George Merrylees

Partner

Private Client

Profile Image

Expertise

George advises on cross-border tax planning, asset structuring and succession. He acts for international high net worth individuals, trustees and family offices with a particular focus on fund managers, business owners, and entrepreneurs.

Being one of a handful of UK specialists in his field able to advise on complex matters in French, George is able to offer a unique, culturally intelligent and joined up service to Francophone clients whether from Europe, Israel, the Americas or Africa.

George sits on the Advisory council of the French Chamber of Commerce, is the chairman of the Franco-British Society and sits as an alumni representative on the Franco-British Young Leaders Board.

Career History

George joined Wedlake Bell as a partner in January 2022. Prior to that, George was a partner at Irwin Mitchell, a firm he joined through the merger of Berkeley Law and Irwin Mitchell in 2014.

George started his private client career at New Quadrant Partners in 2010. Before moving to private client, George worked in shipping both as a P&I claims handler and as a ship finance solicitor.

Very good team, very responsive and pleasant to work with. George Merrylees stands out by his nice personality. He is available, kind and has a very good knowledge of French/UK cross border tax matters. He is also fluent in French.

Legal 500, 2025

George Merryless is a fantastic lawyer. He is very client focused and is capable of understanding the commercial requirements of the clients and providing practical advice. He is always available. He is also French native speaker and is a great asset for UK-France cross border work.

Legal 500, 2025

Globally Speaking

Non-dom reforms: let’s talk about trusts

Are offshore trusts still efficient for UK tax purposes? The Autumn Budget on 30 October 2024 included confirmation of the most significant changes to the taxation of offshore trusts inRead more

Globally Speaking

NON-DOM ANALYSIS: TRUSTS

Are offshore trusts still efficient for UK income tax and capital gains tax? In this article we consider how the 2024 Spring Budget announcements are likely to impact offshore trustsRead more

News

Surprise Taxes on Assets Abroad

Clients from the UK with assets abroad may be surprised to learn that planning recommended by advisers in the country where they have an asset has caused taxes in theRead more

Globally Speaking

French Nationals in the UK: Still Mobile, Still Attracted?

The French community of London is a highly organised and motivated community with a developed social and professional ecosystem that actively supports business, entrepreneurs and wealth creation. For those notRead more

News

Key Considerations When Relocating to France

Notwithstanding the challenges caused by Brexit and Covid, France remains a favourite destination and partner for the UK. Over the years, many Brits have relocated to France, not just retireesRead more

Globally Speaking

Relevant Debts, Collateral and the Remittance Basis

In 2021, HMRC changed how they would treat the foreign income or gains of a UK resident remittance basis taxpayer when used as collateral for a relevant debt that isRead more