Maurice Turnor Gardner LLP > London, England > Firm Profile

Maurice Turnor Gardner LLP
15th Floor, Milton House
Milton Street
LONDON
EC2Y 9BH
England

Private client > Personal tax, trusts and probate Tier 1

The ‘extremely personable’ team at Maurice Turnor Gardner LLP has the ‘perfect combination of the output and expertise of a ‘Magic Circle’ law firm, but with the personality of a small boutique offering a friendly service’, say clients. Under the leadership of Fiona Poole, it has a specialist focus on complex international and cross-border estate planning and succession structuring for ultra-high-net-worth clients. The practice helps clients to protect and preserve their wealth for future generations by way of family charters and constitutions, trusts, and other international asset holding structures. Ceris Gardner and Clare Maurice are among the key contacts for clients of the firm, who include foreign royalty and English aristocracy. Other significant clients are entrepreneurs, traditionally wealthy families, trustees, and private banks. Managing partner Emma-Jane Weider and Eesha Arora are highly regarded; Arora frequently works with trustees, beneficiaries, and philanthropists on a variety of complex matters. Paul Whitehead is also vastly experienced in advising international and UK-based high-net-worth clients. Claire Weeks is another notable member of the practice.

Practice head(s):

Fiona Poole

Other key lawyers:

Ceris Gardner; Clare Maurice; Jennifer Chambers; Eesha Arora; Ed Powles; Dominic Conde-Cole; Colin Senez; Emma-Jane Weider; Claire Weeks; Paul Whitehead

Testimonials

‘Ed Powles is always very responsive and his advice is clear. We have lots of confidence in his experience and technical knowledge.’

‘Fiona Poole – great in handling complex, cross-border matters, also when the client and his family is more demanding and difficult decisions are to be taken under time pressure. She is risk sensitive and still pragmatic in her solutions.’

‘MTG are a truly exceptional private client team with real talent hailing from the magic circle firms. They have great clients and are a first-rate team.’

‘Eesha Arora is an excellent lawyer. Her knowledge and application of trusts and tax law is probably the best in the industry. She is incredibly bright and utterly charming. A safe pair of hands for any client. Dominic Conde-Cole’s attention to detail and knowledge of his brief is exceptional.’

‘Eesha Arora is bright and has excellent client care skills. She is extremely thorough and leaves no stone unturned. Colin Senez has an extensive network of French professionals and this has been helpful to me.’

‘The team has the extremely experienced, skilful and knowledgeable Clare Maurice, who is supported by a full service team which includes Emma-Jane Wieder and Claire Weeks. Every member of the team is knowledgeable and approachable and has the approach that a client wants.’

‘Fiona Poole is very clever and client friendly. Emma Jane Weider is very sharp. Eesha Arora has great client skills. Jennifer Chambers is technically very good. Claire Weeks is bubbling with energy and intellect.’

‘We work with Jennifer Chambers. We have absolute trust in her and, looking back on her track record, she has never let us down over three decades. We can’t say that about anyone else in the industry.’

Real estate > Residential property Tier 1

The ‘really experienced’ team at Maurice Turnor Gardner LLP is noted for its ‘excellent’ knowledge of property law. The group specialises in advising private sector clients on super-prime transactions, leasehold enfranchisement, lease extensions, and residential financings. Sarah Conway heads the practice, regularly handling a range of complex residential real estate deals. Edward Burton is particularly knowledgeable of matters involving listed buildings, new build super-prime apartments, as well as country houses. Mary Campbell is skilled at handling situations where there is family disharmony, often advising landed estates.

Practice head(s):

Sarah Conway

Other key lawyers:

Edward Burton; Mary Campbell; Olivia Minghella

Testimonials

‘The availability and honest approach to advice is second to none. We have been working with MTG for over 8 years and have had a great relationship throughout. Mary and Sarah have always been excellent.��� 

‘Accessible, efficient and very clever. Vast experience means they have the ability to empathise and advise clients. Sarah Conway & Edward Burton – They are just the best. So much more responsive.’

‘Sarah Conway and Edward Burton are two of the most approachable and client friendly real estate lawyers in the market. They take complex legal matters and explain them to clients in a no nonsense easy to digest way. They also aren’t afraid to give clients their opinion.’

