Top 20 Private Client & Wealth Structuring Law Firms 2025

This report forms part of the Ranking News Legal & Arbitration series, which evaluates specialist dispute resolution firms handling complex cross-border arbitration matters for multinational corporations, sovereign entities, and institutional investors.

Private client and wealth structuring law firms play a central role within the global wealth management ecosystem by assisting families and entrepreneurs in structuring assets, managing succession planning, and navigating complex cross-border legal frameworks. These firms typically advise on trust structures, estate planning, family governance, and international tax-efficient ownership arrangements.

Unlike corporate law firms focused primarily on commercial transactions, private client practices concentrate on the long-term preservation and transfer of wealth across generations. Their work often involves coordination with tax advisors, investment managers, and family offices to develop legal frameworks supporting global asset ownership and family governance.

The firms recognized in this ranking represent legal practices whose expertise in private wealth structuring and international estate planning continues to influence the global private client advisory sector.

Market Overview

The international private client legal sector continues to expand alongside the growth of global high-net-worth wealth and the increasing complexity of cross-border asset ownership. Wealth structuring law firms advise clients on legal frameworks designed to protect assets, facilitate intergenerational transfers, and manage international residency considerations.

Major private client legal markets remain concentrated in London, New York, Geneva, Hong Kong, and Singapore, where global wealth management institutions and family offices are heavily represented. London in particular continues to maintain one of the largest concentrations of specialist private client law firms advising international families and trustees.

Private client lawyers frequently assist clients in establishing trusts, family investment vehicles, foundations, and holding companies designed to manage global asset portfolios. Their work often intersects with international tax planning, philanthropic structuring, and governance frameworks for family offices.

As wealth becomes increasingly international and families maintain assets across multiple jurisdictions, demand for sophisticated legal advice in wealth structuring and estate planning continues to grow.

Industry Trend — 2025

In 2026, private client legal practices are increasingly advising clients on multi-jurisdictional wealth governance frameworks reflecting the global mobility of wealthy families.

International estate planning remains a key area of activity, particularly as families maintain assets and business interests across multiple countries. Lawyers frequently assist with trust structures, family investment companies, and succession frameworks designed to manage cross-border ownership.

At the same time, the growth of family offices and private investment vehicles has increased demand for legal advisors capable of coordinating wealth structures involving investment funds, operating companies, and philanthropic foundations.

Regulatory developments affecting tax transparency, international reporting standards, and residency programs have also increased the complexity of wealth structuring. As a result, legal advisors with deep expertise in cross-border private client matters remain highly valued within the global wealth advisory ecosystem.

Methodology — Core Eligibility Criteria

Firms considered for this ranking were evaluated based on the following criteria:

• Maintains a recognized private client or wealth structuring practice
• Advises high-net-worth individuals, family offices, or trustees
• Demonstrates experience in cross-border wealth planning
• Advises clients on trusts, estate planning, and international asset structuring
• Maintains presence in major private wealth legal markets

Large international law firms were included where their private client practices operate as distinct specialist groups within global legal platforms.

Methodology — Ranking Factors

Firms included in the ranking were evaluated using qualitative institutional indicators including:

• Experience in international wealth structuring
• Reputation within the private client legal community
• Cross-border estate planning capabilities
• Advisory experience with family offices and UHNW clients
• Presence in key private wealth jurisdictions

The Ranking News Top Private Client & Wealth Structuring Law Firms 2025 ranking evaluates legal practices advising clients on international private wealth structures.

The ranking universe consisted of 30 private client law practices, from which 20 institutions were selected for inclusion.

Tier classifications reflect relative institutional positioning within the international private client legal sector.

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Tier I — Leading Private Client & Wealth Structuring Law Firms

Withers

• Headquarters: London, United Kingdom
• Founded: 1896

Withers is widely regarded as one of the leading international private client law firms, advising high-net-worth individuals, entrepreneurs, and family offices on wealth structuring, estate planning, and cross-border asset ownership. The firm maintains offices across major global financial centers including London, New York, Hong Kong, and Singapore.

Its lawyers frequently advise clients on trust structures, family investment vehicles, and international estate planning strategies involving multiple jurisdictions. Withers also works closely with private banks, trustees, and investment managers to support complex wealth governance frameworks.

Through its long-standing focus on private client advisory services, Withers continues to occupy a prominent position within the international wealth structuring legal sector.

McDermott Will & Emery

• Headquarters: Chicago, United States
• Founded: 1934

McDermott Will & Emery maintains one of the most recognized private client law practices globally, advising ultra-high-net-worth families, entrepreneurs, and family offices on international tax and estate planning matters. The firm’s private client lawyers regularly assist clients with complex cross-border wealth structures and succession planning frameworks.

Its advisory work frequently involves international trust structures, family investment companies, and philanthropic foundations designed to support long-term wealth preservation. McDermott’s private wealth team is particularly active in advising global families with assets spanning multiple jurisdictions.

The firm’s extensive experience in international estate planning and tax-efficient wealth structuring has contributed to its reputation within the global private client advisory market.

