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."