The ‘premier league private client practice’ at Farrer & Co ’includes top practitioners with an in-depth understanding of cross-border situations’. Sarah von Schmidt heads the department, which advises some of the world’s wealthiest families. As well as ultra-high-net-worth individuals themselves and their families, it also advises family offices, entrepreneurs, trustees, property investors, and developers. Other major clients include family businesses, landed estates, wealth managers, and art collectors. Russell Cohen has a substantial practice advising international families on a broad array of high-value matters. Bryony Cove advises numerous UK and international clients who have their own businesses, or those with self-generated wealth. Jennifer Ridgway and Georgina James are among the other key figures in the department. Oliver Piper is known for his strategic tax and succession planning advice to ultra-high-net-worth individuals, their families, and trustees. Alexandra Hollingshead plays a pivotal role in the department, and specialises in providing complicated trusts, tax, and structuring advice to wealthy clients. In another recent highlight, Nicola Pomfret was promoted to the partnership in May 2024.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
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Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Farrer have a long-standing reputation for expertise in non-contentious private client work which is supported by their equally impressive contentious team. Ollie Piper is really impressive.’
‘Team is quality throughout, from extremely bright and able young associates up to some of the most experienced and well-known names in the area. Bryony Cove - excellent client management.'
‘Russell Cohen is a first-rate operator supported very well by a high-calibre team. Jennifer Ridgway is technically impressive and has great client management skills.’
‘Bryony Cove's ability to get to the crux of the issue, offering advice on appropriate action and, more importantly, when action is not required is second-to-none. Her passion for the job is visible to all. Nicola Pomfret's knowledge and professionalism makes her a go to member of the team.’
‘Farrer is undoubtedly a top-notch firm for private client legal advice, with a solid track record and reputation, not only in the UK market but worldwide.'
‘Alexandra Hollingshead: Good ability to assimilate a large amount of detail for any particular client. Very thorough and not afraid of asking penetrating questions or making bold statements in furtherance of her clients' interests.'
- 'Farrers is of course one of the top firms in the private client world, possessing a depth in its partnership that few firms can rival. We work particularly closely with Sarah von Schmidt on two very significant matters, Nick Dunnell on another and Russell Cohen on another, all of which involve complex cross-border tax and estate planning.'
'Sarah von Schmidt is deeply experienced, knowledgeable and can juggle the complexities of various legal systems masterfully. Sarah is highly respected in our field by fellow lawyers and advisors, and inspires loyalty and gratitude in her clients. She also has a charismatic personal charm and talent for creating camaraderie and trust within the teams she leads.'
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Practice head
Sarah von Schmidt
Other key lawyers
Russell Cohen; Bryony Cove; Alexandra Hollingshead; Oliver Piper; Richard McDermott; Jennifer Ridgway; Nicola Pomfret; Nick Dunnell; Claire Randall; Georgina James