Macfarlanes LLP is the ‘Rolls Royce and Tesla of private client work combining the best of every old style quality with the modernity of high-tech innovation in the fiscal world’. Spearheaded by Piers Barclay, it is highly recommended for its work on complex international matters typically for high-net-worth clients with assets, business interests and families across multiple jurisdictions. Richard Giangrande maintains a significant US/UK focused practice, and a growing Latin American practice. Charles Gothard spends considerable time in Switzerland developing relationships with key intermediaries and has a significant Middle East/GCC practice, as well. Nicholas Harries has a diverse practice, which includes advising on significant international trusts and estate planning matters. Mark Hunter and Sebastian Prichard Jones are both eminent practitioners, while Edward Reed’s practice has a large European element. Jennifer Smithson specialises in advising financial services executives, as well as entrepreneurs moving to the UK. Paul Hardwick has considerable experience in succession planning for major privately owned family businesses.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'A stellar team that is rightly regarded as one of the market leaders for private client work. Technical expertise is matched with a work ethic that would not be out of place in a Magic Circle or US firm.'
- 'It's probably the commerciality of approach that singles them out. Sebastian Prichard Jones: Unparalleled intellect and focus. For leading one through complex and complicated situations and making it all appear straightforward he is hard to beat.'
- 'Paul Hardwick - behind an unassuming facade a first-class brain and extremely thoughtful individual. Incredibly supportive when things get stressful. A new partner, but one to watch.'
- 'Nicholas Harries - old school but bright and sympathetic.'
- 'Piers Barclay - remains at the top of his game, and one of the nicest guys in private client work. Richard Giangrande - charming, hardworking, technically astute. A young partner who will go all the way.'
- 'Jenny Smithson - no-nonsense, with huge experience and always responsive. A lawyer any client would want on his or her side.'
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.
Richard Giangrande
Paul Hardwick
Practice head
Piers Barclay
Other key lawyers
Edward Reed; Charles Gothard; Nicholas Harries; Jennifer Smithson; Richard Giangrande; Paul Hardwick; Sebastian Prichard Jones; Charlotte Howard; Michael Shaw; Charlie Maydon Grace; Mark Hunter; Iskra Doukova; Mark Stichbury