Trusts

Traditionally a means of protecting family wealth through the generations, trusts have perhaps in recent times become more familiar as vehicles for tax planning. However, their flexibility, and the attraction of influencing future generations, still makes them the vehicle of choice for most estate planning in the UK and internationally.

From London, Monaco, Dubai and Singapore we advise on the formation and administration of trusts both in the UK and in other jurisdictions. Trust advice is given not only in relation to family settlements, but also in the creation of charities and where trusts are used in a commercial context. 

Without compromising on quality and technical analysis, we aim to give advice which is down-to-earth and practical. Pragmatic trust advice taken while planning projects (from simple appointments out of trust funds to complex inter-trust transactions) will often significantly simplify the effect of the transactions concerned.

Trusts

In addition to general trust law advice, some of the specialist areas we advise in are:

• trust drafting and structuring;
• contentious trust advice and conduct of dispute resolution;
• non-contentious administrative applications to the court;
• advice to trustees involved in third party disputes and matrimonial disputes;
• advice on the law applicable to protectorship;
• fiduciary risk management and propietry advice for trustees;
• UK tax advice for trustees in the UK and elsewhere; and
• purchases of residential property to be held by trustees. 

Trusts

Trusts

Recommended by The Legal 500 UK as a leading firm for contentious trusts and probate and private client, and for private client and contentious trusts in Chambers UK.  Ranked as a leading global firm in Chambers Global. 

"Lawrence Graham's private wealth group continues to have a high reputation on the London scene. The team continues to develop an increasingly international practice, and advises individuals, trustees and private banks around the world. The group acts for clients on multi-jurisdictional estate planning, complex trust reorganisations and dynastic succession planning, amongst other matters. "The private client lawyers are client-driven, creative in developing solutions but cautious in ensuring that legal implications are properly considered," say interviewees." - Chambers UK 2013

"This very well-established London-based firm successfully represents a strong international client base. A joint venture with the Family Business Advisory Group in Dubai has resulted in a significant increase of work from the Middle East, in addition to growing interests in Asia and Latin America. The group also has a two-partner private client team based in Monaco providing real estate, tax and financial advice to high net worth individuals.

"Sources say: "We think very highly of the firm." "A talented bunch doing very good work." – Chambers Global 2012

"Lawrence Graham LLP combines the expertise of the ‘calm, pragmatic’ Anthony Thompson and Catharine Bell, who is ‘committed and shrewd’. Thompson is particularly well known for Middle East work; and Nick Jacob and Daniel Ugur are active in expanding the firm’s South East Asia expertise." - The Legal 500 UK 2012

"Lawrence Graham LLP’s [contentious trusts and probate] team is headed by the ‘committed, experienced, and shrewd’ Catharine Bell. The firm advises billionaire families in Russia, Mexico and Europe, while other clients include Capita Fiduciary Group and TMF Group. It is active in high-profile fraud litigation." - The Legal 500 UK

"A credit to her firm,'Catharine Bell of Lawrence Graham LLP is well known for her strong grasp of the litigious side of contentious trusts. She "understands ultra high net worth clients' needs and can take a commercial view over the legal standpoint.'" – Chambers UK

"Catharine Bell heads the four-partner team at Lawrence Graham LLP, which has a focus on servicing professional trustees and ultra-high-net-worth individuals. The team can draw on expertise in Monaco, Dubai and Moscow." – The Legal 500 UK