Payne Hicks Beach LLP

James advises on trust and succession law and tax. His work covers estate planning, trust variations, contentious trust and estate work, heritage property taxation, charities and the commercial use of trusts. His clients are UK and overseas individuals and families, landed estates throughout the UK, and trustees, trust protectors and beneficiaries in the UK and abroad. James is the English contributor to Bloomsbury’s International Succession Laws and was one of a number of contributors to Maggioli Editore’s Il Trust Nella Nuova Legislazione di San Marino. James is listed in the Citywealth Leaders List in the Honours List for Contentious Trusts and Landed Estates.

Max Baird-Smith

Max Baird-Smith is a partner and Head of the Corporate department. Max advises on a broad mixture of corporate and commercial transactions, including acquisitions and disposals, joint ventures, private-equity investments and fund raisings. He advises across a range of sectors, including consumer and retail, education, energy, financial services, infrastructure, media & telecommunications, natural resources, property and technology. He has represented sovereign wealth funds, significant groups and private capital funds across his career and brings this experience to the firm’s family office and high-net-worth client base. He has extensive experience handling complex cross-border matters, regularly working across Europe, the US, the Middle East and Africa. Max speaks French and  is qualified in England and Wales (solicitor) and a member of the French bar (non-practising). A partner since 2013, Max is a graduate of Oxford University and qualified at Slaughter and May in 2005.

Hanna is a recognised leader in the field of defamation, privacy and breach of confidence, having acted in a number of landmark cases in the High Court. As well as litigation, Hanna has a wealth of experience in media and crisis management and advises clients on strategies for preventing and dealing with significant reputational attacks. She is able to put a responsive strategy in place quickly and effectively when clients are facing unwanted media attention. She skilfully manages media storms. Hanna also acts for her clients in more general litigation, regulatory matters, employment disputes and inquests where maintaining reputation or privacy is key. She has been involved in a number of high profile inquests, disciplinary hearings, employment claims and sports disputes, representing clients in the High Court, before coroners and before governing and regulatory bodies.

Georgina Bayley

Georgina is a partner in the Dispute Resolution department. She has advised and represented a wide variety of clients including high net worth individuals, commercial organisations, charities, public authorities and coroners in litigation and arbitration (both international and domestic) for over 16 years. Georgina specialises in heavyweight commercial disputes, both international and domestic. Her experience includes dealing with complex contractual disputes, fraud, shareholder issues, contentious insolvency and arbitration. She also often advises in relation to jurisdictional issues, injunctive relief, dispute resolution and governing law clauses and enforcement issues. Georgina also has a particular interest in, and experience of, judicial review matters. She is regularly instructed by coroners seeking specialist advice on coronial law in relation to inquests and has also advised public authorities on bringing procurement challenges against public bodies. In recent years, Georgina has assisted with high value employment claims (in the High Court) and judicial reviews (the latter, in particular, in relation to coronial law).

Marisa Beccarelli

Marisa is a Legal Director in the Property department at Payne Hicks Beach. Marisa is experienced in a broad range of commercial property work including acquisitions and disposals, refinancing, drafting and negotiating leases and conditional leasing agreements for prelets. She acts for institutional landlords and tenants and commercial investors and is part of a specialist team which deals with complex developments and corporate acquisitions and disposals. Marisa also deals with sales and acquisitions of residential property for high net worth clients, charities and landed estates. Marisa provides support to the Corporate department on property related issues across the full range of transactional work including acquisitions and disposals, reorganisations and the transfer of undertakings. Specifically, this comprises conducting property related due diligence and preparing due diligence reports, advising on warranties and indemnities in the sale and purchase documentation, preparing new licenses to assign and new leases as required, and on all related property matters.

Simon has an extensive and busy family law practice specialising right across the spectrum of divorce, financial claims, civil partnership disputes, co-habitee disputes and disputes relating to children. In addition, he advises on and drafts cohabitation, separation and pre-nuptial agreements, of which there are a growing number. Much of his work includes an international element and he frequently advises on choice of jurisdiction as well as on the removal of children out of the jurisdiction. Simon's clients have included nationals of the USA, Canada, Australia, Saudi Arabia, Dubai, France, Germany, Italy, Spain and Poland, and from the sports of horse racing, tennis and golf. Simon is at the cutting edge of developing Family Law and is in a unique position of having had two family law cases heard in the House of Lords/Supreme Court, which have been reported both nationally and internationally. Simon acted for Pamela White in the ground-breaking decision on the distribution of property and assets on divorce, White v White (2000), which provides for equality as the starting point in the division of assets to ensure the absence of discrimination between the breadwinner on the one hand and the homemaker on the other. This is still the current law. Simon acted for Tini Owens in Tini Owens v Hugh John Owens (2018) in which the Supreme Court refused her a divorce notwithstanding the fact that the marriage had broken down irretrievably and the parties had separated. The Supreme Court upheld the decision of the lower courts that in spite of Mrs Owens having provided 27 examples of Mr Owens's behaviour towards her, he had not behaved in such a way that she could not reasonably be expected to live with him. In the light of the Judgment in Tini Owens v Hugh John Owens, widespread sympathy for Mrs Owens for the way in which she had been treated by the Courts and the overwhelming support from the public, the media, judges, lawyers and politicians for a change in the law, the Government has passed the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020 to bring in "no fault" divorce. The purpose of this Act is to allow married couples to divorce without assigning blame for the marriage breakdown. The Act came into force on 6 April 2022 and has been well received. Simon's other reported cases include Court of Appeal decisions: In the Matter of R (Children) (2016) a Court of Appeal Judgment of Lords Justices McFarlane and Lindblom dismissing a father’s appeal against losing direct contact with his children. Hayat Youssef Alireza v Hossam Youssef Ibrahim Radwan and Others (2017) a widely reported Court of Appeal Judgement of Lady Justice Gloster, Law Justice Lewison and Lady Justice King relating to extent to which a prospective inheritance was capable of being a financial resource which could be taken into account in an application for financial relief in divorce proceedings. The case was remitted back to the High Court to determine extent of the lump sum Ms Alireza should receive from Mr Radwan. Tini Owens v Hugh John Owens (2017) a widely reported Court of Appeal Judgment of the President of the Family Division, Sir James Munby, Lady Justice Hallett and Lady Justice Macur refusing the wife a divorce. High Court decisions: RH v RH (2008) a High Court Judgment of Mr Justice Singer relating to financial remedy claims on divorce and costs. Seagrove v Sullivan (2014) a High Court Judgment of Mr Justice Holman in a cohabitee dispute involving claims under The Trusts of Law and Appointment of Trustees Act and under Schedule 1 of The Children Act. NR v AB (Financial Remedies) (2016) a High Court Judgment of Mrs Justice Roberts relating to financial remedy claims on divorce, the principle of the clean break and extent to which a prospective inheritance was capable of being a financial resource which could be taken into account in an application for financial relief in divorce proceedings. K, L and M (Children) (Child Arrangements Order) (2016) a High Court Judgment of Ms Justice Russell relating to child arrangements re a father losing direct contact with his children due to his conduct towards them. ABX and SBX and DX (2018) a High Court Judgment of Mr Justice Francis relating to financial remedy claims on divorce and issues concerning add backs, section 37 (set aside) applications and offer letters. MY v FY (2020) a High Court Judgment of Ms Justice Russell relating to child arrangements concerning an 8 year old boy and the Father’s wish to see him in circumstances where, whilst he undoubtedly loved his son, he had behaviour issues which made supervised contact necessary. SBX v ABX (2022) a High Court Judgment of Mr Justice Francis relating to Article 12 of the European Maintenance Regulations and whether various financial applications relating to the payment of school fees, mortgage, spousal and child periodical payments should be determined in England or in Country A, an unnamed Continental European Country which is part of the European Union. In this case, the Court determined that England was not the appropriate jurisdiction for these matters to be resolved and that Country A was seized with jurisdiction to deal with them. L v O (Stay of Order; Hadkinson Order; Security for Costs) (2024) a High Court Judgment of Mr Justice Cobb which provides helpful guidance on potential interim remedies available in a case where one party is seeking to set aside a final financial order. In this case, the husband alleged that there had been a supervening event which invalidated the basis upon which the final order had been made. Given that all his assets were abroad, the Court ordered that, as a condition of him pursuing his set aside application, he should have to provide the wife with security for her costs of £480,000 so that if his application failed and a costs order was made against him, the wife would be covered for her legal costs. and a Central Family Court/Count Court decision: WK v GC (2023) a decision of HHJ Hess in which we obtained successfully on an application to vary a spousal maintenance order made in 2004, a capitalised lump sum based on an increased level of spousal maintenance to effect a clean break. It addressed issues such as housing and income needs, retirement, pensions, downsizing properties and inheritance prospects which matters are frequently raised when parties approach or reach retirement. Whilst Simon has acted in numerous contested and reported cases, nearly all his cases (95%+) are resolved through negotiation and reaching agreement outside contested court proceedings. Simon is recommended by the law directories as a leading family lawyer, including Chambers, Legal Experts and The Legal 500 UK in which he is highlighted for “his work with an international element”. Quotes include: “Simon Beccle was exceptionally responsive and conscientious and was measured and helpful” and “Simon Beccle is empathetic and wise – client care is second to none.” He is listed in the Honours List for Leading Family & Matrimonial Lawyers in the Citywealth Leaders List 2024 and in The Spear’s Family Lawyers Index 2025 as "Top Recommended" with recognition that “Across his three-decade career, Beccle has fought cases at the very highest levels, including the Supreme Court and the House of Lords.” Simon is regularly quoted in the national and legal press.

Hannah is an associate in the Corporate department. Hannah has experience across a range of corporate and commercial matters, including the sale and purchase of companies and assets, company incorporation and structuring, shareholder arrangements, and advising upon a wide variety of commercial agreements across many different industry sectors. Hannah advises a broad range of clients, including entrepreneurs, start-ups, family businesses and private companies of all sizes.

