Payne Hicks Beach LLP

Max Baird-Smith

Max Baird-Smith is a Partner and Head of the Corporate/M&A. Max advises on a broad mixture of strategic corporate and commercial transactions across a range of sectors, including consumer and retail, education, energy, financial services, infrastructure, media & telecommunications, natural resources, property and technology. Additionally, he heads the transactional art practice at the firm. 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 also 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. Max’s representative matters include advising: Eon Productions Limited and the Broccoli family in relation to their joint venture concerning the James Bond franchise with Amazon MGM Studios Merck Mercuriadis, founder of Hipgnosis Song Management, in connection with Blackstone’s £1.3 billion takeover of Hipgnosis Songs Fund A trading group on its joint venture with Tower Research Capital LLC A family office on its co-investment in Storal with Graphite Capital Sia Partners on various acquisitions in the consulting and technology sectors Cerno Capital Partners on its purchase of the business of Alvarium Investment Managers  Medtech in connection with its inspection services partnership with the Liberian Government Vectura Group plc on the management buy-out of its oral manufacturing subsidiary, Skyepharma Production Lactalis on the squeeze-out and delisting of its Croatian subsidiary, Dukat EDF on its equity investment in Standard Microgrid, a leading solar microgrid developer based in Zambia Chenavari Investment Managers on the disposal of its leasing subsidiary, Geolia Leasing Solutions Carlisle Companies Incorporated on its acquisition of Draka Fileca SAS, a supplier of high-end cable solutions to the aerospace, space and defence sectors, from Prysmian Group Bpifrance on the initial public offering of Verallia group (a global glass bottle manufacturer) on Euronext Paris, one of the largest recent IPOs on Euronext Paris KKR on its strategic partnership with Tivoli Capital to develop Newton Offices’ new generation of offices in France Cahiers du Cinema (UK) on the disposal of film magazine Cahiers du Cinema to a group of French investors Vinci on the disposal of the London Olympic stadium operator Crédit Agricole Assurances on the acquisition of Indigo car parks alongside Ardian (enterprise value €1.96 billion) Crédit Agricole Assurances on the acquisition of a minority stake in the gas pipeline company TIGF (enterprise value €2.4 billion) Crédit Agricole Assurances on the acquisition of a minority stake in motorway concession company, Atlandes Stockdale Capital Partners on its acquisition of CEIT DeA Capital on its disposal of a majority stake in Générale de Santé for €788 million Bpifrance on the acquisition, alongside Apollo, of Verallia (enterprise value €2.945 billion) Bpifrance on the disposal of the French activities of TDF (enterprise value €3.6 billion) Bpifrance on the acquisition of a minority stake alongside Apax in INSEEC higher-education group Safran on its space-launcher joint venture (Airbus Safran Launchers) with Airbus Group - this significant and complex joint venture created a European champion for space launchers The French State on the merger of tank and armored vehicle manufacturers Nexter (company owned as to 100% by the French State) and Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (combined enterprise value of €2 billion) VimpelCom on its sale of a 51 per cent controlling stake in Omnium Telecom Algeria (formerly known as Djezzy), held by its Global Telecom Holding (GTH) subsidiary, to the Algerian National Investment Fund (FNI) for US$2.6 billion Certain matters handled prior to joining PHB .

Cherrene Balasanthiran

Cherrene Balasanthiran is a Legal Director specialising in commercial litigation. Cherrene has a wealth of litigation experience both domestically and cross-border for clients that include individuals, corporations SMEs, financial institutions and public bodies. She advises clients on their litigation risk when entering a contract or interpreting contractual clauses and at all stages of litigation from, advising on the merits of a claim, to devising strategy and managing a trial. Cherrene also recognises the importance of alternative dispute resolution and has led several successful mediations. Cherrene qualified as a barrister and initially practised in criminal law. Cherrene spent the first years of her career prosecuting and defending criminal cases in the magistrates and crown court, including acting as lead counsel on a multi handed money laundering prosecution. Cherrene has been instructed by both the Crown Prosecution Service and the defence and is experienced in representing clients facing police investigations and criminal proceedings.

Hanna Basha

Hanna Basha is a recognised leader in defamation, privacy and breach of confidence, having acted in a number of landmark High Court cases. She has a wealth of experience in media and crisis management with particular expertise in handling intense media scrutiny and containing fast-paced media storms. Hanna develops and executes strategies that protect clients at critical moments to prevent and deal with significant reputational attacks, often in time-sensitive and high-pressure situations. She is able to put a responsive strategy in place quickly and effectively when clients are facing unwanted media attention. Hanna regularly advises prominent and high-net-worth individuals, as well as corporates, seeking to navigate and contain reputational crises, particularly where matters attract significant press attention. She prevents the publication of private, false and sensitive information and skilfully manages media storms to prevent or limit damaging coverage. Hanna co-ordinates legal action and strategic communications to control narratives, stabilise situations and minimise long-term reputational impact. Her calm, confident approach is reassuring for clients, who appreciate not just her strategic decision-making but also her empathy. Hanna also represents clients in wider litigation, regulatory matters, employment disputes and inquests where reputation or privacy are key. She has acted in numerous high-profile matters including 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 Bayley 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).

Simon Beccle

Simon Beccle 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 passed The Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020 to bring in “no fault” divorce, which came into effect on 6 April 2022. 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 and in The Spear’s Family Lawyers Index 2026 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 Bingham

Hannah Bingham 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 and private companies of all sizes.

Frederick Bjørn

Frederick is a Managing Partner of Payne Hicks Beach and Partner in the Private Client department. Frederick acts for UK and international high net worth individuals, advising on associated tax issues 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 is a regular speaker at ‘US/UK’ conferences and works extensively with US lawyers and accountants to optimise estate planning for UK based individuals with US assets and / or other US connections. 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 served on the STEP Business Families Global SIG Steering Committee from 2023 - 2026. Frederick is a regular speaker at industry conferences and has contributed to various publications. In the past year he: 1) Co-chaired the Thought Leaders 4 Non Dom Tax & FIG Forum 2026 - 5th Annual Conference (May 2026) 2) Presented the Thought Leaders 4 Offshore tax webinar (April 2026) 3) Spoke at the 2nd SIP Global Health Conference (September 2025)

Alexander Blain

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 Booth

Matthew is a London-based Partner in the Family Team. 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). Matthew also has a busy practice advising clients in relation to pre (and post) nuptial agreements and values the necessarily ‘educational’ element of the advisory process. Many of these instructions involve substantial inherited wealth and long-standing family trusts, and often have an international element. 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).

