Keystone Law
Rankings
Leading firm in UK 2026
Ranked Departments:
Ranked Individuals:
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
285 items provided by Keystone Law
Illuminate Skin Clinics Limited and Mark Glenn Ltd: when can cosmetic procedures be exempt from VAT?
Following our Keynote on where the law stood regarding the VAT treatment of cosmetic procedures, the Upper Tribunal gave its view in Illuminate Skin Clinics Limited which lays down a multi-factorial analysis to be used to determine whether a procedure is exempt from VAT.
‘Force majeure’: what happens if the performance of your contract has been impacted by matters in th
This really is an area where you have to look at things in the round: the terms of your contract, the facts on the ground, and how you have engaged with both of those things are all relevant factors. Nothing like a clear and simple answer to an often urgent commercial problem.
What can you do if you receive a trade union access request?
Many employers are surprised to receive trade union access requests, particularly where staff relations are good and there has been no previous union presence.
Children’s privacy enforcement intensifies: lessons from ICO’s Reddit and Imgur decisions
Two recent enforcement decisions from the UK Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) concerning failures to protect children’s personal data online send a clear warning signal to online platforms about UK regulators’ priorities when it comes to children and online safety.
Is a prenup invalid if you fail to fully disclose your assets?
Since 2010 the courts of England and Wales have given effect to pre-nuptial agreements (prenups) that are freely entered into by each party with a full appreciation of their implications, unless they have found that in the circumstances it would not be fair to hold the parties to the agreement.
What changes are coming into effect for those who hire temporary workers?
Do you engage workers who are employed and paid by a so-called ‘umbrella company’? Or, perhaps you’re not sure. Either way, you may be affected by new legislation which will apply from 6 April 2026. Non-compliance may have substantial financial implications.
Why the UK is a safe tax haven for expatriates
With ongoing conflict in the Middle East, many expatriates are considering a temporary or permanent move to the UK. For those with overseas assets and structures and who moved to the Middle East to enjoy a tax-free lifestyle, understanding the UK tax landscape prior to any return is crucial.
Digital Explainer – Online intermediaries: when does knowledge give rise to liability?
‘Online intermediaries’ is often used as a shorthand for the digital platforms that are a feature of our everyday lives, both personal and professional: social media platforms, video and image sharing sites and apps, and digital marketplaces.
What is family mediation and when is it appropriate?
Family mediation is a voluntary process in which a couple or family members agree to the appointment of a neutral third party (the mediator). This can happen whether or not they are legally represented at any time and regardless of whether there have been any legal proceedings.
Negotiating the distinct pitfalls of disability discrimination in the management of performance
Keeping on top of employee performance is an essential factor in the monitoring of business effectiveness and productivity in all sectors. While exceptional performance is celebrated through appraisal mechanisms, poor performance provides a potentially valid and fair reason for termination.
Pre-emption rights: do they protect shareholders or hold back fundraising?
Pre-emption rights give existing shareholders the chance to buy new shares before they are offered to outside investors. These rights are usually set out in a company’s articles of association or in shareholder agreements.
What role does a prenup play in protecting assets on divorce?
A recent judgment from the Royal Courts of Justice (RCJ) has underlined the critical role prenuptial agreements play in protecting one’s assets during divorce proceedings.
Emotional Perception: UK Supreme Court sets out new approach to patentability for computer
The UK Supreme Court (‘UKSC’) handed down a pivotal judgment on 11 February 2026 in Emotional Perception AI Ltd v Comptroller-General of Patents, marking an important shift in the way computer-implemented inventions, and in particular artificial neural networks (‘ANNs’), are to be assessed.
Equal shared care and child maintenance: what OS v DT [2025] means for parents
The recent Family Court decision OS v DT [2025] EWFC 156 (B) has clarified an issue that has caused confusion for years: if parents share the care of their children exactly equally, can child maintenance still be payable?
Will the new rules to increase access to court records have a negative impact on litigation in Engla
With effect from 1 January 2026, Practice Direction 51ZH (“PD51ZH”) introduces a two-year pilot scheme in the Commercial Court, London Circuit Commercial Court of the King’s Bench Division, and the Financial List.
Can product names be trade marked? Lessons from the “POST MILK GENERATION” Supreme Court case
We have a rare lesson from the UK Supreme Court on words precluded from trade mark protection, where those words are controlled via another law. The issue arose from Oatly AB, a Swedish company that markets dairy alternatives, being opposed in its trade mark application by a UK trade association.
What were some of the most significant banking litigation cases in 2025?
Finance disputes arise from commercial relationships between lenders and customers or suppliers, reflecting both the diversity of such relationships and the variety of different regulated persons and products in the financial services sector.
What to expect at each financial court hearing
If you and your spouse cannot agree on how assets should be divided, the court will guide you through a structured three-stage process. Each hearing has a specific purpose and helps narrow the issues until a fair financial settlement can be reached.
