Womble Bond Dickinson's (WBD) private wealth team has once again been recognised with a top tier ranking in the 2022 edition of Chambers High Net Worth (HNW), a guide to the leading lawyers and law firms of choice for individuals and families.
Published annually, Chambers HNW focuses on the international private wealth market and related specialisms in key jurisdictions around the world, and also recommends leading accountancy firms, private banks, wealth managers, trust companies and other professional advisors to high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth clients.
WBD is recognised in London, Bristol, Yorkshire, the North East and Scotland. The guide highlights the top tier North East team as 'well regarded for its private client offering' and "always good at tackling complex issues".
The Bristol team is also ranked highly with their advice, service and attention to detail described as "second to none".
The guide recognises ten of the firm's lawyers as leading individuals:
Edinburgh-based partner Richard Pike is described as a "brilliant partner for any private wealth dispute of any size". Recently promoted partner Emily Pike, also based in Edinburgh, is recognised for understanding "the complexities of both English and Scottish law".
In London, Neil Long is highlighted as an experienced private client lawyer who regularly acts for beneficiaries of sizeable wills and is described as having "first-class judgment", while Will Ford is singled out as a "great sounding board to go to on international private wealth issues".
Mark Woodward, James Radcliffe and Chris Kerr-Smiley from WBD's Bristol office all maintain their rankings from last year. Mark is best known for his knowledge of domestic tax; James "provides superb client service and pragmatic, commercial and cost-efficient solutions", while Chris is "clearly very knowledgeable in his field of expertise" and "maintains a watching brief to ensure all practical aspects of his work are concluded comprehensively".
Helen Tavroges and Deborah Jude were recognised in the Newcastle market. Senior counsel Helen is praised for being "professional, friendly and approachable". Deborah advises high net worth clients on trusts and wills, and those with agricultural holdings.
In Leeds, Susan Maxey advises clients on matters relating to tax and estate planning. She is described as "a real pleasure to work with".
David Dale, Head of Private Wealth at WBD, comments:
"We’re proud to have so many colleagues once again top-ranked in the Chambers HNW Guide and to see our talented team recognised by clients with some fantastic testimonials highlighting our technical expertise, pragmatism, diligence and attention to detail.
"WBD's private wealth practice has been advising families and their businesses for over 200 years, combining legal expertise, commercial advice and local knowledge.
"Our team of lawyers, financial advisers, tax experts and accountants work together to ensure that our clients’ wealth is protected, given the best opportunity to grow and passed on efficiently to future generations."
