Colin is a Partner in our Banking and Finance team, where he specialises in real estate finance.
He has more than 30 years’ experience advising investors and lenders in relation to domestic and international real estate investment and development finance transactions.
Colin advises across the full spectrum of real estate finance, with particular expertise in lender‑side work, private credit, investment and development finance. He acts for a broad range of UK and international banks, alternative lenders, family offices and private investors, and is well known for his pragmatic approach and long‑standing client relationships.
Described by clients as having an ‘encyclopaedic knowledge of the law’ and providing ‘phenomenal client care’, Sarah is ranked Band 1 in Chambers & Partners and Top Flight in Spears. She is a Partner in the Family team and Head of Children at Forsters.
Sarah advises on a wide range of family law matters, including those involving serious welfare concerns, including domestic abuse, coercive, controlling and alienating behaviours, vulnerable and neurodiverse individuals, issues of capacity, high-conflict disputes, recognition and enforcement of foreign orders, protective injunctive relief, international child abduction, international and domestic relocation of children, international surrogacy, international adoption, donor conception, parentage, parental responsibility, gender-related issues and safeguarding matters. She also advises on pre-nuptial, post-nuptial, cohabitation, parenting and donor agreements and financial arrangements for children.
Sarah is known for helping clients navigate complex issues with clear and strategic advice, while seeking discreet, out-of-court resolutions wherever possible.
She acts for a client base including ultra-high net worth and high-profile individuals and families, regularly working alongside immigration, privacy, media and reputation lawyers and financial advisers.
Sarah is both a qualified Children Arbitrator and qualified Mediator. She is also a regular speaker at international family law conferences and contributes to publications including The Times, The Guardian, The Financial Times and leading family law journals.
At the beginning of her career Sarah spent a decade at the Bar representing parents, children, guardians, local authorities and the Official Solicitor in complex and sensitive cases. This experience provides her with a valuable perspective on the issues that arise in family disputes.
Sarah has completed the Family Law Bar Association’s Vulnerable Witness Advocacy Training.
Listed in The Legal 500’s Hall of Fame for Immigration, Tracy is described as “the best lawyer on earth” and recognised as being “very patient, very well educated and knowledgeable”. With more than 25 years of experience, Tracy advises businesses and high net worth individuals on all aspects of UK immigration.
As Head of Immigration, Tracy leads a market-leading team advising on UK immigration and nationality law. She has particular expertise in providing strategic advice to businesses and senior executives, helping clients navigate issues including the EU Settlement Scheme, permanent residence, and complex citizenship and passport applications.
Tracy is known for her personal approach, helping clients navigate complex issues and administrative processes with care and attention. Combined with her extensive experience and well-established industry relationships, this has contributed to a strong track record in securing successful outcomes, including on residency and citizenship applications that require Home Office discretion. Her international network also enables her to coordinate the global immigration needs of her clients.
Tracy acts for high net worth individuals and senior leaders across a wide range of sectors, including finance, fintech, legal, luxury brands, fashion, sport, education, design and charities. She also has significant experience advising tech founders on immigration and visa-related matters.
Tracy’s corporate clients value her strategic advice on sponsor licence compliance, right to work audits, and evolving workforce trends, including digital nomad and hybrid working arrangements. She is actively involved in policy discussions affecting the immigration sector, working closely with the Home Office through her role as convener of the Business and Operational Forum and as a member of UKVI’s steering group.
Joanna is a Partner in the Commercial Real Estate team, specialising in landlord and tenant matters within commercial transactions. She has particular expertise in negotiating commercial leases, including turnover rent arrangements, as well as handling the full suite of ancillary transactions.
With over 15 years’ experience, Joanna is highly skilled in advising on the asset management, redevelopment and refinancing of shopping centres, retail parks and industrial estates for commercial institutions.
As part of our Retail and Leisure team, Joanna predominantly acts for large‑scale institutional landlords. She has worked on many of the UK’s top 20 shopping centres, giving her in‑depth insight into the complexities of running and managing these assets. She also has extensive experience in the acquisition, sale and ongoing asset management of industrial estates and retail parks on behalf of pension funds.
Joanna prides herself on delivering clear, pragmatic advice with efficiency and precision. She prioritises understanding client objectives, progressing matters swiftly, and ensuring her clients’ positions are robustly protected.
Passionate about developing talent within the firm, Joanna regularly trains our trainees on the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954 and has delivered sessions to the wider Real Estate team on turnover rent leases.
With deep knowledge and experience of dealing with highly complex and sensitive issues, Danielle understands the importance of being pragmatic, responsive and empathetic. She is committed to building strong client relationships based on collaboration and trust to help achieve successful outcomes.
She advises employers and individuals on a wide range of employment and partnership issues. Her experience is diverse and includes HR advisory work, investigations into complex whistleblowing complaints, settlement negotiations, dismissals, partnership disputes, and supporting clients through judicial mediation and employment tribunal proceedings. Danielle also delivers training and seminars on a range of employment topics. She joined Forsters in 2024 from Winckworth Sherwood, where she spent 16 years.
Outside work, Danielle is committed to making a positive difference to people and communities. Most recently, this has included active involvement in charitable initiatives such as employment law clinics, as well as serving as Chair and trustee of a parent teacher association.
Since April 2024, Danielle has co-led the firm’s Pro Bono Committee, helping to drive initiatives that support the firm’s commitment to creating a culture in which our people make a positive contribution to their communities.
Matthew is a Partner in the Planning team and advises on all forms of development, with particular expertise in large-scale residential and residential-led schemes. He advises throughout the development lifecycle, from reviewing planning applications and speaking at committee meetings to drafting and negotiating associated agreements, undertaking viability reviews, advising on the Community Infrastructure Levy, and supporting the disposal of individual elements of schemes.
Matthew’s previous experience in local government gives him valuable insight into both the priorities of local authorities and the processes involved in securing planning permission and delivering development.
He also advises on highways matters, helping clients to secure the necessary agreements and integrating that advice into project timetables and delivery programmes.
His advice is practical and pragmatic. As the development process becomes increasingly complex and the demands placed on the industry continue to grow, it is important to understand not only the nature of new obligations but also what can and should be secured through the planning process and, equally importantly, what cannot.
Matthew is also the firm’s Early Careers Partner. Having been involved in graduate recruitment for more than five years, he is passionate about attracting and developing talented people and helping to secure the firm’s future success.
Matthew is Vice Chair (Occupier Board) of the Baker Street Quarter Partnership, the business improvement district within which the firm’s Head Office is located.
Thérèse Marie is a Partner in the Construction Disputes team and has extensive experience providing pre-dispute advice to help resolve project issues, as well as advising on every stage of a dispute from inception to conclusion, including mediation, adjudication, arbitration and litigation.
She acts for developers, building owners, main contractors, subcontractors and consultants on a broad range of construction disputes, including delay, disruption, variations, defective workmanship, negligent design, termination, final account disputes, professional negligence claims and building safety matters. She is known for her strategic approach to dispute resolution and for helping clients progress matters efficiently and effectively.
Her clients predominantly operate in the commercial real estate sector, particularly in the development of high-end residential, mixed-use and purpose-built student accommodation schemes. She regularly advises clients on building safety issues and potential claims arising under the Building Safety Act 2022.
Thérèse Marie also has considerable experience advising clients in the oil and gas, hydropower, renewable energy and infrastructure sectors.ergy and infrastructure sectors.
Andrew is a Partner in the Commercial Real Estate team and has broad experience advising developers and investors across a range of real estate sectors, including projects involving external financing. His work includes significant infrastructure projects, commercial, mixed-use and residential developments, as well as the acquisition and disposal of office, industrial and retail assets.
He has particular expertise in development projects across a variety of sectors and in advising commercial real estate developers and investors on the incorporation of renewable technologies, including solar panels and electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
Andrew is known for his collaborative approach and enjoys working on complex, multi-party projects. He regularly works alongside colleagues in the Construction, Planning and Banking and Finance teams, bringing together specialist expertise to support clients’ objectives. Clients recognise him as a calm and pragmatic adviser who takes the time to understand their businesses and projects.
As a member of the Commercial Real Estate team’s Knowledge, Innovation and Tech group, Andrew helps assess developments in legal technology and artificial intelligence, including potential use cases for the firm and its clients. He is involved in product trials and knowledge-sharing initiatives for lawyers across the firm. Andrew is also a volunteer and mentor for the Social Mobility Foundation and supports the development of junior lawyers within the Commercial Real Estate team.
Richard advises on all types of construction documentation for developments and refurbishments, as well as transactions involving acquisitions and disposals.
He has particular expertise in residential, student accommodation and hotel projects, acting for developers and investors. He also has extensive experience advising on retail and office developments.
Richard enjoys working on complex development projects that involve collaboration across multiple disciplines, particularly Commercial Real Estate and Banking and Finance. He is known for building long-standing client relationships and providing practical, commercially focused advice that supports clients’ objectives.
Richard has particular expertise in building safety matters and is valued by clients for his commercial approach, technical expertise and understanding of the wider issues affecting development projects.
Richard is a member of the firm’s graduate recruitment panel, Working Parents and Carers Network, and Commercial Real Estate Sustainability Group.
He advises individuals and their holding structures on their exposure to UK taxation, helping them balance tax considerations with wider objectives such as asset protection, succession planning and family governance. He also advises UK-resident entrepreneurs on the taxation of their businesses, business exits, and planning before and after significant liquidity events.
