Firm Profile > Boodle Hatfield LLP > London, England
Boodle Hatfield LLP Offices
240 BLACKFRIARS ROAD
LONDON
SE1 8NW
England
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Boodle Hatfield LLP > The Legal 500 Rankings
Agriculture and estates Tier 1
Boodle Hatfield LLP has a national reach with offices in Oxford and London. The skilled team continues to act for over 80 landed estates under the leadership of Saskia Arthur and Andrea Zavos. It regularly assists wealthy individuals investing in landed estates, country houses and farms in addition to acting as trustee for a number of major estates. Sue Laing and Fiona Graham are also key figures. Other key areas of expertise lie in advising young entrepreneurial heirs/owners of landed estates on setting up business ventures as well as advising significant estates on issues relating to tax migration and the management of substantial capital tax charges.
Practice head(s):
Saskia Arthur; Andrea Zavos
Other key lawyers:
Fiona Graham; Sue Laing; Hayden Bailey
Testimonials
‘The team provides an outstanding service. Always dealing with matters promptly and pragmatically with a commercial focus at the heart of all decision making‘.
‘The superb Fiona Graham is thoroughly recommended‘.
‘Fiona Graham is outstanding, superb people skills and technical ability‘.
‘The team understands the problems of managing a rural estate and completes instructions with a minimum of fuss and invariably on time’.
‘A traditional firm that puts the interests of its clients at the forefront of everything that it does and it has a real strength in depth in terms of having experts in a number of fields that mirror the needs of a private client’.
‘Hayden Bailey is a dynamic yet thoughtful lawyer. He will always look at the bigger picture rather than just the single issue often looking at a solution that works around the problem.’
Key clients
Grosvenor Estates
Bedford Estate
Radnor/Folkestone Estate
Art and cultural property Tier 1
Under the leadership of Simon Fitzpatrick at Boodle Hatfield LLP the team regularly advises on high-profile art litigation as well as on private art sales disputes. It is a full service offering that acts for a broad range of artists from well-known and high-net-worth artists, through to up-and-coming street artists. The skilled group is also increasingly acting for galleries, auction houses and museums. The department has particular skill in advising on significant art and luxury asset financing in the UK. Natasha Hassall is another known name for her work on long-term estate and tax planning. Hassall acts for various large landed estates where there is heritage property and substantial art collections. Becky Shaw is also recommended. However, it remains to be seen what impact the recent departures of Tim Maxwell and Rudy Capildeo to Charles Russell Speechlys LLP will have on the practice.
Practice head(s):
Simon Fitzpatrick
Other key lawyers:
Natasha Hassall; Becky Shaw; Fred Clark
Testimonials
‘Simon Fitzpatrick is a smooth, clever and determined head of department. He is a pleasure to work with and is astute in achieving the client’s goals‘.
‘Simon Fitzpatrick always has a sense of calmness and has a way thinking outside of the box which has been extremely helpful in tricky situations‘.
‘Boodle Hatfield has a specialist art team and that team is extremely knowledgeable about the nuances and dynamics of the visual art world, and in particular the needs of the artist’.
‘Boodle Hatfield has a well-established and successful art practice. The firm has developed this practice gradually and systematically over many years such that the recent loss of the highly-regarded Tim Maxwell and Rudy Capildeo has been absorbed as a minor bump in the road‘.
‘Boodle Hatfield’s team has a wealth of experience and expertise in supporting arts organisations, which has made them a natural first choice for us‘.
‘Simon Fitzpatrick and Becky Shaw are both very good, hardworking and responsive to clients‘.
‘Becky Shaw is a talented lawyer who works hard for her clients‘.
‘Becky Shaw was incredibly patient and demonstrated enormous empathy with my situation and legal needs‘.
‘Fred Clark also stands out’.
