Forsters LLP > London, England > Firm Profile
Forsters LLP Offices

31 HILL STREET
LONDON
W1J 5LS
England
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Forsters LLP > The Legal 500 Rankings
Private client > Agriculture and estates Tier 1
Private client > Contentious trusts and probate Tier 1
Forsters LLP‘s contentious trusts and estates practice is led by Roberta HarveyPractice head(s):
Roberta Harvey
Other key lawyers:
Ashleigh Carr; Charlotte Evans-Tipping; Hannah Mantle; Alison Meek
Testimonials
‘I love the diversity in the team. And the women are all absolutely exceptional. They know the market inside out, they are great lawyers, perfectionists in their work and treat all clients with respect and kindness. They are incredibly responsive and accessible.’
‘Roberta Harvey is truly excellent. She is wonderful to work with and an exceptional lawyer. Ashleigh Carr is also superb and a joy to work with. Each of them are legally expert, brilliant with clients and approach what is invariably emotionally charged and difficult litigation with an assurance, efficiency and economy that is to be applauded.’
‘Roberta Harvey: Supercharming, superrelaxed, superefficient and supereffective.’
‘Charlotte Evans-Tipping: Relentlessly hard-working and brilliantly insightful.’
‘Roberta Harvey – passionate on behalf of her clients and a real team player; she works well with other professionals to obtain great results.’
‘Roberta Harvey is a fierce advocate and her senior associate, Ashleigh Carr, is a real star.’
‘Ashleigh Carr is a fantastic senior associate. She has an encyclopaedic knowledge of her cases.’
‘Hannah Mantle is very impressive.’
Private client > Personal tax, trusts and probate Tier 1
‘It is the level of expertise’ at Forsters LLP ‘combined with its ‘can-do’ attitude that attracts clients’ with Xavier Nicholas at the helm. It has a large private wealth practice with a pre-eminent reputation for its advice to domestic and international HNW and UNHW clients on a range of complex cross-border and high-value taxation, estate planning and trust structuring matters. It continues to enjoy a regular stream of instructions on multi-billion pound matters for its international client base. Clients include major entrepreneurs, multi-generational families, trustees of significant cross-border estates and well-known artists. Carole Cook is well-regarded for her work on complex tax and trust issues. Kelly Noel-Smith acts for some of the world's richest families, including Middle Eastern royalty, Greek shipping families and entrepreneurs. Anthony ThompsonPractice head(s):
Xavier Nicholas
Other key lawyers:
Anthony Thompson; Nicholas Jacob; Daniel Ugur; Patricia Boon; Alfred Liu; Guy Abrahams; Andrew Lane; Fiona Smith; Alex Tamosius; Jeremy Robertson; Emma Gillies; James Brockhurst; Carole Cook; Kelly Noel-Smith
Testimonials
‘Forsters is a firm that really nurtures and brings on its next generation, enabling them client contact and the ability to build their network and express themselves. This is quite unique. They pride themselves on providing a tailored and bespoke personal service where the client feels valued and they are very good at problem solving. They are also very well versed in the crypto/digital assets space though the work that James Brockhurst is doing. This is ahead of their competitors’.
‘As a pure London practice it has exceptional expertise and experience in key global markets. Drawing on internal specialisms of law (personal, family, contentious, divorce, corporate, real estate and digital) to facilitate a range of requirements for families today. Stand-out names are: Daniel Ugur, James Brockhurst, Patricia Boon, Anthony Thompson, Nick Jacob’.
‘I cannot praise Guy Abrahams highly enough; Guy was an immense help and after a concentrated exchange of correspondence and some very astute advice we settled entirely to the client’s advantage without the expense of court being required. Everyone at Forsters works with each other for the clients as a team. This makes for an incredibly strong firm that delivers its best for any client I have directed its way’.
‘Andrew Lane – by far the most knowledgeable and practical lawyer in London. Andrew has a unique ability to absorb masses of information, extract the key facts and present them in a manner that clients can follow’.
