopenings; remote learning; centre assessment grade (CAG) exam appeals; mass testing in schools; the implementation of the furlough scheme and associate issues; and in some cases redundancy consultation.
- Advised The Independent Schools’ Bursars Association – a membership organisation representing some 1200 independent schools – in relation to the test case brought by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) about whether losses resulting from the Covid-19 pandemic are covered by business interruption insurance policies.
- Advised Downe House School on the closure of its French school and on the acquisition of its replacement school.
Real estate > Residential property Tier 1
Farrer & Co's team acts for clients from throughout the world, including major banks, high-net-worth individuals and families, as well as developers. It is adept at handling all the intricacies associated with financing, buying and selling residential properties. Laurie Horwood advises on transactional and secured lending work. He jointly leads the team with managing partner Simon Pring, who has 30 years of experience in the residential property arena, including matters concerning landed estates. Edmund Fetherston-Dilke is a well-known name in the country house, agricultural and rural property markets; he has extensive experience of rural financing and estate management. Laura Conduit's recent work included significant country house and prime London transactions. Annabel Dean and senior associate Hugh Wigzell are also recommended. In 2020, Lindsay Cunningham and enfranchisement expert Kate Chatters were promoted to senior associate and senior counsel respectively.
Practice head(s):
Simon Pring; Laurie Horwood
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Congenial, light-hearted, flexible, contactable and highly competent.’
‘Farrer & Co have a real “can-do” attitude, which ensures that problems are worked through and solutions found, rather than simply allowing legal processes to hold up any progressions.’
‘They are a personable team who really get to know and understand their clients’ business, which makes them far better informed when decisions have to be made.’
‘Both Hugh Wigzell and Laura Conduit have been instrumental in our day-to-day legal care/workload. They are always on hand and are very much problem solvers rather than simply problem finders.’
‘Their enthusiastic and positive mentality really does help to keep the legal wheels turning and moreover reflects well on us as a business for working with them.’
‘The team is very accessible and working in tandem is a great plus for clients having availability as the same time of knowledge and expertise. Laurie Horwood has the expertise and knowledge of a lot of very different cases and can therefore explain them to people who don’t have much of a legal background. He is accessible and quick to respond.’
TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Media and entertainment (including media finance) Tier 1
Farrer & Co has strong credentials in the publishing sector, as is evidenced by its work for large newspaper and magazine groups, and also its prominence in specialised areas such as academic and music publishing. One of the notable individuals at the firm is Henry Sainty, who acts for clients such as Bauer Media and Sage Publications. Elsewhere, beyond the publishing space, the team advises international broadcast production and TV rights companies, and sporting events rights holders. In addition, Peter Wienand has a particular focus on B2B data businesses. Practice head Paul Jones handles digitalisation projects and advises on broadcasting work. Clients also benefit from the expertise of corporate partner Richard Lane (who is experienced in media sector M&A), employment specialist Jonathan Eley and litigator Ian De Freitas. Owen O’Rorke and Alan Baker were recently promoted to the partnership.
Practice head(s):
Paul Jones
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Very responsive, clear and they understand the nuances of our business very well. They brief internally very well, so that if work is handed over mid-stream you don’t have to re-explain everything.’
‘All actually share a similar ethos and set of skills, which is separate from their specialist knowledge: they are very client-focused, intelligent and responsive. They communicate clearly and do subtlety and nuance. They do not take a sledgehammer to a nut.’
‘Great focus on client needs and succinctly getting to the nub of the issue without wasting costs.’
‘Henry Sainty – focused, practical and looking to provide solutions.’
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
Lonely Planet Publications Limited
New York Times
Work highlights
- Advised the British Library on its digitisation projects.
- Provided pre and post-publication advice to The Economist on multiple media formats.
- Advised BMJ Publishing Limited on a wide range of commercial and corporate matters.
Investment fund formation and management > Retail funds Tier 2
Farrer & Co advises on the formation and structure of FCA-authorised funds, including open-ended investment funds, authorised unit trusts and master-feeder structures, as well as advising ACDs on agreements and structuring. The team also has strong regulatory capabilities, and a strong niche in specialist funds such as church and charity investment vehicles. The practice is led by Grania Baird, who has a strong track record acting for asset managers. Andy Peterkin specialises in alternative fund structures and investments, including innovative pooled investment structures. Jessica Reed recently made partner.
Practice head(s):
Grania Baird
Other key lawyers:
Andy Peterkin; David Gubbay; Jessica Reed
Key clients
Thesis Unit Trust Management Ltd/Tutman LLP
CCLA Investment Management Ltd / CCLA Fund Management Ltd
Omnis Investments Limited
Oxford University Endowment Management Ltd
Rathbone Unit Trust Management Limited
The Charities Property Fund
Savills Investment Management (UK) Ltd
Handelsbanken
Aubrey Capital Management Ltd
Y-Tree Ltd
Work highlights
- Advised Thesis Unit Trust on a variety of fund regulatory and launch matters.
- Advised CCLA Fund Managers Limited on the establishment of a new CAIF with investment guidelines reflecting the teachings and values of the Catholic church.
- Advised Somerset Capital on its acquisition of the Liontrust Asia Income fund, as well as the transfer of the fund’s investment management team from Liontrust to Somerset Capital.
TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Reputation management Tier 2
Farrer & Co's reputation management team advises on a wide range of defamation, privacy and harassment matters. Not only does the team deal with immediate crises, but it is also adept at protecting client's long-term reputational needs. The group has considerable experience handling sensitive issues and has a strong practice for charities, sporting bodies, schools, and arts and heritage organisations. Julian Pike heads the department and has a wide-ranging practice that includes crisis planning and cyber-protection. Pike is supported by strong juniors within the team with stand-out individuals including Alicia Mendonca-Richards , who specialises in online harassment and social media takedowns, and the 'excellent' Tom Rudkin , who advises on all aspects of reputation management and has been involved in a number of 'right to be forgotten' cases.
Practice head(s):
Julian Pike
Other key lawyers:
Tom Rudkin; Alicia Mendonça-Richards; Athalie Matthews
Testimonials
‘Depth of expertise across all aspects of private client law paired with responsive, pragmatic, and modern lawyers. They care deeply about client service, blending high levels of client care with transparent, efficient delivery of work.’
‘Julian Pike – hugely experienced. Unlikely to find an issue he hasn’t encountered before. Very reassuring to clients.’
‘Tom Rudkin is a standout lawyer at the firm. He blends deep technical knowledge with highly pragmatic advice. He has an impressive ability to synthesise a complicated case quickly and plot the most direct route to a resolution. He’s just excellent in this field.’
‘Personal, willing to be creative, collaborative with other advisers, genuine and empathetic people.’
‘Julian Pike and Tom Rudkin are standout. They have an ability to make you feel one of the team and offer first-class advice without corporate arrogance.’
Key clients
The Sackler Family
Eton College
Martin Glenn
The Economist
The BMJ
The England and Wales Cricket Board
BAFTA (British Academy of Film and Television Arts)
Work highlights
- Provided reputation management advice to the Sackler Family during coverage of the Purdue Pharma opioid scandal.
- Represented Martin Glenn, former CEO of the FA, in successful defamation claim against Craig Kline, resulting in £100,000 in damages.
- Defended the BMJ in libel proceedings brought by a doctor, Joseph Onwude.
TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Sport Tier 2
The sports team at elite London firm Farrer & Co is fronted by Julian Pike, a disputes specialist with a formidable track record in reputation management, contractual affairs and legal challenges involving governing bodies. Key points of differentiation for the group include its dedicated safeguarding unit, which supports organisations on governance and integrity matters, as well as its ability to tap into the firm’s wider finance, data protection and immigration, property, tax and image rights expertise to provide a full-service offering to both athletes and organisations. Tom Bruce is the key contact for both sensitive governance and critical joint venture matters while Henry Sainty is the go-to for data protection and commercial contract affairs. David Hunt supports governing bodies on contentious and non-contentious employment affairs while at senior associate level, Owen O’Rorke is forging a strong reputation for his work on sponsorship, betting and broadcasting rights.