‘Sarah Conway – delightful, knowledgeable, experienced. Edward Burton – highly technical, positive, smart, efficient, responsive. Mary Campbell – calm, technical, highly responsive.’

‘Brutally efficient, always on call and fantastic to deal with. An excellent team in the fullest sense. Ed Burton – one of the chattiest but most on the ball and pleasant lawyers in the land. Sarah Conway – experienced, authoritative, calm, a real go to person in the industry who can always be relied upon.’

‘Sarah Conway has enormous experience and Edward Burton is considered to be phenomenally bright with an extraordinary mind that can work through all problems with incredible dexterity. Mary is delightful and experienced. Olivia incredibly competent.’

‘A phenomenal property team, probably the best in the business. They are collaborative, very communicative and deliver an exceptional service. Sarah Conway and Edward Burton They care passionately about every transaction and deliver the highest possible service standard.’

‘Mary Campbell is on top of everything and we can always rely on her to check and double check everything they do. We know we are in safe hands with the MTG team.

Private client > Charities and not-for-profit Tier 2

Maurice Turnor Gardner LLP’s primary focus is on high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth private clients’ needs, including philanthropy and charitable giving. In addition, under the direction of Jennifer Emms, the practice works with a number of large household name charities. Its charity practice is broad, covering the establishment and registration of operational and grant-making charities, through to advising on governance and conflicts of interest. It is also recommended for its work on mergers and serious incident reporting. Much of its work has an international dimension. Emma-Jane Weider is highly regarded and Ceris Gardner has been praised as a ‘giant of the charity world’.

Practice head(s):

Jennifer Emms

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘We have received excellent advice on aspects of charity law from MTG.’

‘Emma-Jane Weider has come back with very clear advice and worked to a tight timetable where needed.’

‘MTG is an industry leader in their charities and not-for-profit practice, both in providing advice in the UK context and also advice around global philanthropy.’

‘Ceris Gardner remains a luminary in the field of philanthropy. She is widely respected and sought out for her expertise, her leadership in the British non-profit sector, and her wise counsel on complex issues.’

‘They provide both expertise in not-for-profit and private matters and so have a commercial edge over other firms that may just focus on charities.’

‘Jennifer Emms has great attention to detail and availability, is very calm, and knows how to navigate complex issues.’

Key clients

Big Issue Invest Trust

Private client > Contentious trusts and probate Tier 2

Rupert Ticehurst heads the practice at Maurice Turnor Gardner LLP, which specialises in high-value and complex disputes. Its wealthy client base stems from around the world, and the group is skilled at handling onshore and offshore trust and estate disputes. The ‘very knowledgeable‘ Ticehurst has ‘an excellent ability to explain complex matters in a simple way'. He is recognised for his expertise across a broad variety of matters, such as freezing orders, as well as advising on the removal of trustees, protectors, and executors. Simon Goldring, Rosalind Hetherington, and Jerry Jamieson are now at Fladgate LLP.

Practice head(s):

Rupert Ticehurst

Testimonials

‘Rupert Ticehurst is so clever. He thinks deeply about what is in the best interests of his clients and delivers.’

‘They have sufficient strength and depth to deal with complex matters, yet are small enough to provide a bespoke and highly personal service.’

‘We have worked closely with Rupert Ticehurst. He is truly outstanding; whip smart, personable, commercially minded. One of the best.’

‘Very experienced in this niche but very difficult field.’

‘Rupert Ticehurst is an exceptionally clear thinker who does not get distracted with peripheral issues but focuses his laser-like intellect on the fundamental issues and, unlike other lawyers, can give clear advice.’

‘This is a very strong team both for contentious and non-contentious matters. Rupert Ticehurst is an excellent lawyer with skill in contentious litigation as well as non-contentious advisory work.’

‘Rupert Ticehurst is a wonderful solicitor with a fantastic and well-deserved reputation.

‘If I were a lay client looking for a solicitor to fight my corner in a will or trust dispute, Rupert Ticehurst would be one of my first choices. An unwavering, tenacious and determined advocate of his clients and their interests. Rightly regarded as a one of the doyens in his field.’

