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Lawyers for families and family offices
The total wealth held by family offices is unknown, due to the private approach taken to invest and manage their capital, but it is estimated to be in the tens of trillions of US$. The scale of activities undertaken by family offices is also very broad, from single family offices focused on the needs of one family's wealth to multi-family offices providing a range of professional services.
Guiding you through the issues
We have been helping successful families since Withers was founded in 1896, and excel in advising on the numerous legal and emotional issues associated with managing, protecting and passing on your wealth. Our extensive experience in working with family offices means we can advise on not just how best to establish and manage your family office, but also where best to geographically situate its operations. The question of location is often a difficult and strategic decision, carrying with it various tax implications. With offices across the US, Asia and Europe, we are here to help you navigate these concerns.Investment perspectives
We have a dedicated funds, investment and tax team, including lawyers with corporate, tax and trust experience, enabling us to provide targeted investment structuring advice. We work with our clients on the establishment, operation and tax treatment of the full range of investments and collective investment schemes; we can advise clients from the perspective of fund principal and/or manager, as well as that of fund investor.You may be considering the most appropriate tax efficient structures to hold your assets, such as domestic and international trusts and foundations, private trust companies, or in offshore jurisdictions around the world. We are well placed to point out the potential issues and solutions in each instance and to guide you through the decision-making process.
Assembling the right team
An essential part of running an effective family office is finding people with the right skills. We frequently work with family offices on the recruitment of key personnel, including the negotiation of employment agreements, and the development of deferred compensation structures designed to align the interests of the employee with those of the family.Mitigating risk
Family offices face numerous sources of risk, including investment loss or devaluation, compliance failure, tax investigations or changes of regulations and compliance failures. When you find yourself under investigation from regulators, or needing to launch a law suit against another party, our international dispute resolution team is available to assist on litigation of all sizes.And finally, we have extensive experience of advising successful international families on protecting their reputation. The international media has never been more fascinated by, and suspicious of, the activities of the wealthy, and our media and reputation team has acted for many years both for and against the media, in cutting-edge cases involving reputation issues, including defamation, malicious falsehood, harassment, privacy and confidentiality.
How we can help
At difficult moments in life, you need the best advice available. As one of the largest and most experienced teams of family and divorce lawyers in the world, we’re here to help you through.
EmploymentFrom negotiating contracts to advising on the best way to handle a crisis, our highly experienced employment lawyers are here to help, working for employers and senior executives alike.
Family businessesFrom small companies to global brands, we understand the dynamics of family businesses and what makes them special. We offer a rounded view on everything from tax to succession planning.
Investment structuringSuccessful people frequently call on our comprehensive knowledge of investment classes from art to complex financial products. Our teams around the world can handle tax, regulatory and cross-border issues.
The publication of private or inaccurate information can seriously damage reputations. Should the worst happen, our media law team will quickly advise on how to mitigate any potential impact.
PhilanthropyThere is no single approach to philanthropy; what’s key is that your giving has the biggest impact possible. Whichever way you choose to donate, our team can advise on what is most effective.
Private equityAs the go-to law firm for private capital, we act for funds, family offices and companies in transactions around the world – with experience in diverse sectors from fashion to life sciences.
TaxWith a team of more than 150 specialist tax lawyers, who are qualified in jurisdictions around the world, we are perfectly placed to handle even the most complex, cross-border tax issues.
Our leading trust and estate disputes lawyers have seen all manner of conflicts in jurisdictions around the world and will think several steps ahead to identify the strongest possible strategy.
Wealth structuringWe help individuals, families, and their advisors to plan for the future, getting to know their unique requirements and finding solutions that meet them. Those with international interests will receive seamless support thanks to our global presence.
Will, estate and legacy disputesChallenging a will (however unfair it may seem) is not an easy thing to do. As one of the only global will dispute law firms with a team dedicated purely to succession disputes, we offer families, friends, executors, and charities guidance on how to reach the desired outcome.
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Evolving families around the world
Ensuring family is protected and provided for motivates us all to prepare for the future. Each family has its own needs and in a fast-changing world, with many families based across several locations, it can be challenging to address all of the risks and complexities.With the right guidance, planning for tomorrow can deliver long term protection.
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Our team
Christopher Groves
Partner | London
Stacy Choong
Partner | Singapore
Katie Graves
Partner | Hong Kong
Claire Harris
Partner | London
Ivan A. Sacks
Partner | New York
Roberta Crivellaro
Partner | Milan
Dawn Goodman
Senior counsel | London
Randoll T. Akselrad
Associate | New York
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Founders
From advising on tax or global expansion, helping company founders realise their vision is an important aspect of our work. Find Out MoreHigh net worth individuals
With complex interests that often span several jurisdictions, highly successful people need seamless advice. With a full-service offering across our offices around the world, we provide just that. Find Out MoreProfessional advisors
We can help you to provide the robust and reliable service that your clients expect. We’ll also be in your corner for personal matters and protecting your interests if professional issues arise. Find Out MoreGet in touch
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