‘Fiona Smith – outstanding in her technical ability and a way of making difficult law understandable to lay people. Guy Abrahams- again, technically very good and flexible and adaptable when it came to billing’.
‘Its commitment to its clients is exceptional. Its style is communicative and collaborative. Nick Jacob – first class technical lawyer with exceptional client care. Patricia Boon – incredibly responsive and proactive. Anthony Thompson – incredibly knowledgeable, extensive Middle East experience. Alex Tamosius – technically excellent’.
‘Jeremy Robertson and Emma Gillie (White) – both show high levels of knowledge, good client relationship skills and reasonable costs. They know their field and are responsive and engaged with clients’.
‘The firm always delivers a comprehensive and holistic solution tailored to the complex dynamics of the families they advise. They enjoy long term and close relationships with their client’.
Real estate > Residential property Tier 1
Under the excellent leadership of Lucy Barber the team at Forsters LLP continues to be active in transactions involving super prime and prime properties in London as well as on the sale and purchase of country houses. It has a diverse client base of wealthy clients who are based in the UK and abroad as well as prime residential developers, banks, property funds and investors. Charles Miéville is considered a 'go-to' adviser for particularly complex conveyancing and property financing matters for a client base that consists of a number of high-profile UHNW individuals and landed families. Robert Barham has been busy advising on various high-value transactions on behalf of international clients. Helen Marsh handles a broad spread of issues from high-value sales and purchases to advising on financing issues and landlord and tenant matters. Anna-Marie Short is now at Galloway Hughes Solicitors.Practice head(s):
Lucy Barber
Other key lawyers:
Charles Miéville; Robert Barnham; Helen Marsh
Testimonials
‘They are attentive, knowledgeable and great communicators. Charles Mieville’.
‘This team is known in London as acting for developers selling high end residential new build apartments. There is also an agricultural practice. Charles Mieville is the stand out partner in this team. Very user-friendly and commercially minded. He has a following among high end estate agents’.
‘The team at Forsters is excellent, there is lots of strength and depth in the team. They are always friendly and easy to deal with, and you get matters done with them. I enjoy acting opposite them on transactions. Robert Barham and Charles Mieville are both fantastic’.
‘A professional and welcoming practice with a wealth of knowledge and expertise in every area. High end residential conveyancing in Prime Central London’.
‘I would highly recommend Helen Marsh to any client. Helen is professional, knowledgeable and also personable. She is able to build a rapport and read her clients, managing situations and making the whole conveyancing process as painless and as stress-free as possible’.
Key clients
The Crown Estate
The Trinity Estate
The Phillimore Estate
Northacre
Land Securities
Clivedale Limited
JP Morgan Private Bank
Banque Havilland
Nationwide Pension Fund
Knight Dragon
Private client > Family Tier 2
The team at Forsters LLP is ‘incredibly well respected – and for good reason. The team does everything with real class’. It is led by Joanne Edwards who is a ‘dynamo’ and has a ‘good stable of associates’. It is continuing to see an increased flow of complex cross-jurisdictional work in nuptial agreements; child arrangements and financial cases (which often have complicated trusts and financial structures). Rosie Schumm is frequently instructed in complex litigation for families with substantial wealth across multiple jurisdictions. Simon Blain has a particular strength in difficult financial cases often involving trusts, family business and assets in more than one jurisdiction. There have been changes to the team – Matthew Brunsdon Tully is now at Wedlake Bell LLP while senior associate Guy Mawson joined the team from Harbottle & Lewis LLP.Practice head(s):
Joanne Edwards
Other key lawyers:
Rosie Schumm; Dickon Ceadel; Amanda Sandys; Simon Blain; Timothy Evans; Anna Ferster; Guy Mawson
Testimonials
‘An outstandingly strong Family Team which has gone from strength to strength in recent years. They have recruited very well. They combine well with the renowned private client team’.