Private client > Art and cultural property Tier 4

Employment > Immigration: human rights Tier 4

Employment > Immigration: personal Tier 4

Led by Colin Senez, who specialises in HNW immigration issues, Maurice Turnor Gardner LLP is a boutique private client firm advising on all aspects of UK immigration and nationality work. Focusing on providing immigration services to a HNW and UHNW client base, the group can also draw on expertise in tax, wills and estate planning and contentious trusts. Ceris Gardner and Emma-Jane Weider are also key figures.

Practice head(s):

Colin Senez

 

Other key lawyers:

Employment > Immigration Tier 5

Leveraging the firm’s private wealth department, Maurice Turnor Gardner LLP has a ‘technically adept and approachable team‘ that handles both personal and business immigration for a broad range of HNW clients. The group has particular expertise migrating businesses and family offices to the UK, as well with obtaining visas for business associates and family members. Practice head Colin Senez, whose ‘knowledge of Home Office practice is second to none‘, specialises in all types of immigration work for HNW clients. Ceris Gardner and Emma-Jane Weider are also key figures for a broad range of immigration advice.

Practice head(s):

Colin Senez

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘Very professional, knowledgeable and approachable.’

‘Emma-Jane Weider is extremely knowledgeable, thorough, professional and responsive. We felt in very safe hands with her team, including with Colin Senez.’

‘Colin Senez is a great immigration lawyer.’

‘Colin Senez is a very good lawyer, he is both reachable and technical.’

‘Excellence as lawyers, dedication to their clients and people skills.’

‘Technically adept and approachable team.’

‘We have the highest regard for their expertise, judgment and strategic sense in all areas of private client work. They are deeply experienced, and known and respected globally both for their legal skills and their creative thinking in finding ways to resolve complex matters in their clients’ best interests.’

‘Colin Senez is technically excellent and constantly keeps the client on track on what is an emotive and sometimes complex route to settlement in the UK. We deal with him on UK immigration cases and his knowledge of Home Office practice is second to none.’

Corporate and commercial > Partnership

Maurice Turnor Gardner is a London based boutique private client law firm of highly rated lawyers and is well-known in the private wealth arena for all-round expertise and structuring private wealth around the world.  The firm focuses exclusively on the issues (both contentious and non contentious) which affect wealthy individuals, family offices, trustees and professional practices in the UK and elsewhere.

Our clients come from all over the world, which has given the team in-depth technical  and cultural knowledge about a number of different regions and include entrepreneurs, traditionally wealthy families, trustees and private banks.  Their assets include interests in both listed and privately-owned companies, real estate, race horses, works of art, yachts and planes and investment portfolios of significant value.

The firm: The three key words which encompass the firm’s philosophy are “respected”, “trusted” and “excellent”.  We seek to understand all the legal, commercial and tax issues affecting our clients and to provide them with principled and practical legal solutions, working in partnership with them as their trusted advisers.

Types of work undertaken
Personal tax, trusts and probate: The team advises on estate and succession planning to protect and preserve assets ranging from privately owned companies, real estate and liquid assets to racehorses, yachts, planes and art. Owing to the nature of our client base, we have particular experience of complex (often cross border), high-profile and high-value probates which frequently have cross-jurisdictional features. We also advise on the issues surrounding intestacy, post-death variations and the tax implications of post-death arrangements. We are able to help individuals and attorneys with Lasting Powers of Attorney and if necessary, Court of Protection applications. In addition we provide international clients with advice on pre-arrival planning and on exit strategies, and wealthy individuals and trustees with advice on UK taxation, particularly the treatment of non-UK domiciled individuals. Trustees and beneficiaries also seek advice from us on their powers, duties and rights under all forms of trust structures, both onshore and offshore.

Contentious trusts/dispute resolution:  The team acts for trustees, beneficiaries and members of ultra high net worth families in complex, high-value disputes relating to trusts, estates and divorce, in the UK and offshore. Additionally we advise across the spectrum of contentious work including trustees seeking to avoid litigation, applications for directions, applications for removal of trustees and claims for breach of trust or fiduciary duty.  We assist trustees, family members and others to pre-empt, avoid and where necessary resolve difficulties and disharmony, including family governance/family charters.  Our advice is also sought by commercial/corporate trustees involved in disputes, advising on trustees’ duties and liabilities arising under commercial trusts.