Farrer & Co

• Headquarters: London, United Kingdom
• Founded: 1701

Farrer & Co is one of the United Kingdom’s most established private client law firms, advising high-net-worth families, trustees, and charitable foundations on wealth structuring and estate planning matters. The firm has long been associated with advising prominent families and institutions within the United Kingdom.

Its lawyers regularly assist clients with trust structures, family governance arrangements, and cross-border estate planning frameworks designed to manage complex international asset portfolios.

Through its longstanding private client practice and expertise in UK trust and estate law, Farrer & Co continues to maintain a strong reputation within the international private client legal sector.

Baker McKenzie Private Wealth

• Headquarters: Chicago, United States
• Founded: 1949

Baker McKenzie maintains a large global private wealth practice advising international families, business owners, and family offices on cross-border tax and estate planning matters. The firm’s global network enables it to assist clients with complex wealth structures spanning multiple jurisdictions.

Its lawyers frequently advise on family investment companies, international trust structures, and succession planning frameworks designed to manage global asset ownership. Baker McKenzie also advises clients navigating international tax regulations and residency considerations.

The firm’s extensive international platform continues to position it as a prominent advisor within the global private wealth legal market.

Macfarlanes Private Client

• Headquarters: London, United Kingdom
• Founded: 1875

Macfarlanes maintains a highly regarded private client practice advising entrepreneurs, business owners, and family offices on wealth structuring and succession planning matters. The firm regularly assists clients with trust structures, family investment companies, and international estate planning frameworks.

Its lawyers frequently work alongside tax advisors and investment professionals to support cross-border asset ownership structures and family governance arrangements. Macfarlanes’ private client team is particularly active in advising international families with significant business interests.

The firm’s expertise in private wealth structuring has contributed to its reputation within the London private client legal market.

Charles Russell Speechlys

• Headquarters: London, United Kingdom
• Founded: 1855

Charles Russell Speechlys maintains one of the largest private client law practices in the United Kingdom, advising high-net-worth individuals, entrepreneurs, and family offices on international wealth structuring and estate planning matters.

The firm regularly assists clients with trust structures, family governance frameworks, and succession planning arrangements involving multiple jurisdictions. Its lawyers frequently advise families with international business interests and complex asset portfolios.

Through its extensive experience advising private clients and trustees, Charles Russell Speechlys continues to maintain a strong presence within the global private wealth legal sector.

Mishcon de Reya Private Wealth

• Headquarters: London, United Kingdom
• Founded: 1937

Mishcon de Reya’s private wealth practice advises high-net-worth individuals, entrepreneurs, and family offices on international wealth structuring and estate planning matters. The firm regularly assists clients with trust structures, family governance frameworks, and cross-border asset ownership arrangements.

Its lawyers frequently advise clients on complex succession planning issues involving international family businesses and investment portfolios. Mishcon de Reya also provides advisory services relating to family disputes and governance matters affecting private wealth structures.

The firm’s expertise in private client matters has contributed to its presence within the London private wealth legal market.

Boodle Hatfield

• Headquarters: London, United Kingdom
• Founded: 1722

Boodle Hatfield is a long-established London law firm known for advising high-net-worth individuals, families, and trustees on private wealth matters. The firm’s private client lawyers frequently assist clients with trust structures, estate planning frameworks, and family governance arrangements.

Its advisory work often involves complex international asset ownership structures and succession planning for families with significant wealth portfolios. Boodle Hatfield’s private wealth practice continues to maintain a strong presence within the UK private client legal sector.

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Tier II — Established Private Client & Wealth Structuring Practices

The Tier II category includes private client law firms that maintain strong reputations advising high-net-worth individuals, family offices, and trustees on wealth structuring and cross-border estate planning matters.

These firms regularly assist clients with trust structures, succession planning frameworks, and governance arrangements supporting the long-term preservation and transfer of family wealth. Many Tier II practices combine private client advisory capabilities with broader legal expertise in areas such as tax planning, property law, and corporate governance.

Within the global wealth management ecosystem, these firms frequently work alongside tax advisors, private banks, and investment managers to support international families managing complex asset portfolios across multiple jurisdictions.

(Alphabetical order)

Forsters LLP

• Headquarters: London, United Kingdom
• Founded: 1998

Forsters maintains a well-established private client practice advising high-net-worth individuals and family offices on estate planning, trust structures, and wealth governance frameworks. The firm regularly assists clients with succession planning strategies involving international assets and family investment structures. Its lawyers frequently advise entrepreneurs, business owners, and trustees managing complex family wealth arrangements. Forsters also works closely with tax advisors and investment professionals in developing cross-border legal frameworks supporting international wealth management. Through its focus on private wealth advisory services, the firm continues to maintain a recognized presence within the London private client legal market.

Howard Kennedy

• Headquarters: London, United Kingdom
• Founded: 1968

Howard Kennedy advises high-net-worth individuals, entrepreneurs, and family offices on wealth structuring, estate planning, and international asset management matters. The firm’s private client lawyers frequently assist clients establishing trust structures and family investment vehicles designed to support long-term wealth preservation. Its advisory work often involves succession planning frameworks and governance arrangements for family businesses and international property portfolios. Howard Kennedy also provides legal support relating to family offices and cross-border tax considerations affecting wealth structures. The firm’s private client practice continues to support international families managing complex financial arrangements.

