Department profile
Stephenson Harwood LLP

Private Wealth Disputes

High Net Worth Guide 2025 : London (Firms)


Stephenson Harwood LLP

Rankings

About

Provided by Stephenson Harwood LLP

Guiding clients through complex, cross-border trust and family disputes with clarity, sensitivity, and a focus on long-term solutions.

Disputes involving trusts, estates or family wealth can be deeply personal and highly complex, often involving significant assets held in multiple jurisdictions. Clients facing these challenges need more than just legal advice, they need clear guidance, sensitivity, and a robust strategy that protects both their financial interests and their relationships.

We support individuals, beneficiaries, trustees, protectors, and professional advisers through complex trust and family disputes, often involving substantial cross-border estates and offshore structures. Our focus is on resolving disagreements, whether between family members, trustees, or third parties, in a way that safeguards assets, preserves reputation, and supports long-term relationships wherever possible.

Recognised for our experience in the most challenging, high-value and multi-jurisdictional trust and family disputes, we bring in-depth knowledge of key trust jurisdictions including England, the Channel Islands, the Caribbean, Switzerland, Asia, and the Middle East. By combining technical expertise with a personal approach, we deliver tailored, long-term solutions that address both legal and emotional priorities.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Private Wealth Disputes - London (Firms)

Band 2

Band 2


What the Team is Known For

Stephenson Harwood provides global expertise to ultra-high net worth families and business owners in complex trust disputes. Clients may also benefit from the firm's highly rated non-contentious private wealth practice.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • The work ethic of the Stephenson Harwood team is second to none. Options are presented in a clear and concise manner, and the guidance is always well thought out and easy to understand.

    Private Wealth Disputes respondentHigh Net Worth
  • They are very diligent and their written correspondence is always measured and detailed. From trainees up to senior partners, the case handlers are fully supported.

    Private Wealth Disputes respondentHigh Net Worth
  • Their ability to calmly deal with complex matters and communicate clearly with internal stakeholders in plain English whilst not losing sight of commercial objectives is impressive.

    Private Wealth Disputes respondentHigh Net Worth

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Band 1Emma Jordan
    Band 1Emma Jordan

    Emma Jordan

    Emma Jordan is a dual-qualified English barrister and Jersey advocate, and is well placed to handle significant offshore litigation. Jordan, who was previously head of contentious trusts at Taylor Wessing, joined Stephenson Harwood in February 2026.

    • She is just genuinely lovely and has great advocacy as much as knowledge of the law.

      Private Wealth Disputes respondentHigh Net Worth
    • She is extremely technically impressive and very easy to work with.

      Private Wealth Disputes respondentHigh Net Worth
    • Emma has been very impressive in coordinating all of the various fronts of the dispute. She always approaches issues with a commercially aware perspective.

      Private Wealth Disputes respondentHigh Net Worth
  • Band 1Jenny McKeown
    Band 1Jenny McKeown

    Jenny McKeown

    Jenny McKeown often advises clients on significant international trusts disputes. McKeown is head of Stephenson Harwood's employment, pensions, immigration, private wealth and tax practice group.

    • She is always readily available and goes above and beyond to ensure the client experience is positive. She really understands the value in building long-lasting client relationships.

      Private Wealth Disputes respondentHigh Net Worth
    • Jenny McKeown has the ear of the top fiduciaries and banks. She is really close to the top people so they obviously have a lot of faith in her judgement and abilities.

      Private Wealth Disputes respondentHigh Net Worth
    • Jenny McKeown is a superstar. She is a really sharp litigator who makes fantastic judgement calls.

      Private Wealth Disputes respondentHigh Net Worth
  • Band 4Helena Berman
    Band 4Helena Berman

    Helena Berman

    Helena Berman combines expertise in contentious trusts and pensions matters to assist clients on complex, often long-running disputes.
    • Helena Berman sees the big picture in complicated issues and pays attention to details. She is also very personable.

      Private Wealth Disputes respondentHigh Net Worth
    • Helena Berman is an excellent lawyer with great tactical nous.

      Private Wealth Disputes respondentHigh Net Worth
  • Up and ComingPeter Gillis
    Up and ComingPeter Gillis

    Peter Gillis

    Peter Gillis regularly handles significant international trust litigation proceedings. He was promoted to partner at Stephenson Harwood in 2025.

    • Peter is very hard-working and likes to go into the detail.

      Private Wealth Disputes respondentHigh Net Worth
    • Peter Gillis is a knowledgeable hand who works hard, knows his stuff and isn't shy about offering clear advice and opinion.

      Private Wealth Disputes respondentHigh Net Worth
    • Peter Gillis is a very good team player and delivers great client service.

      Private Wealth Disputes respondentHigh Net Worth
  • Associates to watchKate Silbermann
    Associates to watchKate Silbermann

    Kate Silbermann

    Kate Silbermann is a managing associate specialising in contentious trusts and estates matters. She has assisted with various offshore trust disputes and brings expertise in fraud and asset tracing matters to her private wealth litigation work.

    • Kate Silbermann has strong client management.

      Private Wealth Disputes respondentHigh Net Worth
    • Kate is a very proactive and efficient solicitor.

      Private Wealth Disputes respondentHigh Net Worth
    • She is very accurate, very careful and gives you the right information. She also asks the right questions.

      Private Wealth Disputes respondentHigh Net Worth

Ranked Individuals at Stephenson Harwood LLP (5)

London (Firms)

Members

Provided by Stephenson Harwood LLP

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