Private Client
Our specialist tax, trust and estate lawyers form one of London’s longest established and most experienced Private Client practices dating back to 1780.
We provide first class legal advice on tax and estate planning, however complex. More than that, we never forget that decisions made today impact well into the future and early planning is essential to protect assets for the lifetime of the owner and for the generations which follow. This is particularly the case with our Landed Estate clients who often feel that they are merely “stewards” or “custodians” of inherited wealth.
We currently administer trusts that are now benefitting second, third and fourth generations of the same family and we often manage the probate for Wills that we helped to draft lifetimes earlier. Probate work has been the cornerstone of our practice since the firm started. That is why families and executors rely on us to guide them through what can be a burdensome administrative process – doing what we can to get things completed as quickly as possible.
Our size and team based structure allows us to get to know our clients well and therefore build a close working relationship so that we are able to offer a flexible, personal service with a high degree of partner involvement. Clients can therefore be confident that our advice is bespoke and that every detail has been considered with their specific circumstances in mind.
We provide trust and tax advice to individuals, offshore, onshore and charitable trustees, executors, personal representatives and Court of Protection Deputies. As regards the latter, specialists in our team advise on how to provide for, and protect the interests of individuals who may lack mental capacity to manage their affairs and make decisions for themselves.
Using our experience and in-depth knowledge of personal UK taxation we can assist with careful and sensible lifetime tax planning, tax planning through Wills and post-death tax planning.
In addition, there has been the recent inclusion of a focussed Art and Luxury Assets team.
We act for clients who are domiciled in the UK as well as many non-UK domiciliaries who are either resident in the UK, spend part of the year in the UK, have assets located in the UK or have family interests here. As members of the legal networks Trans European Law Firms Alliance (TELFA) and USLAW, we are well positioned to advise such international clients on cross-border issues whether that is as regards succession and estate planning, asset protection or structuring UK or global investments.
News
The team at Wedlake Bell are the stand out professionals in this sector for the London region. They are approachable, knowledgeable, commercial and a pleasure to work with. They deliver in a timely manner and keep our clients informed.
Wedlake Bell advises clients across domestic and international contentious trusts and probate disputes. Partners are well placed to provide specialist litigation advice on issues pertaining to asset recovery and breach of duty claims. "They are a top-notch firm, they have such a good client base.
The team clearly understands very complex tax legislation and its application to cases," says a source, who also states: "I'm very impressed with the depth of knowledge and the ability to explain complex tax issues in a straight-forward manner.
Wedlake Bell offers a range of services to high net worth clients. The firm is highlighted for its expertise in tax, but also advises on other matters such as estate and succession planning. "It is one of the most well-resourced private client teams I have worked with.
Their verbal and written communications are always clear and concise. They will always respond in full to any questions raised and provide thorough advice as to the appropriate way forward," observes a source, who also says: "They are dedicated to their clients and delivering the best possible service. They have excellent communication skills and have a commercial awareness which is key.
Wedlake Bell LLP acts for an array of major clients who range from prominent UK families to internationally mobile wealthy individuals. The team predominantly acts for serial entrepreneurs, landed estates as well as public personalities. The practice has a strong focus on cross-border succession planning and has also experienced considerable growth in advising on the establishment of new charitable structures. Camilla Wallace, Jenny Cutts and Matthew Braithwaite are among the key members of the team. Andrew O’Keeffe is another recommended individual along with Antoaneta Proctor.
The private client team is first and foremost strongly client focused. The approach is always very pragmatic so as to address the client’s issues and set out an action plan which is clear and comprehensible. Overall the practice feels very approachable, and clients would enjoy that they can voice their concerns with approachable partners. Every interaction is very clear, be it in terms of next steps, billing etc.
Technically strong with a good understanding of family dynamics and commercial issues. The team at Wedlake Bell works together to deliver to clients. Matthew Braithwaite, Camilla Wallace and Jenny Cutts – each with their own style; all three are technically excellent and provide solution driven advice.