Kingsley Napley

• Headquarters: London, United Kingdom
• Founded: 1937

Kingsley Napley maintains a private client advisory practice assisting high-net-worth individuals and families with wealth structuring, estate planning, and trust arrangements. The firm regularly advises entrepreneurs, trustees, and family offices on governance frameworks supporting international wealth structures. Its lawyers frequently assist clients managing cross-border assets and succession planning strategies involving multiple jurisdictions. Kingsley Napley also provides advisory services relating to regulatory considerations affecting wealth management structures. Through its experience in private client law and international asset structuring, the firm maintains a recognized presence within the UK wealth advisory sector.

Payne Hicks Beach

• Headquarters: London, United Kingdom
• Founded: 1840

Payne Hicks Beach is a London law firm known for its longstanding private client advisory practice. The firm frequently advises high-net-worth families, trustees, and family offices on wealth structuring, trust arrangements, and succession planning matters. Its lawyers regularly assist clients managing international estates and family investment vehicles designed to support long-term asset preservation. Payne Hicks Beach also provides advisory services relating to charitable foundations and family governance frameworks. Through its extensive experience advising private clients, the firm continues to maintain a respected position within the London private client legal market.

Penningtons Manches Cooper

• Headquarters: London, United Kingdom
• Founded: 2003

Penningtons Manches Cooper advises private clients, entrepreneurs, and family offices on wealth structuring and estate planning matters. The firm frequently assists clients establishing trust structures and family investment vehicles designed to manage international asset portfolios. Its lawyers regularly advise on cross-border succession planning involving business interests and global investments. Penningtons Manches Cooper also provides legal advisory services relating to family governance arrangements and philanthropic structures. The firm’s international client base and experience in cross-border private wealth matters continue to support its presence within the private client legal sector.

Russell-Cooke

• Headquarters: London, United Kingdom
• Founded: 1880

Russell-Cooke maintains a private client advisory practice assisting high-net-worth individuals and families with estate planning, trust arrangements, and international wealth structures. The firm frequently advises trustees and family offices managing complex asset portfolios across multiple jurisdictions. Its lawyers regularly assist clients with succession planning frameworks designed to facilitate intergenerational wealth transfer. Russell-Cooke also provides advisory services relating to governance arrangements affecting family investment structures. Through its focus on private wealth law and family governance matters, the firm maintains a recognized presence within the London private client advisory market.

Stewarts Private Wealth

• Headquarters: London, United Kingdom
• Founded: 1995

Stewarts maintains a private wealth practice advising high-net-worth individuals and families on estate planning, trust structures, and international wealth governance frameworks. The firm frequently assists clients managing complex financial arrangements involving international assets and family investment vehicles. Its lawyers regularly advise on succession planning strategies designed to support long-term wealth preservation and family governance. Stewarts also works closely with financial advisors and trustees assisting families managing cross-border wealth portfolios. Through its private wealth advisory services, the firm continues to support international clients navigating complex legal structures.

Wedlake Bell

• Headquarters: London, United Kingdom
• Founded: 1780

Wedlake Bell advises high-net-worth individuals, entrepreneurs, and trustees on wealth structuring and estate planning matters. The firm’s private client lawyers frequently assist clients establishing trust structures and family investment vehicles supporting cross-border asset ownership. Its advisory work often involves governance frameworks designed to manage family wealth across multiple generations. Wedlake Bell also advises clients on international residency considerations affecting wealth structures and estate planning arrangements. The firm’s experience in private wealth law continues to support its presence within the UK private client legal sector.

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Tier III — Private Client & Wealth Structuring Practices

The Tier III category includes law firms maintaining recognized activity in private client advisory services and wealth structuring matters.

These practices continue to contribute to the international private wealth legal sector by advising clients on trust arrangements, estate planning strategies, and cross-border wealth governance frameworks. Their work frequently involves assisting families and trustees managing international asset portfolios and succession planning structures.

While smaller in scale than the leading global private client practices, these firms remain active participants within the broader wealth structuring advisory market.

(Alphabetical order)

• Collyer Bristow
• Maurice Turnor Gardner
• Stone King Private Client
• Trowers & Hamlins Private Client

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Remarks

Private client and wealth structuring law firms continue to play a significant role within the global wealth management ecosystem. Their legal expertise supports high-net-worth individuals, family offices, and trustees navigating the complex challenges of international wealth preservation, succession planning, and cross-border asset governance.

As family wealth becomes increasingly international and multi-jurisdictional, demand for specialized legal advice in trust structures, estate planning, and wealth governance frameworks continues to grow. Private client lawyers frequently collaborate with tax advisors, financial institutions, and investment managers to develop legal structures supporting long-term wealth preservation.

The firms recognized in this ranking represent legal practices whose work continues to shape the development of the global private client advisory sector.

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