Sarah Boyd

Sarah is a Legal Director in the Corporate Department. Sarah advises on domestic and cross border private acquisitions and disposals, joint ventures, group restructurings, English company law, corporate governance and other general corporate matters. Sarah has worked for a broad range of clients across a variety of sectors, including in the energy, telecoms, consumer goods, financial services, mining and aviation sectors. During her professional career, Sarah has worked in London and Munich and was seconded to a FTSE-listed media and entertainment corporation headquartered in London in 2021.

Kathryn Bradbury

Kathryn is a Partner in the Citizenship & Immigration Department and a Managing Partner of the firm. Kathryn has been working in the immigration field exclusively since 2001 and practices in the broad spectrum of UK immigration and nationality law. Kathryn is regarded in the industry as a leading immigration lawyer in her specialist field of law. Kathryn advises high net worth individuals in applications under all categories of the UK immigration rules. She has extensive experience in applications in all categories of applications for high net worth and high profile individuals. She has significant expertise in applications for British citizenship. Kathryn also acts in complex human rights applications and appeals and Judicial Reviews challenging refusals of applications.

Robert Brodrick

Robert is a Partner in the Private Client Department. With over 25 years’ experience, Robert provides specialist tax, trust and estate planning advice for wealthy individuals, their advisers, family offices and trustees. He acts for a wide range of clients, including the owners of landed estates, philanthropists, business people, non-doms/former non-doms and international families with assets in multiple jurisdictions. Robert also acts as Trustee, Executor and Protector. He focuses on three main geographic areas: Middle East, US/UK and UK domestic (including UK resident non-doms). Robert has been appointed as 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 is well known for advising 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 particularly well 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 worldwide, including London, New York, Geneva, the Bahamas, 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’.

Camellia Buckmaster

Camellia Buckmaster is a Legal Director in the Family team. Camellia advises on all aspects of family law and specialises in High Net Worth complex financial disputes arising from divorce and for unmarried parents (schedule 1). Her practice covers co-habitation and pre/post nuptial agreements, jurisdictional disputes and Non-Molestation Orders and Occupation Orders. Her cases often involve an international element and/or complex trust structures. Camellia’s children private law work includes cases with contentious child arrangements and international relocation. Camellia has also recently trained as a mediator. Work Highlights: • Potanina v Potanin (No 4) (Anti-Anti- Suit Injunction) [2026] EWFC 218 (12 August 2026) • Potanina v Potanin (No 3) (Video Evidence from Abroad) [2026] EWHC 1738 (Fam) (14 July 2026) • Potanina v Potanin (No 2) (FDA) [2026] EWFC 148 (23 June 2026) • Potanina v Potanin [2026] EWFC 80 • 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

Sarah Buechel (née Thursby-Pelham)

Sarah Buechel (née Thursby-Pelham) 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 the Head of the Property team and the Landed Estates and Agriculture team, advising on a wide range of property-related rural matters. Rupert acts for landowning clients and buyers in relation to all aspects of rural property, including sales and purchases of farms and estates, country houses and sporting establishments (including hunt kennels, shooting estates and fisheries), first registrations, option agreements (particularly for renewables projects), 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 team. 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 Carver

Sam Carver is a trusted adviser to international families, their trustees and advisers on all aspects of personal and trust taxation, succession planning and asset protection. Sam 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 (non-dom / non-doms), 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. He 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. Sam 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, or advising on powers of attorney or 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 Clough

George Clough is an Associate in the Employment Team, with five 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 for claimants, including disability and sex discrimination issues and equal pay claims. He assists in high value settlement negotiations, mediations, and Employment Tribunal litigation. George also regularly assists with litigation for respondent employers 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.

Evelyn Collins

Evelyn Collins is an experienced family law solicitor based in London advising high‑net‑worth and international clients on complex and sensitive family matters, including divorce, financial settlements, private children law, and cases involving allegations of domestic abuse, including applications for non-molestation and occupation orders. Her practice combines technical expertise with a calm, strategic and compassionate approach. Evelyn has a particular specialism in private children matters. She regularly acts for parents in disputes concerning child arrangements (including “lives with” and “spends time with” child arrangements) and cases involving allegations of alienating behaviour by a parent. She has experience advising parents on safeguarding concerns within schools and navigating multi‑agency involvement where a child’s welfare is at risk. As a member of the firm’s Modern Family team, Evelyn also advises on the full range of legal issues affecting contemporary family structures, including: Surrogacy Adoption Donor conception Assisted fertility She acted successfully for the adopters in the contested adoption case Prospective Adopters v London Borough of Ealing and Ors [2023] EWFC 294 (B), a matter involving particularly complex and sensitive factual and legal issues. Evelyn advises clients contemplating marriage on Pre-Nuptial and Post-Nuptial Agreements, providing clear, tailored guidance designed to protect family wealth. She represents clients through divorce, including: High‑value financial remedy proceedings Schedule 1 Children Act claims for unmarried parents seeking provision for their children Notice to Show Cause applications where enforcement of an existing agreement is sought Her understanding of financial and emotional dynamics makes her particularly well‑suited to high‑conflict or high‑stakes matters. Evelyn has extensive experience supporting clients who have experienced domestic abuse, including coercive and controlling behaviour. She frequently represents applicants seeking non‑molestation orders and occupation orders under the Family Law Act 1996. She is also skilled in advising vulnerable clients requiring additional support.

Dominic Crossley

Dominic Crossley is the Head of the Dispute Resolution Department and a Head of the 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. However, the nature of his clients and expertise 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 also acted in ground-breaking privacy claims in all appellate courts including the European Court of Human Rights.

Alex Curran

Alex O’Dwyer Curran is a Legal Director in the Family Law team, specialising in complex, high-value divorce and family matters for high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth individuals. He advises on sophisticated financial disputes involving international assets, trusts and business structures, as well as sensitive children law issues. Ranked in Chambers and recognised by The Legal 500, Alex is noted for his intelligent, strategic approach and ability to deliver clear, pragmatic advice in the most demanding cases, including those before the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court. 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 2026, Chambers UK 2026, The Legal 500 UK 2026 and the Spear’s Family Lawyers Index 2026. He was 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 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 and partners. He has worked on cases that have been heard in the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court and his work regularly involves international individuals or assets, complex trust and business structures, nuptial agreements and applications to preserve assets. 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 ranges from applications made by parents to relocate abroad with their children, to proceedings involving the falsification of abuse allegations, the coaching and manipulation of children and parental alienation. Alex is routinely involved in children matters with international elements, including securing safeguards to prevent international child abduction (e.g. Dubai, India, Monaco, Switzerland and France) and seeking emergency orders when children have been wrongfully removed from the country (Malaysia, Saudi Arabia). Alex brings a wealth of experience to his clients to assist them in identifying their aims and objectives and devising a clear and strategic path by providing pragmatic and coherent advice. He is adept at working with conciliatory and constructive methods just as much as he is litigating proceedings when required. Cases of note include: • BC v BC [2026] (No 2) (Matrimonialisation: Division of Shareholding: Provision for Debt) EWFC 37 • Lara Zibners Lohr v Gernot Lohr [2026] EWHC 1448 (Fam) • BC v BC [2025] EWHC 2016 • 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 Devereaux is an Associate in the Family team. 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 team. 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 Dixon

