
Keystone Law
www.keystonelaw.co.ukEmail address
[email protected]Contact number
020 3319 3700Share profile
About
Firm Details:
Managing Partner: James Knight
Number of partners: 400
THE FIRM:
Keystone Law was established in 2002 by a group of forward-thinking lawyers who were determined to build a law firm that would serve the needs of its clients more effectively than the conventional alternatives. Now a full-service AIM listed firm with over 400 lawyers, Keystone is widely recognised as an award-winning legal pioneer, notably being crowned Law Firm of the Year at The Lawyer Awards 2020.
By investing heavily in technology and embracing modern working practices from the start, the firm has significantly changed the way highly experienced lawyers provide dedicated legal services to clients. Keystone’s innovative structure enhances relationships between lawyers and clients by increasing interaction whilst also improving many legal processes. The firm only recruits senior partner-level lawyers from the UK’s best law firms which ensures clients benefit from direct access to lawyers of the highest calibre. With most Keystone lawyers having more than 20+ years’ experience, matters can be resolved quickly and efficiently, considerably increasing the value to clients.
As well as advising on key private client services such as employment, family, immigration tax, succession planning and wealth structuring, our UHNW Family Office team offers a cohesive, bespoke service through collaboration with Keystone’s corporate and commercial, construction, dispute resolution, planning and real estate teams.
Our dynamic team of partner-level practitioners can offer proactive solutions, guidance and contacts to manage the family’s household, business and outside interests relating to lifestyle needs such as dealing with the buying, selling and protection of jets, yachts and bloodstock. We also maintain strong networks in the international marketplace, meaning we are perfectly placed to collaborate with external advisers including accountants, wealth managers, personal assistants, Family or Private Office members, House Managers and household principals whether based in the UK or abroad.
Ranked Offices
Provided by Keystone Law
- London48 Chancery Lane , London, Greater London, UK, WC2A 1JF
- Web: www.keystonelaw.co.uk
- Tel: 020 3319 3700
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Articles, highlights and press releases
195 items provided by Keystone Law
Trustees retiring without replacement: legal implications and challenges
Like in many other common law jurisdictions, trusts have a long history in the Isle of Man, with evidence of trust deeds going back 350 years ago, and probably much earlier.
When does bona vacantia lose you your trade mark?
You may not often hear the term ‘bona vacantia’ – but all lawyers learn about it. It rarely impacts intellectual property rights where a lawyer is advising but things can go wrong.
Can AI be trusted for legal research?
In the first of a two-part series, Technology partners James Tumbridge and Robert Peake, and consultant solicitor Ryan Abbott consider the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in legal research, comparing the approach in the UK with that in the US and Cananda.
The Ballaman wind turbine decision: a turning point in Manx planning law
In a recent decision notice, the Minister for the Department for Environment, Food and Agriculture, Claire Barber MHK (“the Minister”) (on advice from an appointed independent planning inspector) granted approval on appeal to the planning application for two 13 metre high domestic wind turbines.
What does Ayinde tell us about the use of AI in legal research?
In their second article, Technology partners James Tumbridge and Robert Peake, and consultant solicitor Ryan Abbott consider the judgment in the case of Ayinde, R (On the Application Of) v London Borough of Haringey [2025] EWHC 1383 and explain what it means for using AI in legal research.
When is a property considered “residential” for SDLT purposes?
In the recent case of Mudan v HMRC [2025] EWCA Civ 799, the Court of Appeal articulated a number of important principles for the purposes of determining the scope and breadth of the term “residential property” for Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) purposes.
What did the UK mean by Smart Data use?
The Data Use & Access Act (the Act) amended the Data Protection Act and the UK GDPR, and reforms how the UK manages non-personal and personal data. It aims to unlock the secure and effective use of data.
Is a zero legal aid assessment unlawful?
In a doleance (judicial review) judgment dated 12 September 2025, the Isle of Man High Court declared unlawful and quashed a criminal legal aid assessment of an advocate’s bill that had assessed the bill as zero.
Parental leave reform: what changes are being recommended?
