Recent recruitment across law firms is ‘reinforcing the sector’s commitment to excellence in private wealth, probate, and trust management’ as boutique practices to international firms make new appointments and promotions.
Greater Manchester-based Myerson has promoted Eleanor Clarke to Partner in its Contentious Probate team. Eleanor, who joined the firm in 2018, has built a strong reputation for handling high-value probate disputes, including will challenges, Inheritance Act claims, and trust litigation, with her work being recognised in the Chambers High Net Worth rankings. The firm said it had seen a 24% increase in new instructions over the last financial year. Helen Thompson, Partner and Head of Contentious Probate, said:
“Eleanor’s promotion to Partner is a reflection of her exceptional expertise and the reputation she has built in this specialist area. She is highly regarded for her ability to remain calm and focused on complex trials and for the way she deals effectively with challenging opponents.”
Lisa Bryson has joined Thomson Snell & Passmore as Trust & Tax Manager, bringing over a decade of experience from HaysMac LLP and Blick Rothenberg, specialising in tax compliance, IHT returns, and trust administration for high-net-worth individuals and families. Commenting on the appointment Alan Kitcher, Head of the division said:
“It is great to welcome Lisa to our team. Her expertise and experience will add further strength to our offering to clients and she will play a key role in helping us to achieve our ambitious growth plans.”
Meanwhile Collyer Bristow has appointed Carly Russell as Partner in its Private Wealth department. With over 25 years of experience, Russell will work across both the Tax & Estate Planning and Private Wealth Disputes teams, advising on succession planning, asset protection, and contentious probate matters.
“I’m delighted to be joining Collyer Bristow, a firm well-known in the private wealth space and with a reputation for high-quality work. I look forward to working alongside the exceptional team here and contributing to the strong client service focus that the firm is known for.”
said Russell, with Peter Daniel, Head of Private Wealth, adding:
“We are thrilled to welcome Carly to Collyer Bristow. Her deep understanding of the needs of high-net-worth clients and her broad experience across both advisory and contentious matters makes her a valuable addition to our Private Wealth offering.”
Boutique firm North Star Law has appointed Harriet Atkinson as Head of Private Client, joined by senior solicitor Penelope Samuels. Both join from Bellevue Law in a coordinated transition that ‘strengthens North Star’s reputation as a trusted adviser in London’s private client space’. Benedikte Malling Bech, Partner at North Star Law, said:
“It really is brilliant to be welcoming Harriet and Penelope to the firm. Both are brilliant solicitors with exceptional reputations, and their networks and expertise will add real depth and breadth to our practice.”
Atkinson shared:
“It’s rare to find a team that combines such deep technical skill with such a collaborative and supportive culture. I’m looking forward to leading the private client team and helping to grow the practice in the years ahead.”
Sanuels added:
“Joining North Star is an exciting opportunity. The firm’s reputation for excellent client service and its focus on creating a supportive, collegiate environment really appealed to me.”
International firm Cadwalader has appointed Matthew Sperry as Partner in its Private Wealth practice, based in both London and New York. Matthew is widely recognised for his work in international tax and estate planning, advising ultra-high-net-worth individuals and family offices across the globe. Commenting on the appointment Pat Quinn, Cadwalader’s Managing Partner, said:
“We are thrilled to welcome Matt to the firm. His extensive experience and stellar reputation will be of tremendous value to our clients.”
Sperry added:
“I’m grateful to call Cadwalader home. The firm has an outstanding global reputation in private wealth matters, and I look forward to working with my new colleagues to ensure our clients achieve their goals.”
In Wales Pontypool-based Curtis Legal has appointed accounting and finance graduate Ioan Jenkins to its growing probate team. Ioan, son of Directors Simon and Rhiannon Jenkins, brings accounting expertise to the firm and is working toward qualifying as an Associate Chartered Accountant (ACA). Jenkins said:
“I am really excited to be joining the family firm. The team at Curtis Legal are experts in their fields and I’m looking forward to learning from them and adding my expertise in accounting to our services.”
Simon Jenkins, Director, added:
“He will perfectly complement our current team of ten and enable us to offer a broader range of professional advice and support. It also allows us to do some succession planning for the firm.”
