Stephenson Harwood is praised as a ‘powerhouse’ that has ’an incredible bench of partners in terms of experience and strength’. Clients range from multi-millionaires to ultra-high-net-worth individuals and families with billions of pounds in assets. Its clients are typically entrepreneurial and international, and a particular focus of the practice is on complex structuring with an international angle, particularly where a business or corporation is involved. It also frequently advises on governance for family businesses, and related issues which arise during the transfer of wealth to the next generation. Key figures include the ‘excellent’ James Quarmby, and Emily Osborne. Osborne has a keen interest in succession planning and governance issues for business families. Jonathan Conder is especially experienced in acting for families with a US connection, and for families from South East Asia. Michael Rutili is a trusted adviser to numerous (mostly European) private clients, their families, and businesses. Beatrice Puoti focuses on international tax, trusts, and cross-border estate planning for UK and non-UK resident and domiciled clients.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Jonathan Conder is a brilliant strategist. He is organised, collegiate and reliable, and is well known among UK lawyers for his knowledge of taxation law.'
- 'Beatrice Puoti is excellent when dealing with HNW and UHNW clients both in the UK and abroad. She is clever, friendly and clear and she comes highly recommended.'
- 'Emily Osborne is sharp and knowledgeable, with an encyclopaedic knowledge of trusts law and beneficial ownership. I have worked with her regarding my charity and found her to be organised, driven and diligent.'
‘Emily Osborne is by far the most sought after, experienced counsel we have worked with in this area. She has a vast amount of experience in giving concise and highly effective advice in complex cases. She is also exceptionally accessible.'
‘Michael Rutili is an exceptional point of reference as he has the best understanding of family offices and their dynamics. His pragmatic yet friendly personable approach, further to great technical knowledge, make him our go-to partner at the firm.’
‘James Quarmby has the quality of making a complex matter straightforward, providing no-nonsense, easy to understand advice on a wide range of topics. His style is confident and reassuring.'
‘Jonathan Conder is simply excellent, with a brilliant mind and excellent with clients. Beatrice Puoti is exceptional, superb with clients and a phenomenal lawyer. Emily Osbourne is fabulous. Very bright and personable.'
‘James Quarmby: Always on the ball re taxation trends. Thinks ahead re solutions. Personable individual. Jonathan Condor: experienced private client advisor that make client feel comfortable. Trusted advisor. Michael Rutili - excellent advisor.’
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Practice head
Beatrice Puoti
Other key lawyers
Emily Osborne; Jonathan Conder; Michael Rutili; James Quarmby