Real estate:  The team advises on high value and complex residential property matters for private clients focusing on high value acquisitions and disposals of prime and super prime residential property (from listed to new build) as well as corporate entities holding high value residential property, often cross-border, involving the sale or purchase of prime residential property in the UK while co-ordinating the sale or purchase of properties in other jurisdictions. The team also provides advice on leasehold enfranchisement and lease extensions and has significant experience in the transactional implications of these matters.  In addition the team advises on commercial property transactions for a wide range of clients including private clients, institutional investors, banks and corporates across the whole property life cycle and has particular expertise in dealing with the purchase, sale, letting, management and funding of high value and prestigious commercial properties.

Partnerships and professional practices: The team provides advice on constitutional documents, governance, international structures, LLP conversions, partner/team moves, mergers/demergers and disputes including regulatory and compliance issues, for UK and global professional practices.  We are well known for our innovative uses of partnership and LLP structures in finance and corporate transactions and as succession planning vehicles for families.  Additionally we advise on corporate trusts including bare trusts, escrow and financing structures and voting trusts

Philanthropy and charity:  The team is often instructed in connection with the creation and funding of charities and the appropriate charitable vehicle, ensuring the fiscal efficiency of the structure and donations, and the benefits of dual-registered charities in an international context.  We also provide advice on the day-to-day management of charities and governance issues, trustee protection and remuneration, the powers, duties and liabilities of trustees and tax issues, additionally providing assistance with the making of grants.  We advise trustees on their duties; the regulatory environment within which charities operate and about engagement with the regulators.  We also advise on legal issues for banks and corporates entering into contractual arrangements with charity counterparties, and on CSR programmes and charitable giving.

Business immigration:  The team advises on all aspects of the immigration process, from assessing and compiling applications through to obtaining the relevant permissions for clients and their families to come to the UK, obtaining visas for investor and entrepreneur clients under Tier 1 of the points-based system.  We also advise on Tier 2 sponsorship licence applications for employers, non-EEA skilled worker visas, business visits, advising on obtaining indefinite leave to remain and British citizenship, on residence rights of EEA nationals and their family members.  We provide financial institutions with advice on immigration issues relevant to them and their clients.

Department Name Email Telephone
Senior Partner Clare Maurice [email protected]
Managing Partner Emma-Jane Weider [email protected]
Head of Charities Jennifer Emms [email protected]
Head of Immigration Colin Senez [email protected]
Head of Dispute Resolution Rupert Ticehurst [email protected]
Head of Real Estate Sarah Conway [email protected]
Head of Art and Cultural Property Ed Powles [email protected]
Head of Private Wealth Fiona Poole [email protected]
Photo Name Position Profile
Eesha Arora photo Eesha Arora Eesha is a partner and is experienced in advising international individuals, families…
Edward Burton photo Edward Burton Edward is a partner in the Real Estate team and specialises in…
Jennifer Chambers photo Jennifer Chambers Jennifer is a partner and Head of the Private Wealth Team. She…
Sarah Conway photo Sarah Conway Sarah is a partner and Head of the Real Estate practice and…
Jennifer Emms photo Jennifer Emms Jennifer advises on a range of private wealth matters, including taxation, trusts,…
Ceris Gardner photo Ceris Gardner Ceris is a partner and head of the Charity and Philanthropy practice…
Clare Maurice photo Clare Maurice Clare is Senior Partner of Maurice Turnor Gardner.  Her main specialism is…
Fiona Poole photo Fiona Poole Fiona is a partner and specialises in complex estate and succession planning…
Ed Powles photo Ed Powles Ed is a partner and advises on a range of private client…
Rupert Ticehurst photo Rupert Ticehurst Rupert is a partner and Head of the Dispute Resolution team.  His…
Claire Weeks photo Claire Weeks Claire is a partner and advises trustees, financial institutions and high-net worth…
Emma-Jane Weider photo Emma-Jane Weider Emma-Jane is Managing Partner of Maurice Turnor Gardner. She specialises in advising…
Paul Whitehead photo Paul Whitehead Paul is a partner and specialises in private client matters and international…
Partners : 13
Counsel/associates : 19
Trainees : 5
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