Payne Hicks Beach LLP has ‘all bases covered’ under the excellent stewardship of Rosamond McDowell. Its high-net-worth clients stem from the UK and internationally, with many featuring in the Sunday Times Rich List, Forbes 400 and the Arabian Business Rich List. The practice continues to receive a steady stream of instructions from Scandinavia and the Middle East. Robert Brodrick’s expertise spans the Middle East, US/UK, and UK domestic work. Frederick Bjørn advises a broad range of UK and international clients, and Basil Dixon advises numerous international and UK-based UHNW clients. Martin Paisner CBE is a well-known figure in the market, while Sam Carver remains a trusted adviser to international families, their trustees, and advisors. Clare Hetherington also plays a pivotal role in the practice, as does Emma Harris. There have been a number of additions to the partnership. Phineas Hirsch joined the firm from Withers LLP in October 2024. Rupert Burchett was promoted to the partnership in December 2024.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Rosamond McDowell has been outstanding in helping all generations of the family respond to the recent changes and challenges of family taxation and law. Calm, patient, experienced and wise, she has been a real star.’

  • ‘Robert Brodrick is excellent - safe pair of hands. Very good for landed clients and those wanting good sound advice.’

  • ‘Old school and unflashy, but their reputation as the best is well earned.’

  • ‘James Bacon - the doyen of trusts and probate, a family adviser in the finest tradition. Clarissa Ferguson - first on the team sheet, as cheerful as she is hardworking.’

  • ‘I feel supported by the team who are warm, empathic and highly knowledgeable. They help me to negotiate an unfamiliar realm for me in a non-patronising and engaging way. I highly value Rosamond Mc Dowell.'

  • ‘Emma Harris is an excellent Private Client Partner. She is extremely thorough and decidedly proactive in her management of cases; much to the benefit of her clients. This coupled with her good technical ability and pragmatic mindset of how best to proceed mean that she gets results.'

Lawyers

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Leading partners

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Practice head

Rosamond McDowell

Other key lawyers

Frederick Bjørn; Robert Brodrick; Basil Dixon; Martin Paisner; Clare Hetherington; James Bacon; Clarissa Ferguson; Emma Harris; Adam Woodhouse; Rupert Burchett; Phineas Hirsch; Sam Carver; Benedict Jennings; Emily Woods