The Women and Equalities Committee published its recommendations to help transform paternity leave rights in the UK. Currently, the UK offers one of the worst packages of paternity rights in Europe: just two weeks of statutory leave at £184 per week or 90% of earnings, whichever is lower.
High Court drives home bad faith in trade mark dispute
The High Court has recently handed down a judgment in the case of Charles Claire LLP and Lynx Golf Limited v Kevin Harold Woolgar [2025] EWHC 1802 (Ch) (22 July 2025). The case looked at, in part, whether the filing of a UK trade mark by a deceitful consultant was filed in bad faith.
What could the Potanina v Potanin Supreme Court judgment mean for divorce law in England and Wales?
The case of Potanina v Potanin has made the headlines in recent weeks. It involved a multi-billion-pound claim from the former wife of Russian oligarch Vladimir Potanin.
How is pre-marital wealth divided in divorce settlements?
This summer, the Supreme Court dismissed the wife’s appeal in Standish and confirmed that the Court of Appeal’s approach in determining the wife’s entitlements of £25 million under the sharing principle were correct.
Taichi Tech Ltd fine: how can gambling operators ensure their promotional terms & conditions are fai
On 3 July 2025, the Gambling Commission (the Commission) announced that it had fined Taichi Tech Ltd (trading as Fafabet) £170,000 for regulatory failings, primarily in relation to the use of unfair terms and conditions (T&Cs).
ASA ruling on William Hill voucher promotion: how can gambling operators avoid irresponsible promoti
The ASA has recently published its ruling on same‑day voucher redemption windows.
Purchasing a riverside property: what are the considerations?
Riverside properties can be extremely attractive to purchasers, offering scenic beauty, potential for private moorings for direct water access, and peaceful settings in nature that can boost mental wellbeing.
Why empathy matters as much as strategy during divorce and financial settlements
When a marriage breaks down, the financial settlement can often feel like the most daunting and combative part of the process. Homes, businesses, pensions, and savings are on the line, but so too are relationships, children’s wellbeing, and the ability of both parties to move forward.
VAT fraud in labour supply chains
A form of VAT fraud has become a serious problem in labour supply chains.
Who is liable for PAYE and NIC when supplying workers?
Impending legislative changes will make recruitment agencies jointly and severally liable for any amount payable under pay as you earn (PAYE) and national insurance contributions (NICs) when they supply workers via umbrella companies.
What is the US-EU Framework on Reciprocal, Fair and Balanced Trade?
In the first of a two-part series, Energy & Natural Resources partner James Douglass outlines the background and the key elements of the US-EU Framework on Reciprocal, Fair and Balanced Trade for the liquefied natural gas (LNG) industry.
Takeaways from the US-EU Framework on Reciprocal, Fair and Balanced Trade for LNG businesses and the
In the second article of a two-part series, Energy & Natural Resources partner James Douglass outlines the Agreement’s challenges for liquified natural gas (LNG) businesses and the Power of Siberia 2 natural gas pipeline.
What can businesses learn from the Jaguar Land Rover cyber attack?
The true extent of losses flowing from the attack are unlikely to be known for some time, but reports suggest that they will stretch well into the hundreds of millions of pounds.
What do you need to know about the Leasehold & Freehold Reform Act 2024?
But while the Act is now law, not all parts of it are in force yet. Some important reforms are active, but many of the headline changes are still waiting for the green light – partly because of ongoing litigation.
How to ensure your pub’s licence has the right times and provisions for the Christmas period
Now is the perfect time to ensure that your premises licence has the right provisions in place to maximise your trading potential and offer a memorable experience for your customers.
Pre-packs to connected parties – New rules from 30 April 2021
This article outlines how the Regulations will change the law in this area and consider whether this will alleviate the “controversial” elements of pre-pack sales.
Everyone’s Invited, the website on which victims of sexual harassment, abuse and misogynistic behaviour perpetrated by their peers from schools and universities can anonymously submit their experiences, has now received and shared over 14,000 testimonies.
