Stone King is highly regarded for its private wealth practice. It regularly assists clients with wills drafting, succession planning, inheritance tax planning and trust administration. The firm is described as "very good" by market insiders.
"I cannot find an occasion where I have been anything less than 100% happy from service I got," enthuses an interviewee, who explains: "They have attention to detail and are always keen to report back immediately. They always keep me in the loop, they are client-focused and customer care-focused."
Notable practitioners
Alison Allen "has the most caring attitude, and that shows in the way she deals with clients," says a source. Allen heads the trusts and estates team and has particular experience with care planning for elderly clients. Another source says she is "a fantastically client-focused private client lawyer."
Andrew Mortimer is recognised for expertise in wills, trusts and inheritance tax planning by market commentators. "His strength is in his capacity to see the wood from the trees and to give advice which is based on broad experience as well as technical knowledge," states an interviewee. Another source remarks he "wants to get the work done for you as easily and cost-effectively as possible and is always on hand to help in any way possible."
Dan Harris is recognised for his international estate and succession planning expertise. Harris heads the firm's international and cross-border team and is described by one interviewee as "an oracle of knowledge," adding: "It is amazing what he knows about each jurisdiction and he can piece it together." Another market insider says: "He combines his understanding with a down-to-earth style of authentic written and oral communication."
David Whitworth assists with probate and wills drafting, inheritance tax planning and estate and trust administration. One professional adviser says: "I have not come across any lawyers with better knowledge than David in that field," while a client says Whitworth is "excellent as a professional person, and his strength was explaining matters in a plain understandable English rather than just legal terms."
The "absolutely excellent" Paul Sutton represents wealthy individuals and charities in trust proceedings, as well as advising on Inheritance Act 1975 claims. One client highlights "Paul's ability to deconstruct the various legal issues and peculiarities into easy-to-understand language." Another source says that "nothing is too much trouble for him, he makes himself available at all hours," adding that he "shows his authority in a cool, calm and dignified way, taking charge of the courtroom and showing his extensive knowledge and expertise."
