Forsters celebrates the recognition of two Partners in the 2024 eprivateclient NextGen Leaders list

We are delighted to announce that two of our Partners, George Mitchell and Dickon Ceadel, have been recognised in the 2024 eprivateclient NextGen Leaders list. This definitive annual list highlights the leading young private client practitioners in the UK and UK Crown Dependencies, showcasing their exceptional talent and dedication to the field.

In light of George and Dickon’s recognition in the list, we got some useful insights into their career journeys to learn more about the pivotal moments that inspired their specialisms, how Forsters has supported their growth, and the advice they would give to their trainee selves. Their stories provide a glimpse into the dedication and passion that drive their success and offer inspiration to aspiring private client practitioners.

What was the pivotal moment that inspired you to choose your specialism?

George

Initially a corporate tax lawyer, I was inspired to become a private wealth lawyer about a decade ago when I helped an entrepreneur navigate a complex tax issue. I found the experience rewarding, as it allowed me to not only solve legal problems but to be part of the client’s personal and business journey. Seeing the impact my advice had on their success sparked a passion for developing long-term relationships with clients and supporting them through significant milestones, as well as helping them to build an enduring legacy, whether in a business or in a family.

Dickon

I don’t think there was a specific moment as such. When I started my training contract, I wanted to be a private client lawyer and when in that seat I really enjoyed working with individuals and the problem-solving side of the work. I then had a chance to do a family seat and found that the work ticked those same boxes, but was even more varied – involving strategic and advisory work but also fast-paced litigation and complex negotiations, and helping support people thorough what are often difficult periods of their lives. I ended up doing two family seats and qualifying as a family lawyer and haven’t looked back since.

How has Forsters supported your growth?

George

Forsters has been instrumental in my professional growth over the past decade, from my days as an associate to becoming a partner. Forsters’ entrepreneurial spirit, which has remained a key part of its culture since its founding about 25 years ago, has empowered me to develop my broad practice. The firm’s dynamic environment and supportive culture, combined with Forsters’ reputation for excellence in private wealth law, has enabled me to grow both personally and professionally.

Dickon

I joined Forsters in 2017 as a 2.5 years PQE solicitor (having applied for a training contract many years prior but not making it past the interview stage…), became a Senior Associate in 2019 and was made up to Partner in 2023. Forsters has been an amazing environment in which to develop as a lawyer and grow my practice. Throughout my time at the firm, I have been exposed to high quality work and afforded an increasing amount of client contact and responsibility. The firm has always been extremely supportive with, and encouraging of, business and personal development initiatives.

What is one piece of advice you would give to your trainee self?

George

Enjoy making friendships in your intake, as they will support you through work and beyond.

Dickon

Polish your shoes more regularly.

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Forsters’ next-gen talent shines through in the latest Chambers HNW Guide 2024

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Our specialist teams advising high-net-worth private clients continue to be recognised as best in class in the latest Chambers HNW Guide.

The guide, which ranks the leading professional advisors to the Private Wealth market based on extensive market research, praises Forsters’ blend of experience and energy: “The team covers multiple areas and is made up of very experienced senior team members with ample experience, as well as younger advisers who are full of energy.”

We maintain high rankings across our full range of expertise:

  • Private Wealth Law – Band 1
  • Private Wealth Disputes – Band 1
  • Real Estate: High Value Residential – Band 1
  • Family/Matrimonial Finance: Ultra High Net Worth- Band 2
  • Art and Cultural Property Law – Band 2.

This year’s rankings also highlight Forsters’ breadth of Private Wealth talent from seasoned advisors to rising stars with new and elevated individual rankings for Senior Associates and Partners:

  • Emma Gillies, elevated to Band 5 in Private Wealth Law
  • James Brockhurst, newly ranked as Up and Coming in Private Wealth Law
  • Hannah Mantle, elevated to Band 4 in Private Wealth Disputes
  • Anna Jassani, newly ranked as an Associate to Watch in Real Estate: High Value Residential
  • Charles Miéville, elevated to Band 2 in Real Estate: High Value Residential.

The 2024 HNW Guide recognises a total of 26 individual lawyers at Forsters including a record number of Senior Associates. Other notable highlights include:

  • Catherine Hill, elevated to Band 2 in Art and Cultural Property
  • Nick Jacob and Dan Ugur continue to be recognised as ‘foreign experts’ in Singapore
  • Joanne Edwards continuing inclusion in the Spotlight Table for Family/Matrimonial: Mediators.

Explore our complete list of 2024 rankings here and do get in touch with any member of our market leading private wealth team to find out how we can support you.

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ERMAs 2024: Forsters win Solicitors Firm of the Year

The ERMAs is a celebration of the professionals working in the leasehold enfranchisement and right to manage sector.

Enfranchisement is a specialist area of law, and Forsters has been dedicated to developing a team with the ability to advise on all aspects of the regime, from lease extensions to the most complex collective enfranchisements.

Being awarded ‘Solicitors Firm of the Year’ is a testament not only to the team’s commitment to their clients, but for remaining at the forefront of change in this sector which has recently seen the passing of the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024.

“We have an excellent enfranchisement team at Forsters who all share a passion and commitment to enfranchisement and who are involved in some of the most complex enfranchisement cases in the UK. The ERMAs is a special date in the diary for all enfranchisement practitioners and I am so pleased that the team has been acknowledged for their determination and hard work”.

Natasha Rees, Senior Partner


“A thoroughly deserved win by our enfranchisement team at the ERMA’s last night which confirms their position as leaders in this specialised area of property law”.

Lucy Barber, Head of Residential Property


“As an enfranchisement specialist, it was important for me to work in a firm that was fully committed and experienced in advising on this niche area of law. The Forsters’ enfranchisement team offers that and so much more, and so I’m thrilled that this was recognised last night”.

Caroline Wild, Senior Associate


“Forsters has a fantastic enfranchisement team which is packed with talent. It’s great to see that celebrated by this award”.

James Carpenter, Senior Associate

ERMAs

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Connor Rutherford wins the Property Litigation Association’s Alan Langleben Memorial Blog Competition

Forsters news - inside Baker Street

In this year’s ‘The Alan Langleben Memorial Blog Competition’, the Property Litigation Association challenged its members to tackle the topic of leasehold reform. Trainee, Connor Rutherford, was awarded first prize and saw his entry published in EG.

On Connor’s winning entry, the judges commented:

“His blog is logical and coherent and points out that although, in respect of the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Bill, the legislators seem to be moving us towards commonhold, there are no suggestions/provisions as to approach and implementation.”

Since the competition was launched, the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024 has received royal assent. Follow this link to read our latest briefing.

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Record number of shortlistings at the STEP Private Client Awards 2024/25: Forsters’ named finalists in six categories

Forsters’ Private Wealth team has been shortlisted in the most number of categories of any firm, with six nominations in the STEP Private Client Awards 2024/25:

  • Private Client Legal Team of the Year (large firm)
  • International Legal Team of the Year (large firm)
  • Family Business Advisory Practice of the Year
  • Employer of the Year
  • Digital Assets Practice of the Year
  • Trusted Advisor of the Year, Nicholas Jacob TEP

The STEP Private Client Awards are seen as the hallmark of quality within the private client sector, recognising and celebrating excellence among private client professionals. Attracting entries from across the globe, submissions are judged rigorously by a top tier of independent panel of experts comprising of internationally renowned practitioners in the wealth management arena. Finalists are recognised for a wide range of capabilities including their; ability to demonstrate their capacity to undertake complex and demanding client issues; world-class innovation and commitment to the industry.

Forsters’ six nominations demonstrates the breadth of specialisms that the team advise our private clients on and showcases the strength of the trusted relationships that we build with both our clients and our intermediary network.

The news follows our continued success at the annual STEP awards, where Forsters have been named winners in at least one category since 2018 and most recently won three awards at the ceremony last year.

The winners will be announced at the Awards Ceremony on 19 September 2024. The full shortlist can be found here.

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Continued recognition for Forsters family lawyers in Spear’s Family Lawyers Index 2024

Six of our family lawyers from across the team have been listed in this year’s Spears Family Lawyers Index 2024:

The Index recognises the top family lawyers for high net worth clients in the UK, ranking individuals that have the ability to combine expert legal knowledge with an emotional understanding of a client’s situation to produce the best results.

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Forsters boosts Dispute Resolution with appointment of Steven Richards

Forsters News

Disputes Partner Steven Richards joins Forsters from Foot Anstey to add specialist fraud and contentious insolvency expertise to the firm’s full-service Dispute Resolution practice.

Forsters, the leading London law firm, announces today that Steven Richards is to join the firm on 11 June 2024. Steven has over two decades of experience advising on a wide range of commercial litigation and contentious insolvency matters. He joins Forsters from Foot Anstey where he led the dispute resolution practice for several years before heading up the firm’s fraud team. Prior to that Steven trained and practised at Jones Day (formerly Gouldens).

Steven’s appointment marks a period of continued growth for Forsters following the recent arrival of highly ranked and market recognised Employment Partner Jo Keddie and her team from Winckworth Sherwood. The firm, which celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2024, moved to new premises in Baker Street in January this year.

Steven has extensive commercial litigation experience and has a strong track record of acting on big ticket, complex disputes and achieving successful outcomes for a range of both domestic and international clients. He advises high net worth individuals, private companies, insolvency practitioners and financial services organisations on a wide range of disputes and has a particular expertise in civil claims involving allegations of dishonesty and fraudulent conduct. He also has significant experience in dealing with corporate disputes, banking and finance litigation, professional negligence, contentious insolvency, insurance claims, business critical issues and injunctive relief.

The addition of Steven Richards to Forsters’ Disputes Resolution practice will boost its already thriving general commercial litigation capability, while adding specialist contentious and insolvency expertise.

Benedict Walton, Head of Commercial Dispute Resolution at Forsters, said: “Clients turn to our disputes practice for the most complex commercial claims. Steven’s addition to the team adds significant bench strength in the important areas of fraud and contentious insolvency. I’ve known Steve for many years and he brings a fantastic track record of high profile litigation experience, successful practice building and a progressive and collaborative working approach, all of which will be highly beneficial as the team continues to strengthen and grow.”

Steven Richards said: “I am really excited to join Forsters at a time when the firm is growing and going from strength to strength. Forsters’ diverse client base and culture feels like a natural fit for me and my practice. The firm is the right place from which to serve my clients who will have access to market leading contentious expertise from the wider practice which, in turn, will help them navigate their most complex business challenges.”

Natasha Rees, Senior Partner of Forsters, commented: “Forsters is enjoying a period of strong momentum as a business and so we are really pleased to welcome Steven Richards to the partnership. He will be an excellent addition to the Disputes practice and of instant benefit and value to clients across the firm.”

Forsters’ Asia team win ‘Estate Planning Team of the Year’ for Greater China at the WealthBriefingAsia Awards 2024

Named ‘Estate Planning Team of the Year’ (Greater China) at the 2024 Wealth Briefing Asia Awards, Forsters Private Wealth Asia team were recognised for their unique approach to advising HNW individuals and families, trustees and family offices in the region on international cross-border estate and succession planning.

The annual WealthBriefingAsia Awards programme recognises the most innovative and exceptional firms, teams and individuals. The awards have been designed to showcase outstanding organisations, deemed to have ‘demonstrated innovation and excellence during the last year’.

The award winners were announced at the ceremony on 30 May 2024 in Singapore.

Forsters’ dedicated Private Wealth Asia team

With an established track record in Greater China, including Hong Kong and the wider Asia region stretching back 33 years, Forsters’ Private Wealth Asia team are renowned for their expertise in estate and succession planning with a cross-border focus.

Taking a unique approach to estate planning particularly in the context of family governance for multigenerational business families; the team make it a priority to understand the psychology of the families they advise and marry this with the practical and commercial aspects to preserving family wealth and mitigating the risk of family disputes.

Only after taking the time to get to know the family, and understand their dynamics and needs, do the team create the bespoke structures that help establish family harmony and ensure the successful transition of wealth from one generation to the next. Many clients have built international businesses with assets and family members based across the world; lending added complexity to their planning needs.

The award showcases Forsters’ continued commitment to serving families in Asia and follows the team’s recent promotion of Alfred Liu to Partner. Nick Jacob and Daniel Ugur are also two of only three lawyers recognised in the Chambers HNW Guide as foreign experts for Singapore. This team, which also includes Private Client Global Elite Rising Leader, Patricia Boon, travel to the region monthly to advise clients and have cultivated strong relationships with many private wealth advisors based there.

The Private Wealth Asia team is part of Forsters’ Asia group advising clients based in the region on a wide range of services including:

  • Estate & Succession Planning
  • Family Governance
  • UK Tax
  • Trusts Structuring
  • UK Residential & Commercial Property
  • Matrimonial & Divorce
  • Contentious Trusts & Estates.

Please do get in touch with any of the team, to find out more about our Asia services.

WealthBriefing Asia Awards

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Forsters shortlisted for ‘Solicitors Firm of the Year’ at the 2024 ERMAs

We received the exciting news today that Forsters has been shortlisted as a finalist in the ‘Solicitors Firm of the Year’ category at the News on the Block Enfranchisement and Right to Manage Awards 2024.

Celebrating its 15th anniversary, we are delighted to participate and be recognised in this prestigious awards ceremony. Well done to our Enfranchisement Team in securing this shortlisting, and good luck to all the other finalists.

We look forward to the award ceremony, and celebrating the excellence in our industry, on 11 July at Leonardo Royal Hotel, St. Paul’s.

Click here to view the full shortlist.

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Forsters’ CTE team support the inaugural Junior Litigators Forum

Head of Contentious Trusts and Estates, Roberta Harvey will be chairing the inaugural Junior Litigators Forum, hosted by ConTrA and Informa Connect.

Taking place from 9-10 May 2024 at The Grand Hotel in Birmingham, the conference will bring together junior litigators to discuss issues surrounding trusts and estates. The agenda will be delivered by senior industry figures and rising stars, including topics such as:

  • Keynote sessions delivered by HHJ Paul Matthews and Ellen Radley (Forensic Document Examiner).
  • Debate: Will challenges get easier every year (and so they should).
  • It’s a free country: testamentary freedom verses forced heirship Professional negligence in wills, trusts, and probate.
  • When the gloves come off: dirty tricks in litigation and how to deal with them.
  • Trustee blessing applications and other useful directions.
  • Building your personal brand.

Senior associate, Ashleigh Carr, will be giving the ConTrA address alongside her ConTrA Co-Chair James Lister, Partner at Stevens and Bolton.

Spear’s Legal Indices: Forsters’ Landed Estates lawyers retain their Top Recommended status

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Forsters Partners Henry Cecil, Andrew Lane, Rupert Mead, Polly Montoneri and Consultants Penny Elliot and Christopher Findley, have retained their ‘Top Recommended’ status in the latest Spear’s Legal Index.

The Spear’s rankings showcase the highest calibre of landed estates lawyers, advisers who can support their clients on wide ranging issues, from tax and succession planning to land development and diversification.

The full listing can be viewed here.

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Chambers High Net Worth Awards 2024: Forsters shortlisted for Residential Property Team of the Year

Forsters News

Forsters have been shortlisted for ‘Residential Property Team of the Year’ at the Chambers High Net Worth Awards 2024.

The awards reflect the team’s achievements over the past 12 months including their outstanding work and excellence in client service. The awards honour law firms across the world and we are delighted to be recognised.

The winners will be announced on 11 July.

HNW Awards Shortlist

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Forsters promotes four Senior Associates in annual promotions round

Forsters news - inside Baker Street

Forsters, the leading London firm, announces today the promotion of four Senior Associates to new roles with effect from 1 April 2024.

The promotions are as follows:

  • Private Client Senior Associate Alfred Liu has joined the Forsters partnership
  • Commercial Real Estate Senior Associates Joanna Brown and Andrew McEwan are promoted to Counsel
  • Rural Land & Business Senior Associate Victoria Salter-Galbraith is also promoted to Counsel.

Natasha Rees, Senior Partner at Forsters, said: ‘We have promoted four outstanding Senior Associates this year. They are all talented individuals who have consistently demonstrated exceptional legal expertise and a relentless focus on delivering results for our clients. They will all continue to contribute greatly to the success of the firm in their new roles. These promotions demonstrate the ongoing growth of and investment in the firm following our recent move to Marylebone and the arrival of Employment & Partnership partner Jo Keddie, Counsel Danielle Crawford and Senior Associate Daniel Parker’.

Alfred Liu joined Forsters in 2017 from Gowling WLG. Nominated as a Rising Star in The Legal 500, he was also named as one of ePrivateclient’s Top 35 under 35 in 2020. He advises high net worth individuals, fiduciaries and family offices on a diverse range of private wealth matters, particularly where there are international and multigenerational complexities. With family roots in Hong Kong, Asia is his second home and he has focused a large part of business on growing client relationships in the region.

Joanna Brown joined Forsters in 2020 as part of a team from Orrick. Her practice focuses on commercial real estate, including landlord and tenant matters with a focus on the retail sector. With a long track record of advising shopping centre clients, Joanna brings extensive expertise to the table in respect of major shopping centre developments, commercial office space and prime retail real estate across the UK.

Andrew McEwan trained at Forsters before qualifying into the Commercial Real Estate team in 2014. He has developed broad commercial real estate expertise but enjoys complex development work in particular. Alongside this practice focus, he plays a leading role at Forsters in shaping the use of generative AI and technology in relation to real estate transactions.

Victoria Salter-Galbraith joined Forsters in 2018 from Bircham Dyson Bell. Victoria was made a Fellow of the Agricultural Law Association in 2024. Named in ePrivateclient’s Top 35 under 35 in 2021, in addition to appearing in the CityWealth Leaders List since 2020 for Landed Estates & Property, she regularly acts on all aspects of agricultural and rural property matters (with particular expertise in historic property and viticulture).

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Forsters secures Disability Confident Committed Certification

As part of its ongoing focus on inclusion in the workplace and commitment to minimising employment barriers for people living with disabilities, Forsters is proud to announce it has obtained the UK government’s Disability Confident Committed Certification. Disability Confident is a government scheme designed to encourage employers to recruit and retain disabled people and those with health conditions.

Championing inclusion is a core part of Forsters’ strategy, and the firm’s EnABLE committee develops and drives initiatives which support individuals with disabilities. Most recently this has included contributing to the design of Forsters’ new premises in London’s Marylebone by engaging a third-party consultant to review the building plans from a disability perspective. Key adjustments were made to ensure that accessibility was at the heart of the design of the new offices.

Additional actions Forsters has taken to obtain Disability Confident Committed Certification include:

  • Promoting a culture of being Disability Confident and ensuring that all partners and employees have sufficient disability equality awareness including relevant training.
  • Introducing a comprehensive Workplace Adjustments Policy, which standardises the process, making adjustments easily accessible for people with all types of disabilities.
  • Forsters’ Talent team participating in training with MyPlus, a specialist disability consultancy, equipping them with enhanced knowledge and understanding of disability inclusion.
  • Providing a fully inclusive and accessible recruitment process with disabled people who meet the minimum criteria for the job being offered an interview.
  • Being flexible when assessing people so disabled job applicants have the best opportunity to demonstrate that they can do the job.
  • Supporting employees to manage their disabilities or health conditions.
  • Ensuring managers are aware of how they can support staff who are sick or absent from work.
  • Ensuring Forsters’ website is disability friendly.

Dearbhla Quigley, Chair of Forsters’ EnABLE committee, said:

“Our move to new offices in Marylebone is a major milestone for the firm and the fact that accessibility has been at the heart of its design is testament to the importance placed on creating an environment that works for all. The EnABLE Committee continues to seek out ways in which Forsters can be as supportive as possible to all of those with disabilities, whatever their form and however they are affected.”

Emily Exton, Forsters’ Managing Partner, added:

“People are at the heart of Forsters and securing Disability Confident accreditation is another stride towards ensuring access, equality and opportunity for all. Removing barriers to employment allows us to recruit and retain the best talent and is part of ensuring the kind of inclusive and diverse working environment which we know leads to provision of the highest levels of service to our clients.”

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Key partner hire for Forsters with the appointment of Jo Keddie

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Highly ranked and market recognised Partner Jo Keddie joins the firm from Winckworth Sherwood to strengthen Forsters’ full service Employment and Partnerships practice, which will continue to deliver leading edge employment advice to a diverse client base.

Forsters, the leading London firm, announces today that Jo Keddie is to join the firm on 2 April 2024. Jo joins from Winckworth Sherwood LLP, where she headed its Employment and Partnerships team. She also led the firm as Senior Partner from 2021 to 2023, having originally joined the partnership in 2010. In addition to Jo, colleagues Danielle Crawford and Daniel Parker will be joining the team at Forsters as Counsel and Senior Associate respectively.

Jo’s practice is a close strategic fit to that of Forsters. She represents a broad suite of clients in contentious and non-contentious matters, including corporates, senior executives and charities and has a wealth of experience in investigatory work involving regulatory bodies, corporate clients, and individuals.

Jo has top tier rankings in both the Legal 500 and Chambers directories for her expertise in acting in partnership and senior executive cases and has recently featured in The Lawyer’s prestigious Hot 100 listing for the second time.

Over the past year, Jo has acted in a number of high-profile litigation matters and investigations delivering her hallmark of pragmatic, commercial and strategic advice. Jo’s recent experience includes acting for several FTSE 100 C-Suite clients and Fund Managers in respect of their high value (regularly seven figures) and often complex departure terms. She has also advised a number of financial institutions, corporates and charities in successfully investigating and defending claims for unfair dismissal, whistleblowing, race and religious discrimination, sex discrimination/harassment and age discrimination.

The appointment of Jo is a significant boost to Forsters’ Employment and Partnerships team. Jo, who will head the practice, will join employment partner Joe Beeston and his team, adding further strength, depth and experience to the firm’s offering. The addition of three senior lawyers to Forsters’ full-service employment practice will bolster and scale up Forsters’ market presence, including in the financial and professional services, partnerships, private equity, sciences, technology, real estate and healthcare sectors among others.

Jo Keddie said: ‘This is such an exciting time to be joining Forsters following its move into amazing new premises at Baker Street. The opportunity to play a lead role in the firm’s strategic investment in employment and partnerships was compelling for me personally and we now have a fantastic platform to grow our team dynamically, as well as enhance the range of services we offer to our clients.