As part of this broad tax practice, Alex advises on a range of specialist UK tax matters, including disputes with HMRC, and the taxation of cryptoassets, sportspeople, internationally mobile executives, private equity principals, and issues relating to consular and diplomatic immunity.
Alex is recognised in the eprivateclient NextGen Leaders 2025 list. He writes the chapter on Trusts with a Foreign Element in Mellows: Taxation for Executors and Trustees and co-authored the chapter on the taxation of cryptoassets in Cryptoassets for Private Clients.
Guy is a Partner in the Family team and has significant experience across the full range of private family law matters. In particular, he advises high net worth individuals on financial claims arising from relationship breakdown. These cases often involve multi-jurisdictional issues, trust structures and complex assets. Guy frequently acts for high-profile clients for whom reputation management is a key consideration.
Guy also specialises in sensitive children matters, including cases involving significant welfare concerns and serious allegations. He has extensive experience advising high net worth individuals on pre-nuptial agreements, often working closely with family offices and private client advisers.
Maryam is a Partner and solicitor advocate in our Trust and Estate Disputes team. Recognised as a “Rising Star” in the Legal 500 and described in the Chambers HNW Guide as “commercial, focused and user-friendly”, Maryam advises on the full range of private wealth disputes. This includes advising on claims relating to breach of trust, dishonest assistance, trustee/executor removals, blessing applications, validity challenges, and issues relating to mental capacity.
Acting for international high net worth individuals, trustees and professionals, executors, protectors, family offices and beneficiaries, Maryam also specialises in advising clients based in the Middle East. With previous experience as a commercial litigator, she has particular expertise with trusts and estate matters involving family companies, partnerships or other corporates, as well as claims relating to fraud, dishonesty and asset tracing.
Maryam works closely with her clients to understand their goals and objectives, seeking pragmatic outcomes wherever possible. This includes consideration of mediation and creative routes to settlement. Prioritising empathy and understanding, Maryam recognises the delicate and complex nature of family relationships, particularly when dealing with a dispute.
She has co-led the firm’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee since 2025, and relishes working alongside her co-lead, Alfred Liu, and the other members of the Committee to drive forward the D&I Strategy. Maryam believes that it is essential to foster a culture where every single person at Forsters feels welcomed, included and valued.
Ryan is a Partner in the firm’s Real Estate Disputes team, where he advises on a broad range of property disputes, with particular expertise in residential matters.
His experience covers a wide range of issues, including landlord and tenant disputes (including breach of covenant, disrepair, rent recovery, possession and forfeiture), the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, fire safety and cladding disputes (with a particular focus on leasehold obligations, service charge and remedial cost recovery, funding and BSF access, and lending complications), mortgagee and receiver action, service charges (including Section 20 consultation), trespass claims, property trust disputes, nuisance and negligence, boundary disputes and adverse possession, collective enfranchisement, and debt claims. Ryan’s approach is always to identify practical solutions and achieve clients’ objectives, through litigation where necessary and at a proportionate cost.
Ryan’s clients include individuals, private companies (acting as both landlords and tenants), property developers, receivers, banks and funds.
Peter is a Partner in the Commercial Real Estate team. Since joining the firm in 2010, he has gained broad experience across all aspects of commercial property, including acquisitions and disposals, mixed-use developments, landlord and tenant matters, geared leases, rights of light, and sustainability-focused projects, including electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
Peter has particular expertise in advising funds, including Swiss Life Asset Management and Columbia Threadneedle, as well as Central London estates and endowment funds such as The Mercers’ Company and the Corporation of Trinity House.
Known for providing clear and practical advice, Peter helps clients navigate complex issues without unnecessary legal jargon. His experience spans redevelopment projects, acquisitions and disposals, and asset management work, enabling him to identify effective solutions to a wide range of challenges.
He has advised on a flagship London redevelopment project, as well as a variety of logistics, office, mixed-use and commercial developments.
Elizabeth is Head of Corporate Tax and a Partner in the Tax team. She specialises in corporate tax, with particular expertise in mergers and acquisitions, corporate reorganisations and restructurings. She advises institutional clients on forward-funding transactions and complex mixed-use developments, providing strategic advice on a wide range of tax issues, including VAT, SDLT and CIS.
She also advises on employee incentives and other tax-efficient ownership structures.
Elizabeth has particular expertise in enfranchisement matters. Her work includes advising the Phillimore Estate and The Crown Estate on enfranchisement claims and the management issues arising from their property portfolios.
Her experience spans both commercial and residential property, including hotels, bars, care homes, student accommodation, offices and prime residential assets. She advises a broad range of clients, including pension funds, international property developers and landed estates.
Known for her practical and commercial approach, Elizabeth helps clients navigate complex tax issues with clear and effective advice. She combines deep technical knowledge with extensive transactional experience to support clients in achieving their commercial objectives.
Helen is a Partner in the Commercial Real Estate team and Head of Build to Rent (BTR). She has extensive experience advising on complex real estate transactions and developments, with particular expertise in large-scale build-to-rent, mixed-use, leisure and commercial projects.
Helen is known for providing clear, practical advice and for taking the time to understand her clients’ strategic priorities and the challenges they face. She works closely with clients to help projects and transactions progress efficiently from inception to completion.
She has advised developers and funders on a wide range of significant developments across the UK, particularly in London. Her expertise spans complex development projects, development finance and large-scale regeneration schemes.
Given the scale and complexity of the matters on which she advises, Helen regularly works alongside colleagues from across the firm, as well as clients and external advisers, to deliver coordinated advice and successful outcomes.
As Head of International, Craig plays a central role in shaping and delivering the firm’s global strategy. He works closely with senior leadership and partners active in international markets to support coordinated engagement across jurisdictions. His international network, including through the International Bar Association, provides valuable insight into global markets and supports the firm’s international growth.
Craig works closely with clients to understand their businesses and help them achieve their strategic objectives. Known for his pragmatic and commercial approach, he advises on a broad range of corporate matters, including share and asset acquisitions and disposals, reorganisations, joint ventures, shareholder and partnership arrangements, and commercial contracts.
Craig has extensive experience leading cross-border transactions for clients ranging from start-ups and entrepreneurs to high net worth individuals, family offices, private equity firms, property companies, funds and corporates. He has particular experience in the manufacturing sector, including the steel, automotive and aviation industries, as well as the corporate real estate and technology sectors.
Described by The Legal 500 2024 as ‘arguably the best property litigation lawyer in the business’, Julia is a Partner specialising in real estate disputes.
She advises on disputes involving all types of property, with particular expertise in development and investment disputes, especially those concerning high-value assets and portfolios. She also acts for high net worth individuals in relation to personal property disputes. Julia has extensive litigation experience, including high-profile and complex trials. Her practice also includes residential disputes, particularly those involving the Building Safety Act 2022. In addition to litigation, she has considerable experience in negotiation, mediation and the early identification and management of risk. Julia is a qualified Solicitor Advocate with rights of audience in the higher courts.
Julia is known for her strategic approach to complex disputes and her ability to identify the key issues at an early stage. She provides practical, hands-on advice tailored to her clients’ objectives and the wider commercial context.
She is regularly consulted by colleagues in the Commercial Real Estate team on issues that could affect developments or transactions. Julia also advises on contractual and tortious disputes where property is the underlying asset, including professional negligence and property-related acquisition disputes.
Praised for providing ‘invaluable and dynamic input to her clients’ businesses’ (Chambers UK 2026), Victoria is Head of the Commercial Real Estate team and Co-Head of Industrial and Logistics. She specialises in development, investment, acquisitions, pre-lettings and complex forward funding transactions.
Ranked in the leading legal directories, clients note: ‘Not only is Victoria an excellent lawyer with in-depth knowledge of our business, but she is always seeking to further develop this knowledge and understand how she can add more value’ (Chambers UK 2026). With extensive experience across the real estate sector, she has particular expertise in the industrial and logistics market, acting primarily for developers and investors. Her experience also extends to the office, restaurant and leisure sectors.
Victoria works closely with clients to understand their strategic objectives and provide clear, commercial advice that supports their long-term goals. She is known for her hands-on approach and for helping clients navigate complex transactions and development projects.
Victoria leads the Commercial Real Estate team’s sustainability offering, working with clients on sustainability initiatives across their portfolios and advising on the evolving regulatory and commercial landscape affecting the built environment.
Recognised as a Top Recommended Lawyer in Spear’s 500 2023, Naomi has more than 20 years of experience advising clients on a broad range of corporate and commercial matters. She is known for providing practical, commercial advice in clear and straightforward language.
As a Partner in the Corporate and Commercial team, Naomi specialises in acquisitions and disposals, reorganisations, joint ventures, shareholder and partnership arrangements, and commercial contracts. She is also a member of the Hotels group, regularly advising on hotel transactions, hotel management agreements and a range of commercial arrangements, including terms and conditions, supply agreements and distribution agreements.
Naomi acts for a diverse client base, including corporates, family offices, start-ups, entrepreneurs, high net worth individuals, property companies, and hotel owners and operators.
She works closely with colleagues across the firm, including the Commercial Real Estate, Private Client and Banking and Finance teams, to provide coordinated advice tailored to her clients’ objectives.
