At Weightmans LLP ’what truly sets them apart is their client-centric approach. The team’s collaborative mindset fosters a wealth of diverse and holistic perspectives, ensuring clients benefit from well-rounded advice’. Practice head is the ‘exceptional’ Jonathan Shankland, who garners a lot of praise for his offshore tax and estate planning work. Patrick Malone has particular expertise in complex estates and particularly those with literary and heritage/art assets. Caroline Doyle, now a legal director, is also well-regarded along with associate Joshua Ryan. Arshoo Singh left to join Warners Solicitors in September 2023.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘One of the strongest private client legal teams in Europe, Jon & Patrick have assembled a uniquely talented team. They bring together a unique superset of skills across complex estate management, tax advisory and creation of trusts. There is nobody else I would rather work with’.
‘Jon Shankland - simply the best in class in terms of skills, experience and professionalism. He delivers the best result in every case, no matter how complex. He is globally connected to a wealth of talent, always remains calm and focused and provides exactly the right level of communication on the matters at hand'.
'Patrick Malone continues to win cases with ease, provide timely and prescient advice. He has on multiple occasions explained a unique solution to me that I could never have thought of. Quite an amazing attorney'.
'Caroline Doyle - She is a really up and coming force for the next generation of talented tax lawyers. She is incredibly technical and was this year I believe promoted to Legal Director as testimony to her ability. She is a phenomenal tax technician with a real eye for complex detail intensive problems and advice. She is simply outstanding'.
'Joshua Ryan is a force to be reckoned with, he is a fluent French speaker which has been beyond helpful in a number of UK/France matters. Josh is not only an excellent lawyer but a really well connected individual who is already making waves. Josh is a super star for the future '.
‘Jon Shankland has a very strong knowledge on complex international tax and structuring matters. Also his way of understanding the cross-border aspects impresses me. His strengths lie in his calm, reflective and absolutely results-oriented proactive approach. The response times to enquiries are always short and the answers without exception detailed'.
'Patrick Malone is every bit a leading figure in the Tax Trusts & Estates world; he is very calm and collected when dealing with highly technical, sprawling and ultra-high value clients. Clients in my experience love Patrick and he always seems to be available'.

Key clients

Simon Nicholls
Codan Trust Company / Nkosi Trust
Gillian HarwoodThe E M Shipping Family
JTC Group PLC (Trust & Fiduciary Company)Gillian Harwood
The Estate of Dorothy BohmJTC Group PLC (Trust & Fiduciary Company)
Lord Angus MacDonald, The Baron of Tradeston CBEThe Estate of Dorothy Bohm
The Baroness Van Dedem & Family Lord Angus MacDonald, The Baron of Tradeston CBE
The Research Partnership: Mark Jeffery and Mary AssimakopoulosThe Baroness Van Dedem & Family
Collas Crill International Law FirmThe Research Partnership: Mark Jeffery and Mary Assimakopoulos
Collas Crill International Law Firm

Work highlights

Acting for The Baroness Van Dedem and the Van Dedem Family and Trusts International tax, succession and estate planning across multiple jurisdictions for the ultra-high net worth family and related family structures.
Acting for a global top 10 charity on the UK tax, structuring and advisory work for their entry to UK and the EU. Particular focus on the UK tax advantages of UK incorporation for UK UHNW philanthropists
Acting for a leading UK entrepreneur and businessman in his tax and estate planning, as well as the management of his UK estate generally. Particularly advising in 2023 on the sale of his UK landed estate.