Practice head(s):
Julian Pike
Other key lawyers:
Tom Bruce; Kate Allass; Henry Sainty; David Hunt; Owen O’Rorke
Testimonials
‘They have a strong understanding of us as an organisation, and the evolution that we have been through over the last decade, which provides additional support through the decision making process.’
‘Tom Bruce has a clear appreciation of both the business objective alongside the legal process. When we are undertaking a piece of work, having both sides clear is an important outcome.’
‘Tom Bruce is always available and couldn’t be more helpful.’
Key clients
PGA European Tour
The FA
International Canoe Federation
Lawn Tennis Association (LTA)
England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB)
International Netball Federation
Martin Glenn
British Swimming
UK Athletics
Henley Royal Regatta
Work highlights
- Advised PGA European Tour on its negotiation of a strategic alliance with PGA Tour, including an equity investment by PGA Tour into PGA European Tour’s media rights and production company, PGA European Tour Productions Limited.
- Advised The FA regarding the BBC documentary Anton Ferdinand: Football, Racism and Me, which reviewed the criminal and disciplinary action brought in 2011 against John Terry, the then Chelsea and England captain for his discriminatory conduct during a Premier League match.
- Advised Martin Glenn, the former CEO of the FA, on defamation and harassment proceedings in the High Court against a former employee of Fulham Football Club.
Crime, fraud and licensing > Fraud: civil Tier 3
Providing 'huge expertise and experience across a broad range of skills needed for fraud claims’, Farrer & Co primarily focuses on international, multi-party matters involving freezing injunctions and asset tracing. Key strengths are cases involving the Caribbean and Channel Islands, the Middle East, South East Asia and Eastern Europe. The firm also has particular expertise in tackling substantial and highly complex financial services claims, utilising its ‘excellent collaboration with financial quantum and technical analysts, investigators and counsel'. Adrian Parkhouse leads the team and specialises in civil litigation.
Practice head(s):
Adrian Parkhouse
Other key lawyers:
John Wilkinson; Toby Graham; Tom McPhail
Testimonials
‘The team are particularly client-centred in the way that they litigate – they develop a strategy that works for the client rather than simply running the case as they see fit and expecting to be paid for the privilege’.
‘The team has a first-rate understanding of the relevant legal principles, and vast experience in running litigation in this field’.
‘Huge expertise and experience across a broad range of skills needed for fraud claims, excellent collaboration with financial quantum and technical analysts, investigators and counsel’.
‘John Wilkinson gets to the core of the claim detail quickly and accurately, excellent strategist’.
‘The team is proactive, smart and practical without charging extortionate amounts’.
‘I have worked closely with John Wilkinson who is an excellent operator, collaborative and always sees the bigger picture in a dispute’.
‘Toby Graham is an outstanding partner and team leader with a relentless focus on the client’s needs and wishes. Tom McPhail is the best Associate I have ever worked with, bringing a forensic analytical ability which really lends itself to fraud work’.
Key clients
UK Trust Company, its parent company and its Italian Ultimate Beneficial Owner
Holy Cross Sisters Trustees Incorporated (the “Sisters”)
RP Explorer Limited
Sir Owen Glenn KNZM ONZM and Kea Investments Limited
The Joint Administrators of the Estate of the late Vladimir Scherbakov (deceased)
Edgeworth Capital (Robert Tchenguiz and his interests)
Violet Capital
Private Investor
Zorin Khan, Afaque Ahmed Khan and Sasheen Anwar
Robert Tchenguiz
Work highlights
- Acting for Zorin Khan, Afaque Ahmed Khan and Sasheen Anwar in enforcing a decision of the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council (JCPC), which concerned the alleged misappropriation of assets from a family trust in the BVI.
- Advised Sir Owen and Kea in a hard-fought and successful c.£200m fraud claim against Eric Watson, Novatrust Limited and others relating to a joint venture.
- Defending Robert Tchenguiz against £multi-million claims from five spreadbet operators arising out of losses alleged to have been accrued as a result of the temporary Covid-induced market crash of March 2020.
Employment > Employers Tier 3
Fielding a large, multifaceted employment team, Farrer & Co has carved out a reputation in Employment Tribunal and High Court cases, ranging from complex discrimination, whistleblowing and employment status disputes to litigation arising from collective redundancies. Safeguarding expert David Smellie, who primarily acts for education institutions and large sports clubs, heads the group. Employing a ‘practical, realistic and a commercial approach’, Rachel Lewis shines in sensitive discrimination claims, senior-level dismissals and large-scale reorganisations, Kathleen Heycock has made a name for herself advising high-profile professional services and education clients, and David Hunt is rated as an employment law generalist, capable of handling contentious and non-contentious mandates.In March 2021, Katie Lancaster departed.
Practice head(s):
David Smellie
Other key lawyers:
Rachel Lewis; David Hunt; Anna Birtwistle; Kathleen Heycock
Testimonials
‘The team at Farrer & Co always deliver an excellent service. Compared to other firms the real difference I have found is that they are able to help me to translate the legal considerations into practical and realistic solutions applicable to the circumstances and culture of my firm.’
‘Rachel Lewis is my go-to person for any tricky issues as she provides a practical, realistic and commercial approach with clearly laid out options/risks that are enormously helpful and enable me to be confident in my decision making.’
‘Proactive, prompt and approachable service at all times.’
‘David Hunt is highly knowledgeable yet approachable with a goal-orientated outlook.’
‘The breadth of knowledge and the responsiveness of the team is excellent. Their non-nonsense approach to proving clear advice advice is welcomed.’
Key clients
British Airline Pilots Association (BALPA)
Imperial College
C Hoare & Co
The Natural History Museum
London Business School
Kiwi Power
Fisher Phillips
The Independent Schools Council
The Independent Bursars’ Association (ISBA)
Meaden & Moore LLP
A leading national museum
A global asset manager
A number of leading independent schools and school groups
An international company which owns a portfolio of beverages across the world
A leading not-for profit organisation
Work highlights
- Acting for British Airline Pilots’ Association (BALPA) on all employment-related matters, including claims in the Employment Tribunal for protective awards coming out of the insolvency of a number of airlines, for holiday pay during furlough and in relation to blacklisting and TUPE.
- Act for C Hoare & Co on complex HR and regulatory issues, as well as ongoing litigation, including a significant equal pay claim.
- Advising Fisher Phillips on the enforcement of confidentiality and non-compete obligations and on the investigation, disciplinary process and dismissal of a UK Managing Director of multinational manufacturing company.
Real estate > Commercial property: development Tier 3
Combining ‘strong traditional experience with an astute commercial approach', the practice at elite London firm Farrer & Co predominantly focuses on mid-market projects and transactions in the capital. Its client list consists of major institutional investors, privately owned investment funds and overseas private offices who rely on the group for transactions encompassing a wealth of assets, including high-end residential and landed estates. Mark Gauguier fronts the department, leveraging a distinguished track record in large-scale urban development projects, and is supported by Charles Anderson who focuses on major community development schemes. Senior associate Barbara Webb is an institutional investment specialist, focused on forward funding, forward purchase and portfolio management, and the team is also home to Henry Stevens, a recently promoted partner well-versed in landlord and tenant and redevelopment mandates.
Practice head(s):
Mark Gauguier
Other key lawyers:
Charles Anderson; Kate Corke; Sarah Aggarwal; Henry Stevens; Barbara Webb
Testimonials
‘They have an enthusiastic, can-do approach and are of a size that means partners and senior associates are actively involved. They generally seem to care and have been particularly good during the recent lockdowns.’