Described by Chambers High Net Worth Guide 2024 as “incredibly bright and personable”, Daniel is also recognised for his “deep understanding of complex family dynamics and governance structures” and his extensive experience advising clients in Asia. He is a Recommended Tax Lawyer in Spear’s 500 and is ranked in The Legal 500.
As a Partner in the Private Client team, Daniel advises international individuals, families, trustees, beneficiaries, family offices and private banks on succession planning, personal taxation and trust law.
Daniel has particular expertise in the succession of family businesses, including the creation of family governance structures that support successful transitions between generations. He takes the time to understand each family’s objectives before helping them establish an appropriate legal and governance framework.
He has extensive experience advising families based in Asia, as well as those relocating to or from the region. Chambers High Net Worth Guide also recognises Daniel as a Foreign Expert in Singapore, one of only three individuals recognised in this area of private wealth law. Alongside his Asia-focused practice, Daniel advises on complex cross-border tax and structuring matters involving multiple jurisdictions.
Daniel is known for his commercial and solution-focused approach. He recognises that tax and legal frameworks change over time and works with clients to establish structures that provide long-term flexibility while supporting their evolving objectives.
Noted by clients as “hugely commercial and great at litigation psychology”, Ben is Partner and Head of the Dispute Resolution team. He advises domestic and international corporate and individual clients on a wide variety of complex disputes, resolved by litigation, arbitration and by other alternative dispute resolution (ADR) methods. Ben attracts praise for his “good tactical sense and well-considered advice” and his “strategic and innovative” approach to litigation.
His particular areas of expertise include breaches of warranty and other contractual terms, competition litigation, breaches of directors’ duty, shareholder disputes (including unfair prejudice petitions), negligence, fraud, contempt of Court, investment, regulatory, and financial services disputes and group actions.
Ben has extensive experience of funded litigation and maintains excellent relationships with many of the major third-party funders, ATE insurance providers and brokers. This ensures that he is well placed, when required, to help clients find the most appropriate funding structure for their cases. While the details of funded cases remain confidential, Ben and Forsters have secured litigation funding solutions for some of the highest profile litigation to pass through the High Court in recent years.
Ben joined Forsters in 2015. He trained and spent the first 11 years of his career at Jones Day (formerly Gouldens), where he qualified as a solicitor in 2004.
Rebecca provides practical and holistic advice, cutting through complex family, legal and taxation issues to give clients the information they need to achieve their objectives. Her client base is varied, and she acts for UK-resident and domiciled individuals, landed estates, charities, large families, executors and trustees on all aspects of estate and succession planning, tax, trust and probate matters.
Her work includes the preparation of wills; capital tax planning advice, including the availability of agricultural and business property relief and ways to maximise those reliefs; the creation and administration of trusts and charities; complex and high-value probates and estate administration; and mental capacity matters, including the preparation and registration of lasting powers of attorney, enduring powers of attorney and deputyship applications.
Rebecca has significant experience acting for land and business owners in establishing structures that facilitate the transfer of family assets between generations. She also has extensive experience advising on heritage property matters, including the availability of conditional exemption, offers in lieu of tax, and the interaction between inheritance tax and estate duty regimes.
Her expertise extends to preparing deputyship applications and guiding clients through the associated court process. She works closely with our Family and Divorce team where clients require pre-nuptial agreements and advises on bespoke business agreements for landed estate business owners.
Rebecca is also a qualified Notary Public, providing an additional and relatively uncommon skill that complements her wider practice.
As a former farmer, Andrew brings a valuable understanding of the issues facing agricultural clients. Ranked in The Legal 500’s Hall of Fame for Agriculture and Estates and Band 1 in Chambers UK for Agriculture and Rural Affairs, he is recognised for his strategic approach and extensive experience in the sector.
Working with individuals, families, landowners and trusts, Andrew has advised on some of the largest and most complex land transactions in the market, many involving significant tax considerations. His expertise is frequently applied to multidisciplinary projects, where he brings together specialists to help clients navigate complex legal and regulatory issues. He regularly works alongside colleagues in the Family, Corporate Tax, Private Client and Landed Estates teams.
Andrew also acts as a trustee for a number of large family trusts and landowning families and serves as a director of numerous family-owned businesses.
Ronan is a Partner in the Commercial Real Estate team and Head of Student Accommodation at Forsters. Active across both mainstream and alternative sectors, including offices, industrial, student accommodation and build-to-rent, he leads multidisciplinary teams acting for institutional investors, private equity funds, offshore investors and developers on investment acquisitions and disposals, developments and financing transactions.
He has particular expertise in high-value investment transactions, including large portfolios and income strips, and complex development projects such as forward funding and forward commitment structures. His work in the student accommodation sector led to a broader focus on the living sector, and he is now an experienced adviser across build-to-rent, later living, hotel and student accommodation assets.
Having been with Forsters since 1998, Ronan has developed a deep understanding of the firm’s service offering and works closely with colleagues across the Construction, Corporate, Tax and Planning teams. Combined with his pragmatic, commercial and technically strong advice, this enables him to support clients through every stage of a transaction and become a trusted adviser to many long-standing clients.
Alfred is an international private wealth lawyer who advises multi-generational families, family offices and fiduciaries on a range of matters. These include cross-border estate, tax & succession planning, offshore trust & private foundation (re)structuring, and family and family office governance.
He has extensive experience designing bespoke wealth structures for families, often working with business founders and families on succession planning. He is Co-Chair of the Business Families Global Special Interest Group within STEP (Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners) and a member of the Family Firm Institute (FFI).
Known for his client-focused approach, Alfred provides practical advice on complex issues in a clear and accessible way. Described as ‘very hard working and reliable’ in The Legal 500 2024, he advises clients across the world on wealth preservation, succession and governance matters. He is also recognised as a Rising Star in The Legal 500 and included in Spear’s Tax & Trust Indices 2025.
Alfred has a particular focus on advising international families in Asia. With family roots in Hong Kong and conversational Cantonese capability, he brings a personal understanding of the cultural and generational considerations that often arise in succession planning and wealth preservation for clients in the region. This insight helps him advise families navigating the intersection of traditional values and modern commercial realities. He regularly travels to Asia to support clients and strengthen relationships across the region especially Singapore, Hong Kong, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines and Vietnam.
Since 2025, Alfred has co-led the firm’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee alongside fellow Partner Maryam Oghanna. In this role, he helps support initiatives that contribute to an inclusive workplace where people are encouraged to thrive and be themselves.
Hannah is a Partner in the Trust and Estate Disputes team and is recognised for her expertise in domestic and international private client disputes, including contentious probate, trust disputes, Court of Protection and capacity matters.
She combines emotional intelligence with technical expertise to advise clients on sensitive and complex matters. Taking a proactive and strategic approach to disputes, she works to achieve the best possible outcome for her clients. Hannah also recognises the value of mediation and other forms of alternative dispute resolution where these align with her clients’ objectives. She acts for a wide range of onshore and offshore clients, including professional and lay fiduciaries, beneficiaries and other parties, across the full spectrum of private wealth disputes.
Hannah values effective collaboration with clients, colleagues across Forsters and professionals in other jurisdictions. She regularly coordinates cross-jurisdictional teams on international matters, as well as multidisciplinary teams advising on both contentious and non-contentious issues alongside colleagues in the Private Client, Family and Property teams.
Ranked in Chambers High Net Worth Guide 2024 and praised in The Legal 500 2023 for her ‘excellent litigation management skills’, Hannah is also described in the directories as ‘brilliant’ and ‘practical, collaborative and sensible’. She is a full member of ACTAPS, STEP and AIJA, and serves as Deputy Chair of STEP’s Contentious Trusts and Estates Special Interest Group.
Hailed as ‘exceptional’ by The Legal 500 2024, Helen is recognised as a Top Recommended Lawyer in Spear’s Property Advisers Index and Spear’s 500. She is also ranked among the leading practitioners in Chambers High Net Worth Guide, which notes that Helen ‘makes proactive suggestions and leads transactions in the best interest of everyone’.
As a Partner in the Residential Property team, Helen has extensive experience advising on high-value conveyancing, secured lending and landlord and tenant matters. She also has particular expertise in residential and mixed-use developments, advising on set-up, legal structuring and drafting, and guiding clients through the strategic sale of development schemes.
Helen acts for a broad range of clients, including developers, investors, banks, trust companies and private individuals. She frequently coordinates multidisciplinary teams across the firm to deliver seamless and joined-up advice.
Helen is known for her proactive and practical approach, working closely with clients to understand their objectives and help transactions progress smoothly and efficiently.
Rowena is a Partner in the Banking and Finance team, representing lenders and borrowers on a broad range of financing transactions, including domestic and cross-border matters. She has particular expertise in real estate finance, advising on the investment and development of both commercial and residential property, as well as the financing of rural estates. Her experience spans a broad range of sectors, including residential development, retail, hotels, student accommodation, offices, life sciences, healthcare, later living and the private rented sector.
Outside real estate finance, Rowena has significant experience in acquisition finance, corporate finance, including asset-based lending, and fund finance.
Her lender clients include retail and private banks, challenger banks and alternative lenders. On the borrower side, she advises funds and institutional investors, corporates, high net worth individuals, trustees and family offices.
Rowena is known for her approachable, commercial and pragmatic approach. She focuses on delivering high-quality advice, working collaboratively with clients and helping them achieve their objectives efficiently and effectively.
Rupert is ranked in the latest editions of Chambers UK and The Legal 500, where clients describe him as ‘extremely knowledgeable whilst also offering pragmatic solutions’.