Key clients
Stik
Keith Hopewell (Sp Zero 76)
Contentious trusts and probate Tier 1
Boodle Hatfield LLP fields a highly-regarded trust and estates team that continues to act in many of the leading matters both onshore and offshore. The team that is led by Andrea Zavos acts for various individuals and families in the resolution of disputes and the management of complex litigation. The team is well-known for its expertise in advising on multi-jurisdictional tax, asset protection, trusts, family businesses and governance issues as well as on succession matters. Simon Rylatt is highly recommended for his work on both domestic and international trust and estates disputes. Mark Lindley also garners considerable praise for his work on disputes involving large estates and trust funds for high-net-worth beneficiaries, trustees and trust companies. James Woods-Davison is noted for his work on complex domestic and international matters.
Practice head(s):
Andrea Zavos
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘It provides highly tailored advice to private clients which respects the familial and relationship issues as well as the commercial ones. Real commitment to delivering imaginative solutions for the client‘.
‘It has real depth of expertise and experience in dealing with high profile and high value disputes. The team is involved in many of the biggest trust and estates cases‘.
‘Andrea Zavos has real litigation experience and a good tactical nose‘.
‘Andrea Zavos is highly experienced and a real expert in her area. She gives clients extremely sensible advice and never takes something to court when she can settle it. Clients love her easy manner and she is excellent at dealing with difficult clients‘.
‘They manage clients calmly without fuss. Andrea Zavos is unflappable, never daunted by a problem and forms good working relationships with solicitors for other parties‘.
‘Simon Rylatt is an outstanding lawyer: intelligent, considered, commercial‘.
‘User-friendly and approachable but highly focused team with the technically unmatched Simon Rylatt . He’s as close to ‘”perfect” as anyone I’ve worked with‘.
‘Mark Lindley is extremely clever and passionate about the law. He is measured and calm and takes a sensible approach to settling cases. He is very client friendly‘.
‘Mark Lindley is a great lawyer – extremely hardworking, conscientious and very impressive‘.
‘James Woods-Davison is very personable, manages clients’ expectations well and is organised’.
Residential property Tier 1
Boodle Hatfield LLP's team - a 'market-leader in the field of residential property' - advises on the sale and purchase of prime central London property as well as country houses across the UK, while also handling related matters such as enfranchisement, rebuilds and residential development. The group's vast expertise also spans de-enveloping, tax structuring and advising clients on agricultural holdings. Shaima Jillood, whose expertise lies in acquisitions, disposals and financing, heads the firm's Middle East practice, which has acted on hundreds of transactions in the last year relating to investment in UK properties by ultra high-net-worth Middle Eastern clients. Practice head Saskia Arthur advises on deals involving landed estates and commercial farming operations, as well as landlord and tenant issues.
Practice head(s):
Saskia Arthur
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Boodle Hatfield have unrivalled depth in experience particularly when dealing with large urban estates.’
‘The personal touch and knowledge of this firm’s solicitors is exceptional.’
‘Market leaders in the field of residential property, particularly with property in prime central London, as well as high value rural and urban estates. A team that works well together to ensure every angle is covered.’
‘The team is extremely good at communicating – they solve problems rather than create them.’
Key clients
Grosvenor
Personal tax, trusts and probate Tier 2
Boodle Hatfield LLP has an excellent team that advises wealthy individuals and their families, family businesses and art collectors on a whole range of issues. Other key clients include trustees, philanthropists, protectors and family offices. It is skilled at providing advice on issues ranging from wealth and succession planning through to the effective use of trusts and charitable initiatives. It is often instructed by beneficiaries in relation to valuable family trusts; Salpy Kouyoumjian runs the firm’s Middle East private office that advises high-net-worth individuals on a whole host of issues. Andrea Zavos heads the team.
Practice head(s):
Andrea Zavos
Other key lawyers:
Sue Laing; Simon Rylatt; Salpy Kouyoumjian; Hayden Bailey; Sara Maccallum; Kyra Motley
Testimonials
‘The team really understands our business and our values. It is a very personal experience, the team is approachable and responsive.’
‘Andrea Zavos is a skilled negotiator and fights her clients’ corner.‘
‘Simon Rylatt is outstanding. He is very responsive, an excellent technician yet always focused on obtaining efficient and practical advice for clients.’
‘Sue Laing is very efficient and sensible.’
