Hall of fameFarrer & Co
Russell advises on all aspects of tax planning, estate planning and trust structuring. He frequently lectures, chairs and presents seminars on trust and tax matters. He is also responsible for the firm’s Immigration practice.
England - London • Private client
Farrer & Co
The Farrer & Co private client team ‘continues to deliver a personal and exceptional service. Understanding client personalities, nuances and preferences and being able to tailor their service effortlessly is what’s different about Farrers’. Under the joint leadership of Bryony Cove and Sarah von Schmidt, it regularly advises wealthy families and individuals as well as trustee companies, banks/wealth managers and family offices. The ’exceptional’ Russell Cohen has a substantial practice advising some of the wealthiest international families in the world and also advises institutional clients. The ‘really fantastic’ Oliver Piper has particular expertise in trust law, advising trustees, settlors and beneficiaries on all matters relating to the formation, administration and restructuring of UK and offshore trusts. Alexandra Hollingshead provides complex trusts, tax and structuring advice to trustees and individuals, family businesses and family offices. Catherine McAleavey is an experienced trusts and succession planning lawyer who acts primarily for UK-based wealthy individuals and families. Jennifer Ridgway joined the team from Michelmores LLP in November 2022.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The team are a harmonious bunch with exceptional technical skills and wonderful client service. Bryony Cove, Richard McDermott, Sarah von Schmidt - and others. They all have a passion for outstanding client service encompassing empathy and honesty'.
‘Farrers have a strong reputation as one of the best general practice private client law firms. They have a prestigious client base and are known for providing high end advice to a range of clients'.
‘The Farrer team provides excellent services. They are very personable and their advice is always of the highest quality. Russell Cohen is one of the best Private Client lawyers I have worked with. He is intelligent and knowledgeable while being at the same time very personable'.
‘Strong experts and very cohesive and interconnected teams, able to support UHNW families on all matters. Expert technical advice but also completely client minded, allowing client to properly prioritise their matters and concerns’.
‘They are responsive and knowledgeable and listen rather than giving stock responses'.
‘Farrer & CO LLP are the Rolls-Royce of the Private Client world. Their Private Client team combine charm, excellent client handling skills and heavy duty intellectual firepower in equal measure'.
‘Russell Cohen - Partner - Calm, reassuring and able to identify quickly, and communicate clearly, the heart of the matter. Claire Randall - Partner - a diamond edged mind capable of handling the most complex tax problems'.
- 'Exceptional team willing to find solutions to complex problem. Georgina James is innovative and creative'.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Leading individuals
Farrer & Co
Bryony specialises in mainly onshore work including complex inheritance tax and capital gains tax advice, succession and estate planning, administration of estates (including international probate), asset protection work, trusts and some contentious probate and trust matters. She has particular experience advising on matters involving vulnerable people, where the issue of mental capacity is central. This includes people suffering from dementia, the after-effects of stroke or Alzheimer’s, depression or other mental illness, or addiction. She works closely with individuals and family members to guide them through what are often challenging circumstances. Bryony has contributed articles to a range of titles and websites including eprivateclient, Family Business United and Kleinwort Benson’s magazine, most recently writing pieces on issues of mental capacity and digital assets.
Farrer & Co
Sarah specialises in advising wealthy individuals and their families, entrepreneurs and landowning families on personal tax, trusts and succession planning. She also advises executors and trustees on their duties and powers and works closely with family offices, wealth managers and private banks. Sarah is a member of the firm’s Entrepreneurs and Family Business groups and has a particular interest in advising owner managers of growing companies and family businesses on the personal wealth issues that affect those in these sectors. Sarah is recommended in the Legal 500 directory, described as a "dynamic personality" and "particularly good". She is included on the Honours List for lawyers in the Citywealth Leaders List 2015 and on the Power Women listings having previously been shortlisted as "Woman of the Year" at the Citywealth Magic Circle Awards 2013.
Next Generation Partners
Farrer & Co
Alexandra specialises in providing advice to trustees and UK and international individuals and family offices on wealth structuring and complex inheritance tax and capital gains tax planning. Alexandra has experience of using offshore trusts, companies and foundations together with Wills and estate planning.
Farrer & Co
Oliver advises individuals and institutions on all matters relating to the formation, administration and restructuring of UK and offshore trusts and other wealth holding structures. He also specialises in capital tax planning, will drafting and cross-border estates.
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Bryony Cove, Sarah von Schmidt