Focusing on international disputes, Stephenson Harwood advises ultra-high-net-worth individuals, entrepreneurs, and business owners on a range of private wealth issues. Co-head Jenny McKeown is an expert contentious trusts litigator, advising ultra-high-net-worth clients on complex, high-value, multi-jurisdictional disputes. Co-head Helena Berman is skilled in handling private wealth disputes and is recognised for her knowledge in complex contentious trust and estate matters. Emma Jordan, who joined from Winston Taylor in February 2026, is adept in complex offshore trust disputes, civil fraud, and asset tracing matters, including high-value litigation and arbitration involving breaches of trust, dishonest assistance, and recovery of misapplied trust assets. Peter Gillis specialises in international contentious trust, probate, and succession disputes, as well as high-value family and commercial trust litigation, and Maria Chami has assisted in key and complex matters. Jack Secunda is knowledgeable in civil fraud litigation. Laura Hasson joined the team in August 2026 from Clifford Chance LLP.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- Jenny McKeown has a wealth of experience, exhibits significant grace under pressure and clarity of thought, and has very strong strategic sensibilities. She is very good at identifying the key issues and focusing discussion on those issues. Jack Secunda is a rising talent within the London firm. He has a detailed and comprehensive appreciation of our very complex matter and a developing but already good strategic mind. He operates as a very capable 2IC to Jenny.
- Really good team which has increased its profile and strength in depth in recent years under Jenny McKeown's leadership. They are very experienced in this field, knowledgeable, and technically very good. They are also very good to work with.
- David Capps is vastly experienced in the field.
- Their ability to quickly comprehend complex matters.
- A team that goes from strength to strength and has incredible ability at all levels, capable of dealing with the biggest and most difficult cases.
- Jenny McKeown is a brilliant private wealth disputes lawyer. Her judgment is amazing, and she delivers time and again for her clients. Helena Berman is a tremendous litigator who fights as hard as anyone for her clients. Peter Gillis is very impressive. He inspires confidence in his clients. Maria Chami is an excellent lawyer who adds value to any case. Jack Secunda works very hard for his clients and is a superb part of any team.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Practice head
Jenny McKeown; Helena Berman
Other key lawyers
Emma Jordan; Peter Gillis; Maria Chami; Jack Secunda; Laura Hasson