Bircham Dyson Bell recognised in the Chambers High Net Worth Guide 2018

The Chambers High Net Worth 2018 is specifically aimed at the international private wealth market and provides objective guidance on the leading lawyers and law firms for wealthy individuals and families. It is a key reference point for the international private wealth market, identifying private wealth management work and related specialisms in key jurisdictions around the world.

Rankings are awarded based on independent research conducted by a dedicated team of private wealth researchers. Bircham Dyson Bell was ranked as follows in the 2018 Guide:

• Private Wealth – Band 3
• Private Wealth Disputes – Band 4
• Real Estate – High Value Residential – Band 3

Notable practitioners include: 

Private Wealth

Helen Ratcliffe is ‘very bright, a first-class lawyer,’ reports a barrister. She works with UK and international clients on tax and estate planning matters, and has additional expertise in handling heritage property issues. ‘She’s very good, she works incredibly hard, she’s very serious about doing a good job,’ says a peer. Another source describes her as ‘very responsive, knowledgeable, thoughtful and a kind person to work with.’

Judith Millar advises high net worth clients on trust and estate planning matters and is experienced in both UK and international work. She also assists clients on domicile and residence issues. Millar is praised by sources as ‘very good, very thorough and very pleasant to deal with’ and ‘very experienced on the international side.’

Private Wealth Disputes

Geoffrey Kertesz leads the will and trust disputes team and acts for a broad range of high net worth clients. ‘He is outstanding,’ enthuses one source, who continues: ‘He is a tough but fair litigator and is the type of lawyer who can spot the sort of issues that all other lawyers miss.’ Another interviewee observes: ‘He has great instincts and knows which cases can be fought and which must be settled.’ Various sources further laud him as ‘very well-connected in the industry’ and ‘a popular figure in the market.’ His ability to keep abreast of current legal issues is also noted. ‘He is very switched on to this market and how it is developing,’ states an observer.

Real Estate

John Stephenson concentrates on landlord and tenant matters and is especially notable for advising clients on leasehold reform. A source says that he has ‘outstanding knowledge and experience of his field and practice,’ adding: ‘John is personable, patient and considerate.’ ‘He is excellent and always on top of everything. He is very good indeed,’ remarks another observer: ‘He keeps a very close eye on everything, he is very flexible and always available. He is delightful.’

Henry Cecil advises wealthy clients on the purchase and sale of estates, land, farms and country houses, and also assists with estate management matters and development agreements. One fellow solicitor says that ‘he is very nice to deal with.’ Another interviewee states: ‘He is very well connected and clients love him. He is very straightforward and charming. He is very passionate about what he does, which is a good message for clients.’

Hema Anand heads the firm’s residential property team and frequently advises high net worth clients on leasehold extensions and enfranchisements. ‘She’s a joy to work with – she’s absolutely wonderful,’ says a market insider, adding: ‘She is very straight-up, and disarmingly clever really.’ ‘She is just very friendly, everyone knows her, and she is very knowledgeable,’ observes an estate agent, and a client remarks: ‘She communicates and explains complex matters very well.’

Read more about the guide here.