‘Jo Edwards partner and team leader. She is known nationwide as a leader in Family Law at the cutting edge of family law reform, she combines this work with a heavyweight practice in highly complex high net worth divorce cases’.
‘Rosie Schumm is a fantastic partner. She has an enviable strategic oversight. She ensures her clients feel comfortable and confident. Tim Evans has an incredible eye for detail’.
‘A very talented group of lawyers who go the extra mile for its clients. Able to deal with the most complex high value family cases. Joanne Edwards, Rosie Schumm, Dickon Ceadel and Anna Ferster are all excellent and focussed on delivering great client service at a fair price’.
‘The team has great strength and depth – and has recently recruited the excellent Guy Mawson. The team is excellent at marketing and Jo Edwards regularly provides commentary on family law issues that appears in the national press. Guy Mawson is very good with clients and has impeccable judgment. Rosie Schumm fights her clients’ corner very robustly indeed. Dickon Ceadel is very personable easy to work with’.
‘Despite being such a long-established firm with much association with ‘old money’ the family team at Forsters is notable for being forward thinking and often pioneering in its approach to family law. Having the support of a strong private client and commercial team means that the family team does excel at complex cases, especially those involving large landed estate and the drafting of nuptial agreements’.
‘Jo Edwards is simply one of the best family lawyers in the country’.
‘Jo Edwards leads the team with a quiet authority and is an excellent leader’.
Real estate > Property litigation Tier 2
Forsters LLP‘s expertise covers forfeiture, enfranchisement disputes, rights of way, rights of light, service charge disputes and telecoms code matters. Ben Barrison recently took over as head of the property litigation practice from Natasha ReesPractice head(s):
Ben Barrison
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The team provides in-depth advice and are one of the leading practitioners in the field of leasehold reform, strengthened recently by some senior hires.’
‘They are very approachable and work well as a team in providing clients with clear advice.’
‘This is a firm which is really going places. Its roots lie in high-end residential work, but it has increasing capability across all aspects of property litigation.’
‘Natasha Rees: there is nothing that Natasha does not know about enfranchisement: she is a standout leader in this field and an absolute delight to work with.’
‘Natasha Rees – extremely highly regarded and knowledgeable in the area of leasehold reform.’
‘Forsters LLP has long been considered a market leader in the real estate disputes sector, well able to hold its own against the big hitting City firms.’
‘Its lawyers are all genuine real estate specialists and even within the diverse areas that make up real estate litigation.’
‘Forsters deployed the appropriate specialist advice to ensure our interests and reputation have been optimally safeguarded. We have complete confidence in them.’
Key clients
The Phillimore Estate
Lawrence Wharf Limited
Aldford House Freehold Limited
Giles Fearn and Others
The Crown Estate
British Airways Pension Fund
PATRIZIA
The Mercers’ Company
The Corporation of Trinity House
Abrdn
LaSalle Investment Management
Monckton Properties Limited
Realstar
Schroders
Notting Hill Genesis
Work highlights
- Acted for tenants of Neo Bankside in a nuisance claim against the Tate Gallery, concerning the use of the viewing gallery.
- Advised The Phillimore Estate on the transition to the Estate’s new CEO.