‘Culturally we are completely aligned in as much as we are focused on delivering successful strategies and outcomes for a diverse range of clients. Danielle, Dan and I greatly look forward to working closely with Joe and all our new colleagues to deliver a client-led strategy at Forsters. It is a perfect fit for us and our clients at every level.’

Natasha Rees, Senior Partner of Forsters, commented: ‘We are thrilled to have Jo Keddie and her team join us at Forsters. They will be a fantastic addition to the Employment and Partnerships team and the wider firm. Our clients have just seen us move to superb new premises at Baker Street, which are designed to help us deliver best-in-class advice. Our decision to appoint Jo was completely driven by what our clients need from us. We are really excited to have Jo joining the Forsters partnership and we are delighted that three such talented lawyers will be enhancing our team.’

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Totum’s Rising Star Award 2024: Natalie Carter is awarded Highly Commended

Business Development and Marketing Executive, Natalie Carter, has been awarded Highly Commended in Totum’s Rising Star Awards 2024.

Working with our Private Wealth department, Natalie has been charged with seeking new business opportunities, building connections and developing strategic partnerships.

She joined Forsters in 2019 on a work experience placement, which turned into a permanent role in the BD & Marketing team. Over the last five years, her role has evolved from dealing with practical, task-driven responsibilities to that of a trusted advisor.

Natalie’s recognition is a testament to her focus and dedication, as well as the firm’s commitment to the career development of their employees.

The full article on this year’s winners can be read here.

Commitment to Sustainability: Forsters and Kelly Noel-Smith shortlisted for industry awards

Forsters LLP and CSR Partner, Kelly Noel-Smith, have been shortlisted in The Legal 500 ESG and LexisNexis Legal Awards 2024.

LexisNexis Legal Awards: Award for Sustainability – Forsters

Since our inception in 1998, Forsters has pioneered its approach to sustainability, and we are proud to see this commitment recognised.

This year has seen our most ambitious commitments to date.

In 2021, we signed up to a science-based emission reduction target to halve our greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. We were one of the first firms of our size to make this pledge. In Autumn 2023 our reduction target was approved by the Science Based Target initiative.

We have a rigorous best practice programme in place driven by significant external commitments and characterised by a thoroughness of approach both internally and in how we support our clients and wider stakeholders.

The LexisNexis Legal Awards celebrate groundbreaking contributions to the legal industry. The winners will be announced on 14 March.

The Legal 500 ESG Awards: Environmental/Sustainability: Private Practice Champion of the year (internal) – Kelly Noel-Smith

We are delighted to announce that Kelly has been recognised for leading our approach to sustainability and establishing Forsters’ best practice programme.

Kelly has been an integral driver of change, which has included:

  • Building a CSR team
  • Creating our Green Impact Group
  • Spearheading our 2021 commitment to a science-based emission reduction target
  • Creating and leading our Sustainability Board
  • Establishing our Sustainability Hub in 2020
  • Initiating a Sustainability Collaborations programme with clients and intermediaries to consolidate sustainable ways of working operationally.

The inaugural Legal 500 ESG UK Awards will celebrate the very best ESG initiatives across the UK legal market. The winners will be announced on 24 April.

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Forsters’ Residential Property team shortlisted in the RESI Awards 2024

Once again our Residential Property team at Forsters has been shortlisted for ‘Legal/Professional Team of the Year’ in the RESI Awards 2024.

The RESI Awards, organised by Property Week, celebrate the fantastic achievements of the residential property sector.

This shortlisting recognises the high-quality work we deliver for our clients. We are delighted to be named amongst other industry leaders.

Our Residential Property team acts for clients on all aspects of their property requirements, supporting clients to navigate the legal practicalities of buying, selling, financing, and managing your asset. We provide a client-focused service, giving technical advice whilst also taking a commercial approach to ensure we achieve our clients objectives.

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Maryam Oghanna and Ashleigh Carr to speak at the Trusts in Litigation Conference 2024

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Contentious Trusts and Estates Senior Associates, Maryam Oghanna and Ashleigh Carr are attending and speaking at the Trusts in Litigation 2024 Conference taking place 21-22 March 2024.

The conference, hosted by the Contentious Trusts Association (ConTrA) and Informa Connect, brings together professionals in the world of contentious trusts to share knowledge and develop networks.

Ashleigh, as the co-chair of ConTrA, will be chairing the conference alongside the founders of ConTrA and her current ConTrA co-chair, James Lister, Partner at Stevens and Bolton.

Maryam will be presenting the session entitled ‘Enforcement across borders’, exploring methods of enforcement for offshore assets and the difficulties arising in pursuing a judgment debtor in multiple jurisdictions. She will be joined by Sebastian Auer, Partner at Gasser Partner; Ami Sweeney, Associate Director at Grant Thornton; and Faye Hall, Partner at FRP Advisory.

Anthony Goodmaker awarded Property Lawyer of the Year at the YN Property Awards 2024

Following the announcement in early February that Anthony Goodmaker, Partner in Forsters’ Commercial Real Estate team, was made a finalist in the YN Property Awards, we are delighted to share he has since been awarded Property Lawyer of the Year 2024.

This award is testament to his dedication to his work and his clients. Speaking of the award, Anthony says “I am delighted to win this award at an event which raises significant funds for an amazing charity in the community. I am honoured to have been chosen by the judging panel in what has been a difficult year in the real estate industry. We hear a lot about this being the era of the specialist lawyer but hopefully this award also shows that there’s nothing wrong with being a generalist too, especially in this market!”

The YN Property Awards are an opportunity for professionals across real estate to come together and celebrate industry successes while raising vital funds for Norwood, the oldest Jewish charity in the UK. Each year Norwood supports more than 2,500 people, including some of the Jewish community’s most vulnerable children, adults and families. From specialist therapy to counselling to parent programmes, their work is invaluable. We are very pleased to continue supporting this worthy cause.

Well done to Anthony, alongside all the other winners and finalists for their achievements.

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Rosie Schumm to speak at Private Client Forum Americas 2024

Family Partner, Rosie Schumm, has been invited to speak at the Private Client Forum Americas 2024.

The Private Client Forum Americas is a prestigious forum that brings together the most elite advisors to ultra-high net worth individuals, to discuss issues across the Americas, with an outlook on the rest of the world.

The 2024 conference will take place in Mexico, from February 28 until March 1.

Rosie will be co-presenting a session on Wednesday 28 February entitled, ‘Private Affairs, Public Interest: Family and Divorce’, alongside Gretchen Schumann of Rabin, Schumann and Partners, Nancy Murphy, of Teitler and Teitler and Santiago Garcia Luque of Garcia Alocer.

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Victoria Salter-Galbraith is named Fellow of the Agricultural Law Association

We are delighted to announce that Rural Land and Business Senior Associate, Victoria Salter-Galbraith, has been made a Fellow of the Agricultural Law Association (ALA).

The ALA is the UK’s most esteemed organisation on matters related to law and business of the countryside. The association focuses on the law in an apolitical way to promote its knowledge and understanding among those who advise rural business.

To achieve the status of Fellow, Victoria sat an in-depth examination for which she received the joint highest mark in the country.

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Forsters’ lawyers recognised in the Spear’s 500 Directory 2024

Forsters news - inside Baker Street

We are delighted to see 33 of our lawyers recognised in the Spears 500 Directory 2024:

Property Lawyers:

Corporate Lawyers:

Landed Estates Lawyers:

Family Lawyers:

Tax and Trusts:

Cryptocurrency:

Spears 500 is a highly regarded guide, showcasing the best private client advisors in the industry for HNW and UHNW clients.

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Kelly Noel-Smith shortlisted in The Legal500 ESG UK Awards – Environmental/Sustainable Champion Award

We are delighted to share that CSR Partner, Kelly Noel-Smith, has been shortlisted in The Legal500 ESG UK Awards – Environmental/Sustainability Champion.

The award acknowledges truly exceptional individual contributions to improving sustainability in private practice over the last year, with a focus on internal initiatives at law firms.

Since joining the firm as a Partner in 2009, Kelly Noel-Smith has pioneered our approach to sustainability, developing and leading our best practice programme. Kelly spearheaded Forsters’ 2021 commitment to a science-based emission reduction target to halve our greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. We were one of the first firms of our size to make this pledge. In Autumn 2023 our reduction target was approved by the Science Based Target initiative.

The winner of the award will be announced on 24 April.

We are also delighted that Forsters has been shortlisted for the Lexis Nexis Legal Awards 2024 – Award for Sustainability. Winners will be announced on 14 March.

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Natalie Carter shortlisted in Totum’s BD and Marketing Rising Star Award

We are delighted to share that BD and Marketing Executive Natalie Carter, has been shortlisted in Totum’s Rising Star Award.

The award celebrates the rising stars of the next generation of talented business service professionals and Natalie has been nominated in the BD and Marketing category.

Natalie joined Forsters in 2019 and has supported a wide range of practice areas throughout her time at Forsters. Her current role includes developing and executing BD and Marketing plans for the Private Wealth practice with a focus on our residential and rural property teams. Natalie was instrumental in the development and launch of our cross-practice Vineyards campaign.

The winner of the award will be announced on 13 February.

Forsters Announces Exciting Partnership with Local Charity the Marylebone Project

Forsters are delighted to be partnering with the Marylebone Project as part of the firm’s commitment to supporting charities and community groups. The relationship forms part of our wider CSR strategy, and our focus will be supporting the Marylebone Project’s various initiatives and services designed to protect vulnerable women facing homelessness. Our recent move to our new office in Marylebone provides a great opportunity for us to support our local community, with the Marylebone Project on our doorstep.

The Marylebone Project provides a life-changing service for women facing homelessness, empowering them towards independent living. It is the largest and longest-running centre of its kind in London and the UK with over 90 years’ experience and 112 residential beds across two buildings. It is the only women’s-only homelessness centre that is open 24/7, 365 days a year.

Marylebone Project.

As a firm we are proud of our values; being driven by what really matters and supporting everyone to achieve. We are also a firm with strong female leadership (as of February 2024, 53% of our partners were women, including our Senior Partner and Managing Partner) which actively supports women with their professional development. The Marylebone Project aims to do the same with one of its main values being empowerment, equipping women to make informed choices and to have a voice. We look forward to working together in partnership to enrich the lives of women supported by the Marylebone Project.

We will directly support the Marylebone Project’s services and women through fundraising, material donations, social activities and volunteering. Longer term, we hope our partnership will raise awareness of the Marylebone Project’s vital services, the experience of women who are experiencing homelessness in London and also provide skills-based support, empowering women to live fulfilling independent lives.

Towards the end of 2023, Miriam Kennedy (Centre Manager), Evie Oglethorpe (Fundraising Officer) and Ruhamah Sonson (Operations Manager) from the Marylebone Project came to speak to the team at Forsters and to launch our partnership. The session provided an opportunity for the firm to find out more about the Marylebone Project’s vital services and hear to the stories of the women who have benefitted from its support. Evie also shared details of the ways in which Forsters’ employees can get involved and provide support throughout the course of the partnership.

Marylebone Project.

During the event, attendees enjoyed a delicious lunch provided by Munch, the Marylebone Project’s social enterprise catering business. Munch food is prepared by a team of women from the Marylebone Project, providing opportunities for them to improve their wellbeing, whilst gaining catering skills and qualifications.

Marylebone Project.

We look forward to kickstarting this partnership by supporting the London Homeless Collective’s London Walk in March, raising funds for the Marylebone Project. The London Homeless Collective is a movement of more than 25 charities that help people experiencing homelessness in London.

“Forsters’ recent move to Marylebone provides a perfect opportunity for us to support our local community and we are thrilled to announce the Marylebone Project as our next charitable partner. As a firm we are proud of our values which include being driven by what really matters and supporting everyone to achieve. We are committed to supporting the Marylebone Project as they continue to empower women to lead independent and fulfilling lives.” – Emily Exton, Managing Partner

“We look forward to working with the Marylebone Project to deliver a meaningful partnership, enriching the lives of vulnerable women affected by homelessness. Together, our partners and employees will participate in a range of fundraising and volunteering activities that will benefit the women supported by the Marylebone Project.” – Jeremy Roberston and Michael Armstrong, Co-leads of the Forsters’ Charity and Community Committee

“We are so pleased Forsters has chosen to partner with the Marylebone Project, coinciding with their recent move to the area. We are grateful that Forsters feel inspired by our mission to support women in overcoming homelessness and living full, independent lives, and we’re excited for the expertise, committed volunteers and community spirit they will bring to the project.” – Miriam Kennedy, Centre Manager at the Marylebone Project


Marylebone Project.
Marylebone Project.

Anthony Goodmaker shortlisted for Lawyer of the Year at the YN Property Awards 2024

We are delighted to announce that Anthony Goodmaker, Partner in Forsters’ Commercial Real Estate team, has been shortlisted for Property Lawyer of the Year at the YN Property Awards 2024.

The annual YN Property Awards celebrate industry achievements across the property sector and raise vital funds for Norwood, the oldest Jewish charity in the UK. Founded in 1795, Norwood supports people with learning disabilities and autism, and offers support to vulnerable children and families.

The winners will be announced in February 2024.

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Jo Edwards appears on BBC Breakfast to discuss the government’s announcement of an early legal advice pilot for separating parents

Head of Family, Jo Edwards joined Rachel Burden and Charlie Stayt on the BBC Breakfast sofa on Saturday 27 January to explain the significance for separating parents of the government’s announcement of a new early legal advice pilot from this summer.

On Friday 26 January the Ministry of Justice published its response to the “Supporting Early Resolution” consultation, launched last year. The response included the announcement of a pilot scheme to fund the provision of early legal advice for parents and that the government will no longer be proceeding with plans to make family mediation compulsory for separating couples.

Jo welcomed the announcement, as early legal advice can help separating parents understand what their rights and responsibilities are, as well as signpost to all forms of non-court dispute resolution – not just mediation. The government also took on board the consultation feedback, including Jo’s oral evidence to the Justice Select Committee, and dropped proposals to compel couples into family mediation. Whilst mediation can be extremely effective, it’s not appropriate for all couples and works best when entered into voluntarily.

At the heart of the announcement is the protection of children’s wellbeing by avoiding, where possible, lengthy acrimonious court proceedings. The most vulnerable also deserve proper court time and swifter justice.  Jo therefore calls for the announcement to coincide with more resources for family courts that currently face significant delays.

For more information about mediation at Forsters, click here.

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Forsters’ Private Wealth lawyers recognised in Legal Week’s Private Client Global Elite Directory 2024

12 lawyers from our Private Wealth practice have been recognised in Legal Week’s Private Client Global Elite Directory 2024.

Private Client Global Elite:

Private Client Global Excellence:

The Private Client Global Elite Directory was created with the awareness that referrals and recommendations are the key to the private client sector. To know that someone is an excellent technical practitioner is essential, but it is also integral for the maintenance of client relationships that the advisors you refer to your clients are good personality fits and masters of communication. As such, Private Client Global Elite recognised excellent individuals as chosen by their own peers within the private wealth industry.

The full directory can be viewed here.

Forsters represent Elsevier in HQ sale and new letting

Forsters advised Elsevier in relation to the sale of their long-term UK HQ in Kidlington, Oxford and associated relocation into new premises.

Part of the FTSE 100 RELX Group plc, Elsevier is an academic publishing company specializing in scientific, technical, and medical content.

Glenn Dunn, Head of Forsters’ Corporate Occupiers group, advised Elsevier and was assisted by Owen Spencer and Molly Haynes.


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Xavier Nicholas recognised as one of the 50 Most Influential in ePrivateclient 2024

Xavier Nicholas, Partner and Head of Private Client, has been named as one of ePrivateclient’s 50 Most Influential in 2024.

The listing identifies the leading practitioners of the private client sector, showcasing 50 of the most talented and highly regarded private client advisors.

Xavier has been recognised for his technical expertise and his ability to advise on the most complex and high-value matters. He was also listed in the 2022 edition.

The full 2024 ranking can be viewed here.

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Hannah Mantle to speak at The 2024 Practitioners’ Forum on Stress Testing Trust Structures

Contentious Trusts and Estates Partner, Hannah Mantle, has been invited to speak at the ThoughtLeaders4 conference ‘The 2024 Practitioners’ Forum on Stress Testing Trust Structures’ on 18 January in London.

The conference will unite contentious and non-contentious private client practitioners to examine the best practice for enhancing the resilience of trust structures and mitigating risks of attack.

Hannah will be joining Hugh Gunson of Charles Russell Speechlys, Helen McGhee of Joseph Hage Aaronson and Christopher S. Cook of Baker McKenzie for a session, entitled ‘Fortifying Trusts Against Tax Authority Attacks’. In the session, the speakers will cover:

  • Changes in tax law that could leave a trust vulnerable
  • Trust and corporate residence issues
  • Mitigating tax implications
  • Implementation of tax advice over time
  • Other commonly encountered tax issues.

You can register to attend the conference here.

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Jo Edwards joins ITV’s Lorraine alongside ‘Mother Pukka’ founder Anna Whitehouse to share her top tips for a good divorce on so-called ‘divorce day’

Head of Family, Jo Edwards, made a further appearance on ITV’s Lorraine to share her advice for married couples considering a divorce at the start of the year (traditionally the busiest time of the year for couples making enquiries about separation).

Jo stressed the importance of not rushing into a divorce after a difficult holiday period but taking time to reflect, consider counselling, and seeking some initial legal advice.

Jo also discussed with Lorraine the benefits of No Fault Divorce, which has been in place in England and Wales for nearly two years. As separating couples are no longer required to apportion blame as part of the process, a “good divorce” is a reality.

In light of Jo’s appearance on Lorraine here are Jo’s three top tips for a good divorce:

  1. Unless the relationship is abusive, don’t rush to divorce
    Try counselling and give thought to what needs “fixing” and how that may be worked on. If there is a divorce down the line, it is more likely to be amicable if you both feel you have given it your all and are emotionally ready.
  2. Don’t use children as pawns
    It’s parental conflict, not separation, which is known to cause most damage to children. If you restrict the other parent’s time with the children, or press for strict equal shared care despite the other parent having more available time, that may inflict emotional harm that stretches into adulthood. Children are entitled to grow up understanding the rich fabric of their genetic makeup; usually that means having a meaningful relationship with both sides of their family.
  3. Plan
    Surround yourself with a good support network as you go through divorce; have individual therapy; familiarise yourself with the process by reading up. Above all else, be kind to yourself (and to your spouse, if they’re struggling).

Although Jo has extensive experience of taking cases to court where needed, she is well-known for her conciliatory, pragmatic approach and desire to settle even the most complex of cases where possible. As a trained mediator and collaborative lawyer, Jo is one of only a handful of lawyers in London qualified to consult with children in mediation.

For more information, please contact Jo Edwards.

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Fearn v Tate named as top property case of 2023 by EG

Abstract Building Exterior

In their countdown of top 10 property law cases of 2023 EG awarded the Christmas number 1 spot to Fearn v Tate, calling it one of the most high-profile cases of the century.

Natasha Rees, Senior Partner at Forsters, was the lead lawyer advising the leaseholders, with Sarah Heatley, working with Tom Weekes KC and Richard Moules of Landmark Chambers.

Read more about the case, and Forsters’ involvement here and here.

Listen to the EG Property Podcast – top 10 property law cases of 2023 here.

Forsters advises Fiera Real Estate UK and Wrenbridge on the acquisition of an urban logistics development site in Waltham Cross

Forsters has advised Fiera Real Estate (“Fiera”) and Wrenbridge on the acquisition of a 2.6-acre site in Waltham Cross for the proposed development of a new 60,473 sq.ft. urban logistics scheme with a GDV of £25m.

The site was purchased through the Fiera Real Estate Logistics Development Fund UK (“FRELD”). All assets in FRELD’s portfolio will meet the rigorous environmental and social requirements set out by FRE UK’s Sustainable Design Brief, which align with its ambition to drive positive change and contribute to a low carbon economy. The scheme will have ESG considerations embedded at all stages of its design process and along with future projects for the fund, it will be targeting net-zero carbon construction, BREEAM Excellent and EPC A.

The site is situated off Britannia Road in Waltham Cross, which is a prime industrial location and two miles from junction 25 of the M25.

Chris Button, Head of Investment Management, UK at Fiera, said, “We are delighted to complete the acquisition of this prime logistics site in joint venture with leading developers Wrenbridge and ably advised, as always, by the magnificent team at Forsters.”

Harry Gibson, Associate Director at Wrenbridge, added: “This is our third deal locally and we look forward to preparing a planning application in the new year to be on site as soon as possible.”

Commercial Real Estate Partner, Jade Metcalf, led on the purchase, assisted by Senior Associates, Alexandra Ringrose and Daniel Steele, and Planning Associate, Sophie Smith. Property Litigation Partner, Ben Barrison, also advised on the deal.

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Nicholas Jacob and James Brockhurst to speak at the STEP Bermuda Conference 2023

Private Client Partners, Nicholas Jacob and James Brockhurst will be speaking at the STEP Bermuda Conference taking place on 29-30 November 2023.

This conference will bring together industry leaders, innovators, and practitioners from around the globe to for two days of unparalleled networking, knowledge sharing, and strategic insights.

Nick will be speaking on the topic of Family Wars – lessons to be learned from conflicts, covering matters such as conflicts in families, how avoidable they are and preventing mistakes for the future.

James will be speaking on the topic of Digital assets – Opportunities and challenges in modern estate planning, covering matters such as institutionalisation of digital assets, custody, challenges for service providers and tax.

More information on the conference can be found here.

Emma Gillies to chair Informa Connect’s Transatlantic Wealth & Estate Planning Conference 2023

Private Client Partner, Emma Gillies, will be chairing Informa Connect’s ‘Transatlantic Wealth & Estate Planning Conference’ taking place on November 7 in London.

The conference, targeting advisors of internationally mobile clients, will focus on how to navigate the most complex transatlantic arrangements for private clients. Covering topics including:

  • Potential political changes on the horizon
  • The Transatlantic private client and charitable giving – why philanthropy matters
  • Cross-border estate planning & administration
  • Developments in family offices
  • US tax update & IRS investigations
  • Global mobility and pre-arrival planning.