What can we learn from a law firm’s accidental data breach from a data subject access request?
A court ordered the return of files accidentally disclosed to a litigating party after a data subject access request (DSAR) gave too much in reply, including information about unconnected persons. The court then ordered erasure of the copies held and prohibition of future use by the recipient.
Should you disclose a trust to beneficiaries?
A settlor can settle a trust for many reasons and in doing so, they may decide not to inform the chosen beneficiaries of the existence of the trust.
Employment Rights Act 2025: key consultations in 2026
The Employment Rights Act 2025 (“ERA”) marks a significant overhaul of UK employment law, and much of its final shape will be determined by an extensive series of Government consultations throughout this year.
What should you consider before buying your first property?
Buying your first home can feel daunting. However, with the support of expert professionals, it doesn’t have to be. Below is a short guide to buying your first property and the key stages involved in the conveyancing process.
Digital Explainer – EU & UK changing expectations: what’s new in cybersecurity?
At its core, cybersecurity refers to measures and behaviours that protect the confidentiality and integrity of digital information, and access to the systems on which that information is held, used and shared. Read our overview on it and tips for risk understanding here.
Why do joint venture agreements go wrong?
Joint ventures remain one of the most widely used ways for UK businesses to expand without taking on the full financial and operational burden of an acquisition or merger.
Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill: the key details
On 27 January, the UK Government published a draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill intended to modernise residential property tenure, strengthen protections for homeowners, and transition away from the traditional leasehold system for flats.
How the courts divide finances fairly on divorce
When a marriage ends, dividing finances can feel daunting. Understanding how the law approaches financial settlements helps you make informed decisions and avoid unnecessary conflict.
What is the UK real estate industry doing about clean
Decarbonisation is often a polarising topic. There are many reasons why some decarbonisation policies do not work or why the effect of them is not obvious from a data perspective
Earn-out disputes in M&A deals: how can businesses protect their interests?
Earn-outs have become a familiar feature of UK mergers and acquisitions (M&A deals). They allow part of the purchase price to be deferred and tied to the future financial performance of the target company.
What is the appropriate SDLT to be paid in mixed-use dwellings?
In Raj Sehgal Varsha Sehgal v HMRC [2025] UKFTT 01439 (TC), the First-tier Tribunal (in a decision released in December 2025)
2026 trends for creative digital agencies: a commercial and legal perspective
Many of the trends shaping creative and digital agencies will feel familiar, but the difference this year is maturity and execution.
Illuminate Skin Clinics Limited and Mark Glenn Ltd: when can cosmetic procedures be exempt from VAT?
Following our Keynote on where the law stood regarding the VAT treatment of cosmetic procedures, the Upper Tribunal gave its view in Illuminate Skin Clinics Limited which lays down a multi-factorial analysis to be used to determine whether a procedure is exempt from VAT.
‘Force majeure’: what happens if the performance of your contract has been impacted by matters in th
This really is an area where you have to look at things in the round: the terms of your contract, the facts on the ground, and how you have engaged with both of those things are all relevant factors. Nothing like a clear and simple answer to an often urgent commercial problem.
What can you do if you receive a trade union access request?
Many employers are surprised to receive trade union access requests, particularly where staff relations are good and there has been no previous union presence.
Children’s privacy enforcement intensifies: lessons from ICO’s Reddit and Imgur decisions
Two recent enforcement decisions from the UK Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) concerning failures to protect children’s personal data online send a clear warning signal to online platforms about UK regulators’ priorities when it comes to children and online safety.
Is a prenup invalid if you fail to fully disclose your assets?
Since 2010 the courts of England and Wales have given effect to pre-nuptial agreements (prenups) that are freely entered into by each party with a full appreciation of their implications, unless they have found that in the circumstances it would not be fair to hold the parties to the agreement.
What changes are coming into effect for those who hire temporary workers?
Do you engage workers who are employed and paid by a so-called ‘umbrella company’? Or, perhaps you’re not sure. Either way, you may be affected by new legislation which will apply from 6 April 2026. Non-compliance may have substantial financial implications.
Why the UK is a safe tax haven for expatriates
With ongoing conflict in the Middle East, many expatriates are considering a temporary or permanent move to the UK. For those with overseas assets and structures and who moved to the Middle East to enjoy a tax-free lifestyle, understanding the UK tax landscape prior to any return is crucial.
Digital Explainer – Online intermediaries: when does knowledge give rise to liability?
‘Online intermediaries’ is often used as a shorthand for the digital platforms that are a feature of our everyday lives, both personal and professional: social media platforms, video and image sharing sites and apps, and digital marketplaces.
What is family mediation and when is it appropriate?
Family mediation is a voluntary process in which a couple or family members agree to the appointment of a neutral third party (the mediator). This can happen whether or not they are legally represented at any time and regardless of whether there have been any legal proceedings.
