Keystone Law
Rankings
Leading firm in UK 2026
Ranked Departments:
Ranked Individuals:
Contributions and articles
Provided by Keystone Law
- Articles, Press releases, highlights
Overview
Provided by Keystone Law
Managing Partner: James Knight
Number of partners: 472
THE FIRM
Keystone Law is a pioneering platform law firm, driven by the belief that the traditional model needed to evolve. By designing a firm that puts clients first, we created something fundamentally different and dynamic, giving top-tier lawyers the freedom, tools and support to deliver an exceptional service.
Our unique structure allows experienced lawyers to work more flexibly and efficiently by using cutting-edge proprietary technology so they can focus on what really matters: their clients. By removing unnecessary overheads and bureaucracy, our lawyers can build closer, more collaborative relationships.
Keystone is home to over 450 experienced partners across 25 sectors and more than 50 areas of specialisms and our clients benefit from direct access to senior legal talent. From fast-growing start-ups to multinational corporations and high-net-worth individuals, our lawyers provide legal advice that’s commercially sharp, tailored to clients’ needs and grounded in genuine understanding to resolve matters quickly and efficiently.
Ranked Offices
Provided by Keystone Law
UK - Head office
Greater London
48 Chancery Lane , London, Greater London, UK, WC2A 1JF, London
UK
Bristol
St Brandon's House 29 Great George Street , Bristol, Bristol, UK, BS1 5QT, Bristol
Isle of Man
The Old Courthouse, Athol Street, Douglas, Isle of Man, UK, IM1 1JD, Douglas
Ranked Departments
Ranked Individuals
Articles, highlights and press releases
320 items provided by Keystone Law
Do the UK’s Cryptoasset Regulations apply to you?
The UK’s new Cryptoasset Regulations are suddenly upon us. If you are already in the crypto business in the UK, you’ll need to start the process of applying for authorisation now in order to file the application with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) between 30 September 2026 & 28 February 2027.
How is carried interest treated on divorce?
Carried interest (“carry”) can be one of the most complex assets to deal with on divorce. For those working in private equity, venture capital, or fund management, it may represent a significant part of their overall wealth. For the other spouse, it may appear to be a valuable matrimonial resource.
Is your UK family office FCA-authorised?
Family offices come in many shapes and sizes. For the person responsible for a family’s investment activities, a question which commonly arises is whether those activities amount to regulated financial services requiring authorisation from the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).
Digital Explainer: When is AI use acceptable for legal matters?
AI is meant to disrupt legal services, but it has also caused many concerns. In this Keynote, James Tumbridge and Robert Peake outline what the judges in the UK think is acceptable use of AI.
How can employers avoid legal risks when using AI in recruitment?
Recent reports have shown an increasing use of artificial intelligence (AI) and other automated decision-making (ADM) in recruitment processes, and many employers will be inclined to digitalise their recruitment and selection processes.
The practical implications of age discrimination claims for LLPs and partnerships
Last year’s decision of the Employment Tribunal in Scott v Walker Morris LLP sheds light on steps that LLPs and partnerships ought to be taking in relation to their retirement provisions and how they deal with partners or LLP members who do not wish to retire.
When is a winding up petition appropriate?
A winding up petition is one of the most serious enforcement tools available to a creditor. It represents a decisive escalation in a debt recovery strategy and carries significant commercial consequences for the debtor company.
Faster, targeted SFO enquiries: what the board must be ready to evidence
The Serious Fraud Office (SFO) recently launched its Business Plan 2026–-27.
Managing price increases in volatile markets
Supply chain disruption, geopolitical instability, and sustained cost inflation have made price pressure an unavoidable reality for many businesses.
Keystone Law advises on Polar Technology investment by Trive Capital
Keystone Law’s Corporate partner Will Nash has acted for the founders and senior management of Polar Technology.
Biodiversity Net Gain: recent changes and what they mean for landowners and rural development
Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) is now an established feature of the planning framework in England.
When is a statutory demand appropriate?
A statutory demand can be a powerful commercial tool for creditors seeking prompt payment of an undisputed debt from a limited company. In practice, it is most effective where informal chasing has stalled and the debtor has stopped engaging meaningfully.
BIOT Supreme Court quashes Removal Orders in landmark Chagossian victory
Keystone Law’s partner, barrister, and Attorney General for the Chagos Government, James Tumbridge, has successfully represented British Chagossian citizens before the Supreme Court of the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT), with Philip Ruke KC.
Keystone Law advises Gedeon Richter on its acquisition of Celmatix Inc’s research portfolio
Keystone Law has advised Gedeon Richter, a European multinational pharmaceutical and biotechnology company, on its acquisition of the women’s health early-stage research portfolio of Celmatix Inc.
Keystone Law advises System1 founder on sale of 23% shareholding to Brave Bison
Keystone Law has advised John Kearon, founder and largest shareholder of System1 Group plc (AIM), on the sale of his 23% shareholding in the business to Brave Bison Group PLC through a share‑for‑share exchange.