More information on the conference can be found here.

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James Brockhurst to speak on family offices at the Global Partnership Family Office European Conference 2023

Private Client Partner, James Brockhurst, has been invited to join the expert panel at the Global Partnership Family Office (‘GPFO’) European Conference 2023, held at the Royal Society London, to an audience of representatives from global family offices.

James will be a panellist for the session entitled ‘The Evolving Jurisdictional Landscape’ which will explore the changing legal and regulatory frameworks that govern family offices in different regions and will discuss tax issues, compliance obligations and cross border issues for family offices with a global outlook. James will be sharing his expert insights on knowledge on especially on the Middle East.

Joining James on the panel are Ruth Bloch-Reimer of Bar and Karrer and Gavin st Piere, former Chief Minister of Guernsey. The session will be chaired by Lisa Cornwell of PWC.

More information about the event can be found here.

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Forsters act for Mack-Brooks Exhibitions on lease regear

Forsters advised Mack-Brooks Exhibitions in relation to the regear of the lease of premises in St Albans.

MBE, which is part of RELX Group plc, is a leading international organiser business-to-business events.

Glenn Dunn, Head of Forsters’ Corporate Occupiers group, advised MBE and was assisted by Owen Spencer.


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Forsters acts for Bridges and Wrenbridge on the preletting of three logistics units in Aylesford

The Industrial and Logistics team at Forsters has acted for longstanding clients Wrenbridge and Bridges Fund Management on pre-letting of three units at ‘Click Aylesford’ (as reported in React News). The pre-letting comprises 95,000 sq ft of the 300,000 sq ft scheme, where practical completion is expected in summer 2024.

One of the units has been pre-let to FixFast on a 10-year lease, and the other two units have been pre-let to Headline Filters on a 25-year lease. The development is targeting EPC A+ and BREEAM Excellent ratings. The occupational arrangements are aligned with the Wrenbridge/ Bridges aspiration to develop and operate “some of the UK’s most sustainable industrial buildings”.

A multidisciplinary team (Commercial Real Estate, Construction, Planning and Tax) continues to act on matters relating to the development, having acted on the original acquisition in Autumn 2022.

Victoria Towers, Co-Head of the Industrial and Logistics group, said: “We are delighted to continue our relationship with both Bridges and Wrenbridge as they bring forward a highly sustainable logistics portfolio – including working with their prospective occupiers to ensure arrangements are fit for an increasingly ESG-focused future.”

Victoria Towers, assisted by Commercial Real Estate Senior Associate, Edward Glass, Construction Partner, Sarah Cook, Construction Senior Associate, Dan Burr, and Construction Associate, Lauren Hepburn, advised on the deal.

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Forsters continues to be recognised in The Times’ Best Law Firms 2024

Forsters, one of London’s leading Real Estate and Private Wealth law firms, has been recognised in The Times’ Best Law Firms 2024.

Published on 26 October 2023, the guide recognises the best lawyers for business, public and private-client law across England, Wales and Scotland, as chosen by lawyers.

Forsters is commended for its Real Estate and Private Wealth law capabilities, the firm has been ranked yet again as a ‘Best For’ firm in the area of Landlord and Tenant law and newly ranked for its Construction expertise. Forsters is also commended in the Commercial Property, Family, and Inheritance and Succession and Tax.

The firm’s continued inclusion in The Times’ Best Law Firms is testament to the firm’s strength and breadth of expertise and solidifies our reputation as a go-to firm for real estate and private wealth advice.

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Forsters maintains its top rankings in the new Chambers UK Guide 2024

Chambers and Partners have today launched their latest Guide to the UK legal market.

“The team at Forsters is dedicated and knowledgeable, as well as highly professional and personable.”

“Forsters are always available when needed, combined with a multi-layered team which brings strength, breadth and depth of knowledge.”

We are delighted to report that Forsters has maintained its Top Band status in the Real Estate and Agriculture & Rural Affairs categories. Forsters is ranked in nine areas and upholds its reputation as one of the leading Real Estate and Private Wealth firms. In addition, the Family team have had a significant increase from Band Four to Band Two in the prestigious Family/Matrimonial: Ultra High Net Worth category.

The new Guide has ranked 27 Partners and Counsel, including a new ‘Up and Coming’ ranking for Anna Mullins and Dickon Ceadel. There has also been an increase in rankings for Emily Holdstock (elevated to Band Six), Ben Barrison (uplifted to Band Four) and Victoria Towers (increased to Band Three).

The news follows the firm’s success in the recently published Chambers HNW Guide, where our Private Wealth Law and High Value Residential teams continue to retain their top rankings, and our Contentious Trusts and Estates team secured a Band One position.

Agriculture & Rural Affairs – Band One

Ranked Lawyers: Henry Cecil, Penny Elliott, Christopher Findley, Andrew Lane and Rupert Mead

Chambers notes: Forsters has a well-regarded rural team with capabilities in rural property, tax and contentious work. Forsters’ clients include the owners of traditional landed estates, as well as international purchasers.

Market experts commented: “Forsters have high-quality, strong rural lawyers.”

Real Estate: £150 million and above – Band One

Ranked Lawyers: Smita Edwards, Katherine Ekers and Victoria Towers

Forsters advises a number of leading real estate funds, offering expertise in all kinds of investment transactions, while also handling development matters, including sizeable residential schemes. The team represents developers, investors and landlords in relation to retail property concerns and also has notable expertise in handling matters related to the logistics sector. The firm continues to advise the Crown Estate on a range of matters concerning its London property portfolio.

One client says: “They are always very good to deal with. They are very professional but friendly and you can get on with them well, which helps the transaction run more smoothly.”

Real Estate Litigation – Band Two

Ranked Lawyers: Natasha Rees, Ben Barrison (increased ranking, Band Four), Anna Mullins (newly ranked, Up and Coming) and Jonathan Ross

Chambers notes: Forsters represents a broad client base, ranging from institutional investors and funds to property developers, on a wide range of residential property disputes and enfranchisement cases. The team maintains substantial expertise in contentious matters concerning rights to light, service charge disputes and professional negligence claims.

Market sources comment “The team are as good as it gets. They do fantastic litigation, are of the highest quality and are very polished and easy to deal with.”

Art & Cultural Property Law – Band Two

Ranked Lawyers: Catherine Hill, Laura Neal

Chambers notes: Forsters has a recognised art and cultural property law practice, and regularly advises collectors, galleries and auction houses. The firm is particularly notable for handling estate planning and commercial matters for living artists.

“I can’t fault them. They are extremely thorough, approachable, detail-focused and supportive. We enjoy working with them and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them to anyone.”

Social Housing – Band Three

Ranked Lawyers: Sara Branch, Anne O’Neill

Chambers notes: Forsters has a robust social housing practice that sees the firm’s lawyers act for a range of social housing associations, developers and contractors. It advises on matters including complex tax issues, acquisition of land and development financings. In addition, the team offers further expertise in connection with joint ventures and innovative development schemes.

Market experts have commented: “Forsters’ commercial awareness is second to none, it really has a keen sense of what is going on in the market and the considerations a commercial landlord needs to make.”

Family/Matrimonial: Ultra High Net Worth – Band Two

Ranked Lawyers: Joanne Edwards, Simon Blain, Dickon Ceadel and Rosie Schumm

Chambers notes: The Forsters’ family law team has a broad practice covering complex and high-value financial remedies, as well as a variety of children law matters for married and unmarried parents. It advises foreign nationals on complex post-separation issues, as well as UK-based parties with cross-border asset portfolios. The department houses significant strength in nuptial agreements covering multiple jurisdictions. Lawyers at the firm have particular experience in cases with trust-related issues and act on behalf of trustees.

Commentators noted “The team has the depth required to manage any case, with access to the wider support of a top-class full service firm.”

Forsters’ Family team is also ranked in Band Two in the Chambers HNW Guide 2023. Joanne is also ranked in Family/Matrimonial: Mainly ADR – London (Firms) table.

Construction – Non-contentious (Band Four) and Contentious (Band Five)

Ranked Lawyers: Sarah Cook, Emily Holdstock, Andrew Parker and Richard Spring

Chambers notes: Forsters is a well-respected firm with a strong reputation for purchaser-side representation in both a contentious and non-contentious capacity. The team receives regular instructions to advise clients on large-scale domestic residential and commercial developments. Its lawyers can assist with construction-related disputes, with experience in representing clients in the Technology and Construction Court, as well as arbitrations and adjudications.

Industry experts commented: “It’s a sensible and practical firm.”

Planning – Band Five

Ranked Lawyers: Victoria Du Croz

Chambers notes: Forsters’ planning team is best known for its work on regeneration projects in London and the surrounding conurbation. The team also acts for the firm’s high net worth and landed estate clients. Other clients include major developers, institutional investors and local authorities.

Leading market experts remarked: “The lawyers at Forsters respond very quickly with detailed legal advice and recommendations.”

The following Partners and Counsel are also Ranked Lawyers in the 2023 Guide:

Neasa Coen – Charities (Band Three) “She is very switched on to the charity sector and a great resource for charity clients covering a range of topical issues that they face.”

Dearbhla Quigley – Capital Markets: AIM (Band Three) “Dearbhla is really good to talk with. She understands both sides of the market and the pressures, while still being an excellent lawyer who is highly commercial.”

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Emma Gillies to attend STEP Miami’s 12th Annual Summit

Private Client Partner, Emma Gillies, will be attending STEP Miami’s 12th Annual Summit taking place in Miami on October 18 – 20.

The conference will bring together professionals from around the globe to discuss the newest changes, updates, and trends in the market for international private client planning.

If you are planning on attending the event and would like to meet with Emma, please do get in touch.

More information on the conference can be found here.

Emma Gilles
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Forsters retains top tier status in eprivateclient’s Top Family Law Firms 2023

The Forsters’ Family team has retained their Top Tier status in ePrivateClient’s ‘Top Family Law Firms’ 2023, a comprehensive guide of the leading law firms providing family law advice in the UK.

Forsters are delighted to be recognised for our family law expertise, which cover the full range of family law matters including pre and post nuptial agreements, separation arrangements, matters involving children, financial issues and divorce for clients both in the UK and overseas.

The team continuously delivers excellent results for their clients in the most complex of cases.

Click here to view the 2023 rankings (behind a paywall).

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Forsters secures a hat trick of accolades at the Future Lawyers awards 2023

The Legal 500 Future Lawyers survey is an annual survey that provides a valuable insight into leading law firms, allowing students and graduates to make informed decisions about their future career.

We are excited to announce that Forsters has won awards in three categories:

  • Supervisor approachability
  • Hybrid working
  • Social life

Future Lawyers has identified Forsters as a firm “with a ‘mix of high-quality property, private client and corporate work’, Forsters is ‘different from most City law firms’. An ‘inclusive culture and the perfect trainee cohort size’ complete the package”. In addition, the survey notes that “the culture at Forsters is ‘inviting, caring and non-hierarchical’. Colleagues are ‘interested in you as a person, not just someone to complete tasks,’ and the firm ‘places an emphasis on work/life balance'”.

If you are thinking of applying to join Forsters or wish to apply for our Summer Vacation Scheme, you can check out our Graduate Recruitment page here.

The Legal 500 is one of the leading legal directories, you can read more about Forsters here.

Future Lawyers by The Legal 500 Future Lawyers is a fantastic resource for students and those in the early stages of their legal career. The details of all rankings and winning firms are here, and the full profile for Forsters is here.

Emily Holdstock
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Perspectives: Women in Leadership – Charlotte Evans-Tipping to speak at the Jersey Finance event

Private Client Partner, Charlotte Evans-Tipping, is joining the panel in Riyadh as part of Jersey Finance’s ‘Perspectives: Women in Leadership’ series of events.

Delegates at this women only event will hear Charlotte and other female business leaders share their experiences of the financial services industry in a panel discussion.

The event offers insights from a range of experts, with the aim of enabling women in leadership to connect and build a global network.

For more information, please click here.

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Forsters’ Private Wealth lawyers recognised in Spear’s Tax and Trusts Indices 2023

Seven Partners have been listed in the Spear’s Tax and Trusts Indices 2023:

Spear’s publishes annual rankings of the top private client advisers and service providers to HNWs. These are drawn up on the basis of peer nominations, client feedback, interviews, data supplied by firms, as well as information gathered by the Spear’s editorial and research teams. The Tax and Trusts Indices are a guide to the finest tax advisers and lawyers working with high and ultra high net worth clients around the world.

We are delighted that the hard and dedicated work our Private Wealth team carry out for their clients has been echoed by this year’s listings.

The complete Spear’s Tax and Trusts Indices can be viewed here.

The news follows the team’s recent success at the STEP Awards 2023, where Forsters were named as the winner of three categories.

Rory Carter to speak on Digital Assets for The Law Society

Contentious Trusts and Estates Senior Associate, Rory Carter, has been invited to speak in The Law Society’s webinar ‘Back to basics on Digital Assets’.

The session will be split into three key areas:

  1. Digital assets: what are the solicitor’s responsibilities? What do solicitors need to advise clients / executors? Our speakers will also discuss the risks associated with holding digital assets for executors and the valuation of assets when reporting to probate.
  2. Crypto as a property asset: what to do if there is a potential hacking and making sure you get the crypto from the client to the executors when a person has died.
  3. Law Commission’s report: recommendations for reform and development of the law relating to digital assets and next steps.

Rory will be joining fellow speakers, Elizabeth Gibbison of Irwin Mitchell LLP, Stephen Moses of Zenplans, Leigh Sagar of New Square Chambers and Akber Datoo of D2 Legal Technology.

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Forsters Private Wealth sweeps up trio of awards at the STEP Private Client Awards 2023/24

The judges at the prestigious STEP Private Client Awards 2023/24 named Forsters as the winner of three awards, showcasing the firm’s Private Wealth team as a global leader in advice to international families and in the field of digital assets, while recognising the team’s leadership for its commitment to its people. The team was also shortlisted for Private Client Legal Team of the Year (large firm) and Family Business Advisory Practice of the Year.

The judges commended Forsters in each of the three winning categories:

  • International Legal Team of the Year (large firm) – The judges described the winning entry as ‘simply excellent’. In an impressive field, Forsters stood out for its ability to attract and secure new clients, handle multi-jurisdictional projects effectively, and find innovative solutions; while the team’s governance work was recognised for its sensitivity to family dynamics. Overall, the team presented as the quintessential International Legal Team.
  • Digital Assets Practice of the Year – Forsters was well known as being one of the first to advise on digital assets. It had continued to innovate to meet client needs and combine technical skill and knowledge with client focus and thoughtfulness. The judges commented on its commitment to developing the industry through leadership in best practices for crypto and collaboration with HMRC.
  • Employer of the Year – Forsters had been carbon neutral since 2007. The leadership of the Private Wealth Team had a demonstrable commitment to employee well-being and open communication with associates through its Village Hall sessions. Twin teams of partners supported its junior lawyers through a mentor programme, and associates were involved in managing key client relationships.

The STEP Private Client Awards took place on 21 September 2023. The awards are regarded as the hallmark of quality within the industry, recognising and celebrating excellence among private client professionals. Attracting entries from across the globe, submissions are judged rigorously by an independent panel of experts made up of internationally renowned private client practitioners.

Head of Private Client, Xavier Nicholas, commented: “We are extremely proud to have been recognised by STEP for these three awards. They demonstrate our ceaseless commitment to our international client base, the entrepreneurial spirit of our partners in reaching into new practice areas, and our belief in looking after our team and supporting them to be the best lawyers in their field while feeling engaged in the business.”

STEP Private Client Awards - International Firm

STEP Private Client Awards - Digital Assets

STEP Private Client Awards - Employer

Forsters’ Student Accommodation Team Acts for Q Investment Partners on Woolwich Development

Acting on behalf of Singapore-based private equity firm Q Investment Partners, we are delighted that our Student Accommodation team has facilitated a joint venture with Hurlington Capital to develop an £80 million student accommodation site in Woolwich.

The work involved input from across the firm with the team made up of Partners and Associates from Commercial Real Estate, Construction, Banking and Finance, Planning and Corporate.

This is the first joint venture between QIP and specialist investor and developer Hurlington Capital and is both investors first asset in the London PSBA market.

Work on the site is due to start in Q1 2024, with completion anticipated in time for the 2026/27 academic year.

Commercial Real Estate Partner and Head of Forsters’ Student Accommodation Group, Ronan Ledwidge, said: “We are delighted to have acted for long-standing client QIP on this transaction, which is another great example of two parties working in collaboration towards helping to plug the supply shortfall in the sector”.

Peter Young, CEO and co-founder of QIP commented: “The UK’s PBSA market remains remarkably resilient and a compelling opportunity for investors who know the sector in detail.”

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Jeremy Robertson and Charlotte Evans-Tipping named ePrivateclient’s NextGen Leaders 2023

Private Client Partners, Jeremy Robertson and Charlotte Evans-Tipping have both been recognised as ePrivateclient’s NextGen Leaders 2023, the definitive annual list of leading young private client practitioners in the UK and UK Crown Dependencies.

The rankings were open to nominees from within the private client advisory professions. Those listed were recognised for their individual qualities and achievements. Other factors taken into account included the reputation or performance of the company that the nominee works for, feedback from peers, as well as any volunteering outside of work, or mentoring and advocacy within the industry.

Jeremy was promoted to partner in Forsters’ private client team in April 2021. Jeremy has extensive experience of advising both UK domestic and international clients on all aspects of personal taxation, corporate and trust structuring, estate planning and family governance. He works closely with UK entrepreneurs, business owners, executives and their families on capital taxation and succession planning. His areas of expertise include the development and implementation of estate plans for both UK and non-UK resident individuals, tax planning, advising on the structuring options for acquiring UK property, creating and advising on the tax treatment of trusts and trust administration. Jeremy’s practice includes family office work (both in terms of supporting existing family offices and working with clients to develop and build family offices). He is also experienced in advising on the creation and on-going management of family investment, and other succession planning structures. Aside from his legal work, Jeremy co-heads Forsters’ charities and community group.

Charlotte was promoted to partner in the private client team at Forsters in April 2023. She advises high net worth individuals, families, trustees, beneficiaries, family offices and private banks on family governance and succession planning, trust law and personal taxation. She is particularly interested in family governance and structuring work, which involves working closely with founders and business families to understand their ethos and long-term objectives. Charlotte devises bespoke structures (using trusts, foundations, family constitutions etc.) to achieve their succession aims. Many of her clients are from the Middle East, but this work is transferable to onshore clients. She is a member of the firm’s pro-bono committee and assists with the firm’s pro-bono clinic partnership programme.

The full rankings are available to view online, click here for part one and here for part two.

This annual listing supersedes the ePrivateclient UK and UK Crown Dependencies Top 35 Under 35, which launched in 2009.

Jo Edwards appears on ITV’s Lorraine to share advice on how to handle a relationship break-up

During Lorraine’s ITV morning show on Friday 8 September, Head of Family, Jo Edwards joined Lorraine and celebrity relationship expert, Paul Carrick Brunson on the sofa to share advice on how to have a good break-up.

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In the segment they discussed the fact that September is the second busiest time of year for couples to separate, perhaps due to families spending prolonged periods together or people waiting until children have finished GCSEs or A-levels. 

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Jo shared advice for separating couples, particularly those with children and the importance of keeping the children’s best interests at heart of any decisions arising from a break-up. Whilst any separation can be hugely emotional it is crucial that children are not exposed to parental conflict and that children are permitted to have a good relationship with both parents provided that that is safe. Jo and Paul said that children should always be considered the compass when it comes to dealing with separation and the motivation to resolve conflict.

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Although Jo has extensive experience of taking cases to court where needed, she is well-known for her conciliatory, pragmatic approach and desire to settle even the most complex of cases where possible. As a trained mediator and collaborative lawyer, Jo is one of only a handful of lawyers in London qualified to consult with children in mediation.

For more information, please contact Jo Edwards.

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Forsters Property Litigation and Private Client teams recognised at the British Legal Awards 2023

High Rise Building Real Estate

Forsters have been shortlisted for two awards at the 14th annual British Legal Awards 2023:

  • Litigation, Arbitration and Dispute Resolution Team of the Year
  • Private Client Team of the Year

The shortlistings recognise the achievement of the Property Litigation team in relation to the Supreme Court appeal concerning the Tate Gallery, and our Private Client team’s extensive work on a multi-generational matter for an international ultra-high net worth family.

Forsters is proud to have received nominations at the British Legal Awards for five consecutive years. The awards represent the top advisors and firms within the UK’s legal community.

The full shortlist can be viewed here. The winners will be announced at the ceremony on Wednesday 29 November.

Forsters advise SciBite on the renewal of their lease

Forsters have provided advise to SciBite Limited on the renewal of their lease at Biodata Innovation Centre, Cambridge.

Part of the FTSE 100 RELX Group plc, SciBite is a developer of a suite of award-winning technology products for major pharmaceutical and life sciences companies.

Glenn Dunn, Head of Forsters’ Corporate Occupiers group, advised SciBite and was assisted by Owen Spencer.


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Forsters nominated for two awards at the Legal Business Awards 2023

We are thrilled to announce that our two principal practice areas have been shortlisted for two awards at the Legal Business Awards 2023.

The 26th annual Legal Business Awards celebrates the very best in the legal profession and is one of the most prestigious events in the legal calendar.

Having been put forward in two categories, we are delighted to be recognised as finalists for:

  • Real Estate Team of the Year
  • Private Client Team of the Year

The shortlisting of our top-ranked teams is a demonstration of our market position as a leading cross-practice firm. It recognises the achievement of the Property Litigation team in relation to the Supreme Court appeal concerning the Tate Gallery and our Private Client Team’s work with a multi-generational ultra-high net worth family.

The full shortlist can be found here. The winners will be announced at the Awards Ceremony on Tuesday 19 September.

SRA Survey Results 2023

Following our recent firmwide survey, our diversity results are here, and we’re pleased to see that we’re making progress in becoming an environment where all of our people can flourish.

Notably, in an industry where those from a Black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) background are underrepresented, we are proud to report we’re more diverse than the UK population as a percentage of our workforce.

