Sarah von Schmidt leads an ‘outstanding’ team at Farrer & Co., which ’provides clear advice and strategic thinking‘. It advises a very broad range of clients, including some of the world’s wealthiest families. As well as acting for UHNWIs and their families, it also advises family offices, trustees, and many other clients, such as landed estates, art collectors and property developers. Other members of the team include Russell Cohen, who has a very substantial practice advising some of the wealthiest international families in the world. Bryony Cove acts for a wide range of UK and international clients with their own businesses, and those with self-generated wealth. Oliver Piper provides strategic advice on tax and succession planning matters for UHNWIs, families and trustees. Jennifer Ridgway acts for numerous UK and non-UK clients on the full range of succession issues. Alexandra Hollingshead is another key member of the department. Alex Ruffel recently joined the practice in March 2025 from Irwin Mitchell.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘F&Co have a terrific private clients team. They are reliable partners for us in UK connected matters we bring to them, and they are excellent quarterbacks in the matters they lead. They are known to be amongst the best in the private clients field, and that reputation is obviously well earned.’
‘We have excellent relationships, and results, in our collaborations with Russell Cohen, Bryony Cove, Nikki Pomfret, Alexis Hille, Jennifer Ridgeway, Oliver Piper, Claire Randall and many others.’
- 'Jennifer Ridgway and Oliver Piper are both outstanding.'
- 'A large and hugely experienced team that acts for some of the oldest families and highest net worth individuals in the UK and internationally.'
- 'Bryony Cove is a huge name in the sector and vastly experienced: she knows everybody and everybody knows her. Not only is she extremely knowledgeable but also adored by clients.'
- 'Richard McDermott combines being technically excellent with a lovely manner with other professionals and clients alike. Jennifer Ridgway is very good at marshalling and reconciling competing considerations: she keeps an eye on the bigger picture at all times. Handles clients very well too.'
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.
Practice head
Sarah von Schmidt
Other key lawyers
Russell Cohen; Bryony Cove; Oliver Piper; Alexandra Hollingshead; Jennifer Ridgway; Nicola Pomfret; Claire Randall; Alex Ruffel; Richard McDermott; Georgina James