Basil is a Partner in the Private Client team. He 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. His clients range from landed estates with the deepest of roots in the UK to those with no connection with the UK at all (non-dom / non-doms). Basil frequently advises on matters relating to onshore and offshore tax planning, the establishment and use of trusts and other structures and family governance 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 in the Dispute Resolution team specialising in contentious trusts and estates and commercial litigation. Clementine acts for trustees, protectors, settlors, executors, administrators and beneficiaries on the full range of private wealth disputes, both domestic and international. She brings a corporate law background to domestic and international trust and estate litigation and has particular experience of matters where trust and corporate issues intersect, including shareholder disputes in the trusts context and litigation involving complex trust/company structures. In addition, Clementine advises on the full range of inheritance disputes, including will challenges, removal applications and claims under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975. She also has experience of matters involving insolvency, fraud and asset tracing claims, including freezing injunctions and disclosure orders, and is regularly involved in advising trustees and beneficiaries on divorce proceedings and art and cultural property disputes. Clementine won Chambers’ Rising Star award in 2026 and is ranked as Up and Coming in its HNW guide. She is also listed as a Recommended Adviser in Spear’s 500 and as a Next Generation Partner and Recommended Key Lawyer in The Legal 500 UK.

Melissa Ellis

Melissa is a Legal Director in the Private Client team. She 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. Melissa also advises on domicile and residence issues and the application of the Statutory Residence Rules.

Harriet Errington

Harriet Errington is an accomplished family law partner, experienced litigator and skilled negotiator. 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 and children matters. 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. 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 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. Harriet has been recognised for her work by leading counsel and clients. She is listed in all of the major directories for her work. Work Highlights: • Elena Gennadievna Kroupeeva v Mikhail Viacheslavovich Kroupeev [2026] EWFC 85 • OO v QQ [2025] EWFC 310 (B) • TI v LI [2024] EWFC 163 (B) (contested divorce proceedings) • AB v CB [2014] EWHC 2998 (variation of a nuptial settlement on divorce) • Iqbal v Iqbal [2017] EWCA Civ 19 (appeal against a financial remedy order) • KA v MA [2018] EWHC 499 (challenge to a pre-nuptial agreement on divorce)

Marina Fitzalan Howard

Marina Fitzalan Howard 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. Case Highlights: Potanina v Potanin (No 4) (Anti-Anti- Suit Injunction) [2026] EWFC 218 (12 August 2026) Potanina v Potanin (No 3) (Video Evidence from Abroad) [2026] EWHC 1738 (Fam) (14 July 2026) Potanina v Potanin (No 2) (FDA) [2026] EWFC 148 (23 June 2026) Potanina v Potanin [2026] EWFC 80 Helliwell v Entwistle [2025] EWCA Civ 1071 – costs Helliwell v Entwistle [2025] EWCA Civ 1055 Standish v Standish [2025] UKSC 26 OM v DM [2024] EWFC 426 Helliwell v Entwistle [2024] EWHC 1298 Helliwell v Entwistle [2024] EWHC 740 Standish v Standish [2024] EWCA Civ 567 and ARQ v YAQ [2022] EWFC 12 Potanina v Potanin [2024] UKSC 3

Jonathan Gatward

Jonathan is a London-based Partner in the Corporate team. 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. Jonathan 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 Gerrard

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.

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, he is 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. 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) 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.

Nick Grant

Nick specialises in defamation and privacy law. Nick has particular expertise in reputation protection generally, including pre-publication and pre-broadcast advice. Nick also has expertise in related litigation and has been involved in high profile cases that have been issued and reported at the High Court.

Laura Hallahan

Laura Hallahan is a Senior Associate in the Family department. Laura advises 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 Harley

Alice is an Associate in the Private Client team. She acts for individuals, families and trustees on a broad range of estate planning, tax, trust and succession issues. Alice’s practice includes: Advising on bespoke estate planning options and preparing Wills, Codicils and Letters of Wishes for UK and international clients; Advising on long-term succession planning and structuring, particularly in relation to family run businesses involving complex trust and tax planning structures; Advising on the statutory residence test and UK residence issues, particularly the implications of long-term residence in the UK and associated tax planning; Advising on the creation of new trusts, as well as the taxation and ongoing administration of trusts; and Preparing and registering Lasting Powers of Attorney.

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 Henson

Jessica is a London-based 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. In 2015, Jessica co-founded ConTrA (the Contentious Trusts Association) which runs informative seminars and conferences for over 500 members both in the UK and offshore. Jessica is a member of STEP (the Society of Trusts & Estates Practitioners) and also sits on the ACTAPS (Association for Contentious Trusts and Probate Practitioners) committee. She is a regular speaker at industry conferences and has a particular interest in the psychology of litigation and family disputes.

Clare Hetherington

Clare Hetherington is a Legal Director in the Private Client department. Clare advises individuals, families and trustees on a broad range of UK tax, trust , estate and succession planning matters. 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 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 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. Noted for her “calm good judgment, caring deeply about her cases and for having a brilliant rapport with clients”, Victoria is ranked in Chambers HNW and UK and in The Legal 500 UK. She is also listed as “Top Recommended” in both The Spear’s 500 and the Spear’s Family Lawyers Index and named in Tatler Address Book. Work Highlights BS v CL [2025] EWFC 215 Rt Hon The Countess Karen Anne Spencer v Rt Hon Ninth Earl Spencer, Charles Edwards Maurice Spencer [2025] EWFC 431 Helliwell v Entwistle [2025] EWCA Civ 1071 – costs Helliwell v Entwistle [2025] EWCA Civ 1055 Standish v Standish [2025] UKSC 26 Helliwell v Entwistle [2024] EWHC 1298 Helliwell v Entwistle [2024] EWHC 740 Standish v Standish [2024] EWCA Civ 567 ARQ v YAQ [2022] EWFC 128 MB v EB [2019] EWHC 3676 (Fam) Hammoud v Al Zawawi [2019] EWHC 697 (Fam)

Phineas Hirsch

Phineas Hirsch is a Partner in the Private Client team, advising UK and international individuals, families, trustees and business owners on sophisticated succession, estate planning and tax matters. His practice focuses on the structuring and preservation of private wealth through wills, trusts and international asset-holding arrangements, with particular expertise in cross-border tax, residence and succession issues. Fluent in both French and Spanish, Phineas regularly works alongside advisors across Europe, the United States and other jurisdictions, helping clients navigate complex international estates, foreign assets, probate matters and multi-generational wealth planning. He is recognised for his technical excellence in personal tax, trusts and international private wealth structuring, and frequently advises families with beneficiaries and assets spread across multiple jurisdictions.