Frederick Bjørn

Frederick is a Partner in the Private Client Department He acts for UK and international high net worth individuals, advising on tax issues for non-domiciliaries and cross border migration; the establishment and restructuring of onshore and offshore trusts and Wills and estate planning (including strategic succession planning for family businesses). Frederick’s practice can be divided into three distinct parts: 1) Scandinavian clients – Frederick is well connected within the UK based Scandinavian community and regularly advises clients from the region on their cross border estate planning – in conjunction with various local advisors. 2) UK resident US clients – Frederick works extensively with US lawyers and accountants to optimise estate planning for UK based individuals with US assets and / or other US connections. He is a regular speaker at ‘US/UK’ conferences. 3) Advising on strategic family governance for multi generational, entrepreneurial businesses, both in terms of transfers of wealth and control and asset protection. Frederick has extensive experience in this area and was awarded distinctions in both the STEP Advanced Certificate in Advising Family Business and the STEP Advanced Certificate in Family Business Governance. Frederick was elected to the STEP Business Families Global SIG Steering Committee in 2023. Frederick is a regular speaker at industry conferences and private events on a variety of private client related topics. He has contributed to various publications including: 1) Co-chairing the Thought Leaders 4 Non Dom Conference 2) Speaking at the Though Leaders 4 Webinar "Family Offices: A luxury of a Necessity" 3) Attending as a panellist at Informa's Transatlantic Wealth & Estate Planning 4) Attending as a panellist at Thought Leaders 4 Transatlantic Tax Conference 5) Speaking at Informa's Guernsey and Jersey Private Client Conference

Alex is a Senior Associate in the Property department. Alex advises on a range of property transactions, with a particular focus on commercial acquisitions and disposals, corporate occupier and development work and transactions involving agricultural land. Alexander acts for private individuals, corporate clients, investors, developers and trusts.

Matthew advises clients in relation to a broad range of family law issues arising on the breakdown of marriage or cohabitation/relationships. He has a particular interest in dealing with private children matters, including leave to remove cases (where one parent wishes to relocate together with any children of the family) and disputes surrounding children's living and contact arrangements (determining with whom they live and the time they spend with their other parent). In addition Matthew is a qualified Family Mediator and sits on the London Committee of Resolution (formerly known as the Solicitors’ Family Law Association, a national organisation for Family Lawyers).

Kathryn Bradbury

Kathryn is Partner and Head of the Citizenship & Immigration department and a member of the firm's Management Board. Kathryn has practised across the spectrum of UK immigration and nationality law for over 24 years. She has extensive experience in applications under the investor, global talent, and innovator categories for high net worth and high profile individuals. She is also highly experienced in sponsor licence and skilled worker applications. She has significant expertise in applications for British citizenship and in complex applications and litigation.

Robert Brodrick

Robert is Chair of the Payne Hicks Beach Management Board and a Partner in the firm’s Private Client department. With over 25 years’ experience, Robert provides specialist tax, trust and estate planning advice for wealthy individuals, their advisers and trustees. His clients include non-domiciliaries, UK-based families, international families with assets in multiple jurisdictions, landed estate owners and business people. His practice includes three core geographic areas: Middle East, US/UK and UK domestic (including UK resident non-doms). Robert is a Trustee of a number of UK trusts including several that hold heritage assets, and he also acts as Executor and is a Court appointed Administrator of a large contentious estate. He also acts as Protector in relation to offshore trusts. He advises on contentious trust and probate work, and has recently been involved in applications to vary and rectify trusts both in the UK and offshore. Robert has developed a reputation for advising a number of high-profile US families based in the UK (alongside their existing US advisers) and is very experienced at advising Middle Eastern families on the creation and reorganisation of trusts, including Sharia compliant structures. He is known for his sensitive handling of complicated family situations. Robert is a member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners. He is a prolific legal commentator, speaking at conferences and seminars in a number of locations worldwide, including London, New York, Geneva, Bahrain, Dubai, Bermuda and the Cayman Islands. Robert has received numerous industry awards throughout his career. He is regarded as ‘outstanding in his field’ and classed as ‘one of the world’s elite private client lawyers providing expertise to ultra-high net worth clients’.

Sir Robert Buckland KC

The Rt Hon Sir Robert Buckland KBE KC MP KC is the Head of Policy and Senior Counsel. Robert joined Payne Hicks Beach in March 2023. Sir Robert Buckland KC was Lord Chancellor of Great Britain for over two years and served as HM Solicitor General for nearly five years prior to that. He has over twenty-five years’ experience in practice at the Bar, both at the self-employed Bar and later as a Law Officer. As Lord Chancellor, he was responsible for landmark reforms of Sentencing Law, Domestic Abuse Law and Divorce Law in England and Wales, and has immense direct experience both as a Bill Minister and as a backbencher in the development, scrutiny and passage of legislation through Parliament, including justice, constitutional law and national security legislation. He therefore has huge experience of criminal, constitutional and public law both as practitioner and law maker. For nearly twenty years from the early 1990s, practising in Swansea and then Cardiff, after initial practice in general common law, Robert specialised in criminal ligation, most notably drugs offences, proceeds of crime and child sexual abuse, rising to be a Grade 4 CPS Prosecutor and member of the Attorney General’s A List of Prosecuting Counsel. He was junior prosecution counsel in a wide range of cases from murder to conspiracy to defraud and health and safety. He had a busy defence practice, regularly conducting work as a Leading Defence Junior in complex drugs conspiracies. He has extensive experience in defending sexual abuse cases, including child sexual abuse and was often a led defence junior in murders and other complex cases. He took silk in 2014. During Roberts time as HM Solicitor General he advised the Government on legal issues relating to all proposed legislation, and on issues that required Law Officer input (ie inter-departmental issues); granted consents to many CPS and SFO prosecutions and Contempt of Court proceedings, made High Court referrals for the reopening of Inquests and reviewed thousands of Crown Court sentences as part of the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme, personally conducting over 40 cases in the Court of Appeal. He was responsible for the approval or otherwise of Nolle Prosequi applications, Pardons and Royal Charters. He superintended the work of the CPS, the SFO and the Government Legal Department.

Camellia Buckmaster

Camellia is a Legal Director in the Family department. Camellia specialises in ultra/high net worth cases and advises on the full range of matrimonial finance work including pre-nuptial agreements, Schedule 1 cases (financial provision for the benefit of a child of unmarried parents), Part III claims, jurisdictional disputes and complex financial claims upon divorce. She also advises on all aspects of private children law including cases with complex and contentious contact arrangements with jurisdictional or harm factors in play and relocation applications. Her practice covers co-habitation and separation agreements, Non-Molestation and Occupation Orders and her cases often involve an international element and/or complex trust structures. Her practice covers co-habitation and separation agreements, Non-Molestation and Occupation Orders and her cases often involve an international element and/or complex trust structures. Work Highlights • BR v BR (No.2) [2025] EWFC 88 (valuation and division of business assets) • Helliwell v Entwistle [2024] EWHC 740 • Helliwell v Entwistle [2024] EWHC 1298 • Standish v Standish [2024] EWCA Civ 567 • Potanin v Potanina [2024] UKSC 3 • Collardeau-Fuchs v Fuchs [2022] EWFC 6 • WX v HX & NX and LX [2021] EWHC 241 • Potanina v Potanin [2021] EWCA Civ 702 • Potanin v Potanina [2019] EWHC 2956 • M (Children) (Non-Hague Convention State) [2020] EWCA Civ 277 Awards/Rankings Ranked - As a Recommended Lawyer in The Legal 500 UK 2025/2024 Ranked - As an Associate to Watch in Chambers and Partners 2025 (Family/Matrimonial: High Net Worth) and 2025 (Family/Matrimonial: Ultra High Net Worth) Ranked - As a Rising Star in the Spear's Family Lawyer Index 2025/2024 Award - Gold - Family Lawyer of the Year, Senior/Managing Associate - Citywealth Future Leaders 2023 Ranked - Chambers and Partners 2023/2022

Sarah Buechel (née Thursby-Pelham)

Sarah is an Associate in the Private Client department. Sarah advises UK tax resident and international individuals, onshore and offshore trustees, executors and administrators, landed estates and partnerships on a wide variety of matters, including advice on: estate planning, wills and codicils, with a particular focus on ensuring that clients have arrangements in place which are tax efficient and which achieve their aims for their family and succession planning; the planning opportunities arising from the October 2024 Budget, including the implications of the foreign income and gains regime (FIG regime), the temporary repatriation facility (TRF) and the changes to business relief (formerly known as business property relief, BPR) and agricultural property relief (APR) from inheritance tax (IHT); arriving/leaving the UK, tax residence under the statutory residence test (SRT) and double taxation treaties; trusts comprised of family wealth, farming/agricultural assets and business assets; applications for probate and the administration of high value estates, including estates with claims for business relief on family run businesses, estates with assets in multiple jurisdictions and estates against which claims for financial provision have been made by disappointed beneficiaries under the 1975 Act; and mental capacity matters in the context of lifetime gifts, wills and lasting powers of attorney (LPAs).

Rupert Burchett

Rupert is a Partner and Head of the Property department and the Landed Estates and Agriculture team, advising on a wide range of property-related rural matters. Rupert’s specialism is in property-related rural matters, from sales and purchases of landed estates and farms to re-financings, partitions, easements, sporting leases, agricultural tenancies and licences and commercial tenancies of diversified agri-businesses. Rupert acts for landowning clients and buyers in relation to all aspects of rural property, including sales and purchases of farms and estates, first registrations, option agreements, easements and rights of way, sporting rights, agricultural tenancies and licences and commercial tenancies of diversified agri-businesses (including sporting leases). He is regularly involved with some of the more esoteric aspects of this type of work, including dealing with land subject to the Settled Land Act 1925 and advising on notices to quit pursuant to the Agricultural Holdings Act 1986.

Beatrice Caldwell

Beatrice is an Associate in the Family department. Beatrice has expertise in a full range of family related matters including divorce, pre and post-nuptial agreements, financial settlements and children matters. She has experience of resolving matters both by agreement and through litigation.

Sam is a Partner in the Private Client department. Sam is a trusted adviser to international families, their trustees and advisers on all aspects of personal and trust taxation, succession planning and asset protection. He specialises in the creation and implementation of tax efficient trusts and other structures to ringfence global assets. Most commonly these are either offshore assets for UK resident (or UK connected) non-UK domiciliaries, or UK situs assets, especially real estate, trading businesses and art collections, for non-UK resident, and multi-resident families. He advises widely on complex disputes with HMRC, and on how to avoid such disputes. Sam often advises on cross-border tax issues, and on trusts with beneficiaries resident in several jurisdictions. Frequently this involves individuals moving to or from the US, UK or continental Europe. Sam has dealt with dozens of jurisdictions, but has particular experience in solving problems for UHNW individuals from or moving to France, Monaco, Switzerland, Jersey, South Africa, Israel and the US. He is particularly renowned as an adviser to professional trustees in the Channel Islands and Switzerland. He has frequently provided talks to trustee companies in both these locations over the past eighteen years. Although this work is also largely tax driven, Sam also advises on pure trust or succession problems, including on how to secure, or safely divide or fully distribute a trust. Sam has advised trustees on Public Trustee v Cooper blessing applications, one of which involved advisers in eight jurisdictions. He also has a longstanding UK based practice, drafting complex Wills and bespoke trusts, advising UK resident trustees on UK tax, succession (including to trading companies) and philanthropy, acting as a trustee or executor, advising on powers of attorney and Court of Protection applications, generally arising from high value estate planning. Increasingly this work also has a non-UK element as UK families more often acquire foreign properties or foreign spouses.