‘We principally work with Barbara Webb and Rebecca Price who are members of Mark Gauguier’s team. Barbara is an intelligent lawyer who does not just issue the standard PLC draft document and who understands the issues that arise and is happy to discuss any concerns I have.’
‘Strong traditional experience combined with astute commercial approach. Capable of adjusting to specific client requirements and involving specialist departments quickly and effectively.’
‘Mark Gauguier and Henry Stevens possess the breadth of experience and dogmatic determination to both hold to principles and identify compromise positions as necessary.’
Key clients
Duchy of Cornwall
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
Triodos Bank UK Limited
Mayfield Property Group
Work highlights
- Continuing to act as the legal advisers to the Duchy of Cornwall’s Poundbury Development, the urban community at Dorchester, based on the latest principles of successful placemaking and urbanism.
- Advising in relation to the British Library’s St Pancras development, a major central London scheme comprising 2.8 acres to the north of the Library’s Grade I Listed building at St Pancras.
- Advised Blackhall Global Partners LLC on a landmark transaction with The University of Reading for the construction of a major film studios complex in Shinfield, Berkshire.
Real estate > Property litigation Tier 3
Farrer & Co handles various matters arising from property developments and the management of property portfolios, which has recently included a number of disputes associated with Covid-19 restrictions, most notably rent arrears and restructuring-related work. Elsewhere, landlord investor clients, developers, ultra-high-net-worth individuals and landed estates retain the group to assist with contract interpretation disputes and dilapidations matters. Siobhan Jones covers a wide range of commercial and residential property disputes and heads the team, which includes Jo Ord; she was promoted to partner in May 2021 and regularly acts for commercial and private clients.
Practice head(s):
Siobhan Jones
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The team’s strengths are that they have a breadth of knowledge and skill in the full gamut of property litigation, as well as providing a bespoke personalised service for their client base.‘
‘On each occasion, the team’s technical knowledge has been unparalleled. That is combined with astute sensitivity to the practical needs and demands of each client.‘
‘Excellent understanding of the demands of the sector, coupled with superb skills.‘
‘Siobhan Jones ensures the best possible understanding of the client’s needs before identifying and achieving the best possible outcome. Her dedication to the needs of her clients is second to none.‘
‘I find them all exceptional and the ability of the practice head to place the right team member with the appropriate client is outstanding.‘
‘They have an excellent grasp on the issues involved and provide concise, pragmatic and sensible advice for which I am (usually) very grateful.‘
‘Siobhan Jones and Jo Ord are standout individuals – down to earth, focused and charming, with more than a touch of steel running through their advice. Just what we need.‘
‘Great firm, great people.‘
Key clients
Charities Property Fund
AFTC Limited (Nobel Group)
JH Muirfield
S&P Farms (Beaumont Brook and Bradwell Power Station)
Derhalli
Duchy of Lancaster
Duchy of Cornwall
Diageo Pension Trust Limited
Royal College of Surgeons
Church Commissioners
British Library
Vevil Group
Morden College
All Souls College
Citi Bank
C Hoare & Co
BNP Paribas
Work highlights
- Acting for JH Muirfield, a developer of mixed-use projects, in High Court proceedings regarding a failed completion and the treatment of the deposit paid by the buyer.
- Acting for Strutt & Parker Farms, a large agricultural company, following an Environment Agency investigation into alleged unlawful water abstraction on one of its farms and also (separately) in relation to High Court proceedings concerning access to its land pursuant to section 172 of the Housing and Planning Act 2016, sought by the developers of a proposed major nuclear reactor.
- Acting for the appellant in a high-profile ongoing dispute with his former spouse regarding damages for the use and occupation of the former matrimonial home.
Real estate > Commercial property: investment Tier 4
Combining ‘strong traditional experience with an astute commercial approach', the practice at elite London firm Farrer & Co predominantly focuses on mid-market projects and transactions in the capital. Its client list consists of major institutional investors, privately owned investment funds and overseas private offices who rely on the group for transactions encompassing a wealth of assets, including high-end residential and landed estates. Mark Gauguier fronts the department, leveraging a distinguished track record in large-scale urban development projects, and is supported by Charles Anderson who focuses on major community development schemes. Senior associate Barbara Webb is an institutional investment specialist, focused on forward funding, forward purchase and portfolio management, and the team is also home to Henry Stevens, a recently promoted partner well-versed in landlord and tenant and redevelopment mandates.
Practice head(s):
Mark Gauguier
Other key lawyers:
Charles Anderson; Kate Corke; Sarah Aggarwal; Henry Stevens; Barbara Webb
Testimonials
‘They have an enthusiastic, can-do approach and are of a size that means partners and senior associates are actively involved. They generally seem to care and have been particularly good during the recent lockdowns.’
‘We principally work with Barbara Webb and Rebecca Price who are members of Mark Gauguier’s team. Barbara is an intelligent lawyer who does not just issue the standard PLC draft document and who understands the issues that arise and is happy to discuss any concerns I have.’
‘Strong traditional experience combined with astute commercial approach. Capable of adjusting to specific client requirements and involving specialist departments quickly and effectively.’
‘Mark Gauguier and Henry Stevens possess the breadth of experience and dogmatic determination to both hold to principles and identify compromise positions as necessary.’
Key clients
Charities Property Fund
Duchy of Cornwall
The Ironmongers Company
Property Trust Group
Victoria and Albert Museum
Arbuthnot Latham & Co Ltd
Commonwealth Real Estate LP
Blackhall Global Partners LLC
Gascoyne Cecil Estates
Mayfield Property Group
Work highlights
- Advised Charities Property Fund on numerous transactions totalling over £100m in deal size, with highlights including the sale of Sainsburys Superstore, New Barnet, London to an overseas investor within the Dyson group for £51.1m.
- Advised Blackhall Global Partners LLC and Commonwealth Real Estate LP on major investments into UK real estate, with a combined projected deployment of capital of around £1bn.
- Acted for an international property fund on well in excess of £170m of acquisitions, including major transactions in Midtown, the West End and Liverpool.
Real estate > Planning Tier 4
The planning practice at Farrer & Co has a strong track record advising on urban development and urban community projects, and it has received a growing number of instructions from international investors in the development space. Led by Karen Phull, the team also has expertise in the heritage sector, and also in judicial review proceedings, where it regularly acts for private clients.
Practice head(s):
Karen Phull
Other key lawyers:
Anthony McNamee
Testimonials
‘Farrer & Co evidently has an exceptional reputation and history with its well-known client base. This is mixed with a very modern and approachable attitude.’
‘I find that Farrer & Co are highly professional, informed and expert in their respective fields. However, they do not come across as a large corporate and have a friendly and approachable manner, which I consider to be a key attribute.’
‘Excellent breadth of knowledge in planning, both contentious and non-contentious. A wide range of clients, including private clients.’
‘Karen Phull is excellent at dealing with very demanding clients. She has a sense of calm management and a depth of planning knowledge. She is highly skilled in managing planning litigation, including judicial review.’
Key clients
Porcelanosa
Agenda Capital Partners
Meredith Corporation
Commonwealth Real Estate LP
Rhodes Trust
Duchy of Cornwall
The British Library
Blackhall Global Partners LLC
Englefield Estate Trust Corporation
Work highlights
- Negotiated a planning agreement for The Rhodes Trust for planning permission to transform the Grade II listed Rhodes House to enable the expansion of its celebrated global scholarship programme.
- Advised The British Library on its St Pancras development, which involved the disposal of the 2.8-acre St Pancras development site for commercial investment and the construction of gallery facilities and a public realm.
