Sarah Balchin
Stevens & Bolton LLPNoted for its strong expertise in the tech sector, Stevens & Bolton LLP is well regarded for providing tax support on a wide variety of transactions, including M&A with equity incentive structures, and exit planning. Practice head Kate Schmit has a strong track record of advising entrepreneurs on equity incentive design and implementation. Sarah Cardew focuses on real estate and construction-related mandates, assisting clients with VAT, stamp duty land tax, the Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) and capital allowances. Sarah Balchin regularly advises on the tax aspects of growth capital matters, as well as employee share schemes and shareholder issues. Melanie Shone left the firm in 2023, and John Forde joined from Fladgate LLP in late 2024.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Our experience with this firm goes back many years, and we remain extremely pleased with the service received.'
- 'Timely professional response in each of these areas is a key strength.’
‘A fabulous team. Responsive, client focused, and dynamic in their approach. Always willing and able to collaborate with other professionals to deliver a bespoke solution for clients.'
- 'Very good value - incredible breadth and depth of knowledge.'
‘Sarah Cardew has been engaging, approachable and very commercial. A pleasure to deal with. Her knowledge, experience and wisdom combined with an ability to communicate effectively and in a way that is accessible to all make her our go to.’
‘Straight forward and simple advice for what is a complicated practice area. Crucially, also, commercial focused on what we were seeking advice on, not just theoretical.’
‘They are particularly good at distilling complex advice into a user-friendly form and bring a wealth of experience relevant to high net worth individuals in a range of sectors.’
Key clients
- Spiritmen Limited
- Management shareholders of Future Biogas
- Krystal Kleen Heritage Ltd
- Shareholders of Africa Matters Limited
- Aquability (UK) Ltd
- Cloobees SP. Z O.O.
- HFMC Wealth Holdings Ltd
- Pearson Ham Consulting Ltd
- PUIG UK Ltd
Work highlights
- Advised the management shareholders on Future Biogas’s sale to 3iInfrastructure plc.
- Advised on the sale of Africa Matters Ltd to J.S. Held.
- Advising the management team of a household name spirit brand in connection with exit planning and complex issues in connection with exercise of share options.
Lawyers
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Kate Schmit
Stevens & Bolton LLPPractice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Kate Schmit