We’ve worked hard to cultivate an environment where LGBTQI+ individuals feel safe to be themselves, and this is reflected in our results which show that, as a percentage of our workplace, we are, again, more diverse than the UK population.

We don’t believe having a child should halt a person’s career, and we do our best to support those who want to become a parent. Whilst only 26.5% of our people are primary carers for a child or children under 18, the highest percentage group for primary carers is equity partners at 46.2%, showing our commitment to supporting parents and carers in achieving their career goals.

However, like many businesses, we recognise there are places we need to change, and these results will help guide us to make the necessary adaptations.

Whilst it’s promising to see that those who have a disability were comfortable to declare it (with twice as many people in our ‘other fee earning’ role group identifying as disabled compared to the average firm), we recognise that more needs to be done in the space to help people feel more comfortable sharing their needs. This is because apart from a few partners, none of those who find their daily activities are ‘limited a lot’ by their disability were willing to say their role. This is something we want to change so that we can offer the best possible support to our people.

We firmly believe that all people shouldn’t be limited by their education, which is why over half of our people went to state schools (58.5%). However, our partnership remains 65.4% independent school educated, and half of the partnership had a main breadwinner among their parents who was a professional. This figure confirms our need to do more for social mobility, and we will put plans in place to achieve this.

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Ashleigh Carr to Chair the TL4 & ConTrA Private Client Summer School 2023

Contentious Trusts and Estates Senior Associate and co-chair of the ConTrA Committee, Ashleigh Carr, is chairing TL4 & ConTrA’s Private Client Summer School: The Ultimate Insider’s Guide 2023.

The 3rd annual Summer School offers a programme for junior lawyers to broaden their knowledge of the Private Client practice area and refine their skills.

The full agenda and list of speakers can be viewed here.

The event will take place from 30 August to 1 September 2023 at Downing College, Cambridge. You can book your place here.

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Forsters act on development of Newcastle student accommodation scheme

Our Commercial Real Estate and Construction teams are delighted to have acted for HG Living on the forward funding of a new 350-bed student accommodation scheme by Q Investment Partners (QIP).

Situated at St James’ Boulevard, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, this new development will provide both studios and cluster flats, as well as a range of amenities such as a gym, an outdoor courtyard, study rooms and a cinema room.

Newcastle boasts a student community of more than 50,000 and continues to be a popular destination for new students. This new development, located in a vibrant urban district and found between four different university buildings, will play an important role in catering to the increasing demand for student accommodation from both domestic and international markets.

Commercial Real Estate Partner and Head of Forsters’ Student Accommodation Group, Ronan Ledwidge, said: “The paradox of strong fundamentals and viability challenges is a much discussed topic amongst those involved in the PBSA sector and this transaction is a great example of two parties working together to make it happen.”

HG Living Director Craig McPhail said: “This is an exciting opportunity to develop a best-in-class facility for the ever-growing student population in Newcastle. Not only is it one of the UK’s top university towns, Newcastle is also one of the most vibrant and inclusive cities for students to live in, offering a wide range of restaurants, bars, shops and facilities to enjoy. The sale is further evidence of the investment market returning and of the attractive investment and operational fundamentals offered by both the PBSA sector and by Newcastle as a city.”

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The Chambers HNW Guide 2023 extends its recognition of Forsters’ Private Wealth practice with the elevation in Private Wealth Disputes and Family rankings

The Chambers HNW Guide is seen as the definitive authority for best-in-class law firms, based on extensive market research conducted annually, the guide ranks the leading professional advisors to the Private Wealth market.

This year Chambers have elevated Forsters to Band 1 for Private Wealth Disputes and Band 2 for Family/ Matrimonial Finance: Ultra High Net worth, as well as maintaining our Band 1 status in Private Wealth Law and High Net Worth Residential Property. Our Art and Cultural Property team also maintains its Band 2 ranking. The rise in the rankings for our Contentious Trusts & Estates and Family teams demonstrates the breadth of quality of our Private Wealth practice and our ability to advise our clients on all aspects of their legal requirements.

The 2023 HNW Guide also recognises 23 individual lawyers at Forsters. Nick Jacob and Dan Ugur are recognised as ‘foreign experts’ in Singapore and our Family team’s mediation practice is acknowledged with Joanne Edwards‘ inclusion in the Spotlight Table for Family/Matrimonial: Mediators.

Private Wealth Law – Band 1

Ranked Lawyers: Nick Jacob, Dan Ugur (elevated to band 3), Xavier Nicholas, Carole Cook, Catherine Hill, Kelly Noel-Smith, Emma Gillies and Charlotte Evans-Tipping.

Chambers feedback: “Forsters has real strength in combining technical excellence with commercial awareness.”

Private Wealth Disputes – elevated to Band 1

The elevation to Band 1 follows the team’s success at the Chambers High Net Worth Awards where they were awarded Contentious Trusts & Estates Team of the Year. They were recognised for “having received especially strong feedback from its competitors in this market. The group, headed by Roberta Harvey, added Hannah Mantle to the partnership this year and brought in highly-rated litigator Alison Meek in 2022. The team can also celebrate a new ranking for associate Maryam Oghanna who is building a name for herself in this practice area.”

Ranked Lawyers: Roberta Harvey, Emily Exton, Alison Meek, Hannah Mantle (newly ranked as Up and Coming), Ashleigh Carr and Maryam Oghanna (newly ranked as Associates to Watch)

Chambers feedback: “I have been incredibly impressed. They are real specialists in this area and know their stuff. Communications are clear and prompt, but always polite and friendly. They have great depth in talent and are excellent at client management.”

Real Estate: High Value Residential – Band 1

Ranked Lawyers: Lucy Barber, Helen Marsh, Robert Barham (elevated to band 2) and Charles Mieville (elevated to band 3).

Chambers feedback: “Forsters is technically exceptional.” “They are one of the top firms in the enfranchisement area.”

Family/Matrimonial Finance: Ultra High Net Worth – elevated to Band 2

Ranked Lawyers: Joanne Edwards, Rosie Schumm, Simon Blain and Dickon Ceadel (elevated to Up and Coming)

Chambers feedback: “The team has the depth required to manage any case, with access to the wider support of a top-class full service firm.”

Art and Cultural Property Law – Band 2

Ranked Lawyers: Catherine Hill and Laura Neal

Chambers notes: The art and cultural property practice at Forsters brings together lawyers from across the firm. It regularly advises collectors, galleries and auction houses, and is particularly notable for handling estate planning and commercial matters for artists.

Forsters named Contentious Trusts & Estates Team of the Year at the Chambers High Net Worth Awards

We are delighted to announce that Forsters has won the Contentious Trusts & Estates Team of the Year at the 2023 Chambers High Net Worth Awards.

The CTE team received the prestigious award at the ceremony that took place on 13 July 2023 at the Grand Hotel in London, in an evening that honoured the very best national and international law firms across the world based on the research for the recent edition of Chambers High Net Worth. The award recognises our CTE team’s pre-eminence in key jurisdictions and reflects the team’s achievements over the past 12 months including outstanding work, impressive strategic growth, and excellence in client service.

Roberta Harvey, Head of the CTE team at Forsters commented: “We are thrilled to have been recognised by Chambers HNW as CTE team of year. It marks an exceptional year for the team in which we have represented our clients on a wide range of complex cases. We are particularly proud of the supportive culture of the team which has enabled our team to grow at all levels.”

Individuals within the CTE team were also recognised at the awards with recently promoted Partner, Hannah Mantle shortlisted as a “Rising Star” and Senior Associate, Maryam Oghanna shortlisted as a “Star Associate”. The firm was also shortlisted for Private Client team of the Year.

Contentious Trusts and Estates Team of the Year Chambers

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James Brockhurst named Top Recommended in Spear’s Cryptocurrency Index 2023

Private Client Partner and Digital Assets specialist, James Brockhurst, has been listed as a Top Recommended advisor in the Spear’s Cryptocurrency Index 2023.

Recognising only the best cryptocurrency advisors for high net worth individuals, James has been listed for his extensive ability to advise his clients on the complexities of cryptocurrency by supporting them to harness the opportunities but also to navigate the risks.

He is one of just ten individuals to be named in the Cryptocurrency Index 2023.

In 2023, James authored the book ‘Cryptoassets for Private Clients‘ (published LexisNexis Butterworths, 2023). He advises a range of crypto clients, from early adopters to token issuers, and is recognised for being one of the first lawyers to develop expertise in this area of law.

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Spears 500 Live: James Brockhurst to speak on digital assets

Private Client Partner, James Brockhurst, has been invited to speak on digital assets at the Spears 500 Live 2023 conference.

James will join Simon Barnby, CMO of Archax, in a session entitled ‘After FTX: What’s next for digital assets?’. The session will see James and Simon discuss the FTX scandal and what opportunities remain for those operating in the cryptocurrency and blockchain space.

Spear’s 500 Live brings together leading private client professionals – from wealth management and private banking to philanthropy, luxury, law, property and beyond – to share insight, strengthen networks and hone their understanding of the forces that shape the lives of ultra high net worth clients.

The conference will take place on 28 June at 9am, with James’ session taking place at 11:45am.

The full conference agenda and registration form can be found here

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STEP Private Client Awards 2023/24: Forsters’ Private Wealth team shortlisted in five categories

Forsters’ Private Wealth team has been named a finalist in the most number of categories of any firm, with five nominations in the STEP Private Client Awards 2023/24:

  • Private Client Legal Team of the Year (large firm)
  • International Legal Team of the Year (large firm)
  • Family Business Advisory Practice of the Year
  • Employer of the Year
  • Digital Assets Practice of the Year

The STEP Private Client Awards are seen as the hallmark of quality within the private client sector, recognising and celebrating excellence among private client professionals. Attracting entries from across the globe, submissions are judged rigorously by a top tier of independent panel of experts comprising of internationally renowned practitioners in the wealth management arena. Finalists are recognised for a wide range of capabilities including their; ability to demonstrate their capacity to undertake complex and demanding client issues; world-class innovation and commitment to the industry.

Forsters’ five nominations showcase the breadth of specialisms within our Private Wealth practice and most notably our experience in advising international family businesses as well as digital assets.

The news follows our continued success at the annual STEP awards, where Forsters have been named winners in at least one category since 2018 and most recently named Family Business Advisory Practice of the Year in 2022.

The winners will be announced at the Awards Ceremony on 21 September 2023. The full shortlist can be found here.

STEP Private Client Awards - We're shortlisted logo

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Forsters receive ‘Highly Commended’ recognition at the Lawyer Awards

We are delighted that Forsters Property Litigation Team were awarded ‘Highly Commended’ at The Lawyer Awards for their entry in the ‘Litigation Team of the Year Category’.

Senior Partner, Natasha Rees commented ‘We are delighted to have been awarded “highly commended” by The Lawyer on our entry which focused on our recent Supreme Court win for flat owners in Fearn v Tate. The recognition comes after a busy year for the team and further bolsters our position as a market leader in Property Litigation.”

Forsters acted for five residents of the Neo Bankside development, situated on London’s South Bank, who brought a claim against the Tate Modern in nuisance and under the Human right Act 1998 in an attempt to protect their right to privacy from the Viewing Gallery, which is on the tenth floor of the Tate Modern Blavatnik extension. Read more about the case here.

This award follows what has been a stellar year for the team, in which they have been successful on a number of high profile litigation cases including, acting for the Ministry of Defence defending the claims bought by Annington Homes, Fearn v Tate and in the leading case on VAT on staff costs and service charges known as Lessees of Battersea Reach and St George Wharf -v- St George South London Ltd (and others).

Forsters’ highly ranked Property Litigation team provides a full range of contentious real estate legal services in relation to all asset classes. The practice comprises four partners and over 20 lawyers, for further information click here. The firm has a wider team of contentious experts covering Commercial Litigation, Contentious Trusts And Estates, Family And Contentious Construction.

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Forsters shortlisted in two categories at the Enfranchisement and Right to Manage Awards 2023

Forsters is delighted to have been shortlisted in two categories for the upcoming Enfranchisement and Right to Manage Awards.

The firm has been shortlisted in the Solicitors Firm of the Year category and Property Litigation Senior Associate, Caroline Wild has been shortlisted as a finalist in the Solicitor of the Year category.

The Enfranchisement and Right to Manage Awards, now in its 14th year, recognises and celebrates excellence in the leasehold enfranchisement and right to manage sector. Forsters Enfranchisement team, a specialist group of property litigation and residential property lawyers, has developed a formidable reputation in this niche and complex area of law. This shortlisting further bolsters the teams position as market leaders in this field, after recent success in acting for the Ministry of Defence, successfully defending the claims brought by Annington Homes regarding military service family accommodation.

The awards ceremony will take place on 6th July and the full list of finalists can be found here.

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Caroline Harbord and Hannah Mantle to speak at Mourant’s Trusts and Private Wealth Forum 2023 in Jersey and Guernsey

Dispute Resolution Partner, Caroline Harbord, and Contentious Trusts and Estates Partner, Hannah Mantle, have been invited to speak at Mourant’s Trusts and Private Wealth Forum 2023 in Jersey and Guernsey.

Widely recognised as the leading trusts and private wealth event in the Channel Islands, it consistently delivers the latest insights on key topics and trends in the sector.

Caroline will be speaking at the Jersey Conference on July 4 and Hannah will be speaking at the Guernsey Conference on July 6. Both will be joining partners at Mourant to discuss the key cases from the last year.

Further information on both events can be found here.

Emma Gillies to speak at Vie International’s 2023 PPLI Conference

Private Client Partner, Emma Gillies, has been invited to speak at the Vie International ‘Life and Legacy’ PPLI Conference 2023.

Emma will join a panel of experts, who will deliver a market update on Prime Residential Property in the UK, and discuss the tax planning strategies that should be considered by foreign buyers.

The conference will take place on June 14 at the Royal Automobile Club in London and will bring together leading advisors to high net worth private clients with US connections.

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Caroline Harbord, Jeremy Robertson and Maryam Oghanna to present to STEP Jersey

Dispute Resolution Partner, Caroline Harbord, Private Client Partner, Jeremy Robertson, and Contentious Trusts and Estates Senior Associate, Maryam Oghanna, are presenting a lunchtime session to STEP Jersey and the Société Jersiaise, on the topic of trustees and investments.

The session will focus on the key protections and pitfalls that trustees should be aware of when holding financial investments.

The team will consider the key provisions that can be included in the trust instrument, and in particular reservation of trust investment powers, including when they may be suitable/appropriate, pitfalls and areas of concern and UK tax considerations.

They will also consider the potential claims and liabilities that trustees may face when investments go south, together with the claims that trustees might consider pursuing against third parties as an attempted shield to beneficiary claims. The team will talk about how the risks of pursuing third party claims can potentially be mitigated by litigation funding and ATE insurance, and also the strategic considerations a trustee may wish to consider if it finds itself on the receiving end of a funded and insured claim.

The presentation will take place on 28 June 2023.

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James Brockhurst to speak on Middle East structuring at the International Trusts & Private Client Conferences 2023

Private Client Partner, James Brockhurst, has been invited to speak at the International Trusts & Private Client Conferences 2023 in Jersey and Guernsey.

The conference, targeted at private client advisors, offers insights from expert speakers and sessions tailored to tackle the full scope of contentious, estate and tax planning issues facing the Channel Islands.

James will be presenting the session entitled ‘Market Insight: Trends in Middle East Private Wealth Structuring’, alongside Katie Cooper, International Wealth Advisor at Barclays, Daniel Channing of Crestbridge, and Hugh O’Donnell of Highvern.

Places can be booked for the Guernsey Conference (20 June) here, and the Jersey Conference (22 June) here.

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PedElle – Forsters sponsor Real Estate Charity Cycle

From 14 – 16 June, Senior Partner, Natasha Rees, and Residential Property Partner, Helen Marsh, will be taking part in a charity cycle ride for PedElle, raising money for Club Peloton, a charity that funds projects which transform the lives of young people.

It is a unique team effort involving around 60 women in real estate. Forsters are sponsors alongside Knight Frank, DP9, Avison Young, Legal & General, amongst others. This year we are providing a place for a real estate specialist from a Local Authority and are delighted that Victoria Hinton a senior planner from Camden Council will be joining the Forsters team.

This year’s destination is Slovenia. They will start from the capital city of Ljubljana, heading northwest to the shore of Lake Bled. The second day involves some daunting climbs but with the reward of stunning descents before arriving at Lipica, where they will be staying at the world-famous stud farm and home of the Lipizzian white horse. The final day takes west towards the Adriatic coast and the medieval town of Piran.

The route covers 400km of very hilly terrain.

PedElle, and this ride, is for women in real estate and therefore open to anyone in the firm who fits that description.

If you would like to donate, you can find the page here.

My PRIDE Story: Charles Miéville writes for The Lawyer

Residential Property Partner, Charles Miéville, has authored a personal article for The Lawyer entitled ‘My Pride Story: With increased visibility it’s easy to forget that success may not come so easily to some’.

In his article, Charles shares a candid insight to his life growing up as a gay man. He highlights the progress made over the past ten years to support the LGBTQ+ community, particularly in terms of events to raise awareness such as PRIDE, but addresses the prejudice that remains.

The full story can be read here.

Forsters recognises and appreciates that no two people are the same, and encouraging individuality is very much part of the firm’s culture. Forsters is a very welcoming firm, and we are committed to providing an environment which allows everyone to develop and grow regardless of age, sex, sexual orientation, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, maternity or pregnancy, race, religion or belief, and to ensuring that everyone is treated with dignity and respect. For more information, please visit our Diversity and Inclusion page.

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Chambers HNW Awards: Forsters’ Private Wealth practice shortlisted for four awards

Forsters’ Private Wealth practice have been nominated for both team and individual awards at the Chambers HNW Awards 2023:

  • Private Client Team of the Year
  • Contentious Trusts and Estates Team of the Year
  • Rising Star – Hannah Mantle, Contentious Trusts and Estates Partner
  • Star Associate/Junior Under 10 Years’ Call – Maryam Oghanna, Contentious Trusts and Estates Senior Associate

The awards are based on the research for the recent edition of Chambers High Net Worth and reflects the achievements over the past 12 months including outstanding work, impressive strategic growth, and excellence in client service.

Head of Contentious Trusts and Estates, Roberta Harvey, commented: “I am delighted that our CTE team has been recognised in three categories this year. The shortlistings showcase the strength of our growing team and the commitment and expertise shown by the team”.

Head of Private Client, Xavier Nicholas, commented: “It’s great to see our top-band Private Client team recognised as one of the best in the field, in a year in which we have continued to see growth in demand for our advice to HNW families across all disciplines”.

The winners will be announced at the award ceremony on 13 July 2023.

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Forsters wins bid to be reappointed as legal advisors to Notting Hill Genesis

We are delighted to announce that, after a highly competitive tender process, Forsters have been reappointed as advisors to Notting Hill Genesis, one of London’s largest housing associations. We will continue to provide advice to Notting Hill Genesis, our longstanding client, on:

  • building safety
  • acquisitions
  • sales
  • developments (complex as well as simple)
  • joint ventures
  • Section 106 schemes
  • commercial lettings
  • residential sales and resales

Commercial Real Estate Partner and Head of Affordable Housing, Sara Branch, says: “We are delighted that Notting Hill Genesis has chosen to retain Forsters to work alongside them and we look forward to continuing to work with them in delivering much needed affordable housing and helping to fulfil their ambitious affordable housing development and sales programme.”

Forsters’ Affordable Housing Development Team provides a complete legal service; including property, construction, planning, finance, tax, residential services, corporate and property litigation.

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Forsters’ Family team recognised in Spear’s Family Law Index 2023

We are delighted that Forsters’ Family team have been recognised in Spear’s Family Law Index 2023:

The Index recognises the top family lawyers for high net worth clients in the UK, ranking individuals that have the ability to combine expert legal knowledge with an emotional understanding of a client’s situation to produce the best results.

The full Index can be viewed here.

Spear’s publishes annual rankings of the top private client advisers and service providers to high net worth individuals.

These are compiled from peer nominations, client feedback, telephone and face-to-face interviews, data supplied by firms, and information gathered by the Spear’s editorial and research teams.

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Forsters shortlisted at the Lawyer Awards 2023

We are delighted to announce that Forsters has been named as a finalist for ‘Litigation Team of the Year’ at The Lawyer Awards 2023.

The Lawyer Awards have honoured top lawyers and law firms across the UK legal sector for the last two decades. Winners are carefully chosen by an esteemed judging panel from The Bar, Private Practice, and In-house sectors.

Our entry focused on our recent Supreme Court win for flat owners in Fearn v Tate. Forsters acted for five residents of the Neo Bankside development, situated on London’s South Bank, who brought a claim against the Tate Modern in nuisance and under the Human right Act 1998 in an attempt to protect their right to privacy from the Viewing Gallery, which is on the tenth floor of the Tate Modern Blavatnik extension. Read more about the case here.

The winners will be announced on the 20 June at the JW Marriott Grosvenor House Hotel. We look forward to joining our fellow nominees on the evening!

Forsters’ highly ranked Property Litigation team provides the full range of contentious services covering both residential and commercial matters. The practice comprises four partners and over 20 lawyers, for further information click here. The firm has a wider team of contentious experts covering Commercial Litigation, Contentious Trusts And Estates, Family And Contentious Construction.

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Forsters’ Lawyers receive continued recognition in the Spear’s Landed Estates Lawyers Index 2023

Seven Forsters’ lawyers have been listed in the Spear’s Landed Estates Lawyers Index 2023:

The index recognises the highest calibre of landed estate lawyers, guiding clients with issues ranging from tax to succession planning, residential development to diversification and the overall management of an estate.

Forsters has the greatest number of advisers in the ranking in the 2023 Index, further bolstering the team’s long-standing reputation as one of the leading Rural Land and Business teams in the country. The team are also ranked in Tier 1 for Agriculture and Estates by the Legal 500 and in Band 1 for Agriculture & Rural Affairs by Chambers and Partners.

The full index can be found here.

Henry Cecil
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Forsters’ Partners receive continued recognition in the Spear’s Corporate Lawyers Index 2023

Six Forsters’ lawyers have been listed in the Spear’s Corporate Lawyers Index 2023:

The index recognises the highest calibre of corporate lawyers advising high net worth individuals, with significant expertise in high-value transactions.