George is an Associate in the Employment department, with four years’ experience in acting alongside Peter McRoberts for senior executives in the banking, finance, property, legal, fashion, and wealth management industries. He has assisted in advising CEOs and CFOs of major companies as well as partners in Limited Liability Partnerships. George regularly advises these Senior Executives on negotiations regarding exit packages and resolving actual or potential disputes. This includes advising on unfair dismissal and whistleblowing claims, with a particular focus on health, professional conduct, regulatory and reputational issues. He also advises on often complex discrimination cases including disability and sex discrimination issues and equal pay claims. He assists in high value settlement negotiations, mediations, and Employment Tribunal litigation. On the other side of the coin, George also regularly assists in litigation, representing respondents in unfair dismissal, wages, breach of contract, and discrimination claims in the Employment Tribunals alongside James Townsend and Domonique McRae. On the non-litigious side, George has experience assisting on a broad range of employment law issues, including advising employers on TUPE and redundancy processes and both employers and senior executives on contractual and statutory obligations, including post-termination restrictions. George assisted in the high profile case of Ramchandani v Citibank in 2019 where Peter McRoberts represented Rohan Ramchandani, a former Citibank forex trader, who succeeded in his unfair dismissal claim. He also assisted in the well reported case of Richard Bowley v Rio Tinto involving whistleblowing claims against Rio Tinto regarding the Oyu Tolgoi mine in Mongolia. More recently, he successfully represented two individual respondents in the case of Mr A Ali vs Paradox Media Group (in liquidation) and others 3300605/2023 where the claims for detriments suffered due to having made whistleblowing disclosures were dismissed in their entity, the Tribunal preferring the respondents’ evidence on every point, and finding that no whistleblowing disclosures capable of protection had been made.

Neasa is a Partner in the Private Client department. Neasa focuses her practice on the charitable sector and advises grant makers, operating charities, public sector bodies, commercial clients and philanthropists on risk management, governance, regulation, commercial projects and sustainable finance. Neasa is a trusted and commercially astute adviser to boards and trustees, providing nuanced advice and supporting them to navigate change and deal with complex risk and regulatory-related problems. She has deep expertise in advising grant-makers and philanthropists on governance, regulation and risk management, in social investment and sustainable finance, and in acting for corporates and corporate foundations on their dealings with the not-for-profit sector. She is also experienced in advising on faith-based and interfaith charitable work. Neasa is interested in emerging issues as they affect the charitable and not-for-profit sectors, including in relation to technology, sustainable finance, and taxation. Neasa speaks regularly at conferences on charity law and practice. Recent subjects include sustainable finance, cryptocurrency donations, governance issues for the faith-based sector, cross-border giving, and the use of donor-advised funds. Neasa is the contributor to the chapter on Royal Charters in the Encyclopaedia of Forms and Precedents (2025).

Evelyn is an Associate in the Family department. Evelyn advises clients in relation to a wide range of family law issues including divorce, finances, children and issues arising from domestic abuse. Evelyn has a particular focus on private children law, advising parents in private children proceedings often regarding child arrangements including lives with and contact arrangements. Evelyn has experience advising parents in respect of the safeguarding of children within schools and advising parents in cases where alienating behaviours are alleged. Evelyn is a member of the Modern Family Team, advising on matters including surrogacy and adoption. Evelyn also advises on the implications of donor conception and assisted fertility from a family law perspective. Evelyn successfully acted on behalf of the adopters in the contested adoption case of Prospective Adopters v London Borough of Ealing and Ors [2023] EWFC 294 (B). This was a case with particularly complicating and sensitive features. Please read the case here. Evelyn also advises on family law issues arising in contemplation of marriage, for example Pre-Nuptial and Post-Nuptial agreements, and on divorce or dissolution. This includes financial remedy proceedings including following the breakdown of a marriage. Evelyn also has experience in Schedule I proceedings (where unmarried partners seek a financial award for their child(ren) following separation from their former partner) and Notice to Show Cause applications where a party seeks that an agreement made between the parties is upheld. Evelyn has acted on behalf of clients in proceedings arising under the Family Law Act 1996 (applications for non-molestation and occupation orders) where a client has experienced domestic abuse, including coercive and controlling behaviour, by their former partner. Evelyn also has experience with vulnerable clients.

Emma is a Partner in the Property department. She advises on all aspects of residential property with particular expertise in landlord and tenant matters, leasehold enfranchisement development, complex funding arrangements, acting for clients from overseas and ancillary tax matters. Emma acts for private individuals, investors, developers, banks and institutions. She frequently acts for clients from overseas and often leads teams of advisers in a number of different jurisdictions. When acting for private individuals buying property for their own use, Emma offers a ‘turnkey’ service: formulating the offer, acting on the acquisition, advising on tax and structuring and assisting with all aspects the development of the property. As a result of the personal service that Emma delivers, she has built longstanding close relationships with many of her clients. She is a trusted adviser to individuals and families, in many cases providing advice and support to three generations. Emma is author Hill & Redman's Law of landlord and tenant: residential tenancies precedents.

Dominic Crossley

Dominic is Head of the Dispute Resolution Department and Privacy & Media Law Team at Payne Hicks Beach. He is a highly experienced litigator and trusted advisor who is well known for his specialism in the law of privacy, breach of confidence, defamation and harassment, but the nature of his clients and instructions has led to him being instructed in cases covering a multitude of issues. Clients contact Dominic to resolve complex business and personal disputes, and when they are subject to unwanted national and international media intrusion. Dominic acts to protect against and investigate malicious reputational attack, and deal with social media misuse; suspected unlawful breach of privacy and loss of confidential information, including by way of phone-hacking or cyber-crime. Dominic is also instructed where clients are subject to stalking, harassment and unlawful threats. For over two decades he has acted in leading cases for well-known actors, leading businesspeople and companies, politicians, sportspersons and musicians. He is often instructed at times of crisis, and in relation to sensitive, complex issues. Inevitably, the majority of Dominic’s work is highly confidential; however, instructions in the public domain include: acting for Princess Haya in her proceedings against Sheikh Mohammed al Maktoum (in the High Court and Court of Appeal); representing Steve Coogan; acting in Max Mosley’s case against the News of the World; and the Leveson Inquiry, in which Dominic acted for all of the 53 “Core Participant Victims”. He has acted in ground-breaking privacy claims in all appellate courts including the European Court of Human Rights.

Alex is a Senior Associate in the Family department at Payne Hicks Beach. Alex is described by the legal directories as “an iron fist in a velvet glove” with an “intelligent, eloquent approach to cases [which] makes the unarguable appear arguable.” Alex is ranked in Chambers High Net Worth 2025, Chambers UK 2025 and The Legal 500 UK 2025. He is named as one of the 2024 eprivateclient NextGen Leaders. Alex is recognised as "a star of the future" and for being "bright, clever, engaged, driven and having a really good feel for cases". Alex's field of expertise spans the spectrum of private family law matters, although he predominantly specialises in advising on the financial issues arising upon the breakdown of marriage for high and ultra-high net worth individuals and their spouses. He has worked on cases that have been heard in the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court and has acted for and against Premier League footballers, musicians, business leaders, the ultra-wealthy and City bankers. The work that Alex undertakes will often feature international individuals or assets, with complex asset structures involving trusts, businesses and nuptial agreements, the drafting of which, he regularly deals with. He has a wealth of experience in dealing with applications for emergency injunctive relief to preserve assets or to rectify wrongful interference with them. Alex is also accustomed to advising and representing clients in proceedings concerning financial provision for the children of unmarried parents. Alex’s children law experience has seen him act on cases involving applications for leave to remove to the United States and working on cases involving risks of international child abduction and securing appropriate safeguards (including the biggest financial bond ever reported to permit international travel) in Switzerland, Monaco, France, Dubai and India. He has successfully pursued and obtained findings in proceedings involving the falsification of physical and sexual abuse allegations, coaching and parental alienation. Alex is able to bring a wealth of experience to his clients to assist them in identifying their aims and objectives and devising a clear and strategic path to obtain them by providing pragmatic and coherent advice. He is adept at working with conciliatory and constructive methods of dispute resolution just as much as he is litigating proceedings when required. Cases of note include: AS v RS [2024] EWFC 32 (B) AS v RS [2023] EWFC 284 (B) AS v RS (Matrimonial and Family Proceedings Act: Part III Application) [2023] EWFC 283 (B) LKM v NPM [2022] EWHC 140 (Fam) AB v CD [2021] EWFC 38 AB v CD and C (no2) [2019] EWHC 2244 (Fam) AB v CD and C [2019] EWHC 1695 (Fam)

Aoife Devereaux

Aoife is an Associate in the Family department. Aoife advises clients in relation to a wide range of family law issues, both contentious and non-contentious, which may arise during cohabitation, in contemplation of marriage and on divorce or dissolution. This includes nuptial agreements, financial remedy proceedings and private law children matters.

Orlaith Devereaux

Orlaith is a Senior Associate in the Family department. Orlaith advises clients in relation to a broad range of family law issues arising in contemplation of marriage, during cohabitation and on the breakdown of a relationship. Her work covers all areas of family law, including divorce, financial remedy proceedings, obtaining/defending non-molestation and occupation orders, cohabitation issues and private law children law matters. These issues often also have an international dimension or the involvement of competing jurisdictions.

Basil advises individuals, trustees, family offices and estate managers on a wide range of complex tax, trust, estate and succession planning and philanthropic issues. Basil's practice is broad-based and encompasses the whole spectrum of private client onshore and offshore work. He frequently advises on ultra-high net worth matters with his clients ranging from landed estates with the deepest of roots in the UK to those with no connection with the UK at all. Basil advises on issues concerning onshore and offshore tax planning, the establishment and use of trusts and other structures, US/UK planning, family governance, philanthropy and conflict of laws. Basil works closely with trustees, lawyers and other advisers in a number of jurisdictions including France, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, the Channel Islands, the Caribbean, Singapore, India, the Middle East, the US and Canada.