Rupert advises owners of landed estates, farms and other family businesses on succession planning and family governance. He also acts as trustee for a number of significant estates in England and Wales. He has extensive experience in the drafting and administration of trusts, capital tax planning, wills and powers of attorney, probate, and charity law.
He specialises in developing structures that maximise agricultural property relief and business property relief, as well as the conditional exemption of heritage property, including works of art, buildings and land.
Rupert provides strategic advice to individuals, families and trustees involved in the management of modern estates, which often encompass a diverse range of businesses and activities. These include in-hand farming, agricultural, residential and commercial lettings, holiday lets, land development, forestry, the exploitation of sporting and mineral rights, renewable energy projects, and the commercial use of historic houses. He works closely with specialists across the firm, including colleagues in the Corporate, Employment and Dispute Resolution teams, to provide holistic advice that supports his clients’ personal and commercial objectives.
A Partner in the Commercial Real Estate team, Jade has particular expertise in development work in the industrial and logistics sector and investment work across Central London estates.
She develops longstanding relationships with clients and prides herself on achieving their desired objectives as quickly and efficiently as possible. She has an approachable and friendly manner, and always strives to be commercial and proactive.
Jade regularly collaborates with colleagues across Forsters, including the Planning and Construction teams, to ensure projects run smoothly for clients. She is passionate about what she does and is often involved in the full lifecycle of a real estate development scheme, from land acquisition and funding through to construction, lettings and disposal.
Representing a variety of clients, including developers, property companies and institutions, Jade advises on a broad range of matters including structuring deals, development issues and pre-lets. She helps clients with strategies relating to their estates and portfolios, such as regearing existing leases, financing/refinancing their interests and other occupational property matters.
Ranked in Chambers High Net Worth Guide 2025, Charles is noted as being ‘highly regarded by clients and fellow lawyers in the industry’ and described by clients as ‘calm, collected and highly knowledgeable’ and ‘a very capable individual that clients can rely on and trust’. In The Legal 500, he is recognised for his work with private individuals on residential acquisitions and disposals. He is also recognised as a Top Recommended Lawyer in Spear’s 500 2026.
As a Partner in the Residential Property team, Charles specialises in the acquisition, disposal and financing of prime residential property, primarily in Central London. He advises a broad international client base, including many clients based in the Middle East and the United States, and helps them navigate the complexities of English property law. He also advises on Sharia-compliant financing arrangements.
Charles values long-term client relationships and advises on a wide range of matters beyond individual transactions. Clients also benefit from his extensive network of professional contacts, including interior designers, architects, project managers and school advisers.
He has strong relationships with both selling and buying agents and regularly visits properties to gain first-hand insight into the assets involved. This enables him to provide informed advice throughout a transaction and helps build effective working relationships with agents and other advisers involved in the process.
Recognised as a Recommended Tax Lawyer in the latest Spear’s Tax & Trust Indices, George advises internationally mobile individuals and families on their exposure to UK taxation and the development and implementation of cross-border estate plans.
As a Partner in the Private Client team, George draws on his early career experience as a corporate tax lawyer to provide practical advice on complex legal and tax matters. He has particular expertise in helping individuals and families structure their ownership interests in businesses and develop succession plans that reflect both personal and commercial objectives.
His familiarity with US tax rules and succession planning structures enables him to advise individuals, families and trustees with US connections on the interaction between the UK and US tax regimes. This often includes helping clients address cross-border planning issues and mitigate the risk of unintended tax consequences.
George’s clients include entrepreneurs, multinational business owners, executives, family offices and family trusts.
Since 2023, George has led Forsters’ Green Impact Group, helping to raise environmental awareness and engagement across the firm. Initiatives have included organising the annual River Lea clean-up, collaborating with the Working Parents and Carers Network on a spring art competition for children connected to the firm, and partnering with the HR team to support gardening activities at the firm’s former charity partner, the Marylebone Project, as part of its wellbeing programme.
Polly advises landowners on development and renewable energy projects, with extensive experience negotiating agreements for schemes ranging from small-scale developments to large and complex projects. She has a strong understanding of the sale and purchase of rural property, including commercial farms, country estates, rural properties and heritage assets. Polly also specialises in natural capital matters, advising landowners on biodiversity net gain (BNG) agreements and contracts for natural capital projects.
Polly provides commercial and practical advice, working closely with clients to protect their interests and identify potential issues at an early stage. She focuses on negotiating clear and effective agreements that help minimise risk and provide certainty throughout a project or transaction.
She works closely with colleagues across the firm, including specialists in Private Client, Tax, Corporate, Planning and Banking and Finance, to provide joined-up advice tailored to her clients’ objectives.
Recognised as a ‘Top Recommended Lawyer’ in Spear’s 500 2023, Polly is also a member of the Country Land and Business Association (CLA), helping her stay up to date with developments in rural policy and the evolving rural economy.
Described in Chambers UK Real Estate Litigation 2025 as an ‘absolute star’ on a ‘meteoric path’, Anna is also ranked as a Next Generation Partner in The Legal 500 Property Litigation 2025, where she is recognised for her work on residential and commercial landlord and tenant matters.
Anna advises on disputes involving a wide range of assets, including retail parks, industrial estates and residential property. She acts for both landlords and tenants, with clients ranging from institutional developers and funds to high net worth individuals.
In the commercial sphere, Anna advises on vacant possession strategies, the termination and renewal of business tenancies, service charge disputes, tenant insolvency, dilapidations, break notices, contractual disputes, possession claims and other landlord and tenant matters. She has a detailed understanding of the telecoms sector, alongside experience in wider real property disputes and professional negligence claims.
In residential litigation, Anna advises on Section 20 consultations, the termination of long leases and assured shorthold tenancies, possession claims and service charge disputes.
Recognised as one of eprivateclient’s “50 Most Influential” private client professionals and one of Legal Week’s Private Client Global Elite, Xavier leads Forsters’ award-winning Private Client practice.
As Head of Private Client, Xavier advises individuals, families and trustees in the UK and internationally on personal taxation, trust and estate planning. He has particular expertise in the establishment, taxation and operation of cross-border asset-holding structures, including companies, partnerships, trusts, private trust companies and foundations.
Xavier is a trusted adviser to international families and has significant experience advising families, trustees and family offices with business interests. This includes advising on family charters, family constitutions and wider family governance arrangements.
For overseas clients, Xavier advises on pre-arrival tax planning for individuals relocating to the UK and succession planning for those with assets across multiple jurisdictions. He also frequently advises clients with US connections on the UK aspects of US-UK estate planning and the interaction between the UK and US tax regimes.
Described as an ‘exceptional lawyer’ by The Legal 500, Kelly is ranked in the latest Chambers High Net Worth Guide and Spear’s 500, which highlights her expertise in advising family offices on tax and trust matters.
Kelly has been a Partner in the Private Client team since 2009 and advises families and family offices on tax, governance and succession planning. She works closely with international families to understand their objectives and establish robust, flexible asset-holding structures that support wealth preservation, tax-efficient planning and succession arrangements.
Kelly also leads the Senior Executives Advisory team, which advises internationally mobile senior executives on the tax, employment and immigration issues that can arise when relocating to or from the UK.
Since 2020, Kelly has led the firm’s responsible business programme, helping to develop and embed initiatives across the firm. Under her leadership, the programme has continued to expand and has received recognition through a number of legal sector award shortlists. Kelly was also shortlisted for the Legal 500 Environmental/Sustainability Private Practice Champion of the Year award.
Described by clients in Chambers 2025 as “brilliant”, “very client-friendly” and “on top of everything”, Andrew is a Partner and Head of the Construction Disputes team and the Building Safety team. He advises on the resolution of all types of construction dispute, from detailed final account disputes and complex delay claims to defects arising from poor workmanship and negligent design.
He has a deep understanding of the way construction projects are delivered and the wide range of defects that can arise in completed buildings, including issues affecting external wall systems, structures, and mechanical and electrical systems such as heating, cooling, air conditioning, ventilation, water and drainage.
Andrew regularly advises clients on live construction projects where issues have arisen, helping to resolve them before they develop into formal disputes. Where a dispute cannot be avoided, he takes a logical and organised approach to help clients navigate the pre-action process and achieve the best possible outcome, whether through settlement, mediation, arbitration, adjudication or court proceedings.
Steven is Head of the Commercial Dispute Resolution team at Forsters. With a background in corporate disputes, he has particular expertise in banking and finance litigation, professional negligence, contentious insolvency, insurance disputes, fraud and cybercrime.
He has extensive experience obtaining, enforcing and responding to applications for injunctive relief, including freezing, search, seizure and delivery up orders. He also has a strong understanding of litigation funding and considerable experience in High Court proceedings. While fully prepared to pursue litigation where required, Steven also advises on settlement, mediation and other forms of dispute resolution where these are aligned with his clients’ objectives.
Steven is praised in The Legal 500 2026 for bringing a ‘wealth of experience throughout key areas such as contractual disputes and civil fraud matters’. He is also described in Chambers UK 2024 as ‘an excellent litigator’, ‘very intelligent’ and ‘user-friendly’. Steven works closely with clients to understand their commercial priorities and develop dispute resolution strategies that support their wider business objectives.
