Burges Salmon LLP's Bristol team is active nationally and internationally, advising high-net-worth individuals and families, as well as trustees, on matters ranging from tax structuring and exemptions to trust terminations and restructurings. Cross-border estate planning and trust structuring represent key areas of work for Suzanna Harvey, who co-heads the team alongside Jim Aveline, an expert on landed estate matters. Former practice head John Barnett has longstanding experience working with entrepreneurial clients, and Catherine De Maid regularly advises on cross-border tax planning matters with philanthropy aspects. Emma Heelis-Adams advises UK non-domiciled clients on succession planning, and Tim Williams advises on land development taxation issues.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘The team's tax and legal knowledge in respect of trusts and succession planning is outstanding. They also have the ability to explain the complex in an understandable way.’

  • ‘John Barnett and Emma Heelis-Adams are two experienced and intelligent lawyers who are also extremely pleasant and approachable individuals.’

  • ‘Everyone we have had dealings with at Burges Salmon has ended up feeling like a friend as much as a lawyer and advisor, and it is pleasure dealing with the firm and knowing that we know them and they really understand our situation.’

  • ‘What has struck me about working with Burges Salmon is the strength in depth of the team and how they work together in a collaborative way. This enables seamless dialogue between the tax team, family team etc. This has resulted in more joined up advice for clients and shorter lines of communication.’

  • ‘Emma Heelis-Adams in particular is incredible and very technically knowledgeable and her advice is incredibly easy to read.'

  • 'Jim Aveline is always available for his clients and gives considered and rounded advice in an increasingly complex backdrop.’

  • ‘Suzanna Harvey and Edward Hayes are always available and willing to run through questions in a way that makes it easy to understand. They offer advice in the format we understand and also are practical in their approach.'

  • ‘The Burges Salmon partners and the supporting team are responsive, engaged and very much subject experts. They are a pleasure to work with.’

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 associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Suzanna Harvey, Jim Aveline

Other key lawyers

John Barnett, Tom Hewitt, Catherine De Maid, Emma Heelis-Adams, Edward Hayes, Ronnie Myers, Tim Williams