- Advised The Royal College of Surgeons of England (RCSE) on a major redevelopment of its prime central London site.
TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Intellectual property: trade marks, copyright and design Tier 4
Recent work for Farrer & Co’s IP department highlights the firm's strength across the non-contentious disciplines. Practice head Peter Wienand has taken the lead on international collaborations in the entertainment space, as well as a spate of copyright licensing, and IP exploitation projects for arts, education, charity and cultural institutions. David Copping and associate Natalie Rimmer also have commercial IP expertise, while litigator Ian De Freitas was instructed to pursue online infringement actions against fraudulent websites.
Practice head(s):
Peter Wienand
Other key lawyers:
David Copping; Natalie Rimmer; Ian De Freitas; Owen O’Rorke
Testimonials
‘Very knowledgeable team in terms of IP rights, very responsive and also very pragmatic.‘
‘Peter Wienand is excellent both in terms of knowledge but also in terms of experience and offering practical solutions where grey areas are encountered.‘
‘David Copping is excellent, very responsive and commercial in his approach.‘
‘Owen O’Rorke has great insight into the current IP litigation trends which is valuable information for determining the options to resolve IP disputes. He has an in-depth knowledge of IP law and civil procedure.‘
‘The team has unrivalled expertise in advising cultural institutions/not for profits, and have a very good grasp of the particular requirements of this type of organisation.‘
‘Anisha Birk is an excellent associate with a good depth of knowledge and an excellent eye for detail.‘
Key clients
The Economist
Cycling UK
Coutts & Co
Goat Fashion
Imperial College London
University of Cambridge
University College London (UCL) Press
British Medical Journal (BMJ)
J.P. Boden & Co. Limited
Natural History Museum
Work highlights
- Acted for the Natural History Museum Trading Company in negotiations relating to a major collaboration with Warner Brothers to produce the ‘Fantastic Beasts: The Wonder of Nature’ exhibition.
- Longstanding advisers to The Economist for advice on the weekly pre-publication content issues across its print editions, as well as in connection with Economist Radio and Economist Films.
- Successfully acted for Goat Fashion Limited in relation to the protection of its trade mark and trading rights throughout the UK and Europe from infringement by a large US brand moving into the region.
Employment > Immigration Tier 5
The 'fantastic' immigration team at elite London firm Farrer & Co, which was set up in 2015, has continued to expand in recent years, and 'stellar partner' Elena Hinchin now leads a sizeable team of specialists, who advise high-net-worth individuals and corporate clients on a wide range of issues, including sponsor licence compliance matters, complex visa applications, family matters and associated tax issues. Other key members of the team include experienced barrister Lee Jackson, who has 25 years' experience including a decade at the Bar. The wider team includes lawyers with significant experience at other well-regarded immigration specialist firms.
Practice head(s):
Elena Hinchin
Other key lawyers:
Alina Fosh; Zoe Jacob; Lee Jackson; Sonia Cala-Lesina
Testimonials
‘One of the team’s strengths lies in its diversity and collaboration with clients. All the partners and associates we work with are women. The team at Farrer & Co feels like an extension of our company.’
‘Elena Hinchin and Sonia Cala-Lesina worked with us to achieve our desired outcome on a short time horizon. They swiftly overcame unexpected issues outside our collective control and worked diligently to deliver what we were looking for. Excellent subject knowledge and impressive work ethics. I highly recommend them both.’
‘Personable and efficient. They got to know our firm and values quickly.’
‘The team is fantastic.’
‘Elena Hinchin has been of exceptional help to us as a business. She is proactive, pragmatic, efficient and always at the end of the phone if you need her. She very quickly appraises the situation and offers solid advice which stems from her desire to do the best by your business. She listens to any concerns you may have as a client and offers up alternative ways of proceeding, which allow you to make informed choices. One feels like she truly cares about what is best for her clients.’
‘Elena Hinchin and Alina Fosh are very attentive and responsive to our needs. They are constantly providing up-to-date information on UK immigration to ensure compliance in every aspect of our work.’
‘Elena Hinchin stands out as a stellar partner for both family offices and UHNWIs to deal with, she makes the extremely frustrating and complicated situations that we often find ourselves in resolvable and the whole immigration conundrum becomes a comfortable experience for all involved. We can not recommend Elena more highly.’
‘Elena Hinchin is incredibly knowledgeable and hard working. Exactly the sort of lawyer you want in your corner.’
Real estate > Construction: non-contentious Tier 5
Leveraging the firm's private client expertise, Farrer & Co is best known for acting on behalf of high-value individuals, private banks and overseas investors. Beyond that, it offers a traditional construction practice focused on education, heritage and charity sector clients. Edward Banyard Smith leads the team following Clive Lovatt's move to a consultant role.
Practice head(s):
Edward Banyard Smith
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Edward Banyard Smith is always extremely helpful, practical and quick to respond to requests from us.’
‘The team at Farrer’s continue to offer clear, unfettered, professional advice on a range of complex and technical issues. Their ability to unlock commercial real estate problems whilst protecting the client’s interests makes them stand out amongst the crowd. The team are all intelligent, consummately professional lawyers whilst retaining a high degree of human interaction and the ability to enjoy their work and engage proactively in the wider teams.’
‘Fundamentally, the depth and strength of the team is astounding. It is comforting to know that each team member has the ability to pick up and carry another team member’s work. Having the confidence to rely on your colleagues is an admirable quality in a firm (a quality that in my experience does not always exist). This sets this team aside from others and I would say the team stands out.’
‘The individuals that I deal with from the construction team provide a professional, personal service.’
‘No detail or question is too much trouble.’
‘My first thought of Farrer & Co is professional. Each and every time we have worked together their approach has always been very professional.’
‘Farrer & Co manage clients very well and they deliver a superior level of service.’
‘The great benefit of working with Farrer is the communication and the understanding to balance the risk correctly to suit the client and the project. With this understanding the client obtains best value on the project with risks correctly identified and shared on the team.’
Key clients
Duchy of Cornwall
The British Library
Royal College of Surgeons
Artesian Property Partnership
Price & Myers LLP
Charities Property Fund
Shinfield Studios Limited
Lloyds Banking Group
Coutts & Co
Arbuthnot Latham & CO
Work highlights
- Acting as the legal adviser to the Duchy of Cornwall’s Poundbury and Nansledan Developments.
- Advised Shinfield Studios Limited on a landmark transaction with the University of Reading for the construction of a major film studios complex.
- Advised the British Library in relation to its St Pancras development, involving the construction of gallery facilities and a public realm.
Real estate > Property finance Tier 5
Farrer & Co acts for a range of lenders and borrowers, providing 'trusted advice and sound reasoning' to UK clearing and private banks, high-net-worth individuals, property developers and educational institutions. Martin Blake leads the team, with substantial experience in commercial and residential property finance transactions and acquisition financing. Bethan Waters focuses on the banking side of transactions, while Marc Glancy has strengths in secured lending. Simon Graham is also a notable team member.
Practice head(s):
Martin Blake
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘They are a close-knit team who work very well together, providing trusted advice and sound reasoning. Their energy and collaboration remains fresh with every deal and their guidance is invaluable. Their key strength is working for the client, providing solutions to difficult scenarios and meeting time-critical deadlines.’
‘Farrer takes a pragmatic approach. The firm is good at providing the bank with regular updates and making helpful suggestions to enhance security and manage risk.’
‘A personal approach, and practical and commercial advice.’
‘Very knowledgeable team, easy to work with and committed.’
‘All the team deserve recognition. They always make themselves available and are quick to respond to enquiries. They are proactive in their approach and very personable to work with.’
‘The team works very well together. Key values include breadth of knowledge and responsiveness.’
‘Quick to understand the requirements and to find solutions to problems.’