The full index can be found here.

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Forsters records biggest promotion round with 13 new Partner and Counsel appointments

Forsters, the leading real estate and private wealth law firm, has announced its most significant promotion round since the firm was established in 1998, promoting seven Senior Associates and Counsel to Partner and six Senior Associates to Counsel.

The firm continues to go from strength to strength, including being top ranked in both the leading legal directories for its key practice areas. The firm is building an enviable reputation as the go-to advisors for both international and domestic high net worth and ultra high net worth clients.

Forsters is well known for its collaborative and supportive  culture and its commitment to embedding ESG as a core feature of its business. The firm is also noted for its dual female leadership team, demonstrating its long-term approach to inclusivity. The partnership is now 52% female, putting the firm in the top sphere of the UK legal market for gender balance.

Emily Exton, Managing Partner at Forsters, commented: “In our 25th anniversary year, I am incredibly proud to welcome seven new partners to the firm and to see a further six people added to our Counsel cohort.”
“These promotions are part of the creation of a next generation at Forsters and a new phase for the firm. All are talented individuals who bring their individual strengths to our business which provides them with a strong and supportive platform from which they can continue to flourish in their careers. This is an exciting time for the business as we head towards our move to Marylebone at the end of the year.”

The firm now boasts 69 partners and over 450 members of staff. 

The promotions to Partner are as follows:

Joe Beeston – Employment
Dickon Ceadel – Family
Charlotte Evans-Tipping – Private Wealth
Hannah Mantle – Contentious Trusts and Estates
Polly Montoneri – Rural Land and Business
Peter Selwyn – Commercial Real Estate

The promotions to Counsel are as follows:

Helen Bravery – Banking and Finance
Daniel Bryan – Corporate
Robert Keylock – Private Wealth
Owen Spencer – Commercial Real Estate
Richard Spring – Construction
Lucy Zaremba – Property Litigation

Partners

Joe Beeston (Employment) “I am thrilled with my elevation to the partnership at Forsters. Having joined the firm just over four years’ ago, I knew this was the place I wanted to call home and develop my career. As the lead Partner heading up our Employment and HR practice, I look forward to continuing to grow our all-service offering and advising clients as they navigate the ever-changing challenges that they may face as an employer, business owner or UHNW individual.”

Dickon Ceadel (Family) “I am delighted to have been promoted to Partner at Forsters. Since I joined the firm just over six years ago, the Family team has grown significantly and has won numerous accolades, including Family Law team of the Year – London (twice). I look forward to continuing to support and provide strategic advice to high net worth clients as a Partner across a range of issues, including divorce and separation, financial claims, pre – and post – nuptial agreements, cohabitation disputes, and arrangements for children.”

Charlotte Evans-Tipping (Private Wealth) “I am delighted to join the partnership at Forsters.  My promotion within our top ranked Private Client team reflects the market leading offering we have for international private clients.  My focus will continue to be the development of our Middle East practice and I am excited to be part of our ongoing success.”

Hannah Mantle (Contentious Trusts and Estates) “I am proud to join the partnership within Forster’s highly regarded Contentious Trusts and Estates team. The CTE practice and the wider Private Wealth group continue to flourish, and I look forward to working with new and existing clients to resolve disputes across the areas of trusts, probate and capacity. As a Partner, I am excited to work with Roberta Harvey to further develop the team’s practice, and to continue to provide the high-level service and experience for which we are known.”

Polly Montoneri (Rural Land and Business) “I am incredibly proud to be moving to this next phase of my career with the support of such an excellent team around me. Our top ranked Rural Property practice provides a strong platform for this to happen. This promotion reflects the growth of the Forsters Rural Land and Business team in a demanding and fast moving area of law. My focus will be to continue to build our expertise on complex areas of law such as renewable energy and high value estate transactions.”

Peter Selwyn (Commercia Real Estate) “My promotion to Partner is a significant moment in my career having spent 12 years at Forsters working with our key real estate fund clients as well as supporting the development of our leading Central London estates and Livery companies practice. With the support of the team and our specialist experts in Planning, Property Litigation and Construction I look forward to continuing to build our reputation in both sectors so that we can advise clients as they seek to enhance the value of their real estate assets.”

Counsel

Helen Bravery (Banking and Finance) “I am delighted to have been promoted to Counsel, despite having only been at Forsters for a relatively short period of time. I’m proud to continue my development with a firm that encourages and champions women and provides so many role models at senior levels. I am excited to further contribute to my excellent team and the firm as a whole and to promote the Banking and Finance team’s profile more widely. I look forward to continuing advising our clients on complex and high value finance transactions, with a particular focus on real estate finance across a variety of sectors and asset classes including hotels, warehouses, offices and residential developments.”

Daniel Bryan (Corporate) “I am excited to be taking the next step in my career as the first Counsel in Forsters’ corporate team.  As Counsel, while I will continue working across the wide range of sectors that our clients operate in, I will be further growing the technology related work that Forsters carries out with entrepreneurs and investors, advising businesses and their owners through the full life cycle of a business.”

Robert Keylock (Private Wealth) “With its pre-eminent Private Wealth and Landed Estates practices I am excited to begin this new phase of my career at Forsters. As Counsel in the Private Wealth team, I will continue to advise on UK-focused tax, trust and probate matters, and in particular to act for families and trustees with agricultural interests and the owners of traditional landed estates.  Forsters has always been, and continues to be, steadfastly committed to these sectors, and I look forward to contributing to the team’s success.”

Owen Spencer (Commercial Real Estate) “I am excited to be promoted to Counsel within Forsters’ highly regarded Occupiers team where I will work alongside Glenn Dunn to build on our continued success. I’m passionate about helping corporate occupiers secure their new premises and look forward to working with our clients on making their space work for their business.”

Richard Spring (Construction) “My promotion to Counsel is in recognition of the ongoing success of our outstanding Construction practice, and I am proud to be part of this formidable team. I will be using my new platform to continue to build and develop our expert construction offering and supporting our top ranked Commercial Real Estate team. My focus is on the delivery of non-contentious and strategic advice, which will include guiding clients through a number of key upcoming legislative changes. Working with the Partners, we will ensure our team continues to deliver a first-class service.”

Lucy Zaremba (Property Litigation) “I am delighted to have been promoted to Counsel in our award-winning Property Litigation team. This promotion reflects the strength and growth of our residential property litigation offering and I look forward to working with the Partners to develop the team further. My expertise in all areas of residential property litigation, including enfranchisement, are key areas for the firm and my promotion shows the firm’s commitment to providing our clients a first-class service in these areas.”

7 Forsters lawyers recognised in the Spear’s Property Advisers Index 2023

Spear’s Property Advisers Index highlights the best property lawyers in and around London.

We are delighted that 7 members of our Residential Property team have been recognised this year, with the following rankings:

Top Flight

Top Recommended

Recommended

Rising Star

The full index can be found here.

As the largest specialist team dedicated to Residential Property in London, our lawyers can provide an unrivalled level of service to clients. To learn more about our lawyers, and the services they can provide for you, please visit our luxury property hub.

Forsters wins Legal Cheek Award 2023

Forsters was named ‘Best Law Firm for Peer Support’ by Legal Cheek at their award ceremony last night.

The Legal Cheek Awards are held annually to celebrate the law firms providing the best training opportunities and experiences and are based on the Legal Cheek Trainee and Junior lawyers Survey 2022-2023 of over 2,000 trainees and junior lawyers at nearly 100 of the leading UK-based law firms.

Second year trainees Sonny Stewart and Zoe Oliver represented the firm at the event.

Zoe said “Sonny and I were delighted to attend the Legal Cheek awards on behalf of the firm. It was a great evening and we are incredibly proud that Forsters were recognised for its excellent peer support.”

Emily Holdstock, Construction Partner and Forsters’ Graduate Recruitment Partner, said “We are delighted to have won the Legal Cheek Award for Peer Support, which is a reflection of our core values of supporting everyone to achieve, collaborating for excellence and taking the happiness of our people seriously.”

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International Women’s Day 2023 – Emily Exton

To celebrate International Women’s Day (IWD) 2023, Forsters is delighted to be releasing a series of Q&As with some of our partners and employees who go above and beyond to champion equity across our business.

We hope they will provide an insight into what drives those individuals who are really pushing the equity agenda forward.


IWD - Amy France

Emily Exton is the Managing Partner here at Forsters. Emily was Head of the firm’s Dispute Resolution group between 2015-2020, before being appointed to Managing Partner in February 2020. Read more about Emily here:

1. Tell us a bit about yourself.

I am a 54 year old woman lucky enough to be in good health and the Managing Partner of a fantastic law firm. I am married to Eugene and have two children, Olivia (24) and Tessa (21), young women I am extremely proud of.

2. How does this year’s theme of Embrace Equity resonate with you?

That equity is important seems obvious to me – we are all human beings and should be respected as such. That said, I think it is also important to embrace our diversity as humans – our differences are what makes life interesting and we have much to learn from each other.

3. Tell us about your most inspiring female role models (whether at Forsters, clients, or beyond).

I am fortunate to have two great role models in my personal life – my mother and a close family friend of her generation. Both are clever, strong and independent women as well as being great mothers (and now grandmothers). They have both been inspirational for me in their different ways.

4. What has been the highlight of your career?

I have two. The Forsters CTE team winning Contentious Trusts and Estates Team of the Year at the STEP Awards in 2019 and becoming Managing Partner in February 2020.

5. What has been your biggest career challenge(s)?

Helping to guide Forsters through the Covid-19 pandemic while a very new Managing Partner!

6. What is the best advice you have been given?

If you don’t look after yourself then you can’t look after anyone else.

7. What message would you send to young women today?

Work out who you are and what suits you in terms of career and then be prepared to commit time and energy to it in order to get the most out of it. While appreciating that having children is not something which is available to or desired by all, my message to those who do have children is that investing in a fulfilling career is worthwhile because one day the children will be adults living their own lives and you will still have plenty to give!

8. Have you seen progress in the area of gender equity, and equity generally, over the course of your career?

Yes. Whatever one thinks about the state of the world today, some things are definitely better!

9. What did you dream of doing when you were a child?

Occasionally Architecture but I didn’t really have a grand plan – I mostly just wanted to go to university. I am definitely not someone who always wanted to be a lawyer and I read PPE rather than Law. But as soon as I worked out that being a solicitor was what I wanted to do it felt so obvious – I enjoy people and problems!

10. What benefits do you feel working at a firm with a gender balanced partnership?

I feel that our culture has benefited enormously from its gender balance. Having a number of great female lawyers as founding partners really set the tone from the beginning and I think has been a big part of our commitment to inclusion – it has always been OK at Forsters to be juggling other commitments and interests with the working part of life as so many women do.

Emily Exton
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International Women’s Day 2023 – Anthony Goodmaker

To celebrate International Women’s Day (IWD) 2023, Forsters is delighted to be releasing a series of Q&As with some of our partners and employees who go above and beyond to champion equity across our business.We hope they will provide an insight into what drives those individuals who are really pushing the equity agenda forward.


IWD - Amy France

Anthony Goodmaker is a Partner in our Commercial Real Estate team and member of our Working Parents & Carers network. Anthony was the first male employee at Forsters to take shared parental leave in 2017, and did this again in 2019. Read more about Anthony below:

1. Tell us a bit about yourself.

I’m a partner in Forsters Commercial Real Estate team, having trained at the firm and have now been here for over 10 years. I am a member of our Working Parents and Carers group, and I am particularly passionate about the role that men play in supporting gender equality through taking on a bigger share of parental or caring responsibilities.

2. Tell us about your most inspiring female role models (whether at Forsters, clients, or beyond).

My wife. She has to deal with the all too common conundrum facing working parents with young kids (and particularly mothers) – how to be an engaged parent while meeting the demands of a busy job. Is it possible to do both without making huge sacrifices? Do financial considerations (such as the cost of childcare and living) mean that parents even have a choice about the direction of their careers, one way or the other? How can society better help women to have a family and a successful career (if that is what the individual wants)?

3. What do you think are the most effective steps men can take to help achieve gender equity in the workplace?

Embrace childcare and push employers for greater entitlement to paid parental leave for dads.

4. In what areas do you feel there is work to be done?I think there is a danger that mothers can feel pressure to both be a great parent and also achieve real, professional success (i.e. parent like they don’t have a job or work like they don’t have kids), or put their career first because of the idea that this is what being a progressive woman is all about. Society shouldn’t stigmatise people who drop out of professional services because they don’t want to have to balance a high-profile job with being a parent. Separately, too many men still see childcare as the mum’s main responsibility, which puts huge pressure on women. Time for men to grow up and share the role!

5. What benefits do you feel working at a firm with a gender balanced partnership?

Gender equality is not just about having an equal number of male and female partners, although this is a big step. What I find particularly inspiring at Forsters is that we promoted two female senior associates to partner in 2022 who have young children already, rather than following the more typical route of delaying having a family to make Partner first. That helps model an alternative pathway to promotion that might have previously been lacking.

6. Do you think of embracing equity at work, and pushing forward the equity agenda, falls equally on both genders? If not, what impact do you think this has on women?

My thoughts on this mainly concern equitable treatment around parenting. It’s so important that men support women having kids whenever they choose to do it. Don’t belittle the impact on someone’s career, and support people through this (as managers, and partners!). People must also be free to make these decisions without ridicule that has sometimes been part of workplaces – those snide jokes about having a second or third child etc. The impact of these comments should be understood and not minimised. 7. Are we doing enough to support women in the workplace?

I don’t see many, if any, female (or male!) lawyers at Forsters working a 3-day week or doing a job share arrangement. Perhaps just having a 50% female partnership and a low gender pay gap isn’t enough anymore, and we need to look at other inclusive and progressive ways to support our most talented female lawyers to juggle work and life after having children.

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International Women’s Day 2023 – Charles Miéville

To celebrate International Women’s Day (IWD) 2023, Forsters is delighted to be releasing a series of Q&As with some of our partners and employees who go above and beyond to champion equity across our business.

We hope they will provide an insight into what drives those individuals who are really pushing the equity agenda forward.


IWD - Amy France

Charles Miéville is a Partner in our Residential Property team and Joint Head of EDI at Forsters. Charles shares how his experience as a gay man led to his desire to be more involved in EDI efforts at Forsters, including supporting gender equality. Read more from Charles below:

1. How does this year’s theme of Embrace Equity resonate with you?

As a gay man, I can relate to the need for equality across all minority groups. That led to my desire to be more involved in the firm’s EDI efforts and I now head up EDI with my colleague Amy France.
People sometimes say that we don’t need any such initiatives, or that they on a personal level have “no issues” with minority groups. This misses the fact that they are often speaking from a position of privilege and are unaware of the prejudice and differing treatment minority groups often still experience. I recently attended a talk from a male transgender lawyer. It was fascinating to hear his experience of meetings as a man, compared to as a woman, and how even in the UK today he suddenly found he had a voice as a man in a professional environment where previously as a woman no one listened to his opinions. As there is severe injustice in the world at large in this regard, our need to campaign and support minority groups is not over and is ever more important.

2. Have you ever experienced being treated inequitably in your career? If so, how did you move forward from it?

I am lucky that I have not experienced inequitable treatment myself, but my experience of those who have has made me even more grateful and determined to work to eradicate inequality.

3. Tell us about your most inspiring female role models (whether at Forsters, clients, or beyond).

Any of the female partners who have risen to the top of their careers, whilst managing to raise a family. Historically (and not at Forsters) I have heard mention of women “stepping off the career ladder” to raise a family – this must always have been a concern for women raising families, the attitudes of fellow workers, and the often-heard sentiment that women returning to work would not necessarily be “as committed” to their jobs. I am pleased that the tide is turning (and in many organisations has turned) in this regard – you only have to look at all the wonderful women we have who are running our firm (and my department) – I would struggle to pick anyone in particular out for this!

4. What has been the highlight of your career?

Being taken on as a partner at Forsters (I wasn’t paid to say that!). I think that it can take time to find one’s natural calling, I have had a journey through commercial property into residential, and slowly and surely have found my footing.

5. What is the best advice you have been given?

This wasn’t advice, more of my own approach to life, which is follow your heart. Although I spent many happy years at a Magic Circle firm and worked on some amazing transactions with incredible people, my heart was not in it. I took a gamble on switching to the residential world (as well as an initial large pay cut!). I now really love coming into work, and the division between work/home life is more blurred, which I take as a sign that I love what I do. Without being big headed, that has led to my success in what I do now (and a little more money has followed). Health, family and happiness are the most important things we have. We only have one chance at life, so live it, don’t endure it!

6. What did you dream of doing when you were a child?

Being a lawyer – be careful what you wish for!

7. Do you think of embracing equity at work, and pushing forward the equity agenda, falls equally on both genders? If not, what impact do you think this has on women?

Definitely both – like any minority group, it is important to feel support from those not part of it, as much as needing to push the agenda themselves.

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International Women’s Day 2023 – Kelly Noel-Smith

To celebrate International Women’s Day (IWD) 2023, Forsters is delighted to be releasing a series of Q&As with some of our partners and employees who go above and beyond to champion equity across our business.

We hope they will provide an insight into what drives those individuals who are really pushing the equity agenda forward.


IWD - Amy France

Kelly Noel Smith is a Partner in one of our Private Wealth practices and Head of CSR. Read more about Kelly’s journey as a lawyer and reflections on gender equality below:

1. Tell us a bit about yourself.

I’m an international private client lawyer and Head of CSR at Forsters.

2. How does this year’s theme of Embrace Equity resonate with you?

I love it. Differentiating ‘equity’ from ‘equality’ is a nuanced and brilliant way to acknowledge difference and to emphasise that each person should be seen as an individual with unique needs and abilities. There are echoes of Marx here, which take me back to political philosophy at university. And trust law is, of course, built on equity. Trusts was my favourite subject at law school and, thirty years later, trusts still form a large part of my practice area. So the ’embrace equity’ theme resonates with me in lots of positive ways.

3. Have you ever experienced being treated inequitably in your career? If so, how did you move forward from it?

In common with many others of my generation, I experienced blatant sexism early on in my career when it was much more difficult to take a stand. I suppose I moved forward positively by pledging to myself never to let people be treated in the same way when I reached a position of more power.

4. Tell us about your most inspiring female role models (whether at Forsters, clients, or beyond).

I was told in my show-round at Slaughter and May in the late 1980s not to expect partnership as Ruth Fox, the recently appointed first female partner, was an exception to the rule that women weren’t made partners. Rather than being put off (and I have to say that it was a second year articled clerk who told me this, not a partner), I was inspired: I thought that, if she can be exceptional enough to do it, so can I. Outside law, I think Camila Batmanghelidjh, the founder of Kids Company (for which I volunteered for 5 years in the 2000’s), is wonderful. The work the charity did with marginalised children in inner London was outstanding and, despite claims of her mismanagement of the charity itself, she was inspirational in her work to help extremely disadvantaged young people.

5. What has been the highlight of your career?

The work I’ve done as CSR partner, in particular, setting up Forsters’ Sustainability Board in 2020. I couldn’t have done any of it without the support of so many people at Forsters who give so much of their time to CSR and the positive engagement of our leadership team.

6. What has been your biggest career challenge(s)?

Trying (and often failing) to balance being a mother with work.

7. Tell us a bit about your journey to Forsters?

A legal career really wasn’t on the cards for me. I was expelled from school at 16 and obtained dismal A level results. I went to Paris, retook 2 A levels, came back to read philosophy at the University of York, worked in the Alps and then spent a year travelling in Asia. When I came back to the UK, I worked in a restaurant where someone asked me if I was going to be a waitress for the rest of my life. That comment pushed me to go to the York Careers Office who said that philosophy graduates weren’t really in demand and suggested law or accountancy. Law looked to be the least worst option so I applied to Guildford College of Law to do the CPE and then Solicitors Finals. I did articles at Slaughter and May and qualified into their trust department. That department closed in 1992 and I moved to Lawrence Graham. I joined Forsters as a partner in 2008.

8. What is the best advice you have been given?

I’m not very good at taking advice. I like taking soundings and learning through experience.

9. What message would you send to young women today?

Two messages (not advice!): you only get one go so try to be true to yourself; and, if it’s impossible for you to do alone what it takes to make it work for you, do reach out.

10. What do you think are the most effective steps men can take to help achieve gender equity in the workplace?

I think effective steps are those all of us should take, men and women, at whatever point of the career ladder we happen to be on. If we listen, reflect, support and value each other, we’ll create a workplace where equity can flourish and people will feel safe to either call out or report inequitable behaviour.

11. Have you seen progress in the area of gender equity, and equity generally, over the course of your career?

There’s been huge improvements in some areas but it’s important never to become complacent. Our EDI partners are working hard to ensure that our people represent all sections of society. This extends to our active involvement with the innovative Pathways to Law programme, a widening participation scheme which is equitably supporting state school students from backgrounds currently under-represented at university who are interested in a legal career.

12. What benefits do you feel working at a firm with a gender balanced partnership?

I’ve just thought this through and, in addition to our female senior partner and managing partner, the heads of more than half our practice areas are female, as are the heads of Human Resources, Business Development, Learning & Development and Operations. The benefits are difficult to define because I’m so used to the balanced environment. The key benefit for me, and I’m sure it’s shared, is something I think is an emergent quality of the gender balance: the sense of Forsters being driven by values, of things that matter. I like to think that we really do our best to embrace equity.

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International Women’s Day 2023 – Amy France

To celebrate International Women’s Day (IWD) 2023, Forsters is delighted to be releasing a series of Q&As with some of our partners and employees who go above and beyond to champion equity across our business.

We hope they will provide an insight into what drives those individuals who are really pushing the equity agenda forward.


IWD - Amy France

Amy France is a Partner in our Commercial Real Estate team and Joint Head of EDI at Forsters. Amy shares her journey into law, balancing working and parenting and her thoughts on steps we can take to achieve greater equity in the workplace. Read more about Amy below:

1. Tell us a bit about yourself.

I’m a Partner in the Commercial Real Estate team at Forsters. I began my career at Forsters as a trainee back in 2008 and was promoted to Partner last year. Since then, I have been co-lead on EDI matters at the firm, alongside Charlie Mieville.