Tess Hulton

Tess Hulton is an Associate in the Private Client team. 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.

Jamie Hurworth

Jamie Hurworth is a Legal Director in the Litigation, arbitration & dispute resolution team. Jamie specialises in defamation, privacy, and reputation management. He advises high-profile and high-net-worth individuals, listed and private companies, and public sector clients on a wide range of sensitive disputes where the protection of reputation is key. He also handles urgent pre-publication issues, crisis response, and significant reputational risks. He has acted in some of the most high-profile media and sports disputes in recent years. Jamie represented Coleen Rooney in her successful defence of the widely publicised ‘Wagatha Christie’ libel claim brought by Rebekah Vardy, and he also acted for former England cricket captain Michael Vaughan in his successful defence of disciplinary proceedings arising from the investigation into racism in Yorkshire cricket. In addition to his media litigation and reputation management work, Jamie has substantial experience in commercial litigation. He advises on shareholder and joint venture disputes, professional negligence, judicial review, and complex contractual claims. Jamie previously represented clients in a multi-jurisdictional international arbitration involving claims in excess of US$50 million, resulting in a significant arbitral award and successful defence of substantial counterclaims. He has been praised for his “understated brilliance and humility”, delivering “spot on analysis”, building a “natural rapport” with clients, and giving “endless commitment” to the cases he works on. Jamie provides legal commentary to the media and featured in the Disney+ documentary  ‘Coleen Rooney: The Real Wagatha Story’. He also co-created and co-hosted  ‘Rooney v Vardy: The Breakdown’, an award-winning legal podcast series.

Flora Hussey

Flora Hussey is a London-based private client Partner specialising in UK tax, wealth management and succession planning for high-net-worth individuals, families, family offices and multi-generational businesses. She advises on complex domestic and international wealth structuring, including trusts, companies and other vehicles designed to support succession planning, tax efficiency and long-term asset protection. Flora is particularly recognised for her pragmatic, sensitive and solutions-focused approach, providing clear and tailored advice aligned with each client’s objectives. Her practice also encompasses family office structures, residence and domicile matters, charitable giving and the coordination of international advisory teams.

Matt Ingham

Matt Ingham is a London-based immigration Partner and Head of the Citizenship & Immigration team. He specialises in complex immigration, asylum, human rights and public law matters, advising high-net-worth individuals, international families and high-profile clients. Matt is particularly recognised for his expertise in political asylum claims, corporate raiding cases, judicial reviews, deportation challenges and discretionary immigration applications. With extensive experience across multiple jurisdictions, he adopts a strategic and interdisciplinary approach, frequently working alongside leading extradition teams from other firms, reputation management and civil litigation teams to deliver creative solutions in highly sensitive and complex cases. Matt advises high net worth individuals with regard to complex International Protection claims involving political persecution and corporate raiding, as well as Public Law and discretionary visa applications. 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 and ensures that he is well-placed to develop creative, strategic solutions to assist and protect clients, and to work alongside Payne Hicks Beach’s reputation protection and civil litigation teams where required. Matt has acted for high-profile individuals and has been at the forefront of significant cases in the asylum field. He regularly works alongside leading extradition teams from other law firms and works cooperatively with them to provide a second line of defence for clients in the form of a political asylum claim. Together with his colleagues in the reputation and civil litigation teams, 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, all linked to the underlying corporate raiding attempt. The cases he has worked on range across a number of jurisdictions. In addition, Matt has a breadth of experience in human rights-based judicial review applications with broad advisory and court experience in complex proceedings of this nature. He also works closely with the non-contentious Immigration team regarding UK visas, British citizenship, and Indefinite Leave to Remain applications, often involving a discretionary element. Such discretionary visa applications include Visit Visas, where there may have been historic allegations of criminality, Article 8 and Adult Dependent Relative applications, as well as late EU pre-settled and settled status applications.

Mark Jones

Mark Jones is Partner and Head of the Defence & Investigations Team at Payne Hicks Beach. Mark specialises in defence and investigations for both individuals and corporates. He regularly advises clients who have complex problems which require a multi-disciplinary approach. Often Mark’s work is multi-jurisdictional. Mark’s experience is recognised by Chambers High Net Worth, Chambers UK, The Legal 500 UK, Spear’s and CityWealth. Mark’s practice covers matters being investigated by a wide range of authorities such as the SFO, FCA, HMRC and the police as well as other regulators and bodies. Mark also has substantial experience in the range of different parliamentary investigations. He advises from the outset of matters and is able to devise a bespoke strategy for his clients to achieve the best possible outcomes. Mark’s work is often sensitive and high profile and he works closely with members of the firm’s Privacy & Media team in order to provide a seamless service to clients. In addition to his white-collar practice, Mark also represents clients accused of criminal conduct. Given Mark’s extensive defence experience, he is also able to advise victims of crime on the avenues available to them. This dovetails with Mark’s experience in conducting private prosecutions. Mark also conducts internal investigations for corporates concerning whistleblowing or alleged wrongdoing, 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 areas. He regularly provides training to clients on compliance areas such as anti-money laundering, the facilitation of tax evasion and bribery and corruption.

Sean Knight

Sean Knight is a Senior Associate in the Dispute Resolution department, focusing 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, the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants Act) 1975 and Court of Protection proceedings. Sean also has experience of charity disputes (including reported proceedings Bisrat v Kebede [2020] EWHC 1493 (Ch) and Bisrat v Kebede [2021] EWHC 1657 (Ch)) and commercial disputes.

Peter Lamb

Peter Lamb is a Partner in the Property team. He is 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 Lui

Victor Lui is a dual-qualified Senior Associate in the Dispute Resolution department and advises on a broad range of commercial disputes. Victor 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, estate disputes, cases with contractual and trust elements, and financial services.