Key clients
Royal Bank of Canada
C. Hoare & Co
Deutsche Bank
Lloyds Bank plc
Coutts & Co
Rothschild & Co
Triodos Bank UK Limited
Arbuthnot Latham & Co Ltd
OakNorth Bank
Secure Trust Bank
Work highlights
- Advising Coutts &Co on an amendment to an existing facility to a large rural estate in order to refinance its existing facility and to facilitate further general investment, and a new facility to a special purpose entity within the wider estate group structure to allow for refinancing of existing debt and to permit a large portion of estate land to be sold for a development of over 2,000 homes.
- Advising a major Swiss bank on the provision of a £36m loan facility to fund the development of a super-prime residential property in one of the most prestigious locations in Central London.
- Advised Deutsche Bank (Suisse) S.A. in relation to the refinancing of three cross-collateralised facilities totalling £27m in aggregate, provided to three separate BVI SPV borrowers and secured against a portfolio of prime Central London residential properties.
Risk advisory > Data protection, privacy and cybersecurity Tier 5
Under the leadership of Henry Sainty, Farrer & Co continues to handle a wide range of contentious and non-contentious matters; Sainty is experienced in the data-rich media, sport, education, online and retail sectors. The group often handles large international data protection projects for global corporates and institutions. Owen O’Rorke and Alan Baker were recently promoted to the partnership.
Practice head(s):
Henry Sainty
Other key lawyers:
Ian De Freitas; Owen O’Rorke; Alan Baker
Testimonials
‘Owen O’Rorke is a subject matter expert of high capability’.
‘The team really know their stuff and have a broad range of experience – which means there aren’t many situations which they haven’t encountered before’.
‘They are very responsive and provide practical and commercial advice’.
‘They know when to go in all guns blazing and when to use the back door, which is key’.
‘Ian de Freitas is top notch for anything data privacy or cyber related’.
‘Partner-led approach and efficient staffing’.
‘High personal engagement for all clients’.
‘The team provide thoughtful and clear advice on a very complex, and rapidly developing area’.
Key clients
Telegraph Media Group
University of Cambridge
Japan House
Imperial College London
J.P. Boden & Co. Limited
UK Athletics (UKA)
Motability
Nord Anglia Education
England & Wales Cricket Board Limited (ECB)
Lawn Tennis Association (LTA)
Independent Schools Bursars Association (ISBA)
The Economist Newspaper
Vistra Group Limited
BMJ
Samaritans
Eton College
Westpac Banking Corporation
Church Army
Marylebone Cricket Club
Rhodes Trust
Work highlights
- Advised University of Cambridge on the data protection and privacy implications of the University’s two Covid-19 testing programmes.
- Advised England & Wales Cricket Board Limited (ECB) on the ‘return to cricket’, Covid-secure environments, and other data protection issues.
- Providing data protection advice to Eton College, including handling major SARs.
Corporate and commercial > Financial services: non-contentious/regulatory Tier 6
Farrer & Co's financial services team is known for its work for private banks, wealth and fund managers and investment management companies. Key areas of expertise include financial promotion rules, Brexit-related regulatory advice, SMCR issues and consumer regulation. Grania Baird leads the practice, with substantial expertise in the private banking and wealth management sectors. Andy Peterkin has an growing reputation in the fintech space, with experience in the regulatory aspects of corporate transactions and closed-ended financial services issues.
Practice head(s):
Grania Baird
Other key lawyers:
Andy Peterkin; Marc Glancy; Jessica Reed
Testimonials
‘The team are very client focused, ensuring that they understand the objectives of the business and giving practical advice.’
‘I have used Grania Baird and her team for many years. First focusing on the asset management business and then in latter years the wealth management business. High technical knowledge, good practical knowledge, delivers using language which is easily understandable. Nice people to work with.’
‘The team at Farrer & Co are a client-centric team; ever professional, personable and focused on providing clear, comprehensive and pragmatic advice, which is always of a high quality. We are particularly pleased with the gender balance within the senior members of the team at Farrer & Co.’
‘Farrer are very focused and do high quality work within tight deadlines.’
‘Grania Baird is extremely knowledgeable and is able to provide clear and concise explanations which can be easily understood by individuals without a legal background.’
‘Farrer & Co should be commended for their client service. Grania Baird is a font of knowledge on financial regulatory matters; she has a great breadth to her practice and is able to advise on both the black letter law but also market practice and give an insight as to where we stand on particular issues.’
‘We are particularly pleased to have seen Jessica Reed promoted to partner as she has always provided us with extremely sound regulatory legal advice.’
‘Grania Baird is an excellent lawyer, very pragmatic and precise.’
Key clients
Brown Shipley
Close Brothers
Cynergy Bank Limited
Veritas Investment Partners
Maseco
Canaccord
The Analyst
Handelsbanken ACD Limited
Cazenove Capital
Tribe Impact Capital
Svenska Handelsbanken (Luxembourg branch)
Olympia Wealth Management Limited
Work highlights
- Advising Hambro Perks on all regulatory and structuring aspects of the two offshore fund acquisition vehicles established to raise funds for the acquisition of the Ombu portfolio.
- Acted for a private bank on its LIBOR transition project.
- Instructed by a national wealth management firm to advise on its Brexit project included collating and analysing overseas counsel advice and applying the advice to the firm’s business model.
Dispute resolution > International arbitration Tier 6
With 'an international arbitration practice that provides top-notch representation', Farrer & Co's commercial arbitration focus covers corporate, energy, financial services, construction and public procurement disputes. The practice also acts in investor-state arbitrations, art-related matters and sports disputes. Hendrik Puschmann is 'a star arbitration lawyer and master tactician, whose knowledge of the field is encyclopaedic', Kate Allass' practice includes sports-related arbitration, and Oliver Blundell is the associate to note.
Practice head(s):
Hendrik Puschmann
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Farrers has one of the best disputes teams in London (or anywhere).‘
‘An international arbitration practice that provides top-notch representation, without incurring the costs you would normally expect in London.‘
‘They did a stupendous job in a portfolio of arbitration claims.‘
‘They are always available, technically excellent, very cost conscious, and (importantly) unstuffy. I will definitely instruct them again on any future international disputes.‘
‘Their advice and input were always clear, helpful strategic and commercial. In the last couple of years we witnessed the growth of their practice, as well as their ever-increasing international profile.‘
‘Hendrik Puschmann is a star arbitration lawyer and master tactician, whose knowledge of the field is encyclopaedic.‘
‘Hendrik Puschmann masterfully condenses highly complex matters into clear, comprehensible advice and drafts.‘
‘Hendrik Puschmann is always my first choice when looking for an international arbitration specialist in London. He is an excellent litigator and impressive in both oral and written advocacy. Additionally, he has significant academic depth to his legal knowledge and this shows in his work.‘
Key clients
Hitzinger (in administration)
HTI High Tech Industries (in administration)
International Canoe Federation
Vattenfall Vindkraft
Work highlights
- Represented Hitzinger (and its administrator) in a Chartered Institute of Arbitrators claim, made by Global Switch Estates in relation to a contract for the supply and installation of engines.
- Acting for the International Canoe Federation in Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) proceedings against the International Surfing Association, in relation to the governance of Stand Up Paddle.
- Assisted state-owned Swedish energy company, Vattenfall, with assessing and settling a number of claims.
Public sector > Education: individuals
Corporate and commercial > Financial services: contentious
Farrer & Co is increasingly known for representing high-profile individuals in a variety of contentious financial services regulatory investigations and enforcement proceedings.
Farrer & Co > Firm Profile
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 Farrers.
Clients value the firm’s in-depth knowledge, technical excellence and diversity of disciplines. But what really binds 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 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 the firm does – modern lawyers with timeless values.