Noted in The Legal 500 2024 as ‘excellent, extremely approachable, knowledgeable and, importantly, likeable’, Jeremy is a Partner in the Private Client team. He has extensive experience advising UK and international clients on personal taxation, succession planning and family governance. He works closely with entrepreneurs, business owners, executives and their families on capital taxation, corporate and trust structuring, and the development and implementation of estate plans for both UK and non-UK resident individuals.
Jeremy is known for providing clear and concise advice, helping clients achieve their objectives in a tax-efficient manner.
He has particular expertise in the structuring options and tax implications associated with acquiring UK property. He regularly advises on UK and offshore tax planning, including the taxation of excluded property trusts and trust administration matters.
Jeremy also advises extensively on family office matters, supporting both established family offices and clients looking to create new family office structures. He has particular expertise in family governance, including the establishment of private trust company structures and the preparation of family charters and other governance documents.
Since 2022, Jeremy has co-led the firm’s Community and Charity Committee alongside Michael Armstrong. In this role, he supports a range of community engagement and fundraising initiatives across the firm.
Described by the Legal 500 as ‘the ultimate family lawyer’, Rosie is a Partner in the Family team. She specialises in complex divorce, separation and children cases, often with an international dimension.
With a global network of contacts, Rosie’s international profile and expertise make her a ‘go to’ matrimonial lawyer for clients with a global footprint. Rosie is experienced in dealing with the impact of divorce and separation on international wealth, including offshore assets and trusts, family businesses, private equity, property portfolios and super prime assets. She regularly acts for clients who are in the public eye, working to ensure privacy and discretion throughout.
She works closely with Forsters’ Private Client and Disputes teams, advising on the use of cross-border nuptial agreements for succession planning. She also has expertise in dealing with same sex divorce, surrogacy and alternative conception work for all types of individuals and families, with a particular interest in children cases involving special needs.
Rosie cuts through the complexity of the law to provide clients with a clear and strategic way forward, while providing sensitive and empathetic support during what can be a very difficult time. She will take a direct, forceful and dynamic style when beneficial for her client. Her holistic approach includes providing access to a supportive team including therapists, private bankers, reputation advisors and security experts.
Ranked as a ‘Leading Individual’ in The Legal 500 2024, Glenn is noted as being ‘proficient in business real estate requirements, including corporate headquarters relocations and lease portfolio management’.
He is a Partner in the Commercial Real Estate team, Head of Corporate Occupiers and Tenants, and Co-Head of the Studios Group. Glenn leads one of the few specialist legal teams in the UK that acts predominantly for tenants.
Having spent many years representing both institutional landlords and corporate tenants, Glenn has particular expertise in the negotiation of leases and pre-letting agreements. He and his team also advise on planning, construction and lease exit issues, as well as real estate tax and commercial contracts, providing clients with access to a broad range of legal expertise on real estate projects.
Glenn works closely with occupier sector leads across the major UK commercial agency practices, building strong professional relationships that support clients’ business objectives. His extensive experience enables him to provide advice tailored to the commercial and legal needs of occupier clients.
His clients operate across a wide range of sectors, including financial and professional services, advertising, publishing and pharmaceuticals. While much of his work is in the office sector, Glenn also has significant experience in the UK film and television studios sector.
Hailed as ‘simply one of the leading family lawyers of her generation’ (Chambers UK 2024), Jo is recognised for her expertise in complex finances on divorce, child arrangements (including relocation) and nuptial agreements, especially in cases with an international element and/or involving trusts or wider family wealth. Clients describe her as ‘a first‑class lawyer who provides a first‑class service’, and fellow professionals say, ‘I feel confident if I refer a case to her that she will do a brilliant job’ (Chambers Ultra High Net Worth 2024).
Head of Family, Jo works with a range of clients, from professional sportsmen and women (with a particular interest and expertise in football work), business owners, entrepreneurs, landed gentry, those in private equity, lawyers/accountants and other professionals, those from the political sphere, creatives and various others, as well as spouses/partners of the same.
Whilst Jo has extensive court experience, she embraces a conciliatory and pragmatic approach to settling cases when beneficial to her client. Recognised in Chambers High Net Worth as one of only a couple of dozen leading family mediators nationwide, mediation is an increasingly significant part of Jo’s practice as the family justice system requires couples to focus ever more closely on alternatives to court. She is skilled in mediations involving married and unmarried couples, often where there are complex, high‑value assets involved or where a parent wishes to relocate overseas with the children. She often mediates with court proceedings ongoing in the background and frequently succeeds in getting couples to agreement, no matter how far advanced the litigation. Increasingly, Jo is also called upon to mediate in cases where thinking outside the box is required, e.g. helping couples resolve key terms of nuptial agreements before taking advice, helping families in crisis repair adult relationships or resolving disagreements over provision on death.
As a fearless campaigner for family law reform, Jo has sat on Resolution’s National Committee (the national family lawyers’ association) since 2009, having previously held the position of Chair from 2014 to 2016. She leads on policy work and has featured in several high‑profile family law campaigns, met with MPs and the judiciary, given evidence to various parliamentary committees and appears regularly on national TV and radio and in the broadsheets.
Internationally, Jo is a member of the Family Law Section of the Law Council of Australia, to where she travels regularly. Closer to home, she has ties north of the border, with a home and extensive family law contacts in Scotland.
Ranked as a Band 4 Partner in Chambers UK 2025, Katherine is noted for her “high-level” client care. Alongside her role as a Partner in the Commercial Real Estate team, Katherine is also Co-Head of the Studios Group.
Katherine has a background in complex real estate development work, specialising in cradle-to-grave schemes that take many years to assemble and deliver. She advises on city centre and greenfield and brownfield sites, including industrial and logistics, office, film studio and mixed-use developments. She has a strong focus on sustainability.
An empathetic problem solver, Katherine takes a proactive and decisive approach to real estate developments. She takes the time to understand the priorities and concerns of clients and other stakeholders, ensuring that commercial objectives remain at the forefront of her advice.
Recognising the importance of tact and diplomacy in complex developments, Katherine has a strong track record of building and maintaining relationships with project stakeholders, including developers, investors and the wider project team. She is skilled at putting clients in a strong negotiating position while recognising when compromise is needed to achieve successful outcomes.
Katherine frequently leads and coordinates large advisory teams, bringing together colleagues from across Forsters alongside other professional advisers and consultants.
Charlotte is a Partner in the Private Client team, providing estate and business succession planning, trust law and personal tax advice to international families, family offices and fiduciaries. Many of Charlotte’s clients are based in, or have connections to, the Middle East.
She has extensive experience in creating bespoke wealth structures for clients, often involving business succession planning and the establishment of trusts and foundations. She has a particular interest in family governance, working with founders and business families to understand their values and long-term objectives and create family constitutions and wealth structures that reflect their needs.
Charlotte regularly advises trustees and beneficiaries on issues arising in the administration of trusts, including administrative court applications for rectification, rescission and the variation of trusts.
She also advises on contentious trust matters, including issues relating to the validity of trusts, applications for the removal of fiduciaries, investment disputes and the contentious division of trust assets. This experience informs her non-contentious practice, enabling her to identify and address potential risks when establishing wealth structures.
Charlotte has been described as ‘relentlessly hard-working and brilliantly insightful’ in The Legal 500. She is ranked in both Chambers High Net Worth and The Legal 500, where clients also describe her as ‘pragmatic and practical’.
Amy is a Partner in the Commercial Real Estate team and Head of Later Living at Forsters. She is known for her approachable, commercial and collaborative approach, and for helping clients navigate complex transactions with practical, common-sense advice.
Amy has a particular interest in the built environment and its potential to positively influence how people live. She has developed extensive knowledge of the care home and later living sectors and advises on the delivery of tailored, purpose-built housing designed to meet the needs of older people and their families.
Amy has broad experience across the full range of real estate matters, including development, acquisitions and disposals, financing transactions, and landlord and tenant issues. Her later living expertise includes advising funders, investors and operators on the property aspects of acquiring, financing, managing and disposing of sites, as well as lease negotiations and portfolio management.
Amy values the collaborative culture at Forsters and has built strong relationships with colleagues across the Construction, Planning, Corporate and Tax teams. This enables her to bring together multidisciplinary teams to provide clients with joined-up advice tailored to their objectives.
Amy is a regular commentator on real estate issues and has written for publications including Property Week and Green Street News.
Described in Chambers UK 2024 as “exceptionally knowledgeable and extremely likeable”, Emma is a Partner in the Private Client team, specialising in personal tax and wealth planning matters.
Ranked in the latest Chambers High Net Worth Guide and recognised as Top Recommended in Spear’s 500, Emma advises high net worth clients on cross-border tax and estate planning, with a particular focus on American individuals and families with connections to the UK.
Emma has extensive expertise in the creation and use of trusts as a means of succession planning and preserving family wealth. She also advises on alternative wealth structures where trust planning is not appropriate.
She has deep knowledge of the UK’s residence rules, the residual impact of the former remittance basis regime, and the tax implications of acquiring UK property, including the range of available structuring options.
Emma leads a team that advises clients with US connections, including those relocating to the UK for the first time. Her familiarity with US personal tax and wealth planning strategies enables her to help clients and their advisers navigate the interaction between the US and UK regimes. Much of this work involves advising on the application of international treaties to mitigate the risk of double taxation.
Anthony is a Partner in the Commercial Real Estate team. He has broad experience across the full range of commercial property transactions, with particular expertise in development and complex asset management, especially within the industrial and logistics sector.