Private client > Charities and not-for-profit Tier 3
The charities and not-for-profit team at Forsters LLP forms part of the firm’s private wealth practice and provides charity law advice to a wide range of clients including operational and grant-making charities, public bodies (in particular local authorities) and individuals seeking to develop their philanthropic plans. Fiona Smith heads the department that includes Neasa Coen. It has an established track record of providing charity and tax law advice to high-net-worth individuals in the context of donations and the establishment of charities.Practice head(s):
Fiona Smith
Other key lawyers:
Dispute resolution > Commercial litigation: mid-market Tier 4
The recent track record for Forsters LLP's 'seriously competent, astute group of lawyers' includes shareholder litigation, investment claims, professional negligence matters, and corporate and post-transactional litigation. The team is also well known for funded litigation. Practice head Benedict Walton is 'a standout partner with terrific instincts', while Andrew Head's experience includes large trials that frequently comprise international elements. In April 2022, Caroline Harbord and Bryan Shacklady, who both act in cross-border matters, were promoted to partner and counsel, respectively.Practice head(s):
Benedict Walton
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Magic Circle quality at mid-market rates.‘
‘This is a seriously competent, astute group of lawyers. They combine a strong command of the law with a personal touch that seems to attract a high calibre of lay clients.‘
‘Benedict Walton is a standout partner with terrific instincts.‘
‘Benedict Walton – hugely commercial and great at litigation psychology.‘
‘Benedict Walton has good tactical sense and gives well-considered advice. An excellent no-nonsense commercial litigator, whose approach is strategic and innovative. He gets results.‘
‘Andrew Head is more hands on than any other partner I have worked with. Very willing to roll up his sleeves and get into the detail, but keeps the big picture in sight.‘
‘Caroline Harbord is tenacious and with great instincts.‘
‘Bryan Shacklady – recently promoted to counsel, but could easily be (and probably should be) a partner – able to run the most complex litigation.‘
Key clients
Keyforce Trustees
GPF
Members of the Gold Dust Group
Clarence Court Eggs
Greybull Capital
Work highlights
- Acting for Keyforce Trustees and Andrey Zernov in complex litigation concerning the ownership of a substantial stake in a large insurance company.
- Acting for Swiss company GPF (in liquidation), as one of 14 defendants, in international and multi-party litigation concerning alleged breaches of contract and alleged misappropriation and misapplication of large sums.
- Assisting a group of over 200 investors in Anabus Holdings (a Cypriot company supposedly trading in gold dust but in fact running a Ponzi Fraud) in a claim against a law firm for negligence and/or deceit.
Industry focus > Hospitality and leisure Tier 4
Private client > Art and cultural property Tier 4
The versatile team at Forsters LLP has a wealth of experience in acting for collectors, artists, galleries and auction houses in addition to the owners of historic houses. Clients also include globally renowned living artists, as well as private collectors and art institutions with culturally significant assets. Catherine Hill heads the team and is recommended for her work on a range of legacy, succession and taxation issues. Rupert Mead advises the owners of landed estates on a myriad of taxation issues.Practice head(s):
Catherine Hill
Other key lawyers:
Rupert Mead; Jo Thompson; Rebecca Meade
Testimonials
‘A good and knowledgeable art team’.
‘The Forsters team is very approachable and knowledgeable – a good combination. The lawyers are also very nice to work with while getting the work done. They are committed to their work and are very good at what they do but they don’t let this impede on their personal and friendly way in which they do it. It is a friendly service‘.
‘Forsters is able to provide my clients with a holistic service but with a private client approach to service standards. I know that entrepreneurial and creative clients are in very safe hands with the partners and associates of Forsters and the communication with myself and colleagues is always very joined up and thought through by Forsters‘.
‘Catherine Hill has been terrific in handling my clients’ Will and Estate planning issues. She is pragmatic and creative and has a very good way of handling difficult subjects‘.
‘Forsters’ team is a pleasure to work with and its expertise is second to none. Rebecca Meade and Jo Thompson are fantastic people to work with. They are completely on top of their briefs, and very friendly, which makes all the difference‘.
Real estate > Commercial property: corporate occupiers Tier 4
The ‘knowledgeable, commercial and friendly‘ corporate occupiers team at Forsters LLP is led by Glenn Dunn. Andrew Crabbie is overall head of commercial real estate, focusing on transactional matters, while Victoria Towers handles development matters.Practice head(s):
Glenn Dunn
Testimonials
‘Superb senior solicitors who are proactive and commercial in advising clients of the smartest outcomes.’
‘The team at Forsters are very astute and technically at the top of their game. We share mutual clients who put great faith in Forsters to deliver favourable outcomes particularly on large corporate relocations. Forsters always put together a strong team to deliver with a wide range of experiences and diversity. I know the clients we share are as impressed as we are with Forsters work.’