Keystone Law advises on landmark ruling on HMRC abuse of process and fair pleading
Keystone Law’s Tax partner Martin O’Neill has represented Mr Ashley Trees before the Upper Tribunal (Tax and Chancery Chamber) in an important judgment which has set aside a Director’s Liability Notice (“DLN”) issued by HMRC to Mr Trees.
Business rates revaluation: what it means for high street businesses and landlords
A major business rates revaluation took effect on 1 April 2026, increasing costs for many high street premises.
Digital Explainer – What is the future for experts in the age of AI?
AI is all around and it is giving many the confidence to comment on things they only know about because of an AI summary. What does this mean for traditional knowledge-based expertise?
Share-for-share exchanges: what is the new anti-avoidance rule?
Share-for-share exchanges are widely used in corporate transactions, including third-party acquisitions where consideration includes shares in the buyer and internal group restructurings.
Are convertible loan notes a hidden trap in startup funding?
Convertible notes are increasingly popular in early-stage startup funding. They are essentially short-term loans that automatically convert into equity at a later financing round, often at a discount or subject to a valuation cap.
What now for creatives, rightsholders, and AI businesses in the UK?
The UK government has published a coordinated set of responses addressing how to balance copyright protection with AI innovation.
What you need to know about pensions, spousal maintenance, and inheritance
When a marriage ends, dividing finances fairly requires more than just splitting the family home. Some of the most significant – and often most misunderstood – issues involve pensions, spousal maintenance, and inheritance.
What does the ICO’s warning against automated decision-making mean for AI, recruitment & employers?
The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) published its views and report on AI & automated decision-making in recruitment. This flows from its AI and biometrics strategy, published in June 2025.
Protecting your home and work devices against cyber attacks
German authorities and the UK’s GCHQ recently warned that Russian state-linked hackers are turning Wi-Fi routers into spying devices by exploiting vulnerabilities in home and office devices.
What are the new sponsor responsibilities for UK employers?
Recent changes to the Immigration Rules have been accompanied by updates to sponsor guidance, significantly raising the bar for compliance. The key change is not just about what sponsors are required to do, but what they must be able to clearly evidence.
The increase of director disqualifications: could you be at risk?
Director disqualification is a legal mechanism intended to prevent individuals who are deemed unfit from managing companies. Under the Company Directors Disqualification Act 1986, courts can prohibit directors from holding office for a period of two to fifteen years, depending on the severity.
Inheritance Tax changes: what do they mean for businesses?
As of 6 April 2026, the Inheritance Tax (IHT) landscape for business owners and farmers has changed significantly.
What does the decision in Pal v Accenture UK Ltd mean for employers?
The decision of the Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT) in January 2026 in Pal v Accenture (UK) Ltd has two important lessons: one is for employers managing long-term health conditions in the workplace and the other relates to the fairness of the policy of ‘up or elsewhere’.
A year of transition for the Building Safety Regulator
The Building Safety Regulator (BSR) continues to move from establishing the regulatory framework under the Building Safety Act 2022 to actively exercising its supervisory role.
AI and legal privilege – Do you know your risks?
Now thanks to an immigration case from November 2025, we have a UK tribunal telling us that there is also a risk of losing legal professional privilege if you use AI. This is a very serious concern and needs to be understood.
Do the UK’s Cryptoasset Regulations apply to you?
The UK’s new Cryptoasset Regulations are suddenly upon us. If you are already in the crypto business in the UK, you’ll need to start the process of applying for authorisation now in order to file the application with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) between 30 September 2026 & 28 February 2027.
How is carried interest treated on divorce?
Carried interest (“carry”) can be one of the most complex assets to deal with on divorce. For those working in private equity, venture capital, or fund management, it may represent a significant part of their overall wealth. For the other spouse, it may appear to be a valuable matrimonial resource.
Is your UK family office FCA-authorised?
Family offices come in many shapes and sizes. For the person responsible for a family’s investment activities, a question which commonly arises is whether those activities amount to regulated financial services requiring authorisation from the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).
Digital Explainer: When is AI use acceptable for legal matters?
AI is meant to disrupt legal services, but it has also caused many concerns. In this Keynote, James Tumbridge and Robert Peake outline what the judges in the UK think is acceptable use of AI.
How can employers avoid legal risks when using AI in recruitment?
Recent reports have shown an increasing use of artificial intelligence (AI) and other automated decision-making (ADM) in recruitment processes, and many employers will be inclined to digitalise their recruitment and selection processes.
The practical implications of age discrimination claims for LLPs and partnerships
Last year’s decision of the Employment Tribunal in Scott v Walker Morris LLP sheds light on steps that LLPs and partnerships ought to be taking in relation to their retirement provisions and how they deal with partners or LLP members who do not wish to retire.
When is a winding up petition appropriate?
A winding up petition is one of the most serious enforcement tools available to a creditor. It represents a decisive escalation in a debt recovery strategy and carries significant commercial consequences for the debtor company.