2. How does this year’s theme of Embrace Equity resonate with you?

Being a lawyer, I have a keen sense of justice and the concepts of fairness and impartiality are integral to this. There’s more that we can all do, though, to ensure that we are promoting equity in all areas of our lives, and particularly in the workplace. Which is why I think Embrace Equity is a great theme for this year’s IWD.

3. Have you ever experienced being treated inequitably in your career? If so, how did you move forward from it?

In all honesty, I can’t say that I’ve ever felt that I’ve been treated inequitably, however one part of my career which I found difficult was the period around going on maternity leave and then returning to work. Somewhat naively I hadn’t really thought about the impact that having a family would have on my career path. Inevitably, though, taking months away from the workplace on maternity leave and returning to my career on a part-time basis had an impact on my role and what I could achieve. I had to find my peace with the fact that career progression was just going to take me a little longer. I firmly believe, though, that life is a marathon and not a sprint.

4. Tell us about your most inspiring female role models (whether at Forsters, clients, or beyond).

At Forsters we are inundated with inspiring female role models – in fact there are too many to mention! Smita Edwards, our former senior partner, has always been an inspiration to me – we’ve worked together since I was a trainee and her support and belief in me has been invaluable. Natasha Rees and Emily Exton, our current Senior Partner and Managing Partner, are also wonderful examples of women being at the very top of the business and bringing their own personal styles to the role. And finally my mum is my most constant inspiring female role model – as a single parent she ploughed everything into ensuring her children had the best base on which to thrive in their adult lives, both personally and professionally.

5. What has been the highlight of your career?

Being made a Partner at Forsters last year has to be my career highlight. It was the culmination of many years of hard work and commitment, and I was incredibly proud to have achieved what had always been a dream when I started my career in law.

6. What has been your biggest career challenge(s)?

After I left university, I worked in politics for a few years and making the transition into law was my first career challenge. Applying for training contracts was the first time I’d experienced that kind of demanding and competitive recruitment process. I learned a lot from that and the various setbacks I had to overcome to secure a training contract. As I mentioned earlier, I think the other big career challenge for me has been having a family and how to juggle that with work.

7. What is the best advice you have been given?

“Be nice to everyone”- and “good enough is ok” – you don’t have to always strive for perfection.

8. What message would you send to young women today?

Believe in yourself and put yourself forward. I think women have a natural tendency to be self-deprecating, but we need to find our inner self-confidence and not hold ourselves back.

9. What do you think are the most effective steps men can take to help achieve gender equity in the workplace?

At Forsters we have lots of men who have taken or are in the process of taking parental leave, and we have lots of committed fathers who want to ensure that they take an active role in parenting their children. This is a brilliant way of achieving gender equity in the workplace – when men and women are seen as equal parents and the same societal expectations are placed on them, this breaks down the inequality which can arise between men and women where women traditionally have taken the larger share of this burden.

10. Have you seen progress in the area of gender equity, and equity generally, over the course of your career?

Possibly I’ve just ended up in very gender equal organisations and companies, but I feel like even back when I started out in my career the fact that I was a woman would never have held me back. In terms of equity generally, I think we are seeing some real progress but there’s still work to be done. In the legal profession I think we can find that certain groups are not so well represented. As co- lead on EDI I am trying to ensure that here at Forsters we work on ensuring that we are attracting as diverse a workforce as possible, and once here we work hard to retain that diversity by engendering an open, inclusive and respectful workplace.

11. In what areas do you feel there is work to be done?

I think there is work to be done in terms of racial diversity within our workforce and also social mobility. I also think there is work to be done in relation to ensuring those with disabilities have the same opportunities as those without disabilities. In general, I think we should all be working towards being more curious about others, and therefore more attuned to what makes us different but also what binds us together as members of the human race. Approaching everyone with kindness and respect also goes a long way.

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International Women’s Day 2023 – Maxine Hinds

To celebrate International Women’s Day (IWD) 2023, Forsters is delighted to be releasing a series of Q&As with some of our partners and employees who go above and beyond to champion equity across our business.

We hope they will provide an insight into what drives those individuals who are really pushing the equity agenda forward.


IWD - Maxine Hinds

Our first Q&A in the series is with Maxine Hinds, our IT Service Desk Manager. Maxine shares her experience of working in a male dominated industry as a woman and how she has overcome inequity in the workplace:

1. Tell us a bit about yourself.

I am a mother of three and grandmother of six. I love to cook and see people happy when eating the dishes I’ve made. I can be adventurous; I have abseiled off London buildings, climbed Mount Toubkal in Morocco, Nordic ice fishing and husky sledging. I have even been a contestant on a TV cooking show, needless to say I didn’t win as I’m answering this question. I’m a good listener. I love going to the theatre and to concerts; the London O2 is my spiritual home and I need private box now! I’m always smiling.

2. How does this year’s theme of Embrace Equity resonate with you?

It resonates because if we all work together, we can make a positive change, embrace each other and see each other as one. Out of many – One People

3. Have you ever experienced being treated inequitably in your career? If so, how did you move forward from it?

A male manager told me to listen to him, because practically he knew best, and my opinion and experience didn’t matter to him. I knew what I knew, and that the proof would be by showing him what I knew and how my experience has helped me to achieve where I am today. I decided not to shout and throw the toys out of the pram because that wasn’t going to change his view with words, and by retaliating I would be seen as the aggressor and not him.

4. Tell us about your most inspiring female role models (whether at Forsters, clients, or beyond).

Maya Angelou and my grandmother both faced a life of adversity, racism, and prejudice but they never gave up achieving their goals and taught others that they too can do it!

5. What has been the highlight of your career?

During my management career winning an industry award along with my team for the services we offered to the business. It is nice to be recognised for the work you do to support others.

6. What is the best advice you have been given?

Do the best you can until you know better, and then when you know better do better!

7. What message would you send to young women today?

To never give up, always look within, do better, be better. Treat everyone with respect and integrity. Many have come before you to pave the way so don’t waste the opportunities now given to you – you’ve got this.

8. What do you think are the most effective steps men can take to help achieve gender equity in the workplace?

Listen, understand, empathise and if something isn’t right call it out, speak up. Just because that’s how it has always been, if it is wrong break the cycle, be a leader.

9. Have you seen progress in gender equity, and equity generally, over the course of your career?

Yes, IT is a very male dominated environment. Heads of, or CIO are mainly men but of late, women are breaking through the glass ceiling and they too are now leaders and sometimes of teams consisting of only men, especially the Technical Manager roles in the industry. In my first management role, I had a team of 15 men and as people moved on within the team or left, we noticed more applications from females and the team dynamics started to change. More women are working within the IT industry across all roles.

10. What is your biggest hope for the future in the field of gender equity?

We all work together to make the change. Everyone can play their part and work together to embrace inclusion, unity, and harmony.

11. What benefits do you feel working at a firm with a gender balanced partnership?

That everyone can succeed. You have inspiration, you will see yourself in others, and can succeed.

12. Do you think of embracing equity at work, and pushing forward the equity agenda, falls equally on both genders? If not, what impact do you think this has on women?

Yes, it falls to both genders to make it work, to share and teach others. Be a leader. Everyone must be working together to achieve the same goal.

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Forsters nominated at the YN Property Awards 2023

We are delighted to announce that Forsters has been nominated for the Real Estate Law Firm of the Year Award at the YN Property Awards 2023.

The annual YN Property Awards celebrate industry achievements across a selection of categories and raise vital funds for Norwood, the oldest Jewish charity in the UK. Their work provides a lifeline to children and families in crisis, as well as lifelong support to people and their families with learning disabilities and autism.

The nomination bolsters the firm’s market-leading reputation and recognises the quality and complexity of the work carried out across our real estate team.

Head of Commercial Real Estate, Andrew Crabbie, commented: “We are delighted to have been shortlisted for this award. Forsters is, and will always remain, a firm with real estate at the centre of its practice so it is incredibly pleasing to receive this impartial recognition of the team’s work.”

The winner will be announced at the Norwood dinner on 20 February.

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Forsters shortlisted in three categories at the Legal Cheek Awards 2023

Forsters are delighted to announce that we have been shortlisted in three categories at the upcoming Legal Cheek Awards.

Forsters has this year been shortlisted in the following categories:

  • Best law firm for quality of work 2023
  • Best law firm for peer support 2023
  • Best law firm for work/life balance 2023

The Legal Cheek Awards are held annually to celebrate the law firms providing the best training opportunities and experiences and are based on the Legal Cheek Trainee and Junior lawyers Survey 2022-2023 of over 2,000 trainees and junior lawyers at nearly 100 of the leading UK-based law firms.

This year’s awards ceremony will take place in-person at The Banking Hall on the evening of Tuesday 14 March 2023.

Learn more about Graduate Recruitment at Forsters here.

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Ashleigh Carr appointed co-chair of ConTrA – the Contentious Trusts Association

We are delighted to announce that Contentious Trusts and Estates Senior Associate, Ashleigh Carr, has been appointed co-chair of ConTrA (Contentious Trusts Association).

ConTrA is a community of over 800 members, from the majority of top-tier onshore and offshore firms and Chancery chambers. The organisation was founded in 2015 by Jessica Henson and Simon Goldring, with the aim of bringing together up-and-coming solicitors and counsel specialising in trust disputes. Today, ConTrA runs an international conference, a summer school, seminars and social events each calendar year.

Ashleigh is a Senior Associate in our Dispute Resolution team, specialising in contentious trusts and estates disputes. She is highly qualified in this area, with significant experience acting in relation to high value and/or complex intra-familial disputes. Ashleigh acts for professionals and private individuals, based both nationally and internationally.

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Continued recognition for Forsters’ Lawyers in the Spear’s 500 Directory 2023

22 Forsters lawyers have been listed in the Spear’s 500 Directory, a complete guide to the HNW market.

In its eighth year, the Spear’s 500 is one of the leading guides to the top private client advisers, wealth managers, lawyers and service providers for high net worth individuals.

This year, the following Partners, Consultants and Senior Associates have been recognised:

Property lawyers:

Corporate Lawyers:

Landed Estates Lawyers:

Family Lawyers:

Tax and Trusts:

Instruction by MoD listed in The Lawyer’s Top 20 Cases of 2023

Our Property Litigation team is pleased to note that its instruction by the Secretary of State for Defence in regard to ‘R (Annington Property & others) v Secretary of State for Defence’ has been included in The Lawyer’s ‘Top 20 Cases of 2023’.

Senior Partner, Natasha Rees, and Property Litigation Partner, Julia Tobbell, are leading on this high profile and ground-breaking case.

The Lawyer describes the case as one of the most prominent judicial reviews of 2023. It concerns the MoD’s proposed repurchasing of homes from Annington Homes using enfranchisement legislation. Forsters are advising on the property law aspects of the proceedings.

The Lawyer has reported on this case as part of its annual report, ‘The Top Cases of 2023’. A copy of the report can be purchased here.

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Jo Edwards recognised as one of the ’50 Most Influential 2023′ in eprivateclient

Head of Family, Jo Edwards has been included in eprivateclient’s ‘2023 50 Most Influential’ – a shortlist of the most highly regarded figures in the UK and global offshore private client world, selected by judges based on achievements in the last 12 months considered alongside broader reputation and standing in the market.

The only family lawyer to feature in the list, Jo is specifically recognised for both her expertise in her practice, where she acts for a wide range of clients in relation to separation and divorce, predominantly high net worth and ultra-high net worth individuals from various backgrounds; but also for her work in campaigning for law reform and featuring in the media.

eprivateclient’s “50 Most Influential” aims to identify leaders within the private client profession – promoting talent and highlighting the best within the field.

The full list can be viewed here, behind the paywall.

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Special guest on ITV’s Lorraine – Jo Edwards speaks about the importance of taking your time when considering a divorce

Head of Family, Jo Edwards, joined Lorraine to stress the importance of considering all options and taking your time to decide whether a divorce is right for you.

Although Jo has extensive experience of taking cases to court where needed, she is well-known for her conciliatory, pragmatic approach and desire to settle even the most complex of cases where possible, which could be another option if you do decide to split.

As a trained mediator and collaborative lawyer, Jo is one of only a handful of lawyers in London qualified to consult with children in mediation.

For more information, please contact Jo Edwards.

Forsters’ Family team were named ‘Family Law Firm of the Year (London)’ at the Family Law Awards 2021 and its Private Client practice is top ranked in the latest edition of The Chambers HNW Guide (High Net Worth Guide).

Jo is a previous winner of Chambers HNW Guide’s Family Partner of the Year.

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STEP honours exceptional service with Emeritus membership for Nick Jacob

Private Client partner, Nick Jacob, TEP and former worldwide STEP Deputy Chair, has been honoured as an Emeritus member of the global professional membership body.

This prestigious membership is awarded in recognition of ‘exceptional service and of eminence within STEP itself, at the highest global level’ for a full Member of STEP who has made a significant and high-level contribution across the organisation.

By way of response, Nick said: “I am deeply honoured to have been appointed an Emeritus Member of STEP; it means an enormous amount to me. It has been wonderful to be a part of its growth and development from day one in 1991. Nobody would have believed then that it would become what it is today.”

Nick is a Partner in our Private Client team. He advises on sophisticated private wealth planning, family succession plans, protection of the family business and avoidance of family disputes, and all aspects of international family governance.

He is a trusted adviser to a number of globally significant families with a particular focus on acting for families in Asia and is well recognised for his understanding of family governance psychology.

Click here to find out more about Nick’s practice.

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Ten Forsters lawyers featured in Legal Week’s most recent Private Client Global Elite Directory

Ten of Forsters’ Private Wealth team have been featured in Legal Week’s 2022 Private Client Global Elite directory, four of whom are recognised as Rising Leaders.

Launched in 2017, the esteemed Global Elite Directory lists the world’s most respected lawyers advising High Net Worth clients, as nominated by peers within the private wealth industry.

The list of over 6,000 nominations each year is whittled down to just 250 industry experts.

This continued recognition of lawyers from across our Private Wealth practice is ongoing testament to the strength and breadth of services we provide to private clients.

Private Client Global Elite

Rising leaders

Forsters wins Family Business Advisory Practice of the Year at the STEP Private Client Awards 2022

We are delighted that Forsters has been named Family Business Advisory Practice of the Year at this year’s STEP Private Client Awards.

The award reflects the pre-eminent reputation of the firm’s private client group for its advice to ultra-high net worth families on the successful transition of wealth from one generation to the next. The judges were particularly impressed by the firm’s focus on psychology and family dynamics when advising on governance matters.

Head of Private Client, Xavier Nicholas, comments: ‘We are extremely pleased to have been recognised by STEP for our expertise in advising clients on the establishment of family offices, family governance, and dynastic planning. This area of our practice continues to grow, owing to our reputation in the field and the demand for advice on wealth preservation that goes beyond the establishment of traditional asset holding structures.’

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Graduate Recruitment – Meet the Teams

Graduate recruitment podcast icon

More Than Law Podcast host, Miri Stickland, is joined by various guests as they discuss the goings on in their departments, and what their days normally look like.

Episode 1 – Construction

Senior associates Daniel Burr and Dan Cudlipp and associate Lauren Hepburn join podcast host Miri Stickland to shed some light on the Construction team at Forsters. They discuss the best and worst parts of being a construction lawyer, exciting clients, and an average day in the life. The team also highlight the differences between contentious and non-contentious work and the key skills needed for success in each side of the team.

Non-contentious Tagline: The paperwork for the brickwork.

Contentious Tagline: Building your case when your building falls down.


Episode 2 – Commercial Real Estate

Partner Anthony Goodmaker, associate Anna Penn and trainee Cameron Turnbull join podcast host Miri Stickland to explain why Forsters’ Commercial Real Estate department is more than just easements and covenants. The team run through an average day, give insight into the firm’s culture and identify key skills. They also share their own motivations for qualifying into CRE, and highlight the importance of keeping an open mind throughout your training contract as you may be surprised by the seat you enjoy the most.


Episode 3 – Dispute Resolution

Counsel Bryan Shacklady, senior associate Ashleigh Carr and trainee Joe May join podcast host Miri Stickland to give insight into the Dispute Resolution team at Forsters. They explain how no two days are the same and highlight the personal and professional skills needed to be part of this collaborative department. The team also stress the importance of attention to detail within their work, and provide examples of the unexpected topics they have had to become experts on.

Tagline: The firm’s guardian angels.

Forsters recognised as an industry leader in The Times’ Best Law Firms 2023

Forsters, one of London’s leading Real Estate and Private Wealth law firms, has been recognised in The Times’ Best Law Firms 2023.

Published on 3 November 2022, the guide recognises the best lawyers for business, public and private-client law across England, Wales and Scotland, as chosen by lawyers.

Forsters is commended for its Real Estate and Private Wealth law capabilities, the firm has been ranked as a ‘Best For’ firm in the area of Landlord and Tenant law and newly ranked for its Private Wealth Tax expertise. Forsters is also commended in the Commercial Property, Family, and Inheritance and Succession categories.

The firms’ continued inclusion in The Times Best Law Firms is testament to the firm’s strength and breadth of expertise and solidifies our reputation as a go-to firm for real estate and private wealth advice.

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Forsters maintains Tier 1 ranking in eprivateclient’s Top Law Firms 2022

We are pleased to have once again been recognised as a Tier 1 firm in eprivateclient’s ‘Top Law Firms’, a ranking of top private client law firms in the UK.

The firm’s top-tier position reflects the quality and breadth of its private client practice and the excellence of its lawyers. It is a well-deserved reward for the hard work of the team.

Click here to view the 2022 eprivateclient rankings (behind a paywall).

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Forsters to attend IBA Annual Conference 2022 in Miami

A team from Forsters, consisting of Partners Craig Thompson, Andrew Head and Howard Gill, as well as Senior Consultant, Mark Prevezer, and Senior Associate, Sarah Bool, will be attending the IBA Annual Conference 2022 in Miami.

Renowned for being the most prestigious event of international lawyers, the conference will bring the world’s largest legal community together in Miami, from 30 October to 4 November.

Sarah Bool will also be speaking at the event on Wednesday 2 November at 9.30am, discussing ‘the future trends for real estate in the post-pandemic world’, covering all topics including:

  • Tokenization of real estate projects and commercialization through crypto currencies.
  • Metaverse as a new submarket in the global real estate market? What are the real perspectives for this incipient new world?
  • Suburban vs urban areas
  • Conversion of downtown areas (former office areas) into residential areas
  • What to bear in mind in new office developments. Lessons learned from the pandemic
  • Hotels’ new developments and trends

Forsters maintains its top rankings in the new Chambers UK Guide 2023

Chambers and Partners have today launched their latest Guide to the UK legal market.

We are delighted to report that Forsters has maintained our Top Band status in the Real Estate and Agriculture & Rural Affairs categories. In recognition of our stellar Commercial Real Estate practice and lawyers who have driven growth and performance the Guide has increased Forsters’ profile. Our Construction practice has been elevated to a higher banding, with the Social Housing and Planning teams newly ranked. In addition, our Family UHNW team and Art & cultural Property Law Team have significantly moved up in the rankings.

The news follows the firm’s success in the recently published Chambers HNW Guide, where our Private Wealth Law and Private Wealth Disputes teams continue to retained their top rankings, and our Residential Property team secured a Band One position.

The UK Guide ranks 26 of Forsters’ leading Partners and Counsel. The firm is very proud to report that three of its leading Partners have this year been elevated in the rankings in recognition of their expertise and market reputation:

The firm is delighted to see that its wider pool of experts are newly ranked; Sarah Cook (increase to Band Two), Ben Barrison (elevated to Band Five), Katherine Ekers (newly ranked as ‘Up and Coming’), Catherine Hill (Band three), Neasa Coen (uplifted to Band Three) and Laura Neal (‘Associates to Watch’).

The Guide reports that “Forsters is a very strong firm capable of handling complex and sophisticated matters very well. They’re responsive and provide a high level of service.”

Agriculture & Rural Affairs – Band One

Ranked Lawyers: Henry Cecil, Penny Elliott, Christopher Findley, Andrew Lane and Rupert Mead

Chambers notes: Forsters maintains a well-regarded rural team with capabilities across rural property, tax and contentious work. Its clientele includes the owners of traditional landed estates, as well as international purchasers.

Market experts commented: “They have a dedicated and specialist team that know and understand the industry well.”

Real Estate: Mainly Mid-Market – Band One

Ranked Lawyers: Smita Edwards (elevated to Senior Statesperson), Katherine Ekers (newly ranked as ‘Up and Coming’) and Victoria Towers

Forsters advises a number of leading real estate funds, offering expertise in all kinds of investment transactions, while also handling development matters, including sizeable residential schemes. The team represents developers, investors and landlords in relation to retail property concerns and also has notable expertise in handling matters related to the logistics sector. The firm continues to advise the Crown Estate on a range of matters concerning its London property portfolio.

One client says: “The team is made up of well-placed and experienced individuals supported by responsive partners who are clearly knowledgeable and up to speed on the matter at hand.”

Real Estate Litigation – Band Two

Ranked Lawyers: Natasha Rees (newly ranked as Band One), Ben Barrison (newly ranked, Band Five) and Jonathan Ross (elevated to ‘Senior Statesperson’)

Chambers Notes: Forsters represents a broad client base, ranging from institutional investors and funds to property developers, on a wide range of residential property disputes and enfranchisement cases. The team maintains substantial expertise in contentious matters concerning rights to light, service charge disputes and professional negligence claims.

Market sources comment “The team at Forsters provides excellent service for value and is very responsive and very commercially aware.”

Art & Cultural Property Law – Band Two

Ranked Lawyers: Catherine Hill, Laura Neal

Chambers Notes: Forsters has a recognised art and cultural property law practice, and regularly advises collectors, galleries and auction houses. The firm is particularly notable for handling estate planning and commercial matters for living artists.

“I can’t fault them. They are extremely thorough, approachable, detail-focused and supportive. We enjoy working with them and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them to anyone.”

Social Housing – Band Three

Ranked Lawyers: Sara Branch and Anne O’Neill

Chambers notes: Forsters has a robust social housing practice that sees the firm’s lawyers act for a range of social housing associations, developers and contractors. It advises on matters including complex tax issues, acquisition of land and development financings. In addition, the team offers further expertise in connection with joint ventures and innovative development schemes.