‘Their solicitors are knowledgeable, commercial, and also friendly. I have often been put off using external counsel when their advice is heavy on legalese and light on usable commercial advice. However, Forsters have excelled at providing succinct advice which cuts to the heart of the relevant issues. I have found their fixed fee structure to be at a good market rate and typically stuck to save for exceptional circumstances. Where an uplift has been needed, there has been good reason for doing so.’
‘They are highly practical and take the time to understand business drivers before providing legal advice. I have confidence that Forsters are working in sync with my real estate team to ensure we deliver the right outcomes. Lines of communications are short, Forsters know what needs to be escalated and are always willing to put in the hours when deadlines are tight. In short they are a trusted partner that delivers.’
‘Glenn Dunn and Victoria Towers are extremely personable and effective. Engaged with developing strong client relationships and understanding issues and managing outcomes.’
‘It is rare to find a solicitor who can provide excellent legal advice while still also being a person you would happily have a celebratory drink with post-completion.’
‘I appreciate how down to earth and easy to work with Glenn Dunn and Owen Spencer are. They are also both very knowledgeable about the market and market participants.’
‘Owen Spencer is the key contact on our account. Dealing with Owen is very straightforward, and has excellent communication skills, he always remains calm but knows how to get issues resolved between all parties. Simply put Owen is a very trusted partner for our business.’
Real estate > Commercial property: development Tier 4
Real estate > Commercial property: investment Tier 4
Real estate > Planning Tier 4
The planning team at Forsters LLP advises clients on large-scale urban regeneration and housing projects, in which counsel Matthew Evans has notable experience. Victoria Du Croz leads the practice which serves major developers, retail operators, institutional investors, and film production companies; Du Croz has expertise in giving strategic advice on planning applications and negotiating Section 106 agreements.Practice head(s):
Victoria Du Croz
Other key lawyers:
Matthew Evans; Alice Gordon Finlayson; Sophie Smith; Ella Jones
Testimonials
‘They understand their client’s needs and appreciate and account for the overall strategy in place.’
‘Having been involved in various projects with the property and planning teams from Forsters, I have never had cause to question their professionalism or quality of advice. They really are an excellent all-round practice.’
‘Victoria Du Croz has a real knack at getting to the crux of an issue without any fuss or drama. Plain speaking, honest and totally trustworthy – she is an excellent ambassador for her profession.’
‘Expert planning legal advice in a timely manner.’
Key clients
Knight Dragon
Hondo Enterprises Ltd.
Consolidated Developments NHG Construction
Warner Bros.
Galliard Homes
General Projects
Citystyle Fairview VQ LLP
Aitch Group
BlackRock
Angle Properties
Peel Logistics Partnerships Limited
Arcadia University
McDonald’s Restaurants Limited
Four Quarters
Campfield Road Property Limited
Work highlights
- Acting for Knight Dragon in connection with the regeneration of Greenwich Peninsula.
- Advising Hondo Enterprises in connection with the redevelopment of Pope’s Road in central Brixton.
- Advising Warner Bros. on the significant expansion of the film studios at Leavesden.
Real estate > Construction: non-contentious Tier 5
Real estate > Social housing: local authorities and registered providers Tier 5
Real estate > Property finance Tier 6
Forsters LLP > Firm Profile
The firm: Forsters is a leading London law firm based in Mayfair which delivers exceptional legal advice to clients principally drawn from the real estate and private wealth sectors. Taking a joined-up approach we seek out solutions that embrace the unique needs of each individual or company. We believe our engaged, approachable manner combined with the delivery of concise, clear and commercially-led advice is what helps us develop long-term client relationships. Forsters has 63 partners, 240 fee-earners and over 165 support staff. The firm has an incredibly strong reputation in its chosen markets; Real Estate and Private Wealth.