Awarded Property Lawyer of the Year at the YN Property Awards 2024, Anthony is committed to understanding his clients’ objectives and delivering practical solutions that help transactions progress efficiently and effectively. He was also recognised as a ‘Key Lawyer’ in the latest edition of The Legal 500 for commercial property development.
Anthony values collaboration and works closely with clients and their professional advisers across a wide range of transactions and projects. He also regularly works with colleagues across the Construction, Real Estate Disputes, Planning and Tax teams to provide joined-up advice.
Anthony is the firm’s Pro Bono Partner for Commercial Real Estate and has advised a number of charities on property-related matters.
Having trained at Forsters, Anthony is committed to supporting the development of the firm’s future lawyers. As the partner responsible for the trainee programme, he plays an active role in attracting, developing and supporting early-career talent.
An experienced commercial litigator, Caroline has been described as a “stand-out individual” by The Legal 500 2026. She has been recognised as a ‘Next Generation Partner’ in each of the last four editions of The Legal 500, having previously been recognised as a ‘Rising Star’.
Caroline regularly leads complex international and offshore disputes, with particular expertise in joint venture and shareholder disputes, civil fraud and asset tracing, including applications for urgent injunctive relief, as well as contractual and supply chain disputes. She has acted as an expert witness in foreign legal proceedings and has led arbitrations under the LCIA, SCC, ICC and LMAA Rules. Caroline also has significant experience acting on cases, including group claims, funded by litigation funders and supported by after-the-event insurance.
Drawing on extensive cross-border and offshore experience, Caroline advises high net worth individuals, family offices, family-owned businesses, trustees and trust companies, banks, corporates, directors, private equity houses and insolvency practitioners. Her practice has a significant international and offshore focus, complemented by her experience practising in Jersey and her previous role as Global General Counsel to an international trust and company service provider. This enables her to provide commercially focused advice in high-stakes and complex disputes.
Caroline is known for her strategic approach to disputes, helping clients identify and pursue the most effective route to achieving their objectives. She combines commercial awareness with responsiveness and a strong focus on client service.
Featured in the Legal 500’s Hall of Fame and described as “incredibly empathetic and really good to work with” in Chambers Private Wealth Disputes, 2024, Roberta is Head of the Trust and Estate Disputes team.
She has an excellent reputation in representing high net worth individuals, family offices, trustees, protectors, executors and beneficiaries. With wide-ranging expertise covering validity issues, breach of trust, removal applications, construction arguments, freezing injunctions, asset tracing and recovery, Roberta advises on the full remit of estate disputes.
Roberta’s supportive and constructive approach to litigation inspires confidence in her clients. Noted for being sympathetic and calm, she fiercely defends her clients’ best interests, while always considering the wider and long-term implications for their personal, financial and commercial interests. Roberta also works closely with her family and private client colleagues, often advising on divorce issues, post and pre-nuptial agreements, and on stress testing trust structures.
Her reputation as a leader in her field was recognised recently by her appointment as a member of the Association of Contentious Trust and Probate Specialists (ACTAPS) committee.
With more than 25 years’ experience in the London legal market, Magnus brings extensive expertise to the Commercial Real Estate team. As Group Managing Partner for Commercial Real Estate and Co-Head of Industrial and Logistics, he advises on a wide range of transactions, with particular expertise in the industrial and logistics, office, life sciences and strategic land sectors.
Throughout his career, Magnus has advised a broad range of clients, from UK institutions and US private equity firms to high net worth individuals, occupiers and leading developers. He is the client relationship partner at Forsters for clients including The Crown Estate, Canmoor, LondonMetric, H.I.G. Realty and The Christ’s Hospital Foundation.
Magnus combines commercial insight with extensive market experience to deliver practical and cost-effective advice. His knowledge of the industrial and logistics sector enables him to help clients navigate a fast-evolving market and respond to emerging opportunities and challenges.
Ranked in The Legal 500 2024, Andrew is noted for his ‘track record of work on international disputes, finance cases, class action claims and professional negligence’.
As a Partner in the Dispute Resolution team, Andrew has a broad and diverse practice, focusing on professional indemnity matters, complex land disputes, civil fraud, tax investigations and large-scale group actions arising from financial mis-selling.
Andrew is skilled at analysing large volumes of documentation efficiently and cost-effectively, enabling him to develop a thorough understanding of his clients’ commercial objectives and the issues at the heart of a dispute. He has considerable experience in High Court litigation, as well as domestic and international arbitrations. His clients include international banks, major property developers, retailers, high net worth individuals and charitable institutions.
Hailed as a ‘leader in the field’ by The Legal 500 2024, Catherine advises UK-domiciled and UK-resident clients on estate planning and wealth structuring. She is praised as ‘an extremely good technical lawyer with a practical approach’ and for having ‘fantastic client skills’. Her expertise includes devising structures to hold family wealth, including companies, partnerships and trusts.
With extensive experience of managing complex estates in the UK and internationally, Catherine works closely with Forsters’ Corporate and Commercial and Family teams to deliver strategic advice on asset structuring, succession and taxation, taking into account both personal and commercial considerations.
Catherine is also highly ranked in the latest Chambers UK Guide for Art and Cultural Property Law, where she is described as having ‘an excellent reputation for dealing with contemporary artists and their estates. She is extremely knowledgeable in this space and has all the contacts that artists need’. As Head of Forsters’ Art and Cultural Property group, Catherine also collaborates with specialist art advisers through Artistate Limited, an organisation she co-founded to provide complementary services that support artists and their estates in securing an enduring legacy.
Recognised for her expertise in Chambers UK and described by clients as “outstanding” and “highly engaging and responsive”, Emily is also noted in The Legal 500 2024 for her “comprehensive experience with various procurement methods and contract forms”.
Emily is a Partner in the Construction team, specialising in non-contentious matters. She has a strong interest in the construction industry and enjoys supporting projects from inception through to completion. Emily takes the time to understand her clients’ priorities and objectives, enabling her to provide practical and commercially focused advice throughout the lifecycle of a project.
Emily’s work centres on UK real estate developments, including the design and construction of new buildings and the refurbishment of existing assets, particularly in the logistics, sports, film, living and hotel sectors.
She drafts and negotiates both bespoke and standard form construction contracts. Where required, she develops tailored solutions that are practical, commercial and aligned with her clients’ objectives.
Emily’s clients include developers, funds, contractors and consultants active in the UK construction market.
Featured for the second time in her career in The Lawyer’s prestigious Hot 100 in 2024, described by Chambers as ‘a first-class strategist and communicator’ and by Legal 500 as ‘all-round top-notch and brilliant’ – Jo brings her strategic approach, technical excellence and unwavering client commitment to her leadership of our employment law offer.
With a track record spanning 35 years, she advises on contentious and non-contentious employment and partnership law for businesses, partnerships and individuals. As one of the UK’s leading employment lawyers, and arguably one of the most renowned, she has significant experience and expertise in representing clients on high-profile litigation matters, arbitration processes and sensitive investigations. She is particularly experienced in acting for clients in financial and insurance institutions, professional partnerships, private equity and other highly complex and regulated sectors.
Jo is strategic, commercial, client-centred and resolutions-driven. She fosters an approach that balances the ability to listen with the agility to act decisively. She balances her first-class track record with a tireless drive to understand the new. It’s why her colleagues enjoy working with her. It’s why clients approach her and stay, enabling them to navigate the increasingly complex world of employment and employment law – with one client commenting: “She is an outstanding lawyer and highly talented. With Jo on my side, I couldn’t have felt better represented.” (Chambers 2026).
Jo has earned significant market recognition, including being ranked in the Legal 500’s 2026 “Hall of Fame” for Partnership and Senior Executive work for several years. She is Top Ranked in Chambers 2026 for Partnership and Senior Executive work and also ranked for Employers work. Additionally, Spear’s Legal Indices 2025 names her a Top Recommended Lawyer for Senior Executives, Family Offices, and Companies.
Ranked as a “Top Recommended Lawyer” in Spear’s 2025 Corporate Lawyer Index, Alastair is a Partner in the Corporate and Commercial team specialising in acquisitions and disposals, joint ventures and shareholder arrangements, group restructurings and corporate governance.
He has particular expertise in advising on the corporate aspects of private client matters and works closely with our Private Client team. His experience of advising on the corporate aspects of private client matters has given Alastair a unique understanding of the issues that can arise in this area, enabling him to provide practical and insightful advice to clients as to how best to resolve matters.
Alastair frequently advises on the design and implementation of corporate structures for wealth and succession planning purposes (e.g. family investment companies) as well complex restructurings (e.g. section 110 reorganisations).
He works with a broad range of clients, including high net worth individuals, wealthy families, family offices, entrepreneurs, owner-managed and family-owned businesses, trust companies and property developers.
Guy is a Partner in the Private Client team, described in the legal directories as ‘highly impressive’ and with ‘extensive knowledge’. His clients include business owners, international families, private charities and the owners of landed estates.
He advises on all aspects of private client work, and specialises in succession planning and family governance. Guy advises clients on how to ensure the orderly and tax-efficient transfer of assets from one generation to the next, whether using simple mechanisms only, or corporate vehicles and complex trusts and wills. He is an expert on the inheritance tax reliefs available to the owners of businesses and heritage assets, and often acts as executor or as a trustee of family settlements.
