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.
Provided by Chambers
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Provided by Chambers
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.
She is extremely technically impressive and very easy to work with.
Emma has been very impressive in coordinating all of the various fronts of the dispute. She always approaches issues with a commercially aware perspective.
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.
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.
Jenny McKeown is a superstar. She is a really sharp litigator who makes fantastic judgement calls.
Helena Berman sees the big picture in complicated issues and pays attention to details. She is also very personable.
Helena Berman is an excellent lawyer with great tactical nous.
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.
Peter Gillis is a knowledgeable hand who works hard, knows his stuff and isn't shy about offering clear advice and opinion.
Peter Gillis is a very good team player and delivers great client service.
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.
Kate is a very proactive and efficient solicitor.
She is very accurate, very careful and gives you the right information. She also asks the right questions.
Provided by Stephenson Harwood LLP