Clementine Dowley

Clementine is a partner at Payne Hicks Beach specialising in private wealth disputes. She acts for beneficiaries, trustees and other fiduciaries on a wide range of trust and estate litigation both onshore and offshore. Clementine brings a corporate law background to domestic and international trust disputes and has particular experience of matters where trust and corporate issues intersect, including shareholder disputes in the trusts context and litigation involving complex trust/corporate structures. Clementine also has experience of matters involving insolvency, fraud and asset tracing claims, including advising on freezing injunctions and disclosure orders. In addition, Clementine regularly advises on succession disputes, including will challenges and claims under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975. She is also frequently involved in advising trustees and beneficiaries on trusts in the context of divorce. Clementine regularly speaks at industry conferences and publishes articles on topics relevant to her practice.

Melissa is a Legal Director in the Private Client Department. Melissa advises on a range of tax, trust, estate and succession planning issues, including lifetime giving and tax compliance for high net worth UK and international individuals, families and trustees. She also advises individuals moving to and leaving the UK on tax residence and domicile issues. Melissa regularly advises trustees on structuring and UK tax issues particularly in relation to UK property holding structures and trust distributions to UK resident beneficiaries.

Harriet Errington

Harriet is a Partner in the Family department. She is at equally home in London or Lahore, with children or money, with homemakers or breadwinners. She has a busy, broad practice tackling all areas of private family law with aplomb. She elegantly and creatively settles cases wherever possible; equally she fights hard in court if agreement cannot be reached. Harriet is described as "a savvy litigator", "steely in her resolve to get the best possible outcome", and "one of the smartest lawyers I have ever met." Harriet's practice encompasses divorce and the financial consequences of relationship breakdown, pre- and post-nuptial agreements, children matters and financial claims made in England following an overseas divorce (under Part III of the Matrimonial and Family Proceedings Act 1984) . Harriet has particular expertise in complex financial disputes involving both ultra-high and high net worth individuals, often with an international element. Harriet also specialises in advising clients on private children law matters such as disputes regarding the arrangements for the children upon their parents' separation. She has particular expertise in international leave to remove and child abduction cases and modern family law. Harriet has "a real talent for jurisdictional work," with extensive expertise in complex international divorce cases and jurisdiction disputes. Harriet's clients often have complicated asset structures across multiple jurisdictions and she is adept at navigating the jurisdictional challenges inherent in these cases. Harriet is experienced in Sharia law and has acted for some of the wealthiest and most influential families in the UK, the Middle East, Europe and the US. Harriet is an adept settlement negotiator, prioritising securing her clients the most favourable outcome in a discrete and efficient manner. Harriet has been recognised in particular for her work in complex cases regarding the arrangements for children. Harriet has extensive experience in cases regarding parental alienation, acting for victims of coercive and controlling behaviour and cases involving serious allegations of abuse. Harriet has particular expertise in acting for parents of children with special needs, including Autism and ADHD, and is familiar with the complications and burdens associated with such diagnoses. She has extensive expertise in international children work, including relocation proceedings (both within the UK and internationally), and frequently works with lawyers across multiple jurisdictions to secure the best outcome for her clients. Harriet has particular expertise in drafting and negotiating pre-nuptial agreement and post-nuptial agreements, often with an international element and often in collaboration with lawyers in multiple jurisdictions. She recognises the sensitive nature of discussions regarding pre- and post-nuptial agreements and accordingly she adopts a practical and pragmatic approach to her work, striving to ensure that such agreements are clearly and concisely drafted in a discrete yet practical and far sighted manner. Harriet has been recognised for her work by leading counsel and clients. She is listed in all of the major directories for her work. Harriet is a leading commentator in her field and has a significant and growing national and international profile. She has written academic articles including for the International Arbitration Journal, New Law Journal and STEP Journal, as well as having contributed to Tolley's Estate Planning. Harriet is regularly asked to contribute to both mass-media publications and thought-leadership articles, including The Times, The Telegraph, The FT, CityAM, Spears and The Law Society Gazette. Harriet also appears on TV and radio to speak about family law related issues, including BBC News, LBC, BBC Radio and Times Radio. Work Highlights: TI v LI [2024] EWFC 163 (B) (contested divorce proceedings) KA v MA [2018] EWHC 499 (successful challenge to a pre-nuptial agreement on divorce) Iqbal v Iqbal [2017] EWCA Civ 19 (appeal against a financial remedy order) AB v CB [2014] EWHC 2998 (variation of a nuptial settlement on divorce)

Marina Fitzalan Howard

Marina is an Associate in the Family department. Marina advises clients in relation to a wide range of family law matters arising during cohabitation, in contemplation of marriage and on divorce or dissolution. This includes financial remedy proceedings, children matters and pre- and post-nuptial agreements. Her cases often involve complex asset structures and have an international element.

Jonathan Gatward

Jonathan is a Partner in the Corporate and Sport departments. Jonathan is primarily a transactional lawyer advising clients on the full range of corporate transactions including acquisitions, disposals, mergers, reorganisations and joint ventures, working closely with colleagues in other departments – tax, employment and property. He acts mainly for private companies but of all sizes, including start-ups, family offices and entrepreneurs, many of whom are active internationally. Jonathan's clients operate across a range of business sectors, but he has a particular interest in businesses whose branding and intellectual property rights are key assets, including publishing and fashion. Jonathan also has an expertise in partnership law, including LLPs and LPs, and advises on all aspects of their set up and structuring, management and mergers and disposals. His clients include professional practices, other business partnerships and investors.

Kelly is a Knowledge Development Lawyer and Legal Director sitting within the Family team. Kelly joined Payne Hicks Beach in 2001 upon qualification and practised as a family lawyer for 14 years specialising in high net worth divorce and private children law matters. Following a career break Kelly became a Knowledge Development Lawyer at a City firm and then rejoined Payne Hicks Beach in January 2020 supporting the Family team in a knowledge management capacity and providing research, technical know how and training to her fellow solicitors. risprudence at Christ Church, Oxford University. She is a member of Resolution and the Family Law Knowledge Network. Qualified 2001, joined Payne Hicks Beach 2001, Legal Director 2020.

Scott Goldstein

Scott is a Partner in the Property Litigation team and Dispute Resolution department. Scott spent the first 15 years of his career in the City. Drawing on this experience, heis able to bring a wide range of technical knowledge and commercial nous to resolve any real estate dispute. His practice spans both commercial and residential property disputes, but he has a particular interest in landlord and tenant litigation, real estate professional negligence, and high end residential property issues. On the commercial side, he has developed an expertise dealing with cases involving the applicability of the criteria for opposing a new business tenancy on the grounds of redevelopment (ground (f)). With residential tenancies, Scott has represented landlords and tenants of long leases in connection with enfranchisement claims, service charge disputes and disputes between tenant directors of freehold companies. He acted for the successful landlord in Court of Appeal case concerning waiver of the right to forfeit a long residential lease. Scott has had numerous articles and comment published in publications including the Estates Gazette, Financial Times, Property Week, Solicitors’ Journal, Lexis Nexis, The Property Law Journal and Prime Resi. Reported Cases BDW Trading Limited v Opticlife Limited [2010] EWHC 1951 (Ch) (Notices to Complete had been incorrectly served, entitling the client purchaser to the return of deposits worth £1.5m) Greenwood Reversions Limited v (1) WEF (2) Mehra [2008] H.L.R. 31 (CA) (consideration of the correct approach to granting relief against forfeiture of a long residential lease Hollis et al v Rolfe et al [2008] EWHC 1747 (Ch) (undue influence in property contracts)

Nick is a Legal Director in the Privacy & Media Law Team. Nick specialises in defamation and privacy law, and provides reputational advice to clients faced with hostile media attention, both in traditional media and online. The majority of Nick’s work is in the areas of defamation, privacy, breach of confidence and harassment. Nick has particular expertise in reputation protection generally, including pre-publication and pre-broadcast advice. Nick advises on related litigation and has been involved in high profile cases that have been issued and reported at the High Court representing high net worth and high profile individuals.

Laura is a Senior Associate in the Family department. Lauraadvises clients in relation to all family law issues arising during cohabitation, in contemplation of marriage and on divorce or dissolution, and issues relating to children. She is frequently praised by colleagues, barristers and clients for her calm and measured manner, fine eye for detail and pragmatic advice. Laura regularly advises clients in disputes regarding the division of finances upon divorce. She endeavours to reduce conflict and resolve these disputes consensually where possible, but also has extensive experience of litigating in the family courts. Many of Laura’s cases involve complex asset structures and an international dimension. She also has experience of dealing with cases involving Sharia family law. A barrister, who recently worked with Laura on a complex financial remedies case, has said: “Laura is fantastic. She is hard working, has an eye for detail and good judgement, making her a real asset to any case she is working on. She is a star already, with a very bright future ahead.” She has expertise in preparing pre- and post-nuptial agreements, particularly with a view to ring-fencing parties’ pre-marital, trust and inherited assets upon marriage. In addition to Laura’s financial practice, she regularly advises on children matters, including disputes regarding contact, residence and relocation. She is adept at dealing with cases where there are allegations of domestic abuse, including allegations of alienation and coercive and controlling behaviour, and where it is necessary to apply for non-molestation and occupation orders. Laura is described as “calm, insightful, super-smart, very personable and well up to the most demanding of children’s cases.”

Alice is an Associate in the Private Client department. She acts for individuals, families and trustees on a broad range of tax, trust, inheritance and succession issues. lice regularly advises on complex estate planning matters for UK and international clients, including tax residence and bespoke lifetime planning to mitigate taxation on death, making effective use of available tax reliefs. Recently, she has advised on various planning options for individuals and family trust structures in light of the upcoming changes to the regime for agricultural and business property relief. Alice is experienced in preparing UK Wills and Codicils and Letters of Wishes, as well as preparing and registering Lasting Powers of Attorney.

Emma is a Partner in the Private Client department and advises on a range of tax, trust, estate and succession planning issues. Emma deals with complex probate and estate administration including advising on inheritance tax reporting (IHT) and compliance together with business and agricultural property relief claims and enquiries. She regularly assists clients with the administration of complex and high net worth estates. Such estates often include international, agricultural and / or business elements. In addition, Emma also arranges to obtain foreign equivalents of grants of probates, resealing of English grants overseas and resealing here of Commonwealth grants. Emma also provides advice concerning deeds of variation and deeds of appointment.

