Keystone Law
UK Guide 2026
Keystone Law
www.keystonelaw.co.ukEmail address
[email protected]Contact number
020 3319 3700Share profile
About
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
- London48 Chancery Lane , London, Greater London, UK, WC2A 1JF
- Web: www.keystonelaw.co.uk
- Tel: 020 3319 3700
- BristolSt Brandon's House 29 Great George Street , Bristol, Bristol, UK, BS1 5QTDouglasThe Old Courthouse, Athol Street, Douglas, Isle of Man, UK, IM1 1JD
Keystone Law rankings
Articles, highlights and press releases
205 items provided by Keystone Law
DARVO and the English Family Courts: recognising and responding to manipulation
This month, in her report to parliament the Domestic Abuse Commissioner found that 87% of the case files it reviewed had evidence of abuse. It was also prevalent in 73% of the hearings it observed.
Court delivers Poundland restructuring plan: key insights from the judgment
On 24 October 2025, Sir Alastair Norris handed down judgment in relation to Poundland’s Part 26A Restructuring Plan (RP), which was successfully sanctioned by the High Court on 26 August 2025. This is the largest leasehold restructuring RP implemented to date.
Understanding conflict and narcissism in divorce and separation
Family law is not only about statutes, evidence, and procedure. It is also about human behaviour – how people think, feel, and act when their most personal relationships break down.
“Medical misadventure” inquest conclusion: what are the implications for plastic surgeons and clinic
At a recent inquest into the death of patient AR who died following elective cosmetic surgery, a Coroner reached a relatively rare conclusion, that she died as a result of “medical misadventure”.
Retail and hospitality insolvency risks: lessons from Pizza Hut’s financial troubles
Restaurant chain’s dough runs out as struggles reflect broader sector challenges
What matters more: well-known wine trade marks or geographical indications?
The Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) was asked by complainants in Italy to rule on a dispute between trade marks and a geographical indication (GI) concerning wine from Salaparuta, a wine region/town in Sicily.
What is the “Agent of Change” principle?
A recent Government and industry taskforce report Licensing policy sprint, included a recommendation to “make the Agent of Change principle a factor that must be