Main Contacts
Department | Name | Telephone | |
---|---|---|---|
Senior partner | Anne-Marie Piper | ||
Agriculture and estates | Simon Pring | ||
Art and cultural property | James Carleton | ||
Banking and Finance | Simon Graham | ||
Brand management | Peter Wienand | ||
Charities | Anne-Marie Piper | ||
Civil fraud | Adrian Parkhouse | ||
Construction | Clive Lovatt | ||
Contentious trusts | Toby Graham | ||
Corporate/M&A | Richard Lane | ||
Data protection | Henry Sainty | ||
Defamation/reputation management | Julian Pike | ||
Dispute resolution | Jeremy Gordon | ||
Education: higher and further education | Julian Smith | ||
Education: schools | Sam Macdonald | ||
Employment | David Smellie | ||
Family/matrimonial | William Massey | ||
Financial services | Grania Baird | ||
Immigration | Russell Cohen | ||
Insolvency and restructuring | David Fletcher | ||
Intellectual property | Peter Wienand | ||
International private client | Nick Dunnell | ||
Investment funds | Grania Baird | ||
Media and entertainment | Henry Sainty | ||
Planning | Karen Phull | ||
Private client | Rhoddy Voremberg | ||
Private equity | Russell Cohen | ||
Partnership | Jonathan Haley | ||
Real estate | Andrew Bailey | ||
Real estate finance | Simon Graham | ||
Residential property | Laurie Horwood | ||
Sport | Julian Pike | ||
Tax | Robert Field |
Lawyer Profiles
Photo | Name | Position | Profile |
---|---|---|---|
![]() | Sarah Aggarwal | Sarah has experience of a variety of commercial property matters including acquisitions,… | View Profile |
![]() | Kate Allass | Kate has a varied litigation and arbitration practice, acting for corporations, institutions… | View Profile |
![]() | Ben Amoah | Ben advises both claimants and defendants on all aspects of commercial litigation… | View Profile |
![]() | Charles Anderson | Charlie has over 30 years’ experience of advising on commercial property investment… | View Profile |
![]() | Graham Anderson | Graham advises a broad range of clients including national and international businesses,… | View Profile |
![]() | Victoria Atkins | Associate | View Profile |
![]() | Grania Baird | Grania advises asset managers, private banks and other financial services firms on… | View Profile |
![]() | Alan Baker | Alan assists with a wide range of IP and commercial matters, primarily… | View Profile |
![]() | Edward Banyard Smith | Edward has significant experience of advising on all aspects of construction and… | View Profile |
![]() | Marie Bates | Marie advises on a broad range of corporate matters and commercial transactions… | View Profile |
![]() | Anisha Birk | Anisha is an Associate in the Intellectual Property & Commercial team. She… | View Profile |
![]() | Anna Birtwistle | Partner at Farrer & Co since June 2019. | View Profile |
![]() | Charlotte Black | Charlotte is Counsel in the Tax team. Charlotte advises on all direct… | View Profile |
![]() | Martin Blake | Martin has broad experience in a range of domestic and international banking… | View Profile |
![]() | Oliver Blundell | Oliver is an Associate in the Dispute Resolution team. Oliver advises corporate… | View Profile |
![]() | Mark Bridges | Mark is the chair of private client at Farrer & Co and… | View Profile |
![]() | James Bromley | James is a Senior Associate in the Tax Team. He has experience providing tax advice… | View Profile |
![]() | Tom Bruce | Tom advises corporate and commercial clients on a broad range of corporate… | View Profile |
![]() | Simon Bruce | Personal and family law cases are so often associated with extremely sensitive… | View Profile |
![]() | Mark Burgess-Smith | Mark Burgess-Smith joined Farrer & Co in 2020 as Senior Counsel in… | View Profile |
![]() | Jonathan Came | Jonathan advises a broad range of construction clients, including national and international… | View Profile |
![]() | James Carleton | James has a diverse client base that includes advising individuals, family offices… | View Profile |
![]() | Alice Cave | Alice advises clients on a wide range of employment matters, both contentious… | View Profile |
![]() | William Charrington | William advises corporate clients, institutions and individuals on a wide range of… | View Profile |
![]() | Kate Chatters | Kate advises individuals and estates in relation to a wide range of… | View Profile |
![]() | Russell Cohen | Russell advises on all aspects of tax planning, estate planning and trust… | View Profile |
![]() | Laura Conduit | Laura is a specialist residential property solicitor experienced in freehold and leasehold… | View Profile |
![]() | Jolyon Connell | Jolyon advises individuals, companies and institutions on a wide range of contentious… | View Profile |
![]() | David Copping | David is the Head of the Higher Education Group. He specialises in non-contentious… | View Profile |
![]() | Kate Corke | Kate deals with a wide range of property matters including the sale… | View Profile |
![]() | Bryony Cove | Bryony specialises in mainly onshore work including complex inheritance tax and capital… | View Profile |
![]() | Lindsay Cunningham | Lindsay deals with a wide range of residential property matters, in particular… | View Profile |
![]() | Diana Davidson | Diana advises on all aspects of trust law, including onshore and offshore… | View Profile |
![]() | John Davies | John qualified as a solicitor in 2013 and works on a broad… | View Profile |
![]() | William Dawson | William advises employers and “high flyer” employees, based both in the City… | View Profile |
![]() | Ian De Freitas | Partner | View Profile |
![]() | Annabel Dean | Annabel deals with a wide range of legal issues affecting residential, commercial… | View Profile |
![]() | Nick Dunnell | Nick’s main areas of expertise are tax and trusts, particularly the taxation… | View Profile |
![]() | Suzanna Eames | Associate | View Profile |
![]() | Adele Eastman | Adele originally qualified at Farrer & Co, specialising in employment and education… | View Profile |
![]() | Jonathan Eley | Jonathan advises employers and senior executives on the full range of legal… | View Profile |
![]() | Blue Elliott | Blue is a Senior Associate in the Disputes team. Blue assists on… | View Profile |
![]() | Veryan Excelby | Veryan has a diverse range of clients and advises on all areas… | View Profile |
![]() | Edmund Fetherston-Dilke | Edmund advises several major estates on the full variety of legal issues… | View Profile |
![]() | Sophie Fewson | Sophie predominately advises UK-domiciled private clients on wills and estate planning. She… | View Profile |
![]() | David Fletcher | David is a corporate partner and advises on a broad range of… | View Profile |
![]() | Edward Floyd | Edward advises on all family law issues, helping clients resolve the financial… | View Profile |
![]() | Charlotte Fraser | Charlotte has broad experience acting for both private and corporate clients on… | View Profile |
![]() | Charlotte Freeman | Charlotte advises on a variety of banking and financial transactions acting for… | View Profile |
![]() | Katie Fudakowski | Partner | View Profile |
![]() | Charles Fursdon | Charles advises private, commercial and institutional clients on a wide range of… | View Profile |
![]() | Mark Gauguier | Mark has a wide range of commercial property experience and he has… | View Profile |
![]() | Jessica Gibson | Associate | View Profile |
![]() | Marc Glancy | Marc has a broad banking and financing practice advising individuals, corporates and… | View Profile |
![]() | Claire Gordon | Claire enjoys a diverse client base and an extensive caseload involving all… | View Profile |
![]() | Caroline Gordon | Caroline provides advice to UK and international clients on their tax and… | View Profile |
![]() | Jeremy Gordon | Jeremy advises clients both private and corporate on a wide range of… | View Profile |
![]() | Toby Graham | Toby is head of Farrer & Co’s Contentious Trusts and Estates group. He… | View Profile |
![]() | Simon Graham | Simon is head of the Banking practice. He advises lenders and borrowers… | View Profile |
![]() | Jo Grainger | Jo’s role is to work specifically on secondment to clients advising on… | View Profile |
![]() | Rose Gurney | Rose is a Senior Associate in the Rural Property team. Rose’s experience… | View Profile |
![]() | Jonathan Haley | Jonathan is head of the professional practices group at Farrer & Co.… | View Profile |