Guy provides succinct advice to clients, in plain English, enabling them to make their decisions in the confidence that they understand what they are doing, and that they have taken the best course of action.
Ranked in all leading legal directories, Lucy is also recognised as a ‘Top Flight Property Lawyer’ in Spear’s Property Advisers Index. Under her leadership, the Residential Property team was named ‘Residential Property Team of the Year’ at the Chambers High Net Worth Awards 2022 and a finalist in 2024.
As Partner and Head of the Residential Property team, Lucy specialises in all aspects of acquisitions and disposals of freehold and leasehold property. She is a member of the Enfranchisement team, acting for both landlords and tenants in connection with enfranchisement claims. Her work includes advising the Phillimore Estate and the Crown Estate on their enfranchisement claims and management issues arising from their property portfolios.
Lucy is also a specialist in advising on listed buildings.
Lucy acts for a variety of private individuals, developers, investors and lenders and is passionate about building personal and long‑lasting relationships. As a ‘highly respected senior practitioner’ who is ‘technically strong and has a positive, can‑do and commercial approach’, Lucy provides practical advice to ensure the best outcome is reached for clients.
Robert is described as “exceptionally knowledgeable and personable”. Praised for being efficient at progressing transactions, Robert is noted to be adept at foreseeing potential problems and resolving them before they develop into issues. He is recognised as a ‘Recommended Lawyer’ in the Spear’s 500 2026 directory as well as a ‘Recommended’ Property Lawyer in the Spear’s Property Advisers Index 2026.
An ‘exceptionally gifted lawyer’, who ‘has the law at his fingertips’, Business Today, Robert is ranked Band 2 in Chambers HNW Guide 2024 for Real Estate: High Value Residential, and in Legal 500 he is praised for his ‘wealth of experience in the purchase and sale of high‑value residential property and mixed‑use assets’.
With more than 30 years of experience, Robert is a Partner in the Residential Property team, specialising in the purchase and sale of high‑value urban and rural residential property and mixed‑use assets. He has extensive experience in dealing with both registered and unregistered freehold and leasehold purchases, contract races and auction transactions. Advising clients on the structuring and ownership of mixed‑use buildings and flat blocks is another specialist area for Robert, who also has unique experience in the law relating to London Garden Squares.
Robert is approachable, sensible and proactive, maintaining a constant focus on his clients’ best interests and on progressing transactions without delay. He prides himself on his adeptness at foreseeing potential problems and quickly resolving them.
Robert advises domestic and overseas clients, including individuals, trustees, charitable bodies and financial institutions.
Ben has a wealth of experience in all aspects of real estate disputes, from high‑value complex property litigation to day‑to‑day portfolio management support issues. He has particular experience in development risk management/elimination issues, such as rights to light and vacant possession strategy.
He provides the full range of advisory dispute‑resolution/avoidance services, guiding a variety of clients through both informal solutions and the formal processes of litigation, arbitration and mediation.
Ben is the Head of Forsters’ top‑ranked Real Estate Disputes team, where he leads a 30‑strong group of expert litigators. The team is widely considered one of the UK’s leading practices, with specific expertise crossing both commercial and residential matters.
With an appreciation that success isn’t about resolution alone, but also the journey towards achieving it, Joe is known for his commitment to developing client relationships built on trust, empathy and a deep understanding of their needs.
With more than 15 years’ experience, he is a trusted advisor to a diverse set of businesses and individuals. Joe is particularly known for his expertise in employment litigation, disciplinary investigations, corporate transactions and redundancies. He also advises clients on data protection matters and whistleblowing complaints. As a member of our Senior Executives Advisory team, he provides advice and support to internationally mobile senior executives on tax, employment and immigration. He co‑heads our Pro Bono Committee and is a member of the firm’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee. Before joining Forsters in 2018, he was at Clifford Chance LLP, where he completed secondments at two global banks and a national retailer.
Joe understands the many varied reasons why clients need our support, and that the answers may not always be straightforward. Getting it right requires a balanced and measured approach, deep technical expertise, creativity and empathy. Joe brings all of that to his mandates, with clients often referencing his kindness and ability to always see a way through in a complex and changing world.
Since 2022, Joe has co‑led the firm’s Pro Bono Committee. Our lawyers regularly advise individuals and charities in need of legal support, and we have long‑standing relationships with various pro bono organisations and legal advice centres. Our initiatives are designed to benefit not only the recipients of our advice, but also our lawyers who can develop skills and competencies in new areas of law.
As a Partner in the Family team, Simon advises private individuals on all aspects of divorce, relationship breakdown and matrimonial protection, including nuptial agreements. Renowned for helping separating couples to resolve issues in a constructive manner, his approach is assertive but not aggressive. Simon is passionate about standing up for his clients, seeking the best possible outcome in a cost‑efficient manner.
He has particular expertise in financial cases involving complex asset structures and works closely with colleagues in other departments to advise trustees and business owners on the impact of divorce on a family business or trust structure. Simon also advises on child arrangements post‑separation, both domestic and international, and on surrogacy.
He is experienced in all methods of resolving family disputes, including mediation, collaborative law, private court hearings and arbitration, as well as court‑based litigation.
Ranked in The Legal 500, Simon is noted for his ‘particular strength in financial cases, which often involve trusts, family businesses, and assets in more than one jurisdiction.’ He is also ranked in Chambers and is ‘regularly instructed by high net worth clients for his matrimonial finance expertise.’
Simon is the treasurer and an elected board member of Resolution, the membership body for family lawyers. He is committed to Resolution’s Code of Practice, which aims to take the heat out of family proceedings.
Simon co-hosts Talking family Law, the Resolution podcast, which has become one of the most‑influential voices in the family law sphere. He and co‑presenter Anita Mehta of 4PB won the award for “Commentator of the Year” at the 2024 Family Law Awards.
Patricia is ranked as a ‘Next Generation Partner’ in the 2024 edition of The Legal 500, where she is singled out for her pragmatic approach to advising high net worth individuals within and outside the UK. She is also recognised in Private Client Global Elite’s ‘Global Excellence’ listing.
As a Partner in the Private Client team, Patricia has in‑depth expertise in all relevant areas of UK tax. She advises ultra‑high‑net‑worth individuals across the full range of personal estate planning and succession matters, including advising on will planning, cross‑border estate planning, mental capacity issues and asset protection. She frequently advises on the creation of non‑UK‑resident trusts (including PTC structures), as well as reviewing existing structures and advising on the termination of trusts.
With a particular specialism in advising Asian families on cross‑border family governance, Patricia frequently travels to the region to advise on succession planning for owners of family businesses and structuring assets for passing down to the next generation in a sustainable manner. Patricia has particular expertise in dealing with multi‑jurisdictional matters, enabling her to quickly identify the most suitable structures for clients with cross‑jurisdictional touchpoints.
Her wide network of intermediaries allows her to help clients identify the right service provider for their needs and requirements, particularly in cases where they are considering setting up a trust and need advice choosing a trustee with whom they can establish a long‑term relationship.
Ranked in the Chambers UK Guide for over 17 years, including in 2024, Sara is praised for her expertise in the acquisition and development of mixed‑use sites.
Sara is a Partner in the Commercial Real Estate team and is Head of Affordable Housing. She has a strong real estate development and regeneration practice, with extensive experience acting for both public and private sector organisations.
In the affordable housing field, Sara acts for registered provider clients on a wide range of projects, from complex schemes involving multi‑party joint ventures, profit‑sharing arrangements, development and construction documents, and disposals including build to rent, to the acquisition of affordable provision under section 106 agreements. She also frequently advises on transaction structuring, as well as strategic acquisitions and disposals.
Ben is a Partner in the Commercial Real Estate team, which is ranked Band 1 in Chambers UK. He is Head of Hotels and Leisure.
Ben has extensive experience across the real estate sector, including developments, acquisitions and disposals, lettings, funding and joint venture work. He has particular expertise in long‑term and complex development projects.
Technically strong, pragmatic and proactive, Ben enjoys the intellectual challenge of development work, which often requires bespoke solutions to the many issues that arise. His work frequently involves coordinating and overseeing input from across the firm, including the Planning, Construction, Finance, Corporate and Tax teams.
Ben works regularly with both developers and landowners throughout the entire lifecycle of developments, from initial acquisition through planning, funding, development and ultimate disposal.
He has advised on a wide variety of matters, including commercial, residential and mixed‑use schemes of all sizes. Among his many projects, he has worked on one of Europe’s largest urban regeneration schemes at Greenwich Peninsula in London since its acquisition in 2012.
James is ranked in Chambers High Net Worth and The Legal 500 and is recognised in Legal Week’s Global Elite: Private Client Global Excellence listing.
As a Partner in our Private Client team, James advises international clients – including high‑net‑worth individuals, family offices, entrepreneurs and trustees – on succession planning, tax, family governance and cryptoassets. Based in the United Arab Emirates, James leads our offering in the Abu Dhabi Global Market.
A trusted adviser to globally prominent families, James combines empathy with technical expertise and a strong commercial mindset. Whether working with family offices, entrepreneurs or senior executives, James approaches every matter with sensitivity, discretion and professionalism.
James has extensive experience in establishing trusts, foundations and corporate structures. He regularly conducts complex family governance exercises involving multiple generations and branches, with a focus on preventing disputes and fostering family harmony. He also advises on UAE structures (including ADGM and DIFC) and UAE wills.