Negotiating the distinct pitfalls of disability discrimination in the management of performance
Keeping on top of employee performance is an essential factor in the monitoring of business effectiveness and productivity in all sectors. While exceptional performance is celebrated through appraisal mechanisms, poor performance provides a potentially valid and fair reason for termination.
Pre-emption rights: do they protect shareholders or hold back fundraising?
Pre-emption rights give existing shareholders the chance to buy new shares before they are offered to outside investors. These rights are usually set out in a company’s articles of association or in shareholder agreements.
What role does a prenup play in protecting assets on divorce?
A recent judgment from the Royal Courts of Justice (RCJ) has underlined the critical role prenuptial agreements play in protecting one’s assets during divorce proceedings.
Emotional Perception: UK Supreme Court sets out new approach to patentability for computer
The UK Supreme Court (‘UKSC’) handed down a pivotal judgment on 11 February 2026 in Emotional Perception AI Ltd v Comptroller-General of Patents, marking an important shift in the way computer-implemented inventions, and in particular artificial neural networks (‘ANNs’), are to be assessed.
Equal shared care and child maintenance: what OS v DT [2025] means for parents
The recent Family Court decision OS v DT [2025] EWFC 156 (B) has clarified an issue that has caused confusion for years: if parents share the care of their children exactly equally, can child maintenance still be payable?
Will the new rules to increase access to court records have a negative impact on litigation in Engla
With effect from 1 January 2026, Practice Direction 51ZH (“PD51ZH”) introduces a two-year pilot scheme in the Commercial Court, London Circuit Commercial Court of the King’s Bench Division, and the Financial List.
Can product names be trade marked? Lessons from the “POST MILK GENERATION” Supreme Court case
We have a rare lesson from the UK Supreme Court on words precluded from trade mark protection, where those words are controlled via another law. The issue arose from Oatly AB, a Swedish company that markets dairy alternatives, being opposed in its trade mark application by a UK trade association.
What were some of the most significant banking litigation cases in 2025?
Finance disputes arise from commercial relationships between lenders and customers or suppliers, reflecting both the diversity of such relationships and the variety of different regulated persons and products in the financial services sector.
What to expect at each financial court hearing
If you and your spouse cannot agree on how assets should be divided, the court will guide you through a structured three-stage process. Each hearing has a specific purpose and helps narrow the issues until a fair financial settlement can be reached.
What can we learn from a law firm’s accidental data breach from a data subject access request?
A court ordered the return of files accidentally disclosed to a litigating party after a data subject access request (DSAR) gave too much in reply, including information about unconnected persons. The court then ordered erasure of the copies held and prohibition of future use by the recipient.
Should you disclose a trust to beneficiaries?
A settlor can settle a trust for many reasons and in doing so, they may decide not to inform the chosen beneficiaries of the existence of the trust.
Employment Rights Act 2025: key consultations in 2026
The Employment Rights Act 2025 (“ERA”) marks a significant overhaul of UK employment law, and much of its final shape will be determined by an extensive series of Government consultations throughout this year.
What should you consider before buying your first property?
Buying your first home can feel daunting. However, with the support of expert professionals, it doesn’t have to be. Below is a short guide to buying your first property and the key stages involved in the conveyancing process.
Digital Explainer – EU & UK changing expectations: what’s new in cybersecurity?
At its core, cybersecurity refers to measures and behaviours that protect the confidentiality and integrity of digital information, and access to the systems on which that information is held, used and shared. Read our overview on it and tips for risk understanding here.
Why do joint venture agreements go wrong?
Joint ventures remain one of the most widely used ways for UK businesses to expand without taking on the full financial and operational burden of an acquisition or merger.
Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill: the key details
On 27 January, the UK Government published a draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill intended to modernise residential property tenure, strengthen protections for homeowners, and transition away from the traditional leasehold system for flats.
How the courts divide finances fairly on divorce
When a marriage ends, dividing finances can feel daunting. Understanding how the law approaches financial settlements helps you make informed decisions and avoid unnecessary conflict.
What is the UK real estate industry doing about clean
Decarbonisation is often a polarising topic. There are many reasons why some decarbonisation policies do not work or why the effect of them is not obvious from a data perspective
Earn-out disputes in M&A deals: how can businesses protect their interests?
Earn-outs have become a familiar feature of UK mergers and acquisitions (M&A deals). They allow part of the purchase price to be deferred and tied to the future financial performance of the target company.
What is the appropriate SDLT to be paid in mixed-use dwellings?
In Raj Sehgal Varsha Sehgal v HMRC [2025] UKFTT 01439 (TC), the First-tier Tribunal (in a decision released in December 2025)
2026 trends for creative digital agencies: a commercial and legal perspective
Many of the trends shaping creative and digital agencies will feel familiar, but the difference this year is maturity and execution.