Nick Manners

Nick is Head of the award-winning Family Department at Payne Hicks Beach. Described as ‘strategically astute and very clever’, 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. Nick 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). Nick has spent his entire career at PHB working on a vast array of high value, high profile and highly complex matters, and is instructed by a wide variety of individuals from all walks of life, such as businesspeople, entrepreneurs, professional sportsmen and women and politicians. Aside from his financial practice, he routinely advises on contentious children disputes involving contact, residence and relocation (including international relocation). He also deals with abductions, and matters involving same-sex parents. Nick frequently advises upon and drafts pre and post-nuptial agreements Nick 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 also advises 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 is part of the team that launched the PHB Mental Health & Family Breakdown Initiative, the first of its kind, to support and protect clients during vulnerable periods of their lives, providing ground breaking peer-reviewed guides. Nick is ranked in industry directories, including accolades in both Chambers High Net Worth and UK Guides, The Legal 500 UK, Spear’s, Doyle's and eprivateclient. He is regularly quoted in the media on family law matters. Work Highlights • Potanina v Potanin (No 4) (Anti-Anti- Suit Injunction) [2026] EWFC 218 (12 August 2026) • Potanina v Potanin (No 3) (Video Evidence from Abroad) [2026] EWHC 1738 (Fam) (14 July 2026) • Potanina v Potanin (No 2) (FDA) [2026] EWFC 148 (23 June 2026) • Lara Zibners Lohr v Gernot Lohr [2026] EWHC 1448 (Fam) • Potanina v Potanin [2026] EWFC 80 • Loh v Loh-Gronager [2025] EWFC 483 • BR v BR (No.2) [2025] EWFC 88 (valuation and division of business assets) • OM v DM [2024] EWFC 426 • Potanin v Potanina [2024] UKSC 3 • BR v BR [2024] EWFC 11 • Her Royal Highness Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein • HD v WB [2023] EWFC 2 (13 January 2023) • Potanina v Potanin [2021] EWCA Civ 702 • Barclay v Barclay [2021] EWFC 40 (Financial remedy proceedings leading to award of £100m to the wife). • Potanin v Potanina [2019] EWHC 2956 • Ciccone v Ritchie (No 1) [2016] EWHC 608 (Fam) • Ciccone v Ritchie (No 2) [2016] EWHC 616 (Fam) • AAZ v BBZ [2016] EWHC 3234 (Fam) (Financial remedy proceedings leading to award of over £453m to a wife) • AAZ v BBZ & Ors [2016] EWHC 3349 (Fam) (Judgment supplemental to case above, concerning the principles of Legal Professional Privilege) • Appleton & Gallagher v News Group Newspapers and PA [2015] EWHC 2689 (Fam) (client privacy and the Family Court)

Richard Manyon

Richard has a Chancery practice encompassing trusts, property and civil disputes before all levels of the judiciary including the Supreme Court. Richard specialises in contentious trusts and estates matters. 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. Richard is a regular speaker at international conferences including this year in the Channel Islands, France and Bermuda. He is quoted in industry and national publications.

Rosamond McDowell

Rosamond McDowell is a Partner in the Private Client team, specialising in tax and estate planning for individuals, families, trustees and family wealth structures in the UK and internationally, providing advice on complex succession planning, inheritance, trusts, taxation and wealth preservation matters. Rosamond is particularly recognised for her ability to combine sophisticated technical expertise with practical and sensitive advice, often helping families to navigate complex cross-border planning and succession issues, including the administration of multi-jurisdictional estates. Her practice includes advising on mental capacity concerns, and the resolution of disputes involving estates, trusts and fiduciary duties. Highly regarded for her unique combination of planning and dispute-resolution expertise, Rosamond advises beneficiaries, executors and trustees in both contentious and non-contentious matters and is recognised as one of the leading private wealth practitioners in the UK.

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 McRoberts 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 Moore

Lucas Moore is a London-based Partner and Chair of the Management Board, with more than 20 years’ experience advising high-net-worth individuals, family offices, corporates and financial institutions in connection with complex international disputes. He specialises in commercial litigation and arbitration, with particular expertise in fraud, shareholder/partnership disputes, international trade, contentious insolvency and reputation-sensitive matters with the benefit of the firm’s conflict free profile. Lucas is known for his strategic, commercially focused and solutions-driven approach, regularly advising on cross-border disputes, jurisdictional challenges, enforcement strategies and urgent injunctive relief. Lucas specialises in: Commercial litigation and international dispute resolution International arbitration Financial services disputes Fraud and asset recovery claims Contentious insolvency matters Shareholder and corporate governance disputes International trade disputes Trust and fiduciary disputes Jurisdictional and forum challenges Freezing injunctions, search orders and anti-suit injunctions Enforcement of judgments and arbitral awards Litigation funding arrangements Letters of request and international judicial assistance Reputation-sensitive and high-profile disputes Emergency and interim court applications Recent experience: Advising ultra high net worth individuals in connection with a variety of investment and fiduciary disputes. Advising a high net worth individual in connection with a partnership dispute arising in the context of a private equity acquisition. Advising an overseas financial institution in connection with documentary credits litigation. Advised an energy company in connection with a significant authorised push payment (APP) fraud. Advised on an ISDA dispute following a counterparty insolvency. Represented a private investigations firm in connection with a high-profile harassment claim. Acted for claimants in the Orb litigation, including issues concerning trusts arising under litigation funding agreements. Advised a hedge fund in connection with an introduction fee dispute. Represented an oil company in a dispute concerning investment banking fees. Advised on shareholder disputes involving an IT company and a major brand. Acted for vehicle manufacturers in a range of contractual disputes. Previous experience: Advised an ultra-high-net-worth individual in international committal and conspiracy proceedings. Acted for BES Finance Limited (in liquidation) in connection with the resolution of Banco Espírito Santo by the Bank of Portugal. Represented the liquidators of Weavering Capital (UK) Limited in fraud proceedings. Advised Satyam in substantial fraud claims brought in England and the United States. Represented expropriated bondholders following the Dutch government’s nationalisation and bail-in of SNS Reaal NV and SNS Bank NV. Advised two overseas banks in complex financial mis-selling litigation. Acted for a private equity group in claims against former lenders.

$Kate O\'Callaghan$

Kate O\'Callaghan

Kate O'Callaghan is an Associate in the Family team. 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 is a London-based Partner in the Private Client team. Martin qualified as a solicitor in January 1970 and was appointed a partner with Paisner & Co in 1972. That firm had been founded by his late father Leslie Paisner in 1932, and following mergers post-2000 it ultimately became Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner. Throughout his career Martin has specialised in private client and charity, and his client base is both domestic and overseas. He has become well-known in the charity sector, serving as a trustee on a considerable number of both grant making and functional charities. He was appointed CBE in June 2004 in recognition of his charitable services.