Charlotte Henshall

Charlotte is an Legal Director in the Dispute Resolution department with particular focus on contentious trusts and probate disputes. Charlotte has experience in a broad range of contentious trust matters, with particular expertise in multi-jurisdictional disputes. Her cases have included trustee and executor removal applications, breach of trust claims, and trustee blessing applications. Charlotte also frequently advises on probate and estate disputes, including claims under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975, capacity issues and will validity issues.

Jessica is a private client partner specialising in risk and disputes in relation to trusts and estates. Jessica has accrued extensive trust litigation experience both in England and offshore. Her cases have included both seeking and defending the removal of trustees, protectors and executors; rectification and variation of trusts; setting aside and defending trusts on the basis of sham allegations; challenging trustees’ decisions and advising trustees on making decisions in contentious circumstances; challenging trustees’ fees; claims for breach of fiduciary duty; and associated professional negligence proceedings against tax and legal advisors. Equally, Jessica frequently advises on probate and estate disputes, including invalidity claims, capacity and construction issues, as well as claims under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependents) Act 1975. Jessica has also built up particular expertise in advising trustees and beneficiaries on issues of trust law in the context of divorce proceedings – both in relation to proceedings in the Family Division and in the corresponding offshore trust jurisdictions. Jessica draws on her wealth of litigation experience to inform asset protection and estate planning strategies designed to avoid disputes in the future. For this reason, Jessica is frequently asked to advise on the establishment of trusts, pre and post nuptial agreements and Wills where there are particular risks or asset protection concerns. She is a regular speaker at industry conferences and has a particular interest in the psychology of litigation and family disputes.

Clare Hetherington

Clare is a Legal Director in the Private Client department. Clare’s advises a wide range of clients ranging from high net worth (and ultra high net worth) individuals, to trustees of family trusts with a variety of assets and underlying structures, spanning both onshore and offshore jurisdictions. In particular she is experienced in: advising on complex estate and inheritance tax planning including cross-border matters; UK tax, residence and asset structuring advice for high net worth families relocating to and leaving the UK; advising on family succession issues including family businesses, preservation of family wealth and governance; creation of new trusts and advising on the tax and trust implications of structures resident in the UK and offshore . She also has experience in preparing and registering Lasting Powers of Attorney.

Victoria Hingston

Victoria is a Partner in the Family department. Victoria advises clients on all aspects of family law arising from the breakdown of marriage, civil partnership, or cohabitation, including pre/post nuptial agreements. Victoria also has extensive experience with private law children matters, including residence, contact disputes and leave to remove applications (both international and domestic). In recent years, Victoria’s principal practice has focussed on disputes with a complex financial and international dimension. Recent cases have included contentious multi-jurisdictional issues regarding forum, complex trust structures, non-disclosure and enforcement. Victoria is praised for her excellent communication skills and exercising sound judgement in the most challenging disputes. She recognises what is at stake for each of her clients. She often works in cases which attract media interest and seeks bespoke solutions for her clients. Her objective is to achieve the best results for her clients as swiftly as possible, but is persistent when it matters. Victoria handles every case with discretion, tact and empathy. Victoria is a member of Resolution and committed to achieving the best possible outcome for her clients, outside of the court room where possible. She is also a member of Women in Family Law.

Phineas is a Partner in the Private Client department. Phineas advises domestic and international (including US and European) individuals and families on their succession and tax planning using sophisticated wills, trusts and other structures. He has expertise dealing with a wide range of UK and cross-border personal tax, residence and trust issues and acts for trustees and beneficiaries in relation to the creation, governance, and taxation of their trusts and international asset holding structures. Being a fluent French and Spanish speaker, Phineas has developed significant experience working closely with a network of local advisors in Continental Europe in dealing with foreign assets and estates. In this context, he also advises on complex multi-jurisdictional probate and succession matters as well as the international tax issues that arise from cross-border legacies and high value property transactions. Phineas has advised frequently on the establishment of international asset holding structures for families and business owners, often with multi-generational beneficiaries resident in several jurisdictions. In a personal capacity, Phineas acts as Trustee and Treasurer of US private family foundation, that funds non-profit organizations to facilitate progressive social change in the areas of homelessness and criminal justice reform. He is also a proud father with strong family values. In 2017 he was nominated as one of eprivateclients’s “Top 35 under 35” private client advisors. And in 2017 and 2019 he was recognised as “One to Watch” by Private Client Global Elite.

Tess is an Associate in the Private Client department. She advises individuals, families, trustees and family offices on a broad range of UK and international trust, tax and succession planning issues. She also has experience in probate matters and the administration of estates. Tess’ work for UK and international clients includes bespoke estate planning advice (preparing Wills, Codicils, Letters of Wishes and Lasting Powers of Attorney) and personal tax advice (including advising on the implications of long-term residence in the UK and legal changes to the non-dom regime). Recently, she has worked closely with a family office to plan for changes to the Business Property Relief regime. She regularly advises trustees of complex trust structures on the administration and UK taxation of those structures, as well as acting for settlors on the creation of new trusts. Tess’ practice is a broad one, acting for high profile private collectors, art dealers and cultural institutions as part of the firm’s Art and Cultural Property group. She is experienced in advising clients on buying, selling and lending art in an international context, dealing with complex issues of ownership and title, and advising on inheritance tax relief for heritage assets. She has developed a particular interest and expertise in restitution and repatriation cases.

Matt advises high-net worth clients in relation to political asylum, judicial review, appeals, complex human rights and removals cases. Matt's breadth of experience allows him to adopt an inter-disciplinary approach: he is well-placed to develop creative, strategic solutions to assist and protect clients, and works alongside the firm's reputation protection and civil litigation teams. Matt has acted for high profile individuals and has been at the forefront of significant cases in the asylum field. He has extensive experience of making asylum claims in the context of an extradition request being made for the persecuted individual. He is well versed in working with leading extradition teams in this regard, and understands the interplay between asylum and extradition proceedings. He is also able to deploy different legal tools to assist the client such as making and defending civil proceedings based on allegations of fraud and defamation linked to the underlying corporate raiding attempt. In addition, Matt has a breadth of experience of human right-based judicial review, admin review and bail applications with broad advisory and court experience in complex proceedings of this nature. He works closely with the non-contentious Immigration team with regard to UK visas, including applications for (1) Adult Dependent Relatives, (2) UK Entry Clearance in the context of current or historic international criminal proceedings, and (3) leave to remain in the UK on the basis of ECHR Article 8 Private Life. He also works with the non-contentious Immigration team with regard to applications for British citizenship and Indefinite Leave to Remain, often with a discretionary element.

Mark Jones is a Partner in our Dispute Resolution department and Head of the Defence & Investigations team at Payne Hicks Beach. Mark specialises in criminal and regulatory defence work and investigations for both individuals and corporates. His work is often multi-jurisdictional as well as often being complex and high profile. He regularly deals with clients who have complex problems which require a multi-disciplinary approach. Mark’s practice covers matters being investigated and prosecuted by a wide range of authorities such as the SFO, FCA, HMRC and CPS as well as other regulators. He advises from the outset of matters and is able to devise a bespoke strategy for his clients. Often Mark’s matters involve multiple jurisdictions and he is able to marshal the required expertise to offer clients a seamless service. In addition to his white-collar practice, Mark conducts internal investigations for corporates, as well as representing employees in internal investigations and interviews. With experience of reviewing and drafting compliance policies and procedures for corporate clients, Mark has significant experience across the business crime and compliance practice area. He regularly provides training to clients on compliance areas such as anti-money laundering, the facilitation of tax evasion and bribery and corruption. Mark also acts for victims of crime, assisting them through the criminal justice system and working alongside civil lawyers where applicable. This experience also extend the private prosecutions on behalf of the victims of crime. Mark often works with our Privacy & Media Law team to ensure that clients have the benefit of a strategic approach to their position.

Sean is a Senior Associate in the Dispute Resolution department, focusing on on contentious trusts and estates . Sean has extensive experience acting in contentious trusts and estates matters and has advised in relation to a wide range of such disputes, including the validity of Wills, in the context of testamentary capacity and undue influence, removal of executors and trustees, constructive and resulting trusts and the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants Act) 1975. Sean also has experience of charity and commercial disputes.

Peter is a Partner in the Property department. Peter is as a commercially-minded lawyer with expertise in real estate, corporate and finance sectors gained working directly with high-profile entrepreneurs, businesses, family offices and in private equity. Peter has worked on a broad range of transactions for major organisations, entrepreneurs and individuals and covers various aspects of commercial property law. He has advised clients on the establishment of property joint ventures, structured acquisitions and disposals, development work, property investment and some larger residential property schemes. Peter has additional experience in domestic and international business and has worked in Shanghai where he advised in a developing foreign direct and domestic investment market and has worked on (and originated) a variety of property investment as well as private equity projects. He also sits as advisor on a number of family office business boards and at Dial Partners LLP, a boutique corporate finance advisory firm.

Victor is a dual-qualified Associate in the Dispute Resolution department and advises on a broad range of commercial disputes. He has extensive experience in advising both corporate and private clients in complex commercial and Chancery litigation, with an emphasis on company, insolvency, shareholders’ disputes, civil fraud, injunctive relief, estates disputes, cases with contractual and trust elements, and financial services.

Nick is Head of the Family Department at Payne Hicks Beach. Nick is a specialist family lawyer who focuses on all areas of family law, including issues arising from divorce, cohabitation and the financial consequences of a relationship breakdown. He is a skilled litigator with experience of cases at all levels and has been involved in a number of high profile and reported cases at both first instance and the Court of Appeal. Nick is one of the very few family lawyers to have worked on a case which was heard in the Supreme Court (successfully, in 2023). Aside from his financial practice, Nick regularly advises on contentious children disputes involving contact, residence and relocation (including international relocation). He has also dealt with abductions, and on matters involving same-sex parents. Nick regularly advises upon and drafts pre and post-nuptial agreements He works for a variety of high net worth and ultra-high net worth clients on both contentious and non-contentious matters, including those with a complex international angle. He has experience of advising clients upon the breakdown of civil partnerships and Inheritance Act claims. Nick has significant experience working on cases which involve Sharia Law, Islamic marriage and divorce. Nick was part of the team that launched the Payne hicks Beach Mental Health & Family Breakdown initiative to support and protect clients during vulnerable periods of their lives, providing ground breaking peer-reviewed guides Nick has been quoted on family law matters in the national media, including The Times, Daily Mail.

