At Stephenson Harwood, the team predominantly advises UHNW entrepreneurs, business owners and their families and also regularly works with trustees from around the globe. Under the leadership of Jenny McKeown, the team’s main focus is on international work, though the firm also excels in domestic work. Additionally, it continues to expand into the Asian market, and has a number of important matters which are connected to the region. Other members of the team include Helena Berman, who has a strong reputation for her work on an array of contentious trusts matters, and Peter Gillis who was promoted to the partnership in May 2025. Jack Secunda joined the practice from Baker McKenzie in June 2024.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The team is utterly driven and devoted to its clients.’
‘Jenny McKeown has built an incredibly tight, balanced and joined up team. Peter Gillis has recently been made up and has the same personal skills. Maria Chami is coming through as one of the next generation in the team.’
‘Jenny McKeown - brilliant tactician who clients love and technically superb. Peter Gillis - a star in the making. Jack Secunda - excellent technically; highly responsive and user friendly.'
‘Stephenson Harwood's contentious trusts and probate team are at the very top of the market, instructed on the leading matters and possess great strength in depth in partners and associates alike.’
‘Jenny McKeown leads the contentious trusts and probate team brilliantly. She is a superstar litigator, whose technical knowledge and astute judgement is unsurpassed.'
- 'Helena Berman is a very clever trusts litigator, who uses her experience and strategic brilliance to great effect.'
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.
Maria Chami
Practice head
Jenny McKeown
Other key lawyers
Helena Berman; Peter Gillis; Maria Chami; Jack Secunda