Katie Parkes

Katie Parkes is a Legal Director in PHB’s Family Department, advising on all aspects of private family law. She specialises in resolving financial matters between High Net Worth and Ultra High Net Worth (UHNW) divorcing and divorced couples, unmarried parents, and clients seeking pre- or post-nuptial agreements. Her cases frequently involve substantial assets and an international dimension and she is equally at home acting for the financially weaker party as for the financially stronger one. Katie is consistently ranked in the leading independent directories including: Chambers HNW, Chambers UK, Legal 500 UK, the Spear's Family Law Index, Private Client Global Elite and Doyle’s guide. Katie is noted as being “without any doubt one of the most charming and vivacious solicitors in the UHNW field” and is acknowledged for “handling the most complex cases with ease”. “Her client care is excellent. She is patient, and empathetic with a steely resolve to secure the best outcome for the client”. Katie is recognised for her “incredible eye for detail and always has an encyclopaedic knowledge of her cases”. She is referred to as being “extraordinarily bright and insightful” and has “superb judgment”. She is “a wonderful person to have on your team,” dedicated to “achieving the best for her clients”, “a sunny character, belying a fierce determination for and loyalty to her clients”. Katie “knows the law and procedure backwards” and can manage “massive legal teams in multiple jurisdictions… all with humour and good grace”. To clients, Katie brings a combination of steely resolve and warmth to every case and has “formidable negotiation skills and tactical acumen” whilst remaining “a source of support and reassurance and indeed good humour”. Katie has worked on some of the firm’s most notable family law cases with Baroness Shackleton, Nick Manners, Ben Parry-Smith and Harriet Errington, including representing HRH Princess Haya of Jordan in the litigation against the Ruler of Dubai, Loh v Loh-Gronager, Kroupeeva vs Kroupeev, KV vs KV and Collardeau-Fuchs v Fuchs. Work Highlights include: •Elena Gennadievna Kroupeeva v Mikhail Viacheslavovich Kroupeev [2026] EWFC 85 • Loh v Loh-Gronager [2025] EWFC 483 • 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)

Craig Parrett

Craig Parrett is a Partner in the Insolvency and Restructuring team, specialising in corporate and personal insolvency, restructuring and insolvency litigation. Craig brings over 17 years of experience advising on the full spectrum of contentious and non-contentious insolvency matters, acting for office holders, creditors, directors, bankrupts, and other stakeholders across both corporate and personal insolvency. Craig’s corporate practice includes advising on winding-up petitions, misfeasance claims, preferences, transactions at undervalue, and complex investigations involving illegal dividends and overdrawn directors’ loan accounts. He has particular expertise in defending directors facing claims under the Insolvency Act and regularly advises on Section 216 and prohibited name issues. As to non-contentious work, Craig advises on pre-packs, administration appointments, and general advisory work on technical issues. In the personal insolvency sphere, Craig handles asset realisations, income payment orders, suspensions of discharge, and annulment applications. He is also experienced in advising spouses of bankrupts and dealing with complex IVAs (and challenges to them), including cases involving capacity issues or evasive debtors. Craig advises on defending personal guarantee claims. Where enforcement of a debt is necessary, Craig can advise on the various options, including bankruptcy. Craig is a seasoned advocate, frequently appearing before District Judges and Insolvency and Companies Court Judges. He has also contributed to access to justice initiatives, including a pro bono trial scheme in the Rolls Building. A published author, Craig writes for Tolley’s Insolvency, where he has re-written the chapter on debtors’ bankruptcy applications. Craig regularly presents at conferences and delivers training seminars. Recognised by Chambers and Partners in band 2 for Personal Insolvency: UK Wide, and listed as a “Key Lawyer” in The Legal 500 (2024) for corporate insolvency, Craig was also named one of the UK’s top ten most influential personal insolvency lawyers by Business Today.

Ben Parry-Smith

Ben Parry-Smith is a London-based Partner in the Family team and one of the UK’s leading advisers on complex, high-value and international family law matters. He advises high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth individuals on divorce, financial remedy proceedings, children disputes, cohabitation issues and nuptial agreements. Ben is particularly recognised for his expertise in cases involving trusts, jurisdictional disputes, mental capacity issues and significant international elements. Oxford-educated, trained at Mishcon de Reya and having spent his entire qualified career at Payne Hicks Beach, Ben combines first-rate technical expertise with a pragmatic, client-focused approach. Known for his strategic thinking, creativity and ability to guide clients through highly sensitive disputes, he regularly acts in some of the most complex and high-profile family cases before the courts. 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. Ben advises on all aspects of family law as calmly, clearly and cheerfully as possible including 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. Between 2009 and 2013, Ben delivered legal aid and legal skills training at the National University of Rwanda. He has also led multidisciplinary initiatives focused on supporting vulnerable clients and contributed significantly to The Vulnerable Clients Guide for Legal Professionals. Ben is listed in all the major directories including the Spear’s Family Lawyers Index.

Gintare Plistkovaite

Gintare Plistkovaite deals with a wide range UK immigration & nationality matters including British citizenship, extension of leave and settlement for Tier 1 Investor, Entrepreneur and Sole Representatives of Overseas Business clients, as well as advising on the UK visit visa, UK travel document and applications under EU Settlement Scheme. Gintare also assists with international protection, judicial review and human rights claims. Gintare has built her knowledge and experience in the field while working at a leading immigration law firm in London for the last seven years, where she divided her practice between general Immigration and contentious litigation work, particularly involving HNW and UHNW individuals. Gintare is fluent in Lithuanian and Russian.

Hannah Robinson

Hannah Robinson is a Partner in the Property team. 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.

Dean Ryan

Dean is a Legal Director in the Private Client department and leads the firm’s Probate Team. He advises UK and international families, trustees and family offices on a wide range of private wealth, tax, trust, and succession planning matters. Dean has particular expertise in estate planning, wealth preservation and the administration of estates, regularly advising on complex and high-value probate matters with domestic and international dimensions. He acts for executors, trustees and beneficiaries in relation to all aspects of estate administration, including estates containing business interests, landed property and cross-border elements. He oversees the firm’s probate practice and is recognised for providing pragmatic, commercially focused advice at often sensitive and challenging times for families. He advises clients on the preparation of tax-efficient Wills, succession planning structures, trusts and lifetime wealth transfers. Dean also has experience in matters involving capacity, including the preparation of Lasting Powers of Attorney and Advance Decisions, helping clients put in place robust arrangements for future decision-making. Dean’s practice extends to trust advisory work and contentious trust and estate matters. He frequently supports clients in navigating complex family, fiduciary and succession issues, working closely with advisers across disciplines to deliver coordinated solutions. A Chartered Tax Adviser and Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Taxation, Dean brings significant technical tax expertise to his private client practice. He regularly advises on personal taxation, trust taxation, inheritance tax, capital gains tax and tax compliance matters, enabling clients to integrate tax considerations seamlessly into their wider estate and succession planning. He is also a Freeman of the Worshipful Company of Tax Advisers. Dean has a particular interest in philanthropy and charitable structures, advising individuals and families on charitable giving, the establishment of charitable entities and governance matters, including registration with and regulation by the Charity Commission. Clients value Dean’s technical excellence, attention to detail and approachable manner. His ability to explain complex legal and tax issues clearly and practically has earned him recognition from clients and industry commentators alike. He is described in The Legal 500 UK as “an extremely able team member” who is “readily available and has a real interest and understanding of his clients’ affairs.” Dean is recognised in the Spear’s Tax & Trust Index as a “Rising Star” Tax Lawyer.