![]() | Patrick Hammond | Patrick advises a range of individual and institutional landowners on matters relating… | View Profile |
![]() | Flora Harragin | Flora works on a broad range of family matters, both contentious and… | View Profile |
![]() | Kathleen Heycock | Kathleen is a Partner in the Employment Team who is recognised for… | View Profile |
![]() | Rebecca Heyworth | Rebecca is a Senior Associate in the Family team. Rebecca deals with… | View Profile |
![]() | Alexis Hille | Alexis specialises in providing advice to UK and international individuals, family offices… | View Profile |
![]() | Elena Hinchin | Elena has nearly 10 years’ experience in Immigration Law. She built up… | View Profile |
![]() | Caroline Holley | Caroline advises a diverse client base on both contentious and non-contentious matters,… | View Profile |
![]() | Alexandra Hollingshead | Alexandra specialises in providing advice to trustees and UK and international individuals… | View Profile |
![]() | Rachel Holmes | Rachel provides technical legal support and lectures (both internally and externally) on… | View Profile |
![]() | Tom Homfray | Tom is a member of the Commercial Property team. He has acted… | View Profile |
![]() | Laurie Horwood | Laurie’s practice covers a wide range of matters relating to residential and… | View Profile |
![]() | David Hunt | David advises a broad spectrum of clients from the education, sports, banking,… | View Profile |
![]() | Sara Hunt | As the Knowledge Lawyer for the family team at Farrer & Co,… | View Profile |
![]() | Sarah Hutchinson | Sarah is a partner and family mediator. She works on a broad range of… | View Profile |
![]() | Jeremy Isaacson | Jeremy qualified as a solicitor into the Intellectual Property & Commercial team… | View Profile |
![]() | Georgina James | Georgina James joined Farrer & Co as a Partner in Private Wealth… | View Profile |
![]() | Emily Jamieson | Emily is Counsel in the Corporate team. Emily advises corporate and commercial… | View Profile |
![]() | Paul Jones | Paul Jones is a commercial contracts expert with an exceptional track record… | View Profile |
![]() | Siobhan Jones | Siobhan specialises in all aspects of property related litigation and dispute resolution.… | View Profile |
![]() | Holly Jones | Holly advises individuals, families and trustees on tax issues, trust and company… | View Profile |
![]() | Elizabeth Jones | Elizabeth is the practice head for Charities at Farrer & Co. Elizabeth… | View Profile |
![]() | Alice Kendle | Alice advises individuals, institutions and corporate clients on a wide range of… | View Profile |
![]() | Caroline Kirby | Caroline specialises in planning, drafting, establishing, troubleshooting and restructuring UK and international… | View Profile |
![]() | Thomas Kirkman | Tom advises landowners on a wide range of rural matters, with a… | View Profile |
![]() | Krista Kojecky | Krista is a member of the Commercial Property Team. She specialises in… | View Profile |
![]() | Paul Krafft | Paul’s main area of practice is in advising private and institutional clients… | View Profile |
![]() | Katie Lancaster | Katie is a partner in the employment team and is head of… | View Profile |
![]() | Richard Lane | Richard advises on a broad range of corporate transactions including acquisitions, disposals… | View Profile |
![]() | Sally Lane | Sally is familiar with all legal aspects of a sale and purchase… | View Profile |
![]() | Fred Lee | Fred is in the Commercial Property team and advises on a wide… | View Profile |
![]() | Rachel Lewis | Rachel provides advice across a full spectrum of employment issues to a… | View Profile |
![]() | Robert Lewis | Robert advises on a range of contentious and non-contentious employment matters. Robert… | View Profile |
![]() | Ben Longworth | Ben advises corporate clients, high net worth individuals and not-for-profit organisations on… | View Profile |
![]() | Antonia Lyne | Antonia specialises in intellectual property, commercial and data protection law. She has… | View Profile |
![]() | Sam Macdonald | Sam is the Head of the Schools Group. He advises charities and… | View Profile |
![]() | James Maloney | James advises a broad range of charities and other organisations, including grant-making… | View Profile |
![]() | Helen Martin | Helen works on a wide variety of corporate matters for both private… | View Profile |
![]() | William Massey | William Massey is a partner at Farrer & Co and head of… | View Profile |
![]() | Athalie Matthews | Athalie is highly experienced in all aspects of the law surrounding reputation… | View Profile |
![]() | James Maxwell | James acts for private and institutional landowners in relation to the management… | View Profile |
![]() | Catherine McAleavey | Catherine advises individuals, families and trustees on UK capital tax and succession… | View Profile |
![]() | Richard McDermott | Richard advises on all aspects of trust law, wills, tax and estate… | View Profile |
![]() | Anthony McNamee | Anthony is a Senior Associate in the Planning and Environmental team. | View Profile |
![]() | Tom McPhail | Tom is a Senior Associate in the Contentious Trusts & Estates team.… | View Profile |
![]() | Alicia Mendonca-Richards | Alicia specialises in reputation management and contentious media. She advises both claimants… | View Profile |
![]() | Kelly Merris | Kelly is an associate in the Farrer & Co Family Team. She… | View Profile |
![]() | Alyson Morrell | View Profile | |
![]() | Francesca Mouncer | Francesca has experience working on high value residential transactions including freehold and… | View Profile |
![]() | Serena Nicholls | Serena provides advice to corporate, institutional and senior executive clients on a… | View Profile |
![]() | Matthew North | Matthew advises lenders and borrowers on a wide range of international and… | View Profile |
![]() | Susanna O'Leary | Susanna specialises in the sale and purchase of residential premises and the… | View Profile |
![]() | Owen O'Rorke | Owen joined Farrer & Co in 2014 having spent five years at… | View Profile |
![]() | Jo Ord | Jo assists on a wide variety of contentious matters for individual, institutional… | View Profile |
![]() | Isabel Paintin | Isabel advises predominantly UK-domiciled Private Clients and Charitable Organisations on a wide… | View Profile |
![]() | Adrian Parkhouse | Adrian is head of the art and heritage group. He has broad… | View Profile |
![]() | Lucy Penn | Lucy is an Associate in the Disputes team. She acts for both… | View Profile |
![]() | Andy Peterkin | Andy advises a wide range of financial institutions, including asset managers, private… | View Profile |
![]() | Karen Phull | Karen has extensive experience in a wide range of planning matters including… | View Profile |
![]() | Julian Pike | Julian heads Farrer & Co’s reputation management practice. He has more than… | View Profile |
![]() | Anne-Marie Piper | Anne-Marie is head of the Charities team. She acts for sponsors of… | View Profile |
![]() | Oliver Piper | Oliver advises individuals and institutions on all matters relating to the formation,… | View Profile |
![]() | Charmaine Pollock | Counsel | View Profile |
![]() | Nicola Pomfret | Nicola advises trustees, banks and high net worth individuals on tax and… | View Profile |
![]() | Joanna Poole | Joanna is a member of Farrer & Co’s specialist Contentious trusts and… | View Profile |
![]() | Simon Pring | Simon is head of the estates and private property team. He advises… | View Profile |
![]() | Hendrik Puschmann | Hendrik is co-head of Farrer & Co’s Arbitration group. Sources praise his… | View Profile |
![]() | Alice Quirk | Alice joined the Family Department as an associate in November 2017 after… | View Profile |
![]() | Amy Radnor | Amy joined Farrer & Co in 2018 from a Tier 1 central… | View Profile |
![]() | Jane Randell | Jane assists in a variety of contentious and non-contentious intellectual property and… | View Profile |
![]() | Laetitia Ransley | Laetitia is a Senior Associate in the Charity and Community team. Laetitia… | View Profile |
![]() | Philip Reed | Philip advises charity and not-for-profit clients on a wide range of charity… | View Profile |
![]() | Jessica Reed | Jessica advises a wide range of financial services firms, including asset managers,… | View Profile |
![]() | Natalie Rimmer | Natalie is an Associate in the Intellectual Property team. | View Profile |