Market experts have commented: “They are second to none in relation to their ability to manage complex agreements and structures, and their ability to offer practical and commercially sound advice.”

UHNW Family/Matrimonial – Band Four

Ranked Lawyers: Joanne Edwards, Simon Blain and Rosie Schumm

Chambers notes: The Forsters family law team has a broad practice covering complex and high-value financial remedies, as well as a variety of children law matters for married and unmarried parents. It advises foreign nationals on complex post-separation issues, as well as UK-based parties with cross-border asset portfolios. The department houses significant strength in nuptial agreements covering multiple jurisdictions. Lawyers at the firm have particular experience in cases with trust-related issues and act on behalf of trustees.

Commentators noted “They are one of the best family law teams in the country.”

Forsters’ Family team is also ranked in Band Three in the Chambers HNW Guide 2022. Joanne is also ranked in Family/Matrimonial: Mainly ADR – London (Firms) table.

Construction – Non-contentious (new ranking Band Four) and Contentious (Band Five)

Ranked Lawyers: Sarah Cook, Emily Holdstock, Andrew Parker and Richard Spring

Chambers notes: Forsters is a well-respected firm with a strong reputation for purchaser-side representation in both a contentious and non-contentious capacity. The team receives regular instructions to advise clients on large-scale domestic residential and commercial developments. Its lawyers can assist with construction-related disputes, with experience in representing clients in the Technology and Construction Court, as well as arbitrations and adjudications.

Industry experts commented: “They have strong technical expertise across all areas and an ability to work seamlessly across teams to ensure a comprehensive, end-to-end service.”

Planning – Band Five

Ranked Lawyers: Victoria Du Croz

Chambers Notes: Forsters’ planning team is best known for its work on regeneration projects in London and the surrounding conurbation. The team also acts for the firm’s high net worth and landed estate clients. Other clients include major developers, institutional investors and local authorities.

Leading market experts remarked: “The team is acutely aware of the business needs of the organisation and adopts an excellent, no-fuss approach. We always get a quick but considered response comprised of clear and practical advice.”

The following Partners and Counsel are also Ranked Lawyers in the 2023 Guide:

Neasa Coen – Charities (elevated to Band Three) “Neasa provides swift responses with carefully considered and wise legal advice. She is hugely empathetic and always alert to the wider implications of the cases she advises on.”

Dearbhla Quigley – Capital Markets: AIM (Band Three) “She is excellent with detail but maintains an ability to see the commercial bigger picture.”

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Forsters recognised in eprivateclient’s Top Family Law Firms ranking

The Forsters’ Family team is delighted to have once again been listed as one of eprivateclient’s 2022 ‘Top Family Law Firms’, a comprehensive analysis of the leading law firms providing family law advice.

The team’s continued inclusion in this ranking reinforces their ongoing success as a leading Family Practice, and serves as continued testament to their commitment to delivering exceptional service for clients.

Click here to view the 2022 eprivateclient rankings (behind a paywall).

Forsters continues with top tier ranking in the 2023 edition of The Legal 500

Forsters, the leading London real estate and private wealth law firm, has been ranked in its key practice areas in the latest edition of the Legal 500 UK directory.

“Forsters is a firm that really nurtures and brings on its next generation, enabling them client contact and the ability to build their network and express themselves. This is quite unique. They pride themselves on providing a tailored and bespoke personal service where the client feels valued and they are very good at problem solving.”

“Its commitment to its clients is exceptional. Its style is communicative and collaborative.”

The Legal 500 2023

In the latest edition, Forsters is profiled as follows:

  • Ranked in 18 practice areas
  • Top ranked in four areas: private wealth, contentious trusts and probate, residential property and agriculture and estates
  • 70 ‘Recommended Lawyers’ which includes
    • Nine Partners in the ‘Hall of Fame’
    • Six ‘Leading Individuals’
    • Seven ‘Next Generation’ Partners
    • Four Counsel and Senior Associates recognised as ‘Rising Stars’

Our highest ranked areas are set out below.

Agriculture and Estates – Tier 1

Henry Cecil leads a large and specialist team at Forsters LLP that is recommended for its vast experience of handling both transactional and strategic matters including complex tax and estate structuring advice and disputes. It has real strength in depth with key practitioners such as Penny Elliott, Christopher Findley and Andrew Lane. Catherine Hill and Rupert Mead also garner praise for their expertise on tax and trusts matters. Clients include sizeable landed estates, families and trusts with significant property and chattels as well as domestic and international private and commercial investors, wealthy individuals and landowner groups. Other strengths include advising on the establishment of holding structures for family wealth through companies, partnerships and trusts in addition to acting for landowners in relation to development work. It is also rated for its work on capital tax planning matters and on all aspects of the acquisition and disposal of estates, farms and country houses. It is a team of ‘problem solvers’.

Contentious Trusts And Probate – Tier 1

Forsters LLP has a strong track record in this area and advises fiduciaries, protectors and beneficiaries on the full remit of disputes involving trusts, trust structures, wills and estates both in an onshore and offshore context. Other key clients include high-net-worth/high-profile individuals, charities and other professionals and intermediaries. The international side of its practice continues to thrive under the direction of Roberta Harvey. Other key figures include Emily Exton, who is praised for her handling of disputes in the private wealth arena. The team is skilled at advising high-net-worth individuals, family offices, trustees and protectors on trust vehicles and other succession planning structures.

Personal Tax, Trusts And Probate – Tier 1

‘It is the level of expertise’ at Forsters LLP ‘combined with its ‘can-do’ attitude that attracts clients’ with Xavier Nicholas at the helm. It has a large private wealth practice with a pre-eminent reputation for its advice to domestic and international HNW and UNHW clients on a range of complex cross-border and high-value taxation, estate planning and trust structuring matters. It continues to enjoy a regular stream of instructions on multi-billion pound matters for its international client base. Clients include major entrepreneurs, multi-generational families, trustees of significant cross-border estates and well-known artists. Carole Cook is well-regarded for her work on complex tax and trust issues. Kelly Noel-Smith acts for some of the world’s richest families, including Middle Eastern royalty, Greek shipping families and entrepreneurs. Anthony Thompson is among the leading advisers to Middle Eastern UNHW clients. James Brockhurst has recently been promoted to the partnership. ‘For such very clever people, they are also incredibly nice and easy to deal with’.

Residential Property – Tier 1

Under the excellent leadership of Lucy Barber the team at Forsters LLP continues to be active in transactions involving super prime and prime properties in London as well as on the sale and purchase of country houses. It has a diverse client base of wealthy clients who are based in the UK and abroad as well as prime residential developers, banks, property funds and investors. Charles Miéville is considered a ‘go-to’ adviser for particularly complex conveyancing and property financing matters for a client base that consists of a number of high-profile UHNW individuals and landed families. Robert Barham has been busy advising on various high-value transactions on behalf of international clients. Helen Marsh handles a broad spread of issues from high-value sales and purchases to advising on financing issues and landlord and tenant matters.

Family – Tier 2

The team at Forsters LLP is ‘incredibly well respected – and for good reason. The team does everything with real class’. It is led by Joanne Edwards who is a ‘dynamo’ and has a ‘good stable of associates’. It is continuing to see an increased flow of complex cross-jurisdictional work in nuptial agreements; child arrangements and financial cases (which often have complicated trusts and financial structures). Rosie Schumm is frequently instructed in complex litigation for families with substantial wealth across multiple jurisdictions. Simon Blain has a particular strength in difficult financial cases often involving trusts, family business and assets in more than one jurisdiction.

Property Litigation – Tier 2

The team of ‘first-class lawyers’ acts for a large number of landowners, estates and funds alongside property companies, developers and occupier clients. Its workload is equally diverse and has recently included easement and service charge disputes, dilapidation claims, forfeitures and other issues arising from CVAs and insolvencies, in addition to development matters concerning rights to light, vacant possessions and an increasing number of cladding-related instructions. Ben Barrison recently took over as head of the property litigation practice from Natasha Rees, who is now the firm’s senior partner. Barrison is described as ‘one of the very best property litigators around – great on the law, but does not let it distract him from seeing the bigger commercial and tactical picture.’ Another reputable individual is Jonathan Ross; his specialisms lie within rent review and dilapidation claims. Anna Mullins was promoted to partner in April 2021, while the team was also recently boosted by the arrival of Julia Tobbell from Herbert Smith Freehills LLP.

British Legal Awards 2022: Double nomination for Forsters

We are delighted that Forsters has again been shortlisted in Legal Week’s prestigious British Legal Awards 2022.

Forsters has been nominated in two categories, showcasing the firm’s expertise within the Private Wealth market.

The news bolsters the firm’s market-leading reputation and recognises the quality and complexity of the work carried out for both domestic and international clients.

The firm is delighted to be recognised as finalists in the following categories:

  • Contentious Trusts and Estates Team of the Year
  • Private Client Team of the Year

Xavier Nicholas, Head of Private Client commented: ‘I’m delighted to see our Private Client team recognised as a leader in the market. The nomination reflects the quality of our lawyers, who individually are some of the best in their fields and together bring the strength in depth that the team has across the full range of private client disciplines.”

Roberta Harvey, Head of Contentious Trusts and Estates commented: ‘It’s fantastic to have again received a shortlisting for Contentious Trusts and Estates Team of the Year, a testament to the hard work of our team”

The British Legal Awards, now in their 13th year, represent the ‘best of the best’ within the UK’s legal community. The awards are an opportunity to celebrate the high-quality legal advice that sets the UK legal market apart.

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The Occupier View: On leaving Mayfair for Marylebone – Glenn Dunn speaks to EG

There was a moment – a fleeting, blink-and-you-missed-it moment – in which Forsters could have become a fully remote business. No offices. Zoom and Teams screens only.

This article was originally published by EG on 10 August 2022 and is also available here (behind their paywall).

Head of Corporate Occupiers, Glenn Dunn, says he breathed “a huge sigh of relief” when partners showed “next to no support” for the idea. After all, it would have ended his own project to find Forsters a new headquarters in no uncertain terms. But the fact that the option was discussed, even briefly, shows just how open Corporate Occupiers are becoming to change as they map out their post-pandemic real estate needs.

In June, Forsters confirmed a move to Lazari Investments’ 22 Baker Street, W1. It’s not as radical as going remote, but the relocation still has its surprises. It puts the 500-person firm in Marylebone, leaving its Mayfair home of more than two decades, and it was the only building from a lengthy list of viewings that was not a multi-let. For Dunn, the letting is the culmination of lessons learnt throughout the pandemic.

Early bird

Forsters moved to its current headquarters at 31 Hill Street, W1, in 2005. In the years since, a growing headcount has pushed the firm to take on other offices, at 22 Hill Street, Berkeley Square House and Canary Wharf’s South Quay Plaza. Those have more than doubled its space to 50,000 sq ft, from 23,000 sq ft.

Dunn started looking at options for a move back in 2019. “Every well-advised business will do a stay-versus-go analysis, look at its existing buildings and ask whether, with capital investment, staying put is the right thing – like Slaughter and May, for example,” Dunn says. “But we knew that these buildings were operationally becoming more of a challenge for us, and we were across four sites. We see ourselves as one family and we wanted to be back under one roof, as we were when we moved into this building.”

The lease break at 31 Hill Street wasn’t due until the first quarter of 2023, but Dunn knew that would come around sooner than he and colleagues thought. “The one thing that I learned from my years of acting for occupiers is that the early bird catches the worm,” he says. “You don’t want to leave your search too late because it closes down your options.”

No sooner had the board discussed potential locations and picked CBRE as its adviser, Covid-19 hit. The firm weighed a pause in the search, perhaps with a short-term lease renewal at Hill Street. But Dunn was adamant that the hunt should continue.

“It was clear when you looked at the development pipeline that grade-A stock was going to become a challenge,” he says. “The number of developments starts during Covid really tailed off. Having appointed CBRE to advise us, their predictions – which turned out to be pretty accurate in terms of the huge uptake that was going to come in 2021 – were that there was not going to be the stock available to meet demand.”

Location was a big factor. Forsters’ description of itself on its website is a “Mayfair law firm”. But as the team started to view possible new homes, Dunn knew it had to be open to looking elsewhere and hunted from Paddington in the west to Farringdon in the east.

“We had been considering how much of the brand was tied to Mayfair and how much of it was tied to a differential of not being in the City,” he says. “The advice from CBRE was if you’re going to do an HQ relocation, you have to do a pan-London search because you might just see something that was off of your radar. Moves like Kingsley Napley going to Shoreditch are examples of people thinking outside the box and getting the right building in locations that are not necessarily known for law firms.”

Ahead of the curve

The firm ended up looking at between 12 and 15 buildings, Dunn said – none of which were in Mayfair. All were multi-lets, until an off-market opportunity to take 22 Baker Street appeared. The chance for the firm to have its “own front door and control of reception” was immediately appealing, he adds, and an existing relationship with Lazari helped to swing the deal.

The deal isn’t a downsize – Forsters’ 15-year lease is for 50,000 sq ft, equalling its four existing offices. But that wasn’t always taken for granted – the pandemic shifted how Forsters viewed its requirements in two distinct ways, Dunn says.

“The first one was, how much space did we need?” he says. “That was a difficult question to answer. You’re looking into the crystal ball and you’re trying to work out what growth there might be. Every business has to go through that exercise. You don’t want to end up with extra space that you don’t need on day one.

“The other part of the equation has been the layout of the physical space. So whereas a lot of law firms still are cellular or hybrid, we largely went to open plan back in 2013. We were probably ahead of the curve there because we saw the benefits of people learning by hearing others around them and trying to break down that traditional, cellular, siloed environment. We’ve always been quite economic in terms of how we view space.”

22 Baker Street will undergo a refurbishment once Japanese technology group Fujitsu moves to Lazari’s upcoming Lantern scheme in Euston. Forsters will then move in late next year.

“What we really wanted was something that demonstrated the character of the firm,” Dunn says. “We didn’t want a glass box, something that was ultra-modern. We wanted something with a period feel. But at the same time, we wanted something that has more modern amenities. And that has been a big driver in terms of the accommodation that that we will get at 22 Baker Street.”

Glenn Dunn
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Passing the Baton – Natasha Rees and Smita Edwards speak to EG

As Natasha Rees takes over as Senior Partner from Smita Edwards, the pair speak to EG about Forsters, its future, and the upcoming move from Mayfair to Marylebone.

The Forsters pair were quizzed by EG’s Jess Harrold who touched on a number of important issues such as the global events during Edwards’ 8-year tenure as Senior Partner, and their effects on the real estate market, as well as how the baton is proudly being passed to former Head of Property Litigation Rees ahead of the firm’s move to Marylebone. The article focuses on key issues such as the commitment to maintaining profitability while also maintaining the firm’s unique culture. It also highlights the Forsters partners’ commitment to capitalise on the firm’s reputation for being an inclusive and friendly place to work by designing their new premises with staff wellbeing and sustainability firmly in mind.

The article concludes that “If Brexit and Covid couldn’t throw the firm off course during Edwards’ tenure…the looming clouds of recession on the horizon should hold little fear for Rees.”

“Over to you and have some fun,” Edwards says to Rees, smiling. “It’s a great business.”

This article was first published by EG on 2 August 2022 and can be read in full here, behind their paywall, or here.

Dickon Ceadel and Maryam Oghanna listed in ePrivateClient’s Top 35 under 35 2022

We are delighted to announce that Senior Associates Dickon Ceadel and Maryam Oghanna have been listed in ePrivateClient’s Top 35 under 35 2022.

Once again, this is a testament to the talent and strength of our next generation of lawyers, together with Forsters’ commitment to nurturing and promoting the talent of our senior associates who are a key part of our continued growth as a firm.

Eprivateclient’s Top 35 Under 35 initiative is designed to identify, recognise, promote and introduce the rising stars of the Private Client practitioner community in the UK.

Dickon advises on all aspects of private family law, including divorce and separation, financial claims, pre – and post – nuptial agreements, cohabitation disputes, and all issues regarding private children law including surrogacy.

Maryam is a Senior Associate in the Dispute Resolution team, specialising in disputes regarding Trusts and Estates. She advises on a broad spectrum of contentious trusts and estates matters at both domestic and international level and has represents a variety of clients across multiple jurisdictions.

Congratulations!

The full results can be viewed here.

Zahava Rosenthal receives the STEP Excellence Award

We are delighted to announce that Private Client Associate, Zahava Rosenthal, has received the STEP Excellence Award for her Advanced Certificate in the Taxation of Trusts and Estates (England and Wales).

Having achieved distinctions in all four of her Advanced Certificates, Zahava is in the process of applying to become a TEP.

The STEP Excellence Award is given to the top scoring student at distinction level in each of the STEP exams worldwide each year.

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Forsters shortlisted for the EG Awards 2022

We are delighted to announce that Forsters’ Commercial Real Estate team, led by Andrew Crabbie, has been shortlisted in the Legal Team Award category at this year’s EG Awards.

The annual EG Awards seeks to showcase the very best across the built environment with 21 awards highlighting the best deals, innovations, businesses and individuals in real estate. The judging of the Legal Team Award will be based on the firms’ track record in delivering outstanding advice on transformative deals, as well as responding proactively to the implications of the pandemic, and demonstrating the championing of core values such as diversity, inclusivity and sustainability.

Over the past two years, Forsters has enjoyed a period of sustained growth and success. Client service is one key driver, and another is our collaborative and collegiate working culture.

Our top ranked Real Estate team has established a strong reputation within the market for delivering high-quality and seamless advice to a broad range of clients; from private and institutional investors to developers and occupiers. We have also positioned ourselves as one of the go-to firms for overseas investors seeking to enter or consolidate their activity in the UK market.

Head of Commercial Real Estate, Andrew Crabbie said, “We are delighted to have been shortlisted for this prestigious award. Forsters is, and will always remain, a firm with real estate at the centre of its practice so it is incredibly pleasing to receive this impartial recognition of the team’s work.”

The winner is set to be announced on 2 November 2022.

Read the full list of categories and shortlists

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Forsters Elects New Senior Partner

Forsters, the leading London real estate and private wealth law firm, announces today that it has elected Natasha Rees as its new Senior Partner from 1 September 2022.

Today’s announcement follows the recent news that Forsters is to move to new HQ premises at 22 Baker Street in the heart of Marylebone in late 2023, coinciding with the firm’s 25th Anniversary.

Natasha Rees and Emily Exton.

Natasha Rees joined Forsters from Pinsent Masons in 2001 and became a Partner in 2008. Until March this year Natasha was Head of the Property Litigation team and is widely recognised as a leader in this field – particularly in the area of residential disputes and leasehold enfranchisement. She is profiled in the current edition of Chambers UK, has featured in The Lawyer ‘Hot 100’ (2018) and is ranked in The Legal 500, where she is included in its Hall of Fame.

Natasha takes over as Senior Partner from Smita Edwards, who has led the firm through a period of sustained growth and success during her eight-year term of office. Smita is one of the founding Partners of Forsters and was Head of the Commercial Real Estate team from 1998 until 2003. She is one of the UK’s pre-eminent real estate lawyers, who maintains a Band 1 ranking in the latest edition of Chambers UK. From September she will return to full time practice and to her diverse client base, which includes leading real estate investors, funders and developers.

In addition to the new office announcement, Forsters has recently promoted six Senior Associates to Partner and four to Counsel. This is the single largest round of promotions that the firm has recorded in its 24-year history. Forsters now has 65 Partners and 420 other members of staff.

Natasha Rees and Emily Exton.

Forsters’ Senior Partner-Elect, Natasha Rees, said: “It is one of the greatest honours of my career to be elected Senior Partner of such a wonderful firm. Through her visionary leadership, Smita leaves an outstanding legacy at Forsters and it is great news for our clients that she will continue to practise with us. I want to thank her on behalf of the whole firm for being such an inspirational leader.”

Forsters’ Senior Partner, Smita Edwards, said: “It has been a huge privilege to serve as Senior Partner for two terms and I am delighted that Natasha has been elected as my successor. She will bring experience, passion and energy to the role and has an inherent understanding of the special qualities which set Forsters apart, particularly our collegiate working culture.”

Forsters’ Managing Partner, Emily Exton, said: “I have enjoyed a great working relationship with Smita over the past two years and I look forward to working closely with Natasha. We are a diverse, inclusive and ambitious firm with fantastic clients and I am confident that Smita’s legacy as a founding Partner of Forsters and an outstanding Senior Partner will continue as she passes the baton to Natasha.”

Natasha Rees and Emily Exton.

Forsters named Chambers HNW’s Residential Property Team of the Year 2022

Forsters’ top ranked Residential Property team were named ‘Residential Property Team of the Year’ at the Chambers High Net Worth Awards 2022.

The Awards are a staple in the legal calendar, recognising a law firm’s pre-eminence in their field. They reflect achievements including outstanding work on high net worth matters, strategic growth and excellence in client service.

On the win, Head of Residential Property, Lucy Barber, commented: “We are so proud to have won Residential Property Team of the Year. Our aim is always to ensure that our clients receive expert advice, whilst feeling supported and assured that their matters are being dealt with efficiently – the team’s technical expertise and collegiate, friendly culture makes this possible. Congratulations to my wonderful colleagues.”

Over the past 12 months, Forsters’ Residential Property team have achieved a Tier 1 ranking in the Legal 500 UK Guide, Band 1 ranking in the Chambers HNW Guide, listings in the Spear’s Property Advisors Index as Top Flight and Recommended lawyers, ‘Highly Commended’ at the RESI Awards and a win at the Enfranchisement & Right to Manage Awards for ‘Solicitors Firm of the Year’.

The full list of Chambers High Net Worth Award winners can be found here.

For further information on how Forsters can assist you with high net worth residential property matters, please visit our hub or contact a member of the team.

Helen Marsh
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Record number of lawyers listed in Spear’s Landed Estates Lawyers Index 2022

A record seven Forsters’ lawyers have been listed in the Spear’s Landed Estates Lawyers Index 2022:

  • Henry Cecil, Top Recommended
  • Rupert Mead, Top Recommended
  • Andrew Lane, Top Recommended
  • Christopher Findley, Top Recommended
  • Penny Elliott, Top Recommended
  • Polly Montoneri (née Reeve), Top Recommended
  • Idina Glyn, Top Recommended

The index highlights the best landed estates lawyers for high net worth individuals who excel in advising on issues ranging from tax to succession planning, residential development to diversification, as well as the overall management of an estate.