Isabella Savill

Isabella Savill is ranked in The Spear’s Family Lawyers Index as a “Rising Star”. Named as an “absolute star in the making” by Chambers High Net Worth and a 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. Work Highlights: Elena Gennadievna Kroupeeva v Mikhail Viacheslavovich Kroupeev [2026] EWFC 85 Loh v Loh-Gronager [2025] EWFC 483 H v I : (Child Maintenance) Neutral Citation Number[2024] EWHC 3512 (Fam) HD v WB [2023] EWFC 2 G v T [2020] EWHC 1613 (Fam)

Luke Scarratt

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. Luke has acted in notable cases such as Silberschmidt v Richards [2025] EWHC 2841 (Fam) (as part of the team that progressed the law on set aside cases with a judgment confirming that a fraudulent husband could not evade the consequences of his own dishonesty by pointing to the wife’s alleged delay in bringing her claim), OO v QQ [2025], YE v ZY [2024], HO v TL [2023, and AS v CS [2021]. Luke contributed significantly to The Vulnerable Clients Guide for Legal Professionals, which provides guidance for family law practitioners on how to identify and support those involved in relationship breakdown who are struggling with their mental health. Luke writes widely on his work, and has been published in the New Law Journal. His articles touch on family businesses, alienating behaviours, the treatment of trusts on divorce, the loss of mental capacity and prenuptial agreements. Winner of the Future Leader in Private Client Services at the 2025 Spear’s Awards, Luke is ranked in The Spear’s Family Lawyers Index 2026 as a “Recommended”. The Index notes that Luke “has worked with Baroness Shackleton on a number of big-money cases, the most significant of which was the high-profile divorce between Princess Haya and Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum.” In recent years, Luke has been consistently recommended by The Legal 500 UK as a “Key Lawyer”, commenting that he is a “very effective and well informed lawyer” and “intelligent, strategic, and hard working” – alongside being “charming and a good communicator”.

Rosie Sells

Rosie Sells is a Senior Associate in the Dispute Resolution department of Payne Hicks Beach. She specialises in contentious trusts and probate services. Rosie advises trustees, beneficiaries, and high net worth individuals on a wide range of complex and high value issues. These include domestic and offshore trust disputes, claims under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975, professional negligence actions in the context of wills and trusts, and Court of Protection proceedings. She also has experience in insolvency and asset recovery proceedings. In conjunction with this work, Rosie is a member of the Art and Cultural Property Group. She advises auction houses, art dealers and international private collectors on a variety of contentious issues. Rosie’s practice also extends to advising states and lobbying groups on the restitution of looted artworks.

Fiona Shackleton

Fiona Shackleton is renowned for her top-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 Sherwin

Verity Sherwin is a Senior Associate in the Private Client Department. Verity advises a broad range of UK and international clients, including individuals, entrepreneurs, onshore and offshore trustees, family offices and charities. Verity’s practice covers a broad range of personal tax, trust and estate planning issues, including: 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.

Charlotte Skea-Strachan

Charlotte Skea-Strachan 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. Charlotte is listed in The Spear’s Family Lawyers Index 2026 as “Recommended” with a focus on children matters. The Legal 500 UK 2026 ranks Charlotte as a “Recommended Key Lawyer” for both Family: Children and Family: Divorce and Financial Remedy. She has featured in the directory for many years, being described as “enormously helpful” and as a “Rising Star” of the family world. 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.

Rebecca Smart

Rebecca Smart is a Legal Director in the Criminal Litigation team at Payne Hicks Beach, specialising in complex and high-profile criminal matters. Recognised in both Chambers and Partners and Legal 500, Rebecca has a strong reputation for acting in complex and sensitive cases involving serious criminal allegations, with a focus on serious sexual offences and controlling and coercive behaviour. Her practice focuses on advising individuals facing investigation and prosecution in cases that often attract significant public and media attention, including matters involving reputation risk and regulatory issues. She has particular experience representing ultra-high-net-worth individuals, professionals, celebrities, politicians, and individuals in public office. She provides strategic, discreet, and commercially aware advice from the earliest stages of an investigation through to trial. Rebecca’s previous experience as a court advocate gives her unique insight into the strategies and decision-making processes of investigative bodies. She is known for her meticulous case preparation, sound judgement under pressure, and ability to navigate the complex intersection of criminal law, media scrutiny, and personal reputation.

Matthew Spring

Matthew is Head of the Property Litigation team and a Partner in the Dispute Resolution department. 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.

Emily Stoneham

Isobel Symonds

Isobel Symonds advises 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. A legal director in the Corporate department, she acts predominantly for entrepreneurial individuals and private companies, including owner-managed businesses, start-ups, family businesses and family offices, many of which are active internationally. Isobel also advises on commercial law matters, most frequently in relation to contractual arrangements and terms of business for suppliers of goods and services and agency agreements. Work highlights include: Sale of Syntec to Eckoh FairfieldNodal acquisition of WGP Group Ltd Sale of DNAFit Life Sciences Limited to Prenetics Limited Sale of The Club Company to Epiris Fairfield sale of Fairfield Seismic Technologies Bonnier launches start up Footnote Press Bonnier acquires the business and assets of The Salariya Book Company Pineapple Dance Studios in Dubai Joint Venture ATC acquires part of Furniture For Businesses Limited Reorganisation of Family Owned Investment Group Reorganisation of Diverse Private Investment Group Reorganisation of a Model Agency Business

Howard Taylor

Howard Taylor is a Partner in the Corporate Department, advising businesses, business owners, entrepreneurs, investors, family offices and trustees on mergers and acquisitions, financings, investments, reorganisations and other strategic corporate matters. He has extensive experience acting on domestic and cross-border transactions across sectors including technology, financial services, professional services, hospitality, manufacturing and insurance. Known for delivering pragmatic, commercially-focused advice, Howard helps clients navigate complex transactions, corporate financings and investment opportunities, while protecting long-term business value. Howard specialises in: Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) Private Equity Transactions Joint Ventures Strategic Investments Corporate Reorganisations and Restructurings Shareholder Agreements and Governance Fundraisings and financings Work Highlights: Sale of The Club Company to Epiris Refinancing of Major Hotels Group Sale of Syntec to Eckoh Sale of the business and certain assets of Recruitment & Contractor Services Limited Reorganisation of DNA Fit Limited ICICI Bank UK Plc’s loan to Lux International AG Refinancing of Property Company

Rachel Tiffen

Rachel is in an Associate in the Family team. 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.