‘Hayden Bailey and Salpy Kouyoumjian are excellent practitioners.’
‘Hayden Bailey provides a very personal service and is easy to work with.’
‘Hayden Bailey is exceptionally good at thinking outside the box and very user friendly for clients.’
‘Sara Maccallum has the great ability to apply her very detailed tax knowledge in a way which produces practical and commercial solutions. Sara can then explain highly technical issues in a very clear and readily understandable manner.’
‘Kyra Motley is easy to talk with.’
‘Kyra Motley is extremely efficient and stays very close to ongoing matters whether she is handling them directly or through her team. She provides precise advice and handles meetings and calls efficiently.’
Key clients
Grosvenor
Bedford Estate
Wates Group and Family
Commercial property: development Tier 3
Boodle Hatfield LLP is strong on both the development and investment fronts, with practice head Simon Williams particularly experienced in relation to city centre urban renewal projects and hotel developments. His team is also recommended for major portfolio work including lettings, disposals and acquisitions as well as mixed-use and residential developments. Private capital clients rely on the group’s expertise, including family offices, private funds and overseas high-net-worth individuals.
Practice head(s):
Simon Williams
Other key lawyers:
Caroline King; Simon Williams; Dennis Ko
Testimonials
‘Recommended for their resources and knowledge’.
‘The team is approachable and reliable.’
Key clients
Grosvenor
Marriott International
IBM UK Pensions Trust Ltd
Bedford Estates
Black Pearl Limited
Berry Brothers & Rudd
Harcourt Investment Limited
Commercial property: investment Tier 3
Boodle Hatfield LLP is strong on both the development and investment fronts, with practice head Simon Williams particularly experienced in relation to city centre urban renewal projects and hotel developments. His team is also recommended for major portfolio work including lettings, disposals and acquisitions as well as mixed-use and residential developments. Private capital clients rely on the group’s expertise, including family offices, private funds and overseas high-net-worth individuals.
Practice head(s):
Simon Williams;
Other key lawyers:
Andrew Wilmot-Smith; Dennis Ko; Caroline King;
Testimonials
‘ Recommended for their resources and knowledge’.
‘The team is approachable and reliable.’
Key clients
Grosvenor
Marriott International
IBM UK Pensions Trust Ltd
Bedford Estates
Black Pearl Limited
Berry Brothers & Rudd
Harcourt Investment Limited
Family Tier 3
Boodle Hatfield LLP has had a busy year and continues to act on financially complex cases for high-net-worth individuals in the UK and overseas where there are considerable reputational and tax-based issues to be considered. It has been advising high-profile clients with significant family businesses. The team is also well-equipped to advise on pre- and post-nuptial agreements as well as on cross-border children disputes where there are sensitive mental health and child abduction issues. Its client base has been expanding. As well as acting for individuals and families with ‘old money’ it continues to build its reputation among senior professionals, entrepreneurs and established businessmen and women. James Ferguson heads the team.
Practice head(s):
James Ferguson
Other key lawyers:
Emily Brand; Harriet Errington; Katie O’Callaghan; Katie Male
Testimonials
‘A growing market share – the team is reliable and discreet with a very thoughtful and intelligent approach to matters‘.
‘Excellent all round family team. Very strong assistants supporting the two main partners in the family team‘.
‘Cares passionately about getting the best outcome for clients. James Ferguson is backed up by a glittering crew of very clever assistants. The lawyers are prepared to litigate in a punchy way and not afraid of anything. James Ferguson – years of experience. Cool as a cucumber under pressure‘.
‘Its attention to detail and client care is first rate. Emily Brand can get on with everyone and her clients love her. She is a very talented lawyer and brings to all her cases a clear and incisive intellect‘.
‘James Ferguson is wizard-like in identifying his rivals’ weak points and skilfully uses his magic to exploit those weaknesses‘.
‘Harriet Errington is an impressive associate with a highly personable and empathetic manner’.
‘Katie O’Callaghan is utterly charming with clients and a top-drawer lawyer’.
‘Alexandra Hirst has a brilliant mind and attention to detail’.