With seven listed lawyers, Forsters is the firm with the greatest number of advisers ranked in the 2022 Index. The recognition consolidates Forsters’ long-standing reputation as one of the leading Rural Land and Business teams in the country. The team are also ranked in Tier 1 for Agriculture and Estates by the Legal 500 and in Band 1 for Agriculture & Rural Affairs by Chambers and Partners.

The full index can be found here.

Henry Cecil
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Forsters’ Corporate team recognised in Spear’s Corporate Lawyers Index 2022

Forsters’ Corporate team have been recognised in Spear’s Corporate Lawyers Index 2022:

The index features the top advisers, which are selected by the source of peer nominations, client feedback, telephone and face-to face interviews, data supplied by firms, as well as information gathered by the Spear’s editorial and research teams.

The full Index can be found here.

Stuart Hatcher
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Chambers HNW Guide 2022: New rankings and continued recognition for our Private Wealth practice

The Chambers HNW Guide 2022 continues to recognise Forsters as a leading and top ranked Private Wealth law firm. The Guide is seen as the definitive authority for best-in-class law firms, ranking the leading professional advisors to the Private Wealth market.

Forsters is delighted to report that as well as maintaining our Top Band status in Private Wealth Law, the firm’s high net worth Residential Property team has been elevated to Band 1, our Art and Cultural Property team has been elevated to Band 2 and the Family team has been recognised in the inaugural Family/Matrimonial: Ultra High Net Worth table.

This year the HNW Guide ranks 22 lawyers. Our ‘foreign experts’ in Singapore and United Arab Emirates continue to be acknowledged, alongside our Family team’s mediation practice with Joanne Edwards’ inclusion in the Spotlight Table for Family/Matrimonial: Mediators.

Private Wealth Law – Band 1

Ranked Lawyers: Nick Jacob, Anthony Thompson, Daniel Ugur, Xavier Nicholas (newly ranked), Carole Cook, Catherine Hill, Kelly Noel-Smith, Emma Gillies and Charlotte Evans-Tipping

Chambers notes: Forsters are “a leading private wealth law firm,” states a source. A commentator adds: “They’re a wonderful firm. They are very strong on landed estates and UK property.”

The firm has wide-ranging expertise in matters such as tax, succession and business planning as well as cross-border and international issues. “The quality and timeliness of their advice is first class,” says an observer.

Real Estate: High Value Residential – Band 1

Ranked Lawyers: Lucy Barber (elevated to Band 2), Helen Marsh, Robert Barham and Charles Mieville

Chambers notes: Forsters’ Residential Property team is well regarded and recognised by market commentators for its work on prime property transactions.

“Forsters have an excellent variety of skilled team members,” a source remarks.

An interviewee enthuses: “The team is always exceptionally responsive no matter the day or time. I have had calls on the weekends and late evenings answered,” adding that: “Excellent communication is the hallmark of handling complex and sophisticated matters – the team at Forsters have been exceptional for me in this.”

Private Wealth Disputes – Band 2

Ranked Lawyers: Roberta Harvey (elevated to Band 1), Emily Exton, Alison Meek and Ashleigh Carr (newly ranked in the Associates to Watch category)

Chambers notes: Forsters’ specialist contentious trusts and estates lawyers represent various clients globally in private wealth disputes. Mandates often relate to administration issues, will challenges and breach of trust claims. A peer recognises the firm’s consistent progress as “a coming force” in the market.

Sources appreciate the combination of bench strength and client care at the firm. “They have the depth and numbers to deal with exhausting and hard-fought litigation matters over a long period,” says an interviewee. Another source hails the firm’s “wide range of supporting staff, all of whom have the same caring and intelligent approach to clients.”

Art and Cultural Property Law – Band 2

Ranked Lawyers: Catherine Hill (newly ranked) and Laura Neal (newly ranked in the Associates to Watch category)

Chambers notes: The Art and Cultural Property practice at Forsters brings together lawyers from across the firm. It regularly advises collectors, galleries and auction houses, and is particularly notable for handling estate planning and commercial matters for living artists.

Sources highlight in particular their positive experiences working with the firm’s lawyers. “They are efficient, quick and very good for their clients. They are very approachable and personable. I like them. Not only are they a good firm but their people are very likeable,” says a interviewee.

Another commentator says: “I can’t fault them. They are extremely thorough and approachable, detail-focused and supportive. We enjoy working with them and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them to anyone.”

Family/Matrimonial: Ultra High Net Worth – Band 3

Ranked Lawyers: Joanne Edwards, Rosie Schumm, Simon Blain and Dickon Ceadel

Chambers notes: Forsters advises wealthy clients on a wide array of matters in family law such as divorce, financial remedy proceedings and Children Act cases. An interviewee says: “They are one of the best family law teams in the country.”

“They take a very pragmatic and collaborative approach to matters,” states a source.

A commentator adds: “They are a real comforting presence to have on a case; they have an air of confidence and calm.”

Forsters’ Family team recognised in Spear’s Family Law Index 2022

Forsters’ Family team have been recognised in Spear’s Family Law Index 2022:

The Index recognises the top family lawyers for high net worth clients in the UK, ranking individuals that have the ability to combine expert legal knowledge with an emotional understanding of a client’s situation to produce the best results.

The full Index can be viewed here.

Spear’s publishes annual rankings of the top private client advisers and service providers to high net worth individuals. These are drawn up on the basis of peer nominations, client feedback, telephone and face-to-face interviews, data supplied by firms, as well as information gathered by the Spear’s editorial and research teams.

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Club Peloton pedElle 2022 – Vienna to Budapest

Forsters are extremely proud of their amazing team that took part in pedElle 2022 with Club Peloton.

pedElle celebrates women within real estate – “creating a unique team effort that forms memories and friendships for life.”

Over three days, Natasha Rees, Helen Marsh, Nichola Padget, and Jessica Scarlett cycled through three countries: Austria, Slovakia, and Hungary covering 450km (280 miles). The team travelled all the way from Vienna to Budapest, passing amazing landscapes and beautiful cities.

This was a fundraising effort, with all money raised going to fantastic charities: Coram, CYCLISTS FIGHTING CANCER LTD, MSA Trust and the Tom AP Rhys Pryce Memorial Trust.


Day 1: Vienna to Oponice

The longest day of this year’s ride at 190kms, riders were treated to views of the Danube, Hainburg Beach, and Bratislava (the capital of Slovakia). After a long day of cycling, they arrived at Chateau Appony, a stunning white spa hotel, for a well-deserved rest.

pedElle Day 1
pedElle Day 1
pedElle Day 1


Day 2: Oponice to Banská Štiavnica

This day, the team were faced with 105kms and three brutal climbs. After cycling through the beautiful Slovakian countryside, the team headed in Nova Bana for lunch. The last leg of the ride was through the mountains, venturing on their third climb of the day. After winding their way upwards, they were rewarded with a superb descent down the other side, taking them into the beautiful medieval town of Banská Štiavnica. What a way to end the second day.

pedElle Day 2
pedElle Day 2
pedElle Day 2


Day 3: Banská Štiavnica to Budapest

For the final day, an early 7am start left the riders facing the last 153kms of their journey. This day saw them climbing through towns dotted around lakes, with fantastic views of the countryside. After 99kms, they crossed the border between Slovakia and Hungary. Once the riders finally reached Budapest, they were treated to beautiful views of the city together with celebratory drinks sponsored by Forsters, which were well deserved and well received!

pedElle Day 3
pedElle Day 3
pedElle Day 3


If you would like to donate to the team’s fantastic efforts, you can do so here.

STEP Private Client Awards 2022/23: Forsters’ Private Wealth team shortlisted in five categories

Forsters’ Private Wealth team has been shortlisted in the most number of categories of any firm, with five nominations in the STEP Private Client Awards 2022/23:

  • Private Client Legal Team of the Year (large firm)
  • International Legal Team of the Year (large firm)
  • Family Business Advisory Practice of the Year
  • Employer of the Year
  • Digital Assets Practice of the Year

The STEP Private Client Awards are seen as the hallmark of quality within the private client sector, recognising and celebrating excellence among private client professionals. In its 17th year, the awards have seen a record number of nominations, with 337 submissions across 27 countries.

The nominations showcase the breadth of specialisms within our Private Wealth practice and most notably its experience in advising on digital assets, being one of the first firms to develop expertise in this area.

In addition, this year Forsters has been elevated to large firm status. To be recognised as a large firm and shortlisted for the Employer of the Year award, is a testament to Forsters’ investment in the recruitment, training and wellbeing of first-class lawyers. This is demonstrated by our 2023 premises move, which has been driven by our desire to create an inclusive work culture and promote effective collaboration between partners and staff, as well as provide a superior service to our clients and enhance our sustainable business practices.

The news follows our success at the 2021/22 Awards Ceremony, where Forsters was named International Legal Team of the Year (midsize firm) and Contentious Trusts and Estates Team of the Year (midsize firm).

The winners will be announced at the Awards Ceremony on 14 September 2022. The full shortlist can be found here.

Xavier Nicholas
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Forsters to move to Marylebone in 2024

Forsters announces today that it will move to new HQ premises in early 2024. Located in the heart of Marylebone, the 50,000 sq. ft office at 22 Baker Street will provide Forsters’ partners, staff and clients with a modern, sustainable and flexible new headquarters.

The firm currently operates across four sites. A key driver for the decision to move is the desire to bring everybody together under one roof.

Forsters’ Managing Partner, Emily Exton, said: “The firm has enjoyed a period of sustained growth over the past five years. Our collaborative and collegiate working culture underpins our success. The move to a single site in a fantastic location can only serve to enhance this success as well as the sense of belonging and commitment to our organisation which we seek to promote.

“The firm’s leadership is committed to creating a friendly, inclusive and flexible working environment at 22 Baker Street. This will support effective collaboration and the development of all Forsters people while maintaining the delivery of a first-class service and experience for clients. Forsters continues to be a dynamic and ambitious firm – it is wonderful that our move next year will coincide with our 25th Anniversary.”

The new office sits at the heart of one of London’s premier shopping and dining areas and will have an expanded roof terrace, dedicated staff café and a range of other contemporary facilities, including collaborative working spaces and wellbeing amenities. 22 Baker Street will undergo a period of significant investment and refurbishment over the next 18 months ahead of the move, which is expected to take place in Q4 next year.

Renowned for its work in the real estate and private wealth sectors, Forsters now totals over 500 staff and partners. The move to 22 Baker Street signals the firm’s commitment to further growth, its ongoing investment in sustainable business practices and the emphasis which is placed on the wellbeing and happiness of its partners and staff.

Glenn Dunn, Head of the Corporate Occupier group within Forsters’ top ranked Commercial Real Estate team, led both the commercial and legal negotiations. He said: “Our move to 22 Baker Street will be the culmination of a carefully conducted and comprehensive search to find the right new home for our business. We looked at many potential sites but we unanimously felt that 22 Baker Street will give us an inclusive space to support each other, exchange ideas and solve our clients’ challenges as a unified team.

“Having worked opposite our new landlord Lazari Investments on several leasing transactions over the past 20 years, I have always been impressed by their collaborative and constructive approach to both negotiations and successful delivery of those projects. This experience has been a significant factor in our decision to enter into a long-term lease commitment at 22 Baker Street. We are excited at becoming a Lazari client and look forward to developing this relationship over the next 15 years.”

Robin Wickham, Executive Director CBRE commented: “It is a pleasure to have advised Forsters on acquiring space at 22 Baker Street. This prime located office with excellent environmental credentials will make a superb new home for the firm, consolidating its London footprint. Our experience in partnering with the legal sector to secure best in class in office space enabled us to act swiftly to secure this off market premium space in accordance with the brief.”

Key facts:

  • Landlord – Lazari Investments Limited
  • Agent – CBRE
  • Sq. Ft – 50,000 sq. ft of space including a roof terrace, staff café and a range of other contemporary facilities

Forsters professional team

  • Architects – ID:SR (formerly Sheppard Robson)
  • M&E Consultants – ChapmanBDSP

Landlords professional team

  • Landlords Architects – Marks Barfield
  • M&E Consultants – GLP

Green/sustainability credentials

  • Whole Life Carbon Assessment to inform choice of materials and new/upgraded building services
  • Minimum carbon benchmark of 750 kgm²
  • Targeting minimum BREEAM Excellent certification
  • Base build designed to allow an agreed Nabers Rating to be achieved subject to Forsters operational targets and fit-out design
  • Enhanced renewables as part of energy strategy with photovoltaic roof panels
  • New mechanical and engineering plant (MEP) services utilising low carbon/low energy technology will be installed and new heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems to incorporate heat recovery
  • Principles of the WELL Building Standards will be followed to contribute to enhanced indoor environmental quality and user experience.
Emily Exton
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Amy France to attend Property Week Later Living Conference 2022

Head of Later Living, Amy France, will attend Property Week’s Later Living Conference on 23 June 2022.

This one-day event will bring together key players across the industry, as well as top-level speakers who have been hand-picked to inform, inspire and engage audiences on the big issues of the Later Living sector, which have been accelerated by the impacts of Covid-19, changing lifestyles and consumer demands.

Currently, almost 12 million people are aged 65 and above, and it is predicted that by 2072 this figure will have risen to close to 21 million. The ageing population will present challenges and opportunities, shaping both development and investment decisions. The conference will centre around discussions on the new realities of investment in the Later Living market, what the future might hold for the industry, and the potential role that new technologies and innovation might play in that future.

Amy is a Partner in our Commercial Real Estate team and Head of Later Living.

Read more of our insights into this rapidly changing sector here.

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Chambers High Net Worth Awards 2022: Forsters shortlisted for Residential Property Team of the Year

Forsters have been shortlisted for ‘Residential Property Team of the Year’ at the Chambers High Net Worth Awards 2022.

The nomination reflects their achievements over the past 12 months from their outstanding work and strategic growth to their excellence in client service, and confirms the team’s position as market-leading advisors.

Forsters’ Residential Property team have enjoyed a successful year, which has included a Tier 1 ranking in the Legal 500 UK Guide, listings in the Spear’s Property Advisors Index as Top Flight and Recommended lawyers, ‘Highly Commended’ at the RESI Awards and a win at the Enfranchisement & Right to Manage Awards for ‘Solicitors Firm of the Year’.

The winners will be announced on 21 July.

Helen Marsh
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Forsters’ Contentious Trusts and Estates team expands with the hire of Alison Meek

Forsters is delighted to announce that Alison Meek will be joining the firm on 3 May as a Consultant in its award-winning Contentious Trusts and Estates (CTE) practice.

Alison is recognised for her extensive international and domestic experience acting for professional trustees and trust companies, executors and beneficiaries on a diverse range of disputes involving trusts and estates. With over 25 years of CTE experience, Alison has been appointed by the High Court to act as an executor in complex estates and in the Court of Protection to act as a deputy. She is also a trained mediator and regularly uses mediation and ADR as an effective way to resolve family disputes.

Alison Meek

A Legal 500 leading individual and a member of their Hall of Fame, Alison is acknowledged as one of the sector’s leading commentators. She has co-authored ‘The Practitioner’s Guide to Contentious Trusts and Estates’ and is a co-editor of (and contributor to) ‘International Trust Disputes’. She is a founder of ACTAPS (Association of Contentious Trust and Probate Specialists).

Alison Meek commented: “I am very excited to be joining the vibrant and expanding CTE team at Forsters led by the impressive Roberta Harvey. I have been made to feel so welcome by the team and am looking forward to helping Roberta to grow the practice further”.

Roberta Harvey, Head of Contentious Trusts and Estates at Forsters, commented: “Alison is a long standing and respected member of the CTE community and I am delighted that she will be joining the Forsters team”.

Her appointment follows the arrival of Senior Associate, Maryam Oghanna, and Associate, Rory Carter, who joined the team in October. The recruitment of three new CTE solicitors over the last six months is a clear demonstration of the team’s growing success and reputation in supporting clients with contentious trusts and estates.

The practice is ranked highly in both Chambers UK and The Legal 500, with sources reporting: “Forsters is one of the best contentious trusts and estates teams. Roberta heads up a busy and expanding team, with disputes ranging from English probate disputes to large-scale international matters”.

Alison Meek and CTE Group

Alison Meek
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Forsters’ Planning team shortlisted for Planning Awards

We are delighted that Forsters’ Planning team, headed up by Victoria Du Croz, have been shortlisted for Planning Law Firm of the Year at the Planning Awards 2022.

The Planning Awards, now in their ninth successive year, showcase the outstanding work across the planning and placemaking sectors through recognition of projects, plans, people and organisations that are making places better.

Forsters Planning team has a strong reputation within the real estate market both as technical experts, and for building strong and lasting relationships. This recognition (particularly acknowledging Planning Counsel, Matthew Evans‘ involvement with Greenwich Peninsula – one of the largest regeneration projects in Europe) is testament to their continued growth, dedication to clients and expertise in this specialist area of law.

The winner will be announced on June 9 at a live awards ceremony at The Mermaid London.

View the full shortlist here.


Planning Awards Shortlist

Learn more about our Planning team and services.

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Jo Edwards appears across primetime TV and radio to discuss the introduction of No Fault Divorce

Head of Family, Jo Edwards, has been invited to appear across multiple broadcast channels this week to discuss the introduction of no fault divorce in England and Wales.

From 6 April 2022, no fault divorce comes into force, giving separating couples a less acrimonious divorce process as they no longer need to apportion blame for the breakdown of their marriage. As a long-term campaigner for this legislative change, Jo Edwards appeared on BBC Radio 4, ITV’s Good Morning Britain and Lorraine and GB News, amongst other channels, to explain the change in the law and the benefits for separating couples and their children.

A summary of the Jo’s media appearances, key talking points and links to the recordings can be found below.

Jo, is the former Chair of Resolution and launched Resolution’s Manifesto for Family Law in February 2015 calling for the removal of blame associated with divorce. She has been a leading figure for the movement for over 10 years.


BBC Radio 4’s Money Box

Jo was invited to appear on BBC Radio 4’s Money Box on Saturday 2 April to discuss the advent of no fault divorce, with a particular emphasis on the topic of money on divorce/pensions.

Interviewed by Paul Lewis, Jo explained that the campaign for no fault divorce began three decades ago. She highlighted that the reform is not intended to establish a means for a quick divorce but an ‘end to the blame game’ meaning a kinder process.

“This is about couples who usually think very long and hard about their decision. It is positive that they will be able to petition or to apply now jointly, but whereas you say one person may be applying where the other one doesn’t want it, my expectation would be that there would have been many months of discussion about that before one person took that step”.

In addition, Jo touches on the six month minimum period imposed for those seeking a no fault divorce –

“Six months is a minimum, it’s not how long the divorce and everything related with it is going to take… The hope is that it will be possible during that period to sort out issues to do with finances and children. However, it’s really important that people don’t rush that. Ideally, they need to take proper advice, particularly in relation to pensions. Now, we know that only about 41% of divorcing couples at the moment have any sort of financial order and only about 12% deal with pensions, and that is something which is of particular concern.

“What research shows is that women generally are more likely to have emotional attachments to houses and men to pensions, so women quite often are willing to make what can turn out to be disadvantageous trades and it’s ever so important that people do seek the appropriate actuarial advice to properly value the pensions and what will be a fair outcome in relation to pensions when looking at all of the assets in a particular case and that may well take longer than six months”.

You can listen to the interview here from 15m12.

ITV’s Lorraine

Joined by Ulrika Jonsson and interviewed by Ranvir Singh, Jo focussed on the changes the new law would bring and its impact on children.

Jo explained that the previous law had meant that unless couples had been separated for at least two years, they needed to apportion blame to instigate divorce proceedings, which created a level of acrimony that invariably spilled over into discussions relating to finances, but more importantly in relation to children. She highlighted that “psychiatrists explain it’s how the separation is managed that impacts the children”, rather than the separation itself.

Now, one partner, or both together, can apply for divorce without having to give a reason or apportion blame.

On what this means for people, Jo explained that “this is going to be huge.. sadly and invariably couples drift apart, reflecting long and hard on divorce proceedings, and it was horrifying for them to find out upon seeing me that they have to apportion blame”. The new law aims “to make this a kinder process”.

The full interview can be watched here from 11m27.

Lorraine

The Briefing on GB News with Tom Harwood

Jo’s interview with Tom Harwood on GB News’ The Briefing focussed on the 30 year-long campaign for law reform.

When questioned why it has taken so long, Jo explained that the reform was not regarded as an election vote winner and it was only as a result of the case of Owens in 2018 that the pressure for change grew, once the potential injustice of the previous law was evident to the public. In Owens the court refused an unhappy wife a divorce from her husband, despite his alleged unreasonable behaviour, because it was not adjudged that he had behaved sufficiently badly. On appeal, the Supreme Court made clear that the situation was unfortunate but said that their hands were tied because of the law as it stood, which they encouraged law-makers to address.

Harwood also probed Jo on whether no fault divorce would water down the constitution of marriage. She reassured viewers that will not be the case – “Decisions to divorce are often made ignorant of the law”, with many couples coming to solicitors not knowing the law or their rights and having reflected long and hard on their decision. Jo made clear that we will likely experience a brief increase in the number of divorces due to people waiting for the new law, but this will settle down in the longer term.

GBN with Tom Harwood

LBC News

During her interview with Jim Diamond on LBC News, Jo covered the topic of cost and accessibility.

“The hope is that the [new divorce] procedure is more accessible for members of the public”. Once the decision to divorce has been made, couples can now go online and instigate the process themselves, and it is simpler than it was before.

Jo did warn, however, that legal advice should still be sought to resolve other important aspects surrounding finances and child arrangements.

The full interview can be listened to here from 2:28:20.


Jo also appeared on Good Morning Britain and Talk Radio (the 3pm segment at 7:30), and was quoted in The Guardian and the Law Society Gazette.

To find out more please do get in touch with one of our Family Lawyers and listen to our Breaking Good podcast episode “No Fault Divorce – ending the blame game”.

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Joanne Edwards

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