James Townsend

James Townsend is a London-based employment lawyer with over 25 years' experience advising businesses, senior executives, business leaders and HR professionals on the full spectrum of employment law issues. As Head of the Employment Department, he specialises in employment disputes, executive exits, Equality Act claims, restrictive covenants and the employment aspects of domestic and international mergers and acquisitions. James is known for his strategic, commercial and pragmatic approach, acting as a trusted adviser to clients ranging from FTSE-listed companies to owner-managed businesses. He regularly represents clients before tribunals, appellate courts and the High Court. James specialises in: • Employment law • Employment Tribunal litigation • Employment Appeal Tribunal litigation • Equality Act claims • Discrimination and harassment disputes • Executive appointments and terminations • Restrictive covenants and restraint of trade • Settlement agreements • Employment contracts and policies • Senior executive advisory work • Corporate transactions and TUPE • Employment aspects of mergers and acquisitions • High Court and County Court employment disputes • Workforce strategy and HR advisory support Clients: James acts for clients before the Employment Tribunal, Employment Appeal Tribunal, Court of Appeal and Supreme Court with a particular interested in FTSE listed businesses, and clients operating in media, retail, manufacturing and retail. Examples of reported cases where involved over the past quarter of a century include: Supreme Court Seldon v Clarkson Wright & Jakes (Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills and another intervening) [2012] 3 All ER 1301 Court of Appeal Kuzel v Roche Products Ltd [2008] EWCA Civ 380 High Court Partridge Muir & Warren Ltd v Paul Hancock BL-2025-001243 MW Nails v Laura Brown & another QB-2016-003137 Employment Appeal Tribunal Hillier v Hamilton House Medical Ltd [2009] All ER (D) 319 (Nov) Ahir v Continental Tyre Group Limited UKEATPA/1137/11 Employment Tribunal Mrs K M Goody v Impact Food Group Ltd: Case No: 1300357/2025 Ms R Jagdish v Unite Integrated Solutions plc Case No: 3201078/2024 Mr D Coppinger and Mr J McInerney v P.J. Carey (Contractors) Ltd Case No: 2225272/2024 & 2225274/2024 Mr A Harris v Enotria Winecellars Ltd T/a Enotria & Coe Case No: 3305285/2024 Mrs A Kaur v Lornham Ltd Case No: 6018699/2024 Ms Ospina Cadaviv v Zing Environment limited Case No: 2301922/2021 Mr N Malik v Bestway Cash & Carry Ltd Case No: 3300458/2014 Miss Gill-Barbar v Sixt Kenning Limited t/a Sixt Rent a Car & Ors.Case No: 2404700/2013&2406367/2013 Mr A D Stanczuk v National Society For Epilepsy Case No: 2701770/2008 Mr MN Harrington v Mitchellson Formwork & Civil Engineering Limited Case No: 3301463/2003 Mr H Seuhat v Rockwell Collins (UK) Ltd Case No: 2701553/2002

Ane Vernon

An experienced litigator in a broad range of areas of law, Ane Vernon 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 Weaver

Chris is a London-based Partner in the Employment team and has over 15 years’ experience advising on all aspects of 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 Willan

Andrew Willan is a London-based Partner in the Dispute Resolution team, specialising in commercial litigation and reputation management. Andrew’s work covers all aspects of media law and reputation management, including defamation, confidence, privacy, harassment, data protection and intellectual property rights. The nature of Andrew’s work in this area is often confidential, however reported cases of particular note include Max Mosley v Google Inc and Hourani v Thomson & others. He also 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 has considerable recent experience in areas relating to the protection, regulation and disclosure of information, including in the context of the GDPR, Data Protection Act 2018 and claims under the Norwich Pharmacal jurisdiction. The Legal 500 UK lists Andrew as a “Next Generation Partner” for Reputation Management. He is also recognised by Chambers UK, Chambers HNW and Spear’s for his work in this area. Andrew's background is as a commercial litigator and he has considerable expertise in high value disputes involving individuals with prominent reputations. He is currently acting for Merck Mercuriadis, the music executive and founder of the former FTSE-250 company, Hipgnosis Songs Fund, in ongoing proceedings brought by Hipgnosis Music Limited. Andrew writes numerous articles and contributions in the national and legal press and gives conferences on a wide range of legal issues including relating to media and privacy law.

Adam Woodhouse

Adam is a Senior Associate in the Private Client department. Adam specialises in lifetime and testamentary estate and tax planning, trusts and the administration of estates for both UK-domiciled and non-UK domiciled individuals, lasting powers of attorney, Court of Protection applications and capacity issues.

Emily Woods

Emily is a Legal Director in the Private Client team She primarily advises wealthy private clients on Wills, inheritance and succession matters, 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. 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 Yiakoumetti 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

Sheroy is a Senior Associate with over ten years of experience in the spheres of immigration, asylum and public law. He provides strategic and discreet guidance on the most complex and sensitive UK immigration matters. He is ranked as an ‘Associate to Watch’ in Chambers and Partners 2026 (Administrative & Public Law: Traditional Claimant), a ‘Leading Associate’ in the Legal 500 2026 (Human Rights, Appeals & Overstay) and has been recognised as one of ‘Tomorrow’s Leaders 2026’ by the Global Mobility Lawyer. The legal directories describe him as having “superb judgement” and being “a joy to deal with”. Sheroy holds particular expertise in representing clients in relation to complex and sensitive immigration applications, in addition to meticulously navigating the appellate process if so required. He often represents High Net Worth / Ultra High Net Worth individuals in claims for political asylum (which are, needless to say, highly confidential by necessity given their propensity to impact diplomatic relations). He is also well-versed in obtaining injunctive relief against removal from the United Kingdom and successfully challenging the lawfulness of immigration detention. He 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. His practice is defined by exceptional technical ability, meticulous case preparation, and a client focused approach that consistently earns praise from clients and peers alike. Prior to joining Payne Hicks Beach, Sheroy acted as the lead solicitor in strategic judicial review matters on behalf of asylum seekers 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 and shaping the fundamental framework of UK immigration law for years to come.