Richard has a Chancery practice encompassing trusts, property and civil disputes before all levels of the judiciary including the Supreme Court. Richard focusses on contentious trusts and estates work. He has a wealth of experience in a wide spectrum of disputes, acting for trustees, beneficiaries and protectors. His work has an international element and, amongst other jurisdictions, he has recently been involved in high value cases involving England & Wales, Gibraltar, the Bahamas, Bermuda, the BVI, the United States, Jersey and Guernsey. Richard is well placed to advise in relation to matters concerning inheritance, contentious probate, capacity, undue influence and related matters. Recently he has been engaged in: Acting in applications for the removal of trustees, protectors and executors; Cross-border litigation concerning allegations of breach of trust or fiduciary duty by trustees or protectors; Representing high net worth beneficiaries in high value estate litigation concerning challenges to the validity of wills, mental capacity, lifetime gifts and claims under the Inheritance Act; Acting for some of the UK’s oldest and largest estates and handling applications concerning long standing family trusts. Richard also deals with many high value commercial disputes, including actions for breach of contract, misrepresentation and professional negligence by solicitors and other professionals. Finally, Richard has expertise in real estate law. These skills provide a sought-after synergy with Richard’s command of the area of contentious trusts, making him particularly able to handle all aspects of disputes where the areas of trust law and property law collide – for example in relation to cohabitee ownership disputes or where property holdings form an important part of a trust’s assets.

Rosamond McDowell

Rosamond is Partner and Head of Payne Hicks Beach's substantial and energetic Private Client team that continues to go from strength to strength. Her specialist area is estate planning advice, including wills, probate and the administration of estates, trusts and other financial structures, and associated tax issues. Speaking various languages, and with experience of living abroad, Rosamond is able to assist clients with international backgrounds and assets in navigating conflicting laws of various jurisdictions. With an increasing public awareness of mental illness and capacity issues, and with her vocation and training as an Anglican priest, Rosamond assists in guiding vulnerable clients whose interests may need to be protected, and in dealing with powers of attorney and Court of Protection matters. Rosamond also advises executors, trustees and beneficiaries where difficulties and disputes arise, and has experience of acting as an independent trustee and administrator. Rosamond is an author and commentator for industry and national press including: Tax Journal, Trusts and Trustees, Accountancy Age, Trusts and Estates, Global Banking and Finance Review, FT Weekend.

Domonique McRae

Domonique is a Legal Director in the Employment Department. Domonique advises both businesses and individuals on all aspects of contentious and non-contentious employment law issues at each stage of the employment life cycle. She is valued for her concise, commercial, “no nonsense” approach, across a broad range of different sectors. Domonique’s experience is wide-ranging. She is regularly instructed to draft employment related contracts and policies, to provide advice and support in relation to employee relations issues (such as disciplinaries and grievances) as well as strategic advice related to complex legal issues such as restructuring exercises or the impact of the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations 2006 (TUPE) on mergers and acquisitions or tendered services. She has also represented both Claimants and Respondents in complex claims and appeals in the Employment Tribunal, the Employment Appeal Tribunal and in the civil courts. Whether she is instructed in relation to employment or discrimination claims or in relation to contract disputes (including the enforcement of restrictive covenants), she provides clear, unwaivering advice both in relation to the legal issues and in regards to litigation strategy.

Peter McRoberts

Peter is a Partner in the Employment department. Peter has many years of experience in advising senior individuals, companies, partnerships, charities and professional bodies on all aspects of employment law. He is well known for advising on sensitive and complex employment-issues. Senior individuals for whom he acts are drawn predominantly from banking, finance, insurance, the legal and medical professions and the creative world of advertising, marketing, the wider media and fashion. His work addresses the reputational and regulatory aspects of the employment relationship. He advises regularly on disciplinary, discrimination and health issues from the perspective of both employers and employees. His client base is built upon client and contact referral and stems predominantly from the banking and financial sector. His specialisms are on reputational and health issues. Much of the reputational work involves the FCA and other professional regulators. He also advises employers on all matters relating to the employment relationship and its formation or termination. He acts for a range of employers including "celebrity" employers and a number of professional bodies and charities on employment-related disputes. He has high level links to health professionals, particularly in psychiatry.

Lucas is a Partner in the Dispute Resolution department. Lucas has represented high net worth individuals, funds, banks and corporates in international litigation and arbitration for 20 years. His practice includes claims arising in financial services, international trade, trust, fraud, contentious insolvency, corporate governance/shareholder issues and reputational issues. Lucas is well versed in forum and other jurisdictional matters and regularly advises on the use of injunctive relief (including anti-suit, freezing and search orders together with related contempt applications), governing law and enforcement issues. Lucas’ experience also encompasses international requests for judicial assistance in the form of letters of request and litigation funding arrangements.

$Kate O\'Callaghan$

Kate O\'Callaghan

Kate is an Associate in the Family department. Kate advises clients in relation to a wide range of family law matters arising in contemplation of marriage, on divorce or dissolution, and in relation to cohabitation. This includes complex financial remedy proceedings, children matters, and pre- and post-nuptial agreements. As well as advising clients in contested proceedings, Kate also advises clients in more consensual cases which merit non-court dispute resolution. Her cases often involve complex asset structures and have multi-jurisdictional elements.

Martin Paisner CBE

Martin specialises as a private client lawyer but also has considerable experience of charity law and practice. His private client base is both domestic and overseas, and in the charity sector he is well-known as the trustee both of grant-making and functional charities. He was appointed CBE in June 2004 in recognition of his services.

Katie is a Legal Director in the Family department. She advises in all areas of private family law, including divorce and financial remedy proceedings, nuptial agreements, cohabitation issues and private children matters. She has a particular focus on resolving financial matters between divorcing/divorced couples and unmarried parents. Many of Katie’s cases involve complex financial and/or international elements and involve high net worth and ultra high net worth clients. Katie is described as “an outstanding family law solicitor with an extraordinary ability to manage the most complex of cases," "hardworking, astute, her attention to detail is exceptional and she has great judgment and instincts," "Katie’s client care skills are superb", "she is a star.” And “she has energy, enthusiasm and tenacity, coupled with keen intelligence and a complete understanding of the processes of the courts and the priorities of the judges. She also has a maturity well beyond her years.” Work Highlights include: • KV v KV (No 2) [2024] EWFC 359 (UHNW - jurisdiction trial) • KV v KV [2024] EWFC 165 (UHNW - MPS & LSPO) • Loh v Loh-Gronager [2024] EWFC 241 (UHNW -PNA) • MB v CD [2024] EWHC 751 (Fam) (HNW - LSPO/legal funding) • Collardeau-Fuchs v Fuchs: [2022] EWFC 135 (UNHW –PNA – Child Maintenance) • Collardeau-Fuchs v Fuchs [2022] EWFC 45 (UHNW – enforcement MPS) • Collardeau-Fuchs v Fuchs: MPS [2022] EWFC 6 (UHNW – MPS) • HRH Princess Haya v Ruler of Dubai (UHNW involving 18 reported judgments: Wardship/ Non-Molestation/ Immunity/ Foreign Act of State/ phone hacking/ Part III/LSPO/Lives With) • Sekhri v Ray [2014] EWCA Civ 119 (jurisdiction trial - domicile) • Chapman v Kawash [2014] EWHC 4481 (Fam) (setting aside consent orders) • Sharbatly v Shagroon [2012] EWCA Civ 1507 (UHNW - Part III non-marriage)

Ben Parry-Smith

Ben is a Partner in the Family department. Ben does family law because he cares about fairness, families and the children affected by relationship breakdown. He also enjoys the intellectual challenges: whether tackling trusts, difficult valuation issues or complex medical evidence. Oxford educated, Mishcon trained and Shackleton honed; Ben advises on all aspects of family law as calmly, clearly and cheerfully as possible: children, divorce/civil partnership, co-habitation, pre/post nuptial agreements, complex financial disputes and jurisdictional issues. Much of his work has an international element. Ben is described as “sharp and thoughtful, with an inventive mind which looks for and finds creative but positive solutions to the cases that he is involved in.” He has dealt with abductions, the relocation of children and on matters involving same-sex parents. Ben has experience of dealing with cases where decision-making capacity is an issue and often acts in cases involving trusts (for beneficiaries, claimants or the trustees themselves). Ben has worked on the leading case involving “special contribution”, as part of the team representing HRH Princess Haya and recently on a case where his client received far more than half the substantial marital pot to meet her needs. He has a broad practice and experience at all court levels. He is one of a handful of lawyers doing heavy weight financial and complex children work. He has considerable experience addressing domestic abuse of all types and in obtaining injunctions. Ben is familiar with Sharia family law concepts. Over the years, he has acted for all sorts of people in all sorts of predicaments from all over the world. Ben read law at Merton College, Oxford. He trained at Mishcon de Reya and joined Payne Hicks Beach on qualification in 2008. He became a partner in 2018. Between 2009 and 2013 Ben delivered a legal aid and legal skills training project at the National University of Rwanda. Ben has recently led a cross-profession and multidisciplinary initiative to assist vulnerable clients and those working with them. He is listed in all the major directories including the Spear’s Family Lawyers Index.

Hannah Robinson

Hannah is a Partner in the Property department. Hannah specialises in acquisitions and disposals of residential property, as well as landlord and tenant related work and financing (acting for both borrowers and lenders). Hannah has particular experience in acting for buyers in relation to Prime Central London property. Hannah is a Liveryman in the Worshipful Company of Paviors.

Dean is a Legal Director and Chartered Tax Adviser in the Private Client department at Payne Hicks Beach. He advises on a broad range of personal tax, trust, estate and succession planning issues for UK and international clients. His work involves a variety of disciplines, from advising trustees in relation to the exercise of their powers and drafting trust and supplemental deeds, undertaking probate work and advising high net worth clients in relation to their estate planning, to managing personal and trust tax disclosures both in the UK and abroad, dealing with cross-border restructurings of corporate and trust structures, and acting for charities in relation to funding endowments. As a Chartered Tax Adviser he is able to distil complex multi-faceted cases into clear and practical advice for clients and solve red flag issues before they develop further. Dean regularly works alongside Payne Hicks Beach’s Family lawyers to provide trust, estate and tax advice within the context of divorce proceedings. He also advises executors on the administration of UK and international estates and has experience in creating and registering UK charities and liaising with the Charity Commission for England & Wales on behalf of trustees. He is an associate member of the Chartered Institute of Taxation and is a Freeman of the Worshipful Company of Tax Advisers.

