BDB Pitmans ranked in the Chambers High Net Worth 2024 guide

BDB Pitmans

Chambers High Net Worth ranks the leading lawyers and law firms for international private wealth and is based on in-depth analysis carried out by a dedicated team of experienced researchers.

In the 2024 edition of the guide, BDB Pitmans has once again been ranked in the following categories:

Private Wealth Law (London);
Real Estate: High Value Residential (London);
Private Wealth Law (Reading);
Family Offices & Funds Structuring (UK-Wide); and
Private Wealth Law (South Africa).

Private Wealth Law (London)

Jonathan Colclough is highlighted for his expertise in cross-border matters, particularly those with a connection to South Africa. ‘Jonathan is my go-to for UK tax advice for cross-border clients. He provides clear, practical advice, even on extremely complex issues.’ ‘Jonathan Colclough is very methodical, circumspect in giving the right advice with a deep knowledge, which sets him apart.’ ‘Jonathan stays very much on top of all developments. He is incredibly thorough and knowledgeable, but also very commercially minded, and has a can-do attitude.’

Judith Millar advises her clients on complex trust and estate planning matters, often relating to the variation or restructuring of trusts.

Marilyn McKeever advises high net worth clients on offshore trusts and tax matters. ‘Marilyn has encyclopaedic knowledge of UK tax issues for cross-border individuals.’ ‘Marilyn is always exceptionally prepared and she understands the systemic nature of UK tax advice.’ ‘Many tax lawyers can research an answer, but there are few gems who understand how such answers fit systemically, and Marilyn is such a gem.’

Real Estate: High Value Residential (London)

John Stephenson is particularly respected by industry figures for his expertise in leasehold enfranchisement and lease extension matters. ‘John is very strong on enfranchisement and lease extension work, one of the recognised leaders.’ ‘John Stephenson is very personable, with great attention to detail. He worked well on tight timescales and was good to work with. He has great depth of knowledge.’ ‘He has great experience with leaseholds, is well-versed with all sorts of structures and his knowledge is phenomenal.’

Hema Anand regularly acts for clients on high-value residential property acquisitions and sales. She also handles enfranchisement matters. ‘Hema is very experienced and has got a very commercial no-nonsense approach. She is pragmatic with a lot of common sense, so she does not unduly get caught up in the law and miss clients’ aims.’ ‘She is well known in leasehold extension and enfranchisement space. We are always happy to see her name as she is sensible and really knows what she is doing.’

Tristan Ward leads the firm’s landed estates and agriculture team and is an expert on rural property matters. ‘Tristan is an excellent, well-respected advisor in this market.’ ‘Tristan is an extremely intelligent lawyer, very detailed and excellent at the legal process. He is in a class of his own in terms of technicality and ability to deal with very complex transactions.’

Private Wealth Law (Reading)

Sheilagh Magee advises on a range of matters including estate administration. ‘Sheilagh is great. She is personable and can handle difficult clients. She is extremely knowledgeable.’ ‘Sheilagh has excellent people skills.’

Alexander Morgan is a legal director at the firm and advises on tax matters, wills and estate administration. ‘Alex is very bright and highly personable.’ ‘Alex is a fantastic and helpful solicitor. He is always professional and pleasant to deal with.’

Family Offices & Funds Structuring (UK-Wide)

Sophie St John is co-head of BDB Pitmans’ family office department. She advises family offices on estate planning and asset structuring for international, multi-generational families. ‘Sophie St John is very personable and responsive, and has an excellent understanding of her clients.’ ‘She’s very methodical and thorough, really responsive and has a good turnaround time.’

Private Wealth Law (South Africa)

Jonathan Colclough of BDB Pitmans in London has experience which encompasses the full range of cross-border tax, trust and estate planning matters. He is particularly skilled at advising clients on UK / South Africa wealth planning issues, as well as on offshore trust matters.