NFTs are currently the talk of the art world but what are they? “NFT” stands for “non-fungible token” but this still leaves many of us none the wiser. In short, an NFT is a unique (non-fungible) code which is linked to a digital asset, such as a piece of digital art which exists on the internet?
Understanding the UK’s new Graduate Immigration Route
The government has announced that the new Graduate Immigration Route will open for applications from 1 July 2021.
Why are housing associations applying to become registered charities?
Many housing associations – now legally called Registered Social Landlords – are looking to convert from being a “Registered Society” with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to become a charitable company limited by guarantee and registered by the Charity Commission.
Coronavirus: Facing the threat of insolvency, being proactive as a director of a company!
Coronavirus continues to have serious financial implications for businesses and this week the wrongful trading provisions have been further suspended (for the third time) until 30 June 2021.
COVID-19 and the prime residential property market: Advice for purchasers and sellers of UK property
The fast-moving COVID-19 pandemic has shown those working in the residential property market that the sector is more resilient than any of us could have ever anticipated. This is despite the unsettled global economy, continuous lockdowns and social distancing measures.
Trustees retiring without replacement: legal implications and challenges
Like in many other common law jurisdictions, trusts have a long history in the Isle of Man, with evidence of trust deeds going back 350 years ago, and probably much earlier.
When does bona vacantia lose you your trade mark?
You may not often hear the term ‘bona vacantia’ – but all lawyers learn about it. It rarely impacts intellectual property rights where a lawyer is advising but things can go wrong.
Can AI be trusted for legal research?
In the first of a two-part series, Technology partners James Tumbridge and Robert Peake, and consultant solicitor Ryan Abbott consider the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in legal research, comparing the approach in the UK with that in the US and Cananda.
The Ballaman wind turbine decision: a turning point in Manx planning law
In a recent decision notice, the Minister for the Department for Environment, Food and Agriculture, Claire Barber MHK (“the Minister”) (on advice from an appointed independent planning inspector) granted approval on appeal to the planning application for two 13 metre high domestic wind turbines.
What does Ayinde tell us about the use of AI in legal research?
In their second article, Technology partners James Tumbridge and Robert Peake, and consultant solicitor Ryan Abbott consider the judgment in the case of Ayinde, R (On the Application Of) v London Borough of Haringey [2025] EWHC 1383 and explain what it means for using AI in legal research.
When is a property considered “residential” for SDLT purposes?
In the recent case of Mudan v HMRC [2025] EWCA Civ 799, the Court of Appeal articulated a number of important principles for the purposes of determining the scope and breadth of the term “residential property” for Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) purposes.
What did the UK mean by Smart Data use?
The Data Use & Access Act (the Act) amended the Data Protection Act and the UK GDPR, and reforms how the UK manages non-personal and personal data. It aims to unlock the secure and effective use of data.
Is a zero legal aid assessment unlawful?
In a doleance (judicial review) judgment dated 12 September 2025, the Isle of Man High Court declared unlawful and quashed a criminal legal aid assessment of an advocate’s bill that had assessed the bill as zero.
Parental leave reform: what changes are being recommended?
The Women and Equalities Committee published its recommendations to help transform paternity leave rights in the UK. Currently, the UK offers one of the worst packages of paternity rights in Europe: just two weeks of statutory leave at £184 per week or 90% of earnings, whichever is lower.
High Court drives home bad faith in trade mark dispute
The High Court has recently handed down a judgment in the case of Charles Claire LLP and Lynx Golf Limited v Kevin Harold Woolgar [2025] EWHC 1802 (Ch) (22 July 2025). The case looked at, in part, whether the filing of a UK trade mark by a deceitful consultant was filed in bad faith.
What could the Potanina v Potanin Supreme Court judgment mean for divorce law in England and Wales?
The case of Potanina v Potanin has made the headlines in recent weeks. It involved a multi-billion-pound claim from the former wife of Russian oligarch Vladimir Potanin.
How is pre-marital wealth divided in divorce settlements?
This summer, the Supreme Court dismissed the wife’s appeal in Standish and confirmed that the Court of Appeal’s approach in determining the wife’s entitlements of £25 million under the sharing principle were correct.
Taichi Tech Ltd fine: how can gambling operators ensure their promotional terms & conditions are fai
On 3 July 2025, the Gambling Commission (the Commission) announced that it had fined Taichi Tech Ltd (trading as Fafabet) £170,000 for regulatory failings, primarily in relation to the use of unfair terms and conditions (T&Cs).
ASA ruling on William Hill voucher promotion: how can gambling operators avoid irresponsible promoti
The ASA has recently published its ruling on same‑day voucher redemption windows.
Purchasing a riverside property: what are the considerations?
Riverside properties can be extremely attractive to purchasers, offering scenic beauty, potential for private moorings for direct water access, and peaceful settings in nature that can boost mental wellbeing.
Why empathy matters as much as strategy during divorce and financial settlements
When a marriage breaks down, the financial settlement can often feel like the most daunting and combative part of the process. Homes, businesses, pensions, and savings are on the line, but so too are relationships, children’s wellbeing, and the ability of both parties to move forward.
VAT fraud in labour supply chains
A form of VAT fraud has become a serious problem in labour supply chains.
Who is liable for PAYE and NIC when supplying workers?
Impending legislative changes will make recruitment agencies jointly and severally liable for any amount payable under pay as you earn (PAYE) and national insurance contributions (NICs) when they supply workers via umbrella companies.
What is the US-EU Framework on Reciprocal, Fair and Balanced Trade?
In the first of a two-part series, Energy & Natural Resources partner James Douglass outlines the background and the key elements of the US-EU Framework on Reciprocal, Fair and Balanced Trade for the liquefied natural gas (LNG) industry.
Takeaways from the US-EU Framework on Reciprocal, Fair and Balanced Trade for LNG businesses and the
In the second article of a two-part series, Energy & Natural Resources partner James Douglass outlines the Agreement’s challenges for liquified natural gas (LNG) businesses and the Power of Siberia 2 natural gas pipeline.
What can businesses learn from the Jaguar Land Rover cyber attack?
The true extent of losses flowing from the attack are unlikely to be known for some time, but reports suggest that they will stretch well into the hundreds of millions of pounds.
What do you need to know about the Leasehold & Freehold Reform Act 2024?
But while the Act is now law, not all parts of it are in force yet. Some important reforms are active, but many of the headline changes are still waiting for the green light – partly because of ongoing litigation.
How to ensure your pub’s licence has the right times and provisions for the Christmas period
Now is the perfect time to ensure that your premises licence has the right provisions in place to maximise your trading potential and offer a memorable experience for your customers.
Pre-packs to connected parties – New rules from 30 April 2021
This article outlines how the Regulations will change the law in this area and consider whether this will alleviate the “controversial” elements of pre-pack sales.
Everyone’s Invited, the website on which victims of sexual harassment, abuse and misogynistic behaviour perpetrated by their peers from schools and universities can anonymously submit their experiences, has now received and shared over 14,000 testimonies.
NFTs are currently the talk of the art world but what are they? “NFT” stands for “non-fungible token” but this still leaves many of us none the wiser. In short, an NFT is a unique (non-fungible) code which is linked to a digital asset, such as a piece of digital art which exists on the internet?
Understanding the UK’s new Graduate Immigration Route
The government has announced that the new Graduate Immigration Route will open for applications from 1 July 2021.
Why are housing associations applying to become registered charities?
Many housing associations – now legally called Registered Social Landlords – are looking to convert from being a “Registered Society” with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to become a charitable company limited by guarantee and registered by the Charity Commission.
Coronavirus: Facing the threat of insolvency, being proactive as a director of a company!
Coronavirus continues to have serious financial implications for businesses and this week the wrongful trading provisions have been further suspended (for the third time) until 30 June 2021.
COVID-19 and the prime residential property market: Advice for purchasers and sellers of UK property
The fast-moving COVID-19 pandemic has shown those working in the residential property market that the sector is more resilient than any of us could have ever anticipated. This is despite the unsettled global economy, continuous lockdowns and social distancing measures.