Isabella Savill

Named as an “absolute star in the making” by Chambers High Net Worth and the winner of the “Star Associate” category at the Chambers High Net Worth Awards, Isabella is a meticulous, perceptive and assured pair of hands who advises on all aspects of family law. She recognises her clients’ legal and non-legal objectives while striving to achieve an early and consensual resolution wherever possible. With a practice ranging from mid to ultra high net worth cases, Isabella is regularly involved in complex financial disputes and jurisdictional issues, often including company valuations, trust structures, art aspects and contested nuptial settlements. She has expertise in pursuing financial assistance for the benefit of children from unmarried parents and is regularly instructed to draft pre-nuptial, mid-nuptial and post-nuptial agreements with a view to limiting future litigation. Isabella also advises on private children matters, including residence and contact disputes as well as leave to remove applications. Recognising that the breakdown of a relationship affects every person differently, Isabella treats every client as an individual. She is praised for her discreet, sensitive and reassuring presence for her clients while holding firm in the face of opposition.

Luke is a Senior Associate in the Family department. Luke’s work represents the full spectrum of family law work: divorce, finances, children, relocation, cohabitation issues, and nuptial agreements. There are often international elements to his caseload – particularly in relation to offshore trusts. Luke has has acted in a number of contested reported cases, and many more cases which have end in private and consensual resolutions. In the non-contentious sphere, Luke also advises clients in the drafting and agreement of pre and post nuptial agreements. Much of his caseload involves high net worth families with an international element. Luke also writes widely on family law, including topics such as mental capacity, the role of trusts, and family businesses. He spoke at a Thought Leaders conference on the subject of Modern Relationships. Luke was also instrumental in PHB’s Mental Health and Family Breakdown initiative.

Rosie is a Senior Associate in the Dispute Resolution department specialising in contentious trusts and estates and art law. Rosie advises trustees, beneficiaries and high net worth individuals on a wide range of complex and high value matters in this field. These include domestic and offshore trust disputes, claims under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975, professional negligence actions and Court of Protection proceedings. She also has experience acting in relation to transactions defrauding creditors, insolvency and asset recovery. In conjunction with this work, Rosie is also a member of the Art and Cultural Property group and advises art international private collectors, art dealers and auction houses in relation to contentious matters, as well as restitution claims to looted artworks. Rosie also has experience in representing clients in cross-border commercial litigation as well as judicial review proceedings.

Fiona Shackleton

Fiona is renowned for her to-level practice advising high profile and ultra-high and high net worth private individuals in relation to complex and confidential divorce proceedings and private children law matters, many of them with an international element. Fiona has earned a variety of accolades over the years and is regularly named amongst the top legal names in the country. She is regarded by industry observers and her peers as Britain’s most feared and revered divorce lawyer. Amongst her peers who work with or against her, Fiona’s honesty and integrity is legendary, and coupled with her acute mastery of the law she is respected as commanding an unparalleled position as the top family lawyer in London. Fiona was appointed to the rank of LVO in the New Year’s Honours List 2006, given an honorary doctorate by Exeter University in 2010 and made a Life Peer that year. Fiona has been awarded the prestigious Outstanding Achievement in Legal Services prize at The Legal 500 UK Awards. Fiona has used the knowledge garnered from 40 years in the profession to do a research project in human relationships “The Shackleton Project” with a view to educating people in making the right decision for marriage.

Verity is a Senior Associate in the Private Client department. Verity advises a wide range of UK and international clients, including high net worth and ultra-high net worth individuals, trustees, and family offices on a broad range of tax, trust and estate planning issues. Her work includes: advising internationally mobile individuals on the UK tax and residence implications of relocation (including pre-arrival and departure planning); long term structuring and tax efficient estate planning, including for entrepreneurial family businesses; estate planning in the context of complex divorce proceedings; the creation and management of trusts and associated tax planning; the preparation of wills for UK domiciled and non-domiciled (non-dom) individuals; and advising on capacity issues and planning, including the preparation and registration of Lasting Powers of Attorney. Verity works closely with the firm’s contentious trusts and estates, family, corporate, probate and property teams. Verity is named as one of the 2025 eprivateclient Next Gen Leaders. Verity is shortlisted for Lawyer of the Year – Associate at the Citywealth Future Leaders Awards 2025.

Charlotte Skea-Strachan

Charlotte is a Legal Director in the Family department with a wealth of experience in advising clients on all issues arising throughout their relationships that affect them and their children, including pre- and mid-nuptial agreements, divorce, co-habitation, complex financial disputes and jurisdictional issues. She is also well versed in private children matters, including with whom children are to live and spend their time, and applications for leave for children to move to a different country. Many of her cases have an international element and regularly involve high net worth individuals, often with complicated company or trust structures. Cases of interest include: • CA v DR (Schedule 1 Children Act 1989: Pension Claim) (2021) EWFC 21 – acting for an extremely wealthy unmarried father with regard to claims for financial support made by his former partner on behalf of their child, including housing, maintenance (including a carer’s allowance for the mother) and education, and also for pension provision for the mother to make up for the years when she would be caring for the child. Mrs Justice Roberts made suitable provision for the child in the context of the father’s lifestyle and wealth, but declined the application for pension provision. • MY v FY (2020) EWFC 48 (17 July 2020) – acting for the mother in a continuation of Children Act proceedings with regard to unsupervised contact between the father and the youngest son, following an incident between the father and one of the elder sons. • Owens v Owens (2018) UKSC 41 (25 July 2018) Supreme Court – representing the wife, Tini Owens. This case has led to the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020, which introduced ‘no fault’ divorce in England and Wales. • Alireza v Radwan & Ors (2017) EWCA Civ 1545 (12 October 2017) (Court of Appeal) – acting for the wife in her successful appeal against a financial remedies order which had allowed her and the children to occupy their home on a time-limited basis only. • Owens v Owens (2017) EWCA Civ 82 (24 March 2017) (Court of Appeal) – representing the wife in an unsuccessful appeal of a first instance decision that the client was not entitled to a divorce, and therefore unable end her marriage. • FY v MY & Ors (2016) EWFC 16 (23 March 2016) – acting for the mother in long running Children Act proceedings in the High Court, following the mother successfully defending the father’s previous application that the children move to live with him in Dubai. • NR v AB, BCO Ltd, MB and LB [2016] EWHC 277 (Fam), (2016) EWHC 277 (Fam) – acting for the wife in a complex financial remedy case in the High Court, including inherited assets, a potential nuptial settlement and significant assets outside England and Wales. • SJ v RA and RF (2014) EWHC 4054 (4 December 2014) – acting for the wife in the final hearing of long running proceedings as to the division of assets after a 40 year marriage, including commercial and residential property, a housing development site and shares in a private family Company. • Shield v Shield (2014) EWCA Civ 1136 (3 July 2014) (Court of Appeal) – acting for the wife on her son’s unsuccessful application for permission to appeal of the judgment in the below case. • Shield v Shield (2014) EWHC 23 - acting for the wife on the hearing of a preliminary issue to determine whether her husband’s shareholding in the family business was held on trust for his son, who was intervening in the proceedings.

Matthew a Partner in the Dispute Resolution department and Head of the Property Litigation team. Matthew is the firm’s first solicitor-advocate, entitled to appear at all levels of the Court system, including the Supreme Court. An experienced civil litigator, Matthew’s particular specialism is resolving property disputes. He acts for a range of corporate and individual clients in real estate matters (including development issues, rights of way, rights of light, party walls). He handles landlord and tenant/property management issues in both commercial and residential sectors (from industrial estates to residential flats). Matthew is a leading adviser of the firm in leasehold enfranchisement (residential lease extensions, collective enfranchisement and freehold acquisition) in which he has taken a case into the Supreme Court on qualifying criteria under the 1967 Act. He acts for landlords and tenants in disputes involving property management, service charges, breach of covenant and forfeiture of leases at First Tier and Upper Tribunal, County Court, High Court level and above. He has experience of right to manage companies and rights of first refusal. Matthew resolves contentious countryside issues with the firm’s private client team for landed estates and agriculture. His property practice crosses into the field of construction law where he advises on performance and payment, negligence and damage issues arising under and out of JCT and other construction contracts, as well as resolving disputes through adjudication. He advises individuals and companies on insolvency issues, as well as having experience in acting for Administrators, LPA Receivers and Trustees in Bankruptcy. His Chancery law practice includes partnership disputes, including obtaining injunctions against outgoing partners, asset recovery in the context of trust litigation and contentious probate matters. He handles Court cases on cohabitation and beneficial interests in property.

Isobel is a Legal Director in the Corporate department. Isobel acts for clients on a wide range of corporate matters, with a particular focus on acquisitions and disposals, company reorganisations, shareholder arrangements, lending and security documentation and strategic succession planning for family businesses, including the establishment of family investment companies. Her clients range from large international companies to private owner-managed businesses, start-ups, family businesses and family offices, across a range of sectors, including property investment, manufacturing, publishing and hospitality. Isobel also advises on commercial law matters including contractual arrangements between customers and suppliers, terms of business for suppliers of goods and services and agency agreements and trade mark licence agreements. Isobel’s practice includes acting for both individuals and companies on the sale and purchase of houseboats.

Howard is a Partner in the Corporate department and specialises in private company M&A, including the sale and purchase of companies and businesses, private equity transactions and joint ventures. He also advises on a wide variety of other corporate law matters, including company reorganisations and refinancings, shareholder agreements, private company investments, fundraisings and lending and security documentation. Howard works with both domestic and international clients across a range of business sectors, including technology, financial services, professional services, insurance, hotels and leisure, food and beverages, manufacturing and chemicals. His clients include companies, business owners, family offices, trustees and individuals.

Rachel is in an Associate in the Family Department. Rachel advises clients in relation to the full breadth family law issues which may arise on their divorce and separation, including issues relating to children and their arrangements. This includes jurisdiction disputes, child arrangements, financial provision for a child in the case of unmarried partners, the division of finances upon divorce and allegations of domestic abuse. Having litigated in courts both inside and outside of London, Rachel also helps clients resolve their disputes voluntarily, through non-court dispute resolution including via arbitration, mediation and private FDRs. Her caseload is focussed on HNW and UHNW clients, usually involving complex asset structures and international jurisdictions. She has expertise advising on pre-nuptial agreements and first-hand knowledge into how these are treated under English law when drafted with the intention of ring-fencing trust and inherited assets. Rachel is shortlisted for Family Lawyer of the Year – Associate at the Citywealth Future Leaders Awards 2025.

