Sophie St John

Sophie provides UK residents, international individuals, families, family offices and trustees with advice on a wide range of UK legal and tax issues relating to estate and succession planning, wealth holding and preservation structures, such as trusts, and UK tax planning. For example, she advises on inheritance tax (including related double tax treaties), residence, long term residence, domicile, the creation and operation of trusts, changes in UK tax legislation, regulatory developments and Wills.

Sophie has a particular focus and interest in advising internationally mobile individuals and families with a global footprint in connection with the issues they face in the context of cross-border planning and frequently works with professionals qualified in other relevant jurisdictions to coordinate cross-border advice for families.

• Advising an UHNW entrepreneur from the Middle East in connection with cross-border estate and succession planning following the sale of his business to include the creation of an offshore holding structure.
• Advising trustees and individuals in relation to the changes introduced by the Finance Act 2025 including in relation to the abolition of the non-dom regime and introduction of the long-term residence regime.
• Advising non-dom UK residents regarding their UK departure planning.
• Advising trustees in relation to the register of overseas entities.
• Advising in relation to the de-enveloping of UK properties from offshore companies.
• Advising non-UK individuals in connection with gifts of UK property to the next generation.

Sophie is an active member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP).

Sophie is recommended in the 2024 edition of Spears 500 and is ranked in Chambers High Net Worth Guide 2025 as a lawyer with expertise in Family Offices & Funds Structuring.