‘Katie Male is highly intelligent and developing into an excellent matrimonial solicitor’.
Property litigation Tier 3
Boodle Hatfield LLP has a strong profile for leasehold enfranchisement matters, acting for landlords and tenants alike, alongside access and restrictive covenant disputes and contentious residential tenancy issues. The 'very responsive and knowledgeable' team is also well versed in securing vacant possessions and handling disputes over basement developments, where it acts for a broad client base including investors, developers and high-net-worth individuals. The 'extraordinarily shrewd and unflappable' Colin Young heads the team and is 'definitely someone you would want on your side'.
Practice head(s):
Colin Young
Testimonials
‘Very good team with a high degree of technical proficiency, experience and commercial nous.‘
‘The practice is unusual among real estate teams in being complemented by colleagues of the highest calibre in private client and commercial litigation.‘
‘Excellent knowledge of landlord and tenant property law.‘
Key clients
Grosvenor
Bedford Estates
IBM Pension Fund
Charities and not-for-profit Tier 5
Boodle Hatfield LLP is a known name for its work with charities and individuals in their philanthropic pursuits. It is also well-regarded for its advice to corporate clients and family offices on various ways to structure philanthropic initiatives, and in other areas such as the establishment of new charities. Increasingly the firm is advising on alternative not-for-profit structures. Andrea Zavos heads the team that includes Eleanor Sepanski, who is skilled at dealing with governance issues, philanthropy and assisting companies with its CSR planning.
Practice head(s):
Andrea Zavos
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
The Defence and National Rehabilitation Centre
Contruction: non-contentious Tier 5
Boodle Hatfield LLP's practice acts for developers, professional consultants and high net worth individuals in the hotels, urban estates, residential and mixed-use development sectors. The team is led by John Wevill who has experience advising lenders, contractors and insurers on a range of projects. Oliver Johnson is the other key member of the practice, working in tandem with Wevill on the firm's key matters.
Practice head(s):
John Wevill
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Grosvenor
Marriott International
Bedford Estate
Commercial litigation Tier 6
Boodle Hatfield LLP's litigation team 'provide the same high quality of work and results that more than match a Magic - or Silver - Circle firm, yet with more direct partner level involvement that is not reflected in the costs charged'. The team advises on significant commercial disputes and is highly regarded for its arts law and arts finance litigation experience. Simon Fitzpatrick leads the commercial litigation team and senior associate Kellie Jones acts for several high-net-worth individuals from the Middle East, particularly in disputes involving joint ventures. Tim Maxwell left for Charles Russell Speechlys LLP.
Practice head(s):
Simon Fitzpatrick
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Excels at handling high-quality, technical litigation‘.
‘Very bright and commercial – they have niche expertise but can ably turn their hands to a broad range of commercial disputes‘.
‘Simon Fitzpatrick is quite simply outstanding‘.
Key clients
Chiltern Farm Chemicals
Property finance Tier 7
Adam Chamberlain, who joined from Shoosmiths LLP in October 2018, leads the practice at Boodle Hatfield LLP following the departure of former practice head James Dakin to found Newmanor Law. The team's client base includes investors, high-net-worth developers and specialist lenders, and it is active in transactions involving office, residential and private rented sector properties.
Practice head(s):
Adam Chamberlain
Agriculture and estates Tier 1
Boodle Hatfield LLP’s Oxford team provides a range of agricultural and rural business advice including strategic advice on diversification, devolution and development. Its expertise covers complex probates for the landed gentry, sophisticated multi-disciplinary work, sales and purchases of valuable residential property, farms and agricultural land in conjunction with related tax and property advice. Fiona Graham heads the practice. Natasha Hassall is also recommended.