James Townsend is Head of the Employment department and has over two decades of experience as a solicitor advising business leaders and HR professionals on strategy, engagement, reward and disputes in the field of employment law. James specialises in statutory and contractual employment disputes, executive terminations, complaints involving the Equality Act, restraint of trade issues and the domestic employment aspects of national and international business mergers and acquisitions. James acts in cases before the Employment Tribunal, Employment Appeal Tribunal, Court of Appeal and Supreme Court, as well as, in the County Court and High Court. James is a trusted adviser and often first port of call on employment matters. His clients operate in a number of different sectors, from those listed on the FTSE to smaller owner managed businesses. Clients include an international motorsport championship organiser, a national television company, one of the UK’s largest distributors of wines and spirits, an international IT retailer, manufacturers, developers, high street retailers, companies operating in construction and a number of privately owned businesses.

Till Vere-Hodge

Till is a Partner and heads up the firm's dedicated Art and Cultural Property team. He advises international private collectors, art dealers and auction houses, galleries and museums, as well as art investors and advisors, in relation to both contentious and non-contentious matters. This includes advice on buying, selling, lending, borrowing and loaning against artworks and collectibles, as well as resolving disputes over issues such as ownership, authenticity, attribution and condition of artworks and collectibles. His practice also extends to advice on moving art and collectibles across borders and handling insurance claims. Till has built up particular expertise in handling restitution claims to looted artworks. He has reviewed actual and potential claims, advised on, and/or successfully negotiated amicable resolutions to more than three dozen claimed artworks and collectibles. Till regularly lectures at various Art Law forums and comments in the media on matters pertaining to Art and Cultural Property Law. Recent examples include panel discussions at Art Basel (on recent regulatory trends in the art market), at Christie’s London (on the 25th anniversary of the Washington Principles) and at the Centre Pompidou (Art Market Day), as well as lectures at the Sotheby’s Institute of Art and the Royal Academy, and interviews on the public broadcasters of Sweden and China, as well as in the Sunday Times, Daily Telegraph and Jewish Chronicle. Prior to his career in the law, Till worked for several years as a Public Diplomacy Officer at the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in London. During that time, he worked for three German ambassadors to the Court of St. James and advised the German Foreign Office on the latest political, economic and cultural developments in the UK.

An experienced litigator in a broad range of areas of law, Ane specialises in disputes arising in the commercial, education and regulatory sector, including safeguarding. Ane leads the Payne Hicks Beach Education and Public Law team. She is proud of longstanding relationships with her clients whom she advises on a wide range of issues, often with a view to averting potential claims or defending existing claims. Ane regularly represents clients in high value and multi-party litigation in the High Court, including contractual/commercial and corporate cases. She has significant experience representing students and their parents facing exclusions or suspensions and is accustomed to handling the many sensitive issues that arise out of claims of misconduct, whether this is the victim or the person facing the allegations. Schools and institutional clients also regularly turn to Ane for advice in relation to their policies, byelaws and regulations, and in connection with membership examinations, disciplinary matters, complaints and appeals. Understanding that litigation is not always the route best suited to achieve her clients’ objectives, Ane has an exceptional track record of careful strategic planning which leads to workable solutions for her clients. She is both experienced in taking litigation to trial and in obtaining favourable commercial outcomes through alternative forms of dispute resolution such as mediation. A skilled and efficient case manager, clients value her sound and practical legal advice and her empathy when helping them deal with the difficult and sensitive issues that can arise during disputes. Ane has successfully represented clients in judicial review applications acting for both claimants and defendants. The decision in The London Oratory School’s claim against the Schools Adjudicator and the Secretary of State for Education attracted national media coverage and widespread public debate concerning faith schools in the UK. More recently she was involved in the judicial review challenge of the government’s decision to terminate the Leveson Inquiry into the culture, practices and ethics of the press.

Chris is a Partner in the Employment department and specialises in all aspects of contentious and non-contentious employment law. Chris’ practice involves advising both employers and employees on matters relating to the departure of directors and senior executives, redundancy consultation exercises and business reorganisations, disciplinary investigations and procedures, performance management, employee grievances, managing ill health and return to work, maternity and family friendly rights, restrictive covenants, TUPE and the transfer of undertakings, the negotiation of severance terms, service agreements, employment policies and procedures, discrimination law, whistleblowing and post-termination restrictions. He is regularly involved in complex Employment Tribunal litigation. He also advises on all aspects of UK data protection law, the GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018 compliance, including data mapping organisations’ data processing activities; carrying out audits of organisations’ data protection compliance; advising on data controller and processor obligations; identifying the appropriate lawful bases for processing personal data and conditions for processing special category (sensitive) personal data and criminal convictions data; drafting privacy notices, consent forms, data protection policies, data breach policies and data retention guidelines; advising on the requirements when appointing third party data processors or sub-processors, data transfers and data sharing between data controllers; the requirement to maintain a record of processing activities; cross border transfers of personal data; data subjects’ rights and complying with requests made by data subjects (including data subject access requests); reporting and record keeping requirements following data breach incidents; and the requirements when carrying out direct electronic marketing. Chris provides support to the Corporate Department on employment issues across the full range of transactional work including acquisitions and disposals, reorganisations and the transfer of undertakings (TUPE). Specifically, this comprises conducting employment related due diligence and preparing due diligence reports, advising on warranties and indemnities in the sale and purchase documentation, advising on restrictive covenants, severance terms and redundancy situations, TUPE related consultations and notices, the preparation of new employment and consultancy agreements and related employment matters. Chris regularly writes articles on employment law matters and has provided comments in the local and national press, including the Financial Times, Daily Mail, the Telegraph and City AM. He has also provides training for clients and has presented seminars on matters such as TUPE and data protection, including for the Beauty Companies Association (BCA), the Royal Society of Biology and architects at de Rijke Marsh Morgan Architects.

David Whitworth

David is an Associate in the Private Client department. David advises a broad range of UK and international clients, including individuals, families and trustees on tax, trusts and succession planning issues. David is involved in the preparation of wills and has experience preparing and registering Lasting Powers of Attorney.

Andrew is a Partner in the Dispute Resolution department and Privacy and Media Law team. Andrew specialises in reputation management. His work covers all aspects of media law, including defamation, confidence, privacy, harassment, data protection and intellectual property rights. His background as a commercial litigator means that he also has considerable expertise in high value disputes and cases involving civil fraud and cybersecurity. The nature of Andrew’s work is often confidential, however recent reported cases include Max Mosley v Google Inc and Hourani v Thomson & Others. He has particular expertise in the evolving field of cyber and privacy law, representing victims of highly sophisticated cyber-attacks and privacy intrusions in some of the most significant and ground-breaking cases in this jurisdiction. Andrew also has significant experience in third party disclosure requests, including claims under the Norwich Pharmacal jurisdiction. The Legal 500 UK has listed Andrew for many years as a “Recommended Lawyer” and has recognised him as a 'rising star' with “great judgement and an unflappable temperament.’ He is ranked in the current The Legal 500 UK law directory in the field of Reputation Management and is noted as 'pragmatic, personable, delivers great advice' and 'approachable and has an in-depth knowledge of reputation management issues.' He is commended for having 'far more experience than most lawyers of his age... he has great judgement and an unflappable temperament.' Andrew writes numerous articles and contributions in the national and legal press, and gives conferences on a wide range of legal issues relating to media and privacy law.

Adam is a Senior Associate in the Private Client department. Adam advises individuals, trustees and families on a broad range of tax, trust, estate and succession planning issues. He also works closely with the estate administration team and regularly assists clients with the administration of complex and high net worth estates for both UK-domiciled and non-UK domiciled clients.

Emily is a Legal Director in the Private Client department. She primarily advises wealthy private clients on wills, inheritance and succession planning, including lifetime estate planning to mitigate taxation on death and powers of attorney. Emily’s practice is a broad one and she provides tax planning and structuring advice for a number of high profile domestic and internationally based clients. She has expertise in advising on inheritance tax and capital gains tax planning for wealthy individuals with interests both abroad and in the UK, advising on estate planning, the family trusts and the proper holding structure to ensure the safeguarding of assets down the generations. Emily has developed a reputation for providing high level UK tax and trust advice in relation to divorce proceedings and advising on foreign matrimonial property and succession laws, liaising as necessary with lawyers in other relevant jurisdictions. Emily works closely with the Family department assisting with the drafting of pre and post nuptial agreements and wills, and also advising on trust, tax and succession issues arising in the context of marital breakdown. Recent work highlights include advising a UK family on tax and succession planning in conjunction with cross border local advisers and making an application to the Court to vary a Settlement to extend the perpetuity period of a family trust.

Andrea Yiakoumetti

Andrea is a Senior Associate in the Property department. Andrea specialises in commercial landlord and tenant work and the sale and purchase of commercial and residential properties. She advises substantial private companies, charities and individuals, based in the UK and overseas.

Sheroy Zaq is a Senior Associate in the Citizenship & Immigration department with over ten years of experience in the spheres of immigration, asylum and public law. Sheroy holds particular expertise in representing clients in relation to first instance asylum claims, in addition to meticulously navigating the appellate process if so required. He is also well-versed in obtaining injunctive relief against removal from the United Kingdom and successfully challenging the lawfulness of immigration detention. Sheroy’s breadth of experience ranges from representing destitute asylum seekers to High Net Worth / Ultra High Net Worth individuals in complex and highly sensitive claims for political asylum. Sheroy places great emphasis on client care in every one of his cases, putting the aims and objectives of those that he represents firmly at the forefront of his practice. Sheroy is an experienced litigator and has acted as the lead solicitor in strategic judicial review matters challenging the overarching policies of the Secretary of State for the Home Department. Most notably, he acted as a senior solicitor for the lead claimants in the Rwanda litigation, resulting in victory for his clients at the UK Supreme Court in late 2023. He is also well-versed in obtaining injunctive relief against removal from the United Kingdom and successfully challenging the lawfulness of immigration detention. His wider public law experience includes acting for a Core Participant in the Grenfell Tower Inquiry.