Areas of work undertaken: Forsters is widely recognised by commentators, clients and the wider market as one of the leading real estate and private client law firms in London. Our service is crafted to meet the needs of each client whatever their matter or transaction. We frequently advise real estate funds, property companies, high net worth individuals, investors, property companies, developers, family offices and entrepreneurs. We explain complex legal issues clearly and look for the best solution for each client by providing advice which is practical, commercial, and always discrete.
The firm is structured around four core areas:
Real estate: Real estate, in all of its various forms, sits at the heart of the Forsters business – it is the sector on which the firm was founded and is our largest practice area. With over 100 lawyers specialising solely in real estate, we are well positioned to guide our clients through every situation whether it be an acquisition, disposal, development or property dispute. We work with our clients, ranging from real estate funds to overseas investors across all sectors including commercial property, residential, hotels, retail, industrial and landed estates.
Private wealth: Our expert private client and wealth management lawyers provide advice on all aspects of wealth planning to a range of clients including; individuals, trustees, family offices and private banks. Our clients are both domestic and international. We have a strong reputation in the US, Asia and other global wealth centres. Our partner-led approach combined with our ability to find practical solutions is what matters to clients. Our advice is tailored to meet our clients’ objectives – that might be tax efficiency, asset protection or succession planning.
Dispute resolution: With a team of bright and highly experienced lawyers, Forsters’ dispute resolution team consistently achieves commercial and practical results for its clients. Applying a tactical and discreet approach, we recognise how important it can be to protect the reputation of our clients. Working with corporate and individual clients, the team has the expertise to deal with every type of dispute.
Corporate: With a strong sector focus, the corporate team regularly works with real estate companies, family offices and individuals. Additionally the group has a growing reputation as one of the leading hotel advisory firms. Our approach is pragmatic and commercial. We adapt to each transaction, with in depth experience on a wide-range of matters, from M&A, to finance and tax.
Main Contacts
Department | Name | Telephone | |
---|---|---|---|
Senior Partner | Natasha Rees | natasha.rees@forsters.co.uk | |
Managing Partner | Emily Exton | emily.exton@forsters.co.uk | |
Commercial Real Estate | Andrew Crabbie | andrew.crabbie@forsters.co.uk | |
Private Client | Xavier Nicholas | xavier.nicholas@forsters.co.uk | |
Landed Estates | Henry Cecil | henry.cecil@forsters.co.uk | |
Residential Property | Lucy Barber | lucy.barber@forsters.co.uk | |
Divorce and Family | Joanne Edwards | joanne.edwards@forsters.co.uk | |
Charities | Neasa Coen | neasa.coen@forsters.co.uk | |
Dispute Resolution | Benedict Walton | benedict.walton@forsters.co.uk | |
Corporate | Stuart Hatcher | stuart.hatcher@forsters.co.uk | |
Property Litigation | Ben Barrison | ben.barrison@forsters.co.uk | |
Tax | Elizabeth Small | elizabeth.small@forsters.co.uk | |
Planning | Victoria Du Croz | victoria.ducroz@forsters.co.uk | |
Construction | Sarah Cook | sarah.cook@forsters.co.uk | |
Banking and finance | Victoria Edwards | victoria.edwards@forsters.co.uk | |
Hotels and Leisure | Ben Brayford | ben.brayford@forsters.co.uk | |
Commercial Litigation | Benedict Walton | benedict.walton@forsters.co.uk | |
Contentious Trusts and Estates | Roberta Harvey | roberta.harvey@forsters.co.uk | |
Lawyer Profiles
Staff Figures
Number of UK partners : 66 Number of other UK fee-earners : 240- Private client > Agriculture and estates
- Private client > Contentious trusts and probate
- Private client > Personal tax, trusts and probate
- Real estate > Residential property
Top Tier Firm Rankings
- Private client > Family
- Real estate > Property litigation
Firm Rankings
- Dispute resolution > Commercial litigation: mid-market
- Industry focus > Hospitality and leisure
- Private client > Art and cultural property
- Real estate > Commercial property: corporate occupiers
- Real estate > Commercial property: development
- Real estate > Commercial property: investment
- Real estate > Planning