An early pioneer in cryptoasset advisory, James is listed as a ‘Top Recommended’ adviser in Spear’s Cryptocurrency Index (2023–2025) and is the author of Cryptoassets for Private Clients. He advises some of the world’s wealthiest crypto investors and token issuers.
Ranked as an ‘Up‑and‑Coming’ Partner in Chambers UK and as a ‘Next Generation Partner’ in The Legal 500 UK, Dickon is highlighted for his ‘top client care skills as well as his brilliant legal knowledge’ and ‘intellectual firepower’.
Dickon has wide‑ranging experience of resolving ‘big money’ financial disputes on divorce and relationship breakdown. He specialises in preparing and negotiating both domestic and international pre‑ and post‑nuptial and cohabitation agreements. He is renowned for his knowledge of parental rights and obligations, and private child law matters, including child abduction, internal and international child relocation, and surrogacy. His cases often involve complex assets and multiple jurisdictions.
He ‘is very astute’ and ‘exudes reassurance’, providing first‑class support to clients. Dickon works hard to get to know people and to understand their priorities in order to achieve their desired outcome. He is known for taking a firm but fair, pragmatic and constructive approach to resolving issues. Having represented numerous high‑profile clients, he is acutely aware of the importance of discretion.
Dickon is a member of Forsters’ US/UK and sports law groups.
Praised by clients for his ‘vast array of experience in high‑value acquisitions and disposals in the agricultural sector’ (Chambers 2024), Henry is a Partner and Head of Rural Land and Business.
A ‘Hall of Fame’‑ranked partner (Legal 500 2025), he is at the forefront of high‑value estate, farm and country house purchases, and other related property issues. He is very closely involved with succession and estate planning, along with tax matters. Henry lives and breathes the countryside, with a deep understanding of the issues and opportunities that rural landowners face. He has an extensive network that he is constantly developing to support his clients.
Henry’s depth of knowledge, experience and skill is complemented by his enthusiasm for client care, communication and building long‑term relationships. Maintaining a positive mindset, he is pragmatic and efficient, an effective problem‑solver who always aims to expedite transactions.
Henry is a team player who enjoys working alongside colleagues, other advisers and clients.
Simon is a Partner in Forsters’ Banking and Finance team, advising on domestic and international banking and finance in all its forms, including alternative lending structures and real estate finance. His in‑depth understanding of financial institutions has been enhanced by a secondment at the Royal Bank of Scotland plc.
He has particular expertise and experience in high‑value secured lending, particularly in the real estate (development and investment) finance sector, trade and export finance, debt‑restructuring and debt‑conversion programmes, and secured and unsecured syndicated and bilateral credit products. Simon is adept at advising on all forms of debt financing, from real estate to art.
Acting for a wide variety of clients, both onshore and offshore, Simon’s lender clients include private banks, challenger banks, alternative lenders and bridge lenders. In addition, he has previously acted for a range of institutional lenders. His borrower clients comprise both corporates and individuals, and include investment and asset management companies, developers, funds, high‑net‑worth individuals and entrepreneurs.
Carole advises UK and overseas individuals and families on tax, trust, estate and succession planning, and philanthropic matters. International in outlook, much of her work centres on cross‑border estate planning and coordinating matters for clients with assets in multiple jurisdictions.
Led by the client’s specific needs, Carole takes a proactive and strategic approach to individual matters.
Carole is ranked in the latest Chambers High Net Worth Guide and is recognised in Legal Week’s most recent Private Client Global Elite Directory. She has also received recommendations in The Legal 500.
Her clients include entrepreneurs, non‑UK‑domiciled and non‑UK‑resident individuals, family offices and the owners of landed estates. She also advises trustees, both in the UK and elsewhere, on tax matters and in relation to their duties.
Carole frequently works alongside and collaborates with colleagues in multiple teams, particularly Corporate Tax, Residential Property, Banking and Finance, and other private client specialists.
Noted by clients as “an outstanding partner” (Legal 500 2024), Sarah founded and leads the non‑contentious side of the Construction team and has particular experience in real estate developments. Ranked Band 2 in Chambers for Construction: Non‑contentious, she is acknowledged for her advice on contracts and other construction documentation for major development projects, including high‑end residential, commercial and retail schemes.
She has worked on a long list of landmark developments, including town‑centre and out‑of‑town regeneration; commercial, retail, sports, residential and mixed‑use developments; student accommodation; hotels; and infrastructure projects.
With over 25 years of experience in the construction industry, Sarah ‘always delivers’ (Chambers, 2024) and takes a hands‑on approach to projects. She is down‑to‑earth, personable, prides herself on excellence, and is committed to driving a matter forward. Sarah likes to develop strong relationships with her clients and maintain these over the long term.
Having joined Forsters in 1998, Sarah knows how to get the best out of her team and colleagues from across the firm. She frequently works alongside lawyers in the Commercial Real Estate, Residential Property, Rural Property and Private Client teams, among others.
Acknowledging her invaluable ‘can‑do attitude’ and ‘creative thinking,’ Heather’s clients cite ‘her knowledge of complex multi‑jurisdiction corporate structures’ and her ‘extensive network when working with unusual jurisdictions.’
As a Partner in the Tax team, Heather has a wealth of knowledge in direct and indirect tax issues and regularly advises on corporation tax, capital gains tax (including NRCGT), income tax, national insurance contributions, VAT, stamp duty land tax and the Construction Industry Scheme. She advises a wide variety of clients on corporate real estate transactions, acquisitions, disposals, developments and joint ventures. Her experience includes advising on hotels, student accommodation, care homes, commercial and mixed‑use developments. Heather is also an expert in real estate fund structures.
She advises on M&A transactions, corporate reorganisations and setting up share incentive plans.
Heather’s priority is to provide clients with clear advice and support in challenging situations, always ensuring that she has a complete understanding of their commercial objectives and striving to meet these in an efficient manner.
Her clients include domestic and international property investors and developers, institutional real estate investors (including pension funds), blockchain and crypto‑asset businesses, corporates, international executives and high‑net‑worth individuals.
Heather’s wide‑ranging experience includes everything from advising on the tax aspects of the purchase of a football club to working with a small UK start‑up right through its lifecycle to becoming a major international group.
Andrew is a Partner and was previously Head of the firm’s award-winning Commercial Real Estate team, which is ranked Band 1 in Chambers UK. His expertise in the real estate market makes him a sought-after commentator on market trends, and he is regularly quoted in leading real estate publications.
Working principally on commercial real estate transactions, he specialises in development, investment and occupier work, advising clients across a broad range of sectors. Andrew also has particular expertise in the areas of extra care housing and build-to-rent.
Commercial and proactive in his approach, Andrew works closely with clients to find practical solutions to real estate transactional challenges. He collaborates with colleagues across the Construction, Tax, Planning, Real Estate Disputes, and Corporate and Commercial teams to deliver integrated advice tailored to clients’ needs.
Andrew is a Partner in the Commercial Real Estate team and Head of Retail, he has over 20 years of experience helping institutional clients with the full lifecycle of their retail and leisure assets. Described by clients as ‘commercially astute’ and ‘efficient’, he is also noted as being skilled at ‘working through unusual situations where pragmatic and innovative approaches were required.’
Andrew believes that success is built upon strong partnerships and open communication. He promotes a collaborative environment to help clients overcome challenges and seize opportunities for growth. Mitigating risks by providing strategic guidance and tailoring legal services to meet the specific needs and objectives of each asset is key to his team’s success.
As part of a multidisciplinary team, Andrew shapes and delivers clients’ asset strategies and provides commercial and practical legal advice in a collaborative manner to move transactions to completion. He has an acute understanding of the unique dynamics and challenges faced by primary shopping centres, drawing on his own extensive experience and the resources of his team.
His longstanding relationships with leading landlords and asset managers enable him to help clients maximise the potential of their assets. Fostering fruitful reciprocal relationships, he regularly transacts with all the major retailers and leisure operators and their lawyers.
Ranked as a Leading Individual in Legal 500 Planning 2025 and among the top practitioners in Chambers, Victoria is noted for her “brilliant legal mind” and her ability to simplify complex issues and provide pragmatic advice quickly.
Victoria heads the Planning team at Forsters and is one of few senior lawyers who specialises in representing both commercial and private clients, including major developers, institutional investors and public sector entities. She advises on all aspects of redevelopment and regeneration, from planning applications to planning appeals, judicial review, statutory challenges and disposal strategies.
Victoria has a strong track record in the redevelopment of central urban sites, including highly constrained developments.
She is known for providing robust, strategic and commercial advice, drawing on her extensive experience and detailed understanding of site-specific constraints and development opportunities. She has a longstanding interest in the built environment and the role planning plays in shaping places and communities.
Christine is a Partner in the Corporate team, advising on a broad range of corporate matters. Her extensive experience includes share and asset sales and acquisitions, joint ventures, reorganisations, shareholder arrangements and limited liability partnerships.
Recognised as a ‘Top Recommended’ lawyer in Spear’s 500 2024, Christine is praised for her ‘robust project management approach’.
While she frequently collaborates with colleagues across Forsters’ Commercial Real Estate, Residential Property, Tax, and Banking and Finance teams, her work spans a wide range of sectors. Known for providing practical and commercial advice, Christine works closely with clients to understand their strategic objectives and tailor her advice to their specific needs, helping to deliver successful outcomes.
Christine is also a member of the firm’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Committee and Responsible Business Committee.