![]() | Catherine Rogers | Catherine advises predominately UK-domiciled clients on wills and estate planning, including advising… | View Profile |
![]() | Eleanor Rowswell | Eleanor is an experienced employment lawyer who advises both senior executives and… | View Profile |
![]() | Katy Ruddell | Katy has extensive experience in financial services law, both in-house and in… | View Profile |
![]() | Tom Rudkin | Tom is an Partner in Farrer & Co’s Reputation Management practice, and… | View Profile |
![]() | Elizabeth Sainsbury | Elizabeth advises on a wide range of commercial, trust and private wealth… | View Profile |
![]() | Henry Sainty | Henry is head of the media, entertainment and technology group. He specialises… | View Profile |
![]() | Helen Sculthorpe | Helen has extensive experience of residential property transactions, both freehold and leasehold,… | View Profile |
![]() | Clare Serenyi | Clare works for a wide variety of clients on private family law… | View Profile |
![]() | Sonal Shah | Sonal’s work focuses on landed estates, high value probate matters with cross-border… | View Profile |
![]() | Richard Shillito | Richard advises print and online publishers on libel, privacy, contempt and related… | View Profile |
![]() | David Smellie | David is head of the Employment team. He has wide experience of… | View Profile |
![]() | Julian Smith | Julian has specialised in advising charities since 1994, and acts for a wide… | View Profile |
![]() | Annabel Spearman | Annabel is a Senior Associate in the Private Client Services team. Annabel… | View Profile |
![]() | Rose Spencer-Longhurst | Rose works on a wide range of family matters, contentious and non-contentious… | View Profile |
![]() | Alison Springett | Alison provides tax and trust planning advice to UK domiciled and resident… | View Profile |
![]() | Henry Stevens | Henry is experienced in acting in a wide variety of commercial real… | View Profile |
![]() | Maria Strauss | Maria specialises in contentious business, dispute resolution and employment law for Religious… | View Profile |
![]() | Nandini Sur | Nandini Sur is an Associate in our Banking and Financial Services team.… | View Profile |
![]() | Daisy Tarnowska | Daisy works on a broad range of family law matters, both contentious… | View Profile |
![]() | Frederick Tatham | Freddie works on a broad range of family law matters, both contentious… | View Profile |
![]() | Caroline Tatham | Caroline is a Senior Associate in the Banking and Finance team. | View Profile |
![]() | Anthony Turner | Anthony is a partner in the corporate team. He advises both corporate… | View Profile |
![]() | Katy Tydeman | Katy advises a range of institutional and private landowners on agricultural and… | View Profile |
![]() | Caroline Vollers (née Pearce) | Caroline has experience working with both international and UK-domiciled clients needing advice… | View Profile |
![]() | Rhoddy Voremberg | Private client lawyer Rhoddy Voremberg has significant experience advising individuals and families… | View Profile |
![]() | Simon Ward | Simon advises on private company acquisitions, disposals and fundraisings. Simon specialises in… | View Profile |
![]() | Bethan Waters | Bethan assists on a wide variety of banking matters. She works with… | View Profile |
![]() | Sarah-Jane Watson | Sarah-Jane specialises in employment law. She advises employers and employees on a… | View Profile |
![]() | Barbara Webb | Barbara advises a broad range of corporate, institutional and private clients on… | View Profile |
![]() | Hannah Whyatt | Hannah deals with a range of clients including charitable trusts and companies,… | View Profile |
![]() | Peter Wienand | Peter is head of the IP and commercial team. His practice areas… | View Profile |
![]() | Hugh Wigzell | Partner | View Profile |
![]() | John Wilkinson | John is a Partner in the Dispute Resolution team. John is highly… | View Profile |
![]() | Graham Williams | Graham has over 25 years’ experience in the field of pensions law… | View Profile |
![]() | Alice Yandle | Alice is a Senior Associate in the Employment and Safeguarding teams. Alice… | View Profile |
![]() | Nyla Yousuf | Nyla specialises in corporate insolvency with detailed knowledge of the various formal… | View Profile |
![]() | Emily Zethraeus | Emily is familiar with the issues which can arise in relation to… | View Profile |
![]() | Sarah von Schmidt | Sarah specialises in advising wealthy individuals and their families, entrepreneurs and landowning… | View Profile |
Staff Figures
Number of UK partners : 74 Number of other UK fee-earners : 186Diversity
Farrer & Co is committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive workplace where everyone is able to thrive and bring their whole self to work.
We recognise the importance of 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, or sexual orientation.
We value individuality and we celebrate the different contributions we can each make to the firm.
We also value the wellbeing of our people and pride ourselves on being a supportive employer, taking reasonable and practical steps to help them to balance their careers with other aspects of their lives. We think this is reflected in the fact that we have an exceptionally low staff turnover.
Diversity and inclusion enriches the culture of the firm and means that we are better positioned to continue to provide a first-class service to our clients.
Student (The Lex 100 )
The Lex 100 Verdict
‘The clients, the training, the work and the culture combine to make a firm that is truly unique’. The London firm’s ‘illustrious history comprises a crucial part of who we are but at the same time there is a conscious effort to be a welcoming, diverse and forward-thinking business’. Farrer & Co is ‘full of friendly people who care deeply about your experience and progression’ and trainees love being given the ‘opportunity to run a few of the smaller matters’ as part of their training. An excellent work/life balance and very high job satisfaction levels have earned Farrer two Lex 100 Winner awards in these categories. ‘Beautiful and historic offices’ in London’s Lincoln’s Inn are the cherry on top of the cake. For years trainees have longed for a communal space in the office for dining and socialising purposes and, according to respondents, such an area is in the process of being built. As for the six-seat rotation: ‘although it is great to be able to experience lots of different practice areas, you have little choice over your seats’. Best moments included ‘drafting an article that wasn’t amended by the supervising partner and has been used in successful pitches’ and ‘attending a family hearing and being personally responsible for various aspects of it’. On the flip side, one trainee’s worst moment was ‘forgetting to take off my tacky Christmas jumper before a call with a serious corporate client’! For a firm with a ‘broad practice, incredible clients and top lawyers which is also social, friendly, inclusive and caring’, consider Farrer & Co.- Corporate and commercial > M&A: smaller deals, up to £50m
- Corporate and commercial > Partnership
- Dispute resolution > Commercial litigation: mid-market
- Employment > Senior executives
- Private client > Agriculture and estates
- Private client > Art and cultural property
- Private client > Charities and not-for-profit
- Private client > Contentious trusts and probate
- Private client > Family
- Private client > Personal tax, trusts and probate
- Public sector > Education: institutions
- Public sector > Education: schools
- Real estate > Residential property
- TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Media and entertainment (including media finance)
Top Tier Firm Rankings
- Investment fund formation and management > Retail funds
- TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Reputation management
- TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Sport
Firm Rankings
- Crime, fraud and licensing > Fraud: civil
- Employment > Employers
- Real estate > Commercial property: development
- Real estate > Property litigation
- Real estate > Commercial property: investment
- Real estate > Planning
- TMT (technology, media and telecoms) > Intellectual property: trade marks, copyright and design
- Employment > Immigration
- Real estate > Construction: non-contentious
- Real estate > Property finance
- Risk advisory > Data protection, privacy and cybersecurity