Practice head(s):
Fiona Graham
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Boodle Hatfield give no nonsense, good, clear, easy to understand quality taxation and private client advice.‘
‘Huge experience and knowledge in this sphere and a high-calibre of personnel. Thus complex and/or sensitive issues have been handled in a clear, pragmatic and conducive (and tax efficient) manner.‘
‘Practical and very well informed advice. Personable team who explain complex issues well without condescension.‘
‘Very strong on estate planning work and a lot of experience and very good client relations.‘
‘Excellent team for dealing with complicated family structures.‘
‘Fiona Graham is fantastic with people, which makes her a superb advisor. Her technical know-how is superb also.‘
‘I single out Fiona Graham for her tenacity and her ability to set out the issues in a straightforward manner.‘
‘Natasha Hassall has a great intellect and ability to make highly complicated issues understandable for clients.‘
Key clients
Grosvenor Estates
Bedford Estate
Personal tax, trusts and probate: Thames Valley, Berks, Oxon, M4/M40 Tier 1
Boodle Hatfield LLP is known as one of the pre-eminent private client practices in the Thames Valley. Its expertise spans cross-border and multi-disciplinary tax, trusts structuring and succession planning work on behalf of high-net-worth clients, owners of landed estates and family businesses. The Oxford office also houses a top-tier contentious probate practice and can advise on art collections, including tax implications of the sale of art. Chartered Tax Adviser Fiona Graham has notable experience in domestic and international private client tax, trusts and succession matters. Key figure Natasha Hassell also has experience in long-term estate planning, handling both onshore and offshore trusts, tax planning and wills. Associate Eleanor Sopanski is recommended for offshore structures and international tax and estate planning, particularly in the US.
Practice head(s):
Fiona Graham
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Fiona Graham has a terrific reputation in the private client field.’
‘Highly recommended trusts and tax planning specialists.’
Charities and not-for-profit Tier 3
Boodle Hatfield LLP assists charities and philanthropic donors with corporate matters and philanthropic initiatives, such as advising on the establishment and registration of new charities, non-profit structures and liaising with the Charity Commission. Natasha Hassall and associate Eleanor Sepanski are the key contacts in Oxford.
Practice head(s):
Natasha Hassall
Other key lawyers:
Boodle Hatfield LLP > Firm Profile
Boodle Hatfield is a full-service, commercially-focused firm with leading practices in property, private client and tax, litigation, family and corporate law.
The firm: One of the firm’s key strengths is its ability to marry together its various disciplines to serve the needs of clients in both their personal and business life. Boodle Hatfield has been advising clients since 1722 and has a rich history acting for wealthy individuals, entrepreneurs, families, property owners and businesses. The firm has a leading Middle East team and is part of an international legal network, meaning it has established and strong connections worldwide. Boodle Hatfield is based in London with offices in Bankside and Mayfair as well as a smaller office in Oxford.
Types of work undertaken
Property: the highly rated property department is involved in large urban estate transactions with associated landlord and tenant matters, hotels, retail and London-based residential and mixed-use developments and investments. It acts for developers, owners, occupiers, funders and UK-based and international corporate and private investors. Skills also include property finance and secured lending, property taxes, construction (contentious and non-contentious) and the private rented sector. It also advises private individuals on the sale and purchase of prime residential property in London and the countryside.
Private client and tax: the private client and tax department is a leader in its field, domestically and internationally, and handles tax planning for large and complex estates, private companies, entrepreneurs, family offices, high-net-worth individuals and families, trustees, executors and charities. It advises on inheritance, capital gains and income tax planning, wills and probate, domicile and residence issues, pre-immigration planning, VAT, property and corporate taxes, the creation and administration of trusts, and on trust and probate disputes.
Corporate: the corporate department focuses on mid-sized corporate clients and private capital. It acts for an international mix of private businesses (chiefly SMEs, ranging from start-ups to substantial, established organisations), smaller quoted companies, entrepreneurs, funds, corporate and private investors, and financiers and funds. It advises on mergers and acquisitions, MBOs and private equity transactions, joint ventures, banking transactions (especially property-related), listings and the issue of securities, and commercial agreements.
Litigation: the litigation department is active in a broad range of commercial disputes and has substantial, well-regarded expertise in property litigation, commercial litigation, arts disputes, acting for major property and commercial organisations in construction, employment and agrochemicals.
Family and divorce: the family law practice deals with all issues related to relationship breakdowns and on new relationships starting up. Many of its clients have international backgrounds and the team has particular experience in cross-border cases.
Arts and culture: the arts group advises individuals, institutional collectors, estates and trustees, galleries, and art and antique dealers on art law issues including the disputed authenticity of old masters and conditional exemption claims for landed estates, as well as on commercial transactions.
Main Contacts
| Department | Name | Telephone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Senior partner | Sara Maccallum | ||
| Arts and cultural | Sue Laing | ||
| Arts and cultural | Simon Fitzpatrick | ||
| Agricultural property | Saskia Arthur | ||
| Agricultural property | Jane Littlejohn | ||
| Banking and finance | Adam Chamberlain | ||
| Charities | Natasha Hassall | ||
| Commercial litigation | Simon Fitzpatrick | ||
| Commercial real estate | Simon Williams | ||
| Construction | John Wevill | ||
| Contentious trust and probate | Simon Rylatt | ||
| Corporate | Nigel Stone | ||
| Corporate finance/M&A | Nigel Stone | ||
| Corporate and property tax | Sara Maccallum | ||
| Entrepreneurs | Richard Beavan | ||
| Family | James Ferguson | ||
| Private client and tax | Simon Rylatt | ||
| Property litigation | Colin Young | ||
| Residential property | Saskia Arthur | ||
| Hotels | Rajeev Joshi |
Lawyer Profiles
| Photo | Name | Position | Profile |
|---|---|---|---|
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Saskia Arthur | View Profile | |
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Hayden Bailey | View Profile | |
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Richard Beavan | View Profile | |
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Emily Brand | View Profile | |
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James Ferguson | View Profile | |
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Simon Fitzpatrick | View Profile | |
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Fiona Graham | View Profile | |
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Natasha Hassall | View Profile | |
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Jane Ireland | View Profile | |
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Shaima Jillood | View Profile | |
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Simon Kerrigan | View Profile | |
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Caroline King | View Profile | |
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Salpy Kouyoumjian | View Profile | |
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Sue Laing | View Profile | |
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Mark Lindley | View Profile | |
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Jane Littlejohn | View Profile | |
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Sara Maccallum | View Profile | |
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Amanda O’Keeffe | View Profile | |
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Simon Rylatt | View Profile | |
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Eleanor Sepanski | View Profile | |
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Nigel Stone | View Profile | |
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Rahul Thakrar | View Profile | |
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Geoffrey Todd | View Profile | |
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Jonathan Turton | View Profile | |
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John Wevill | View Profile | |
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Simon Williams | View Profile | |
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Andrew Wilmot-Smith | View Profile | |
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Graham Winkley | View Profile | |
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Colin Young | View Profile | |
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Andrea Zavos | View Profile |
Staff Figures
Number of UK partners : 33Diversity/Community
Diversity/Community
Boodle Hatfield’s success is built on the enduring relationships it has developed over 300 years with its clients and staff. This is based on the respect we have for the individual, commitment to providing each person with the opportunity to succeed and the value we put on respecting diversity.
We are known for our positive working environment, friendly, informal atmosphere and a strong emphasis on developing each individual. We respect people of all backgrounds and have a good ethnic and gender balance amongst the staff.
We are particularly acknowledged for providing a good environment for women and we have been recognised in previous Euromoney Women in Law Awards. The firm won best National Firm across 31 countries from 2012 to 2016. Currently 56% of equity partners are women and two thirds of the fee earners are women.
We support the development of our staff by investing in our people and providing appropriate training so that employees have the opportunity to excel in their professional careers. This has led to a high retention rate of staff throughout all positions in the firm.
Corporate social responsibility
We are firmly committed to making a difference in the way that we conduct our business: we support initiatives that contribute to the good of the community, contribute financially to selected charitable causes and adopt environmentally friendly working practices.
Each year, within the firm, we select a Charity Partner to be the recipient of our fund raising activities. – see our website for more details here.
We are keen to support our people becoming involved in community initiatives and work with a range of community projects in Southwark. We work with local school children and undertake a reading scheme with St George’s Cathedral Catholic Primary School in Southwark. We also provide pro bono advice to local charities and trusts and run workshops for interns from local charities.