Birketts LLP‘s ‘exceptional practice’ handles the full range of private client matters from Cambridge, thanks to a deep bench of experienced lawyers led by key partner Caroline Stenner. Another name to note in the team is Rachel Winter who is regarded as being ‘someone you can fully trust to give you the best advice to fit your circumstances’. STEP-qualified senior associates Kimberly Sayward who is ‘precise, efficient and has a high level of attention-to-detail’; James Marsh; and Alex Hunt, who joined from Mills & Reeve LLP in January 2023, also play pivotal roles in the practice.

The private client practice at HCR Hewitsons, described as being ‘very strong technically' is led from Cambridge by Daniel Curtis, whose broad practice includes advising clients with foreign property or those who are domiciled abroad. Key practitioner Bernadette O’Reilly handles specific reliefs such as BPR and APR, and the protection of family assets and succession planning through wills and other measures. Elizabeth Davies frequently acts as trustee for trusts including private company shares, development land and diversified landed estates. The ‘brilliant' Katherine Hague advises on capital tax planning for individuals and trustees. Senior associate Kelly Wardell is sought after for advice on estate planning.

The team based at the Cambridge office of Mills & Reeve LLP has ‘a very broad range of expertise, such that all of their clients’ legal needs can be met in-house’. It is noted that the practitioners in the practice, which is led by partner Chris Belcher, are ‘very approachable and advise using plain English, making complex matters accessible to all’. The firm advises high-net-worth estates, including some with assets exceeding £100m, on the full-range of tax and trusts matters. Senior associates Emma Geale and Katrina Hopkins have broad practices that encompass succession planning, tax, trusts, the restructuring of property ownership and the creation of corporate structures to hold investments. Alex Hunt moved to Birketts LLP in January 2023.

‘Their legal knowledge is first-class and the people on the team give clients great confidence‘, note clients of the entrepreneurial wealth practice at Mishcon de Reya LLP. It is led by Jackie Wells and acts for numerous high-value estates, including those with assets in excess of £100m. James Packer focuses on multi-jurisdictional matters and is ‘clear in his advice, prompt and detailed‘. Jocelyn Fox is a specialist in trust, tax and probate law, with a niche specialism in advising on the use of trusts for vulnerable adults and children. The firm’s in-house estate planning surgery for top professional partnerships and organisations is led by ‘knowledgeable, accessible and friendly' senior counsel Fiona Lewsey. Managing associate Sabrina Sears is also recommended by clients.

Ashtons Legal has a large, cross-office private client group led from Cambridge, which is noted as having a ‘vast level of experience'. Court of Protection specialist Lynn Wicks ‘goes the extra mile' for her clients. Jennie Pratt, whose ‘patience and sympathetic manner are remarkable‘, frequently acts for high-net-worth clients, including academics and entrepreneurs. Senior associate Christina Duck and associate Amy Pettitt also play pivotal roles in the practice.

The personal wealth practice at Barr Ellison LLP acts for a diverse client base that includes world-renowned academics, high-net-worth individuals and business owners. Practice head Emma Parsons ‘leads the private client team with enthusiasm and passion’. Associate Chris Jones ‘always brings a calm approach, coupled with an intelligent and sympathetic manner’. ‘Knowledgeable, friendly and polite’ legal executive Courtney Searle and ‘courteous, understanding’ consultant Francis Durrant have significant roles in the practice. The firm also has an office at Addenbrooke’s Hospital.

Greenwoods Legal has a large, national private client practice of which the Cambridge office is a key part. It is described as being 'a diverse team, led brilliantly'; practice head Clare Harris and associate Ellen Eley are noted as being ‘down-to-earth, experienced and friendly'. Harris, a fellow of the ALA, has a STEP diploma in trusts and estates; she frequently acts for clients in the agricultural sector on the full spectrum of wills, trusts and estate planning as well as estates administration, and Court of Protection matters.

Howes Percival LLP‘s private client practice is based largely in Norwich but the December 2022 addition of key practitioner and STEP member Stephen Patch to the team from Shoosmiths LLP gives the firm a strong presence in the Cambridge market also. Patch is noted as having ‘a hands-on approach and understanding of clients' needs and wishes'. He frequently acts as executor and trustee for high-net-worth clients, among them business owners, farmers and entrepreneurs.

Tees Law‘s practice is noted for its ‘friendly, people-oriented approach to client relations’. The firm has a large private client practice in which ‘efficient, professional and compassionate‘ practice head and senior partner Catherine Mowat is highly regarded. Associates to note are the ‘humble and efficient’ Chris Claxton-Shirley, and STEP member Heather Fuff, who ‘gives very clear, relevant and concise advice in an engaged and friendly manner‘. The firm’s diverse client base includes high-net-worth individuals, members of the House of Lords, academics, business owners, farmers and landowners.

Woodfines LLP is known for its ‘strong technical knowledge and provision of a personal yet professional service’. The private client practice is led namely from Bedford but the Cambridge office has a deep and talented bench, which includes senior associate John Wright; and associate Zara Bracegirdle, who is a full member of STEP and is ‘always happy to help.’