Faster, targeted SFO enquiries: what the board must be ready to evidence
The Serious Fraud Office (SFO) recently launched its Business Plan 2026–-27.
Managing price increases in volatile markets
Supply chain disruption, geopolitical instability, and sustained cost inflation have made price pressure an unavoidable reality for many businesses.
Keystone Law advises on Polar Technology investment by Trive Capital
Keystone Law’s Corporate partner Will Nash has acted for the founders and senior management of Polar Technology.
Biodiversity Net Gain: recent changes and what they mean for landowners and rural development
Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) is now an established feature of the planning framework in England.
When is a statutory demand appropriate?
A statutory demand can be a powerful commercial tool for creditors seeking prompt payment of an undisputed debt from a limited company. In practice, it is most effective where informal chasing has stalled and the debtor has stopped engaging meaningfully.
BIOT Supreme Court quashes Removal Orders in landmark Chagossian victory
Keystone Law’s partner, barrister, and Attorney General for the Chagos Government, James Tumbridge, has successfully represented British Chagossian citizens before the Supreme Court of the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT), with Philip Ruke KC.
Keystone Law advises Gedeon Richter on its acquisition of Celmatix Inc’s research portfolio
Keystone Law has advised Gedeon Richter, a European multinational pharmaceutical and biotechnology company, on its acquisition of the women’s health early-stage research portfolio of Celmatix Inc.
Keystone Law advises System1 founder on sale of 23% shareholding to Brave Bison
Keystone Law has advised John Kearon, founder and largest shareholder of System1 Group plc (AIM), on the sale of his 23% shareholding in the business to Brave Bison Group PLC through a share‑for‑share exchange.
Keystone Law advises on landmark ruling on HMRC abuse of process and fair pleading
Keystone Law’s Tax partner Martin O’Neill has represented Mr Ashley Trees before the Upper Tribunal (Tax and Chancery Chamber) in an important judgment which has set aside a Director’s Liability Notice (“DLN”) issued by HMRC to Mr Trees.
Business rates revaluation: what it means for high street businesses and landlords
A major business rates revaluation took effect on 1 April 2026, increasing costs for many high street premises.
Digital Explainer – What is the future for experts in the age of AI?
AI is all around and it is giving many the confidence to comment on things they only know about because of an AI summary. What does this mean for traditional knowledge-based expertise?
Share-for-share exchanges: what is the new anti-avoidance rule?
Share-for-share exchanges are widely used in corporate transactions, including third-party acquisitions where consideration includes shares in the buyer and internal group restructurings.
Are convertible loan notes a hidden trap in startup funding?
Convertible notes are increasingly popular in early-stage startup funding. They are essentially short-term loans that automatically convert into equity at a later financing round, often at a discount or subject to a valuation cap.
What now for creatives, rightsholders, and AI businesses in the UK?
The UK government has published a coordinated set of responses addressing how to balance copyright protection with AI innovation.
What you need to know about pensions, spousal maintenance, and inheritance
When a marriage ends, dividing finances fairly requires more than just splitting the family home. Some of the most significant – and often most misunderstood – issues involve pensions, spousal maintenance, and inheritance.
What does the ICO’s warning against automated decision-making mean for AI, recruitment & employers?
The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) published its views and report on AI & automated decision-making in recruitment. This flows from its AI and biometrics strategy, published in June 2025.
Protecting your home and work devices against cyber attacks
German authorities and the UK’s GCHQ recently warned that Russian state-linked hackers are turning Wi-Fi routers into spying devices by exploiting vulnerabilities in home and office devices.
What are the new sponsor responsibilities for UK employers?
Recent changes to the Immigration Rules have been accompanied by updates to sponsor guidance, significantly raising the bar for compliance. The key change is not just about what sponsors are required to do, but what they must be able to clearly evidence.
The increase of director disqualifications: could you be at risk?
Director disqualification is a legal mechanism intended to prevent individuals who are deemed unfit from managing companies. Under the Company Directors Disqualification Act 1986, courts can prohibit directors from holding office for a period of two to fifteen years, depending on the severity.
Inheritance Tax changes: what do they mean for businesses?
As of 6 April 2026, the Inheritance Tax (IHT) landscape for business owners and farmers has changed significantly.
What does the decision in Pal v Accenture UK Ltd mean for employers?
The decision of the Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT) in January 2026 in Pal v Accenture (UK) Ltd has two important lessons: one is for employers managing long-term health conditions in the workplace and the other relates to the fairness of the policy of ‘up or elsewhere’.
A year of transition for the Building Safety Regulator
The Building Safety Regulator (BSR) continues to move from establishing the regulatory framework under the Building Safety Act 2022 to actively exercising its supervisory role.
AI and legal privilege – Do you know your risks?
Now thanks to an immigration case from November 2025, we have a UK tribunal telling us that there is also a risk of losing legal professional privilege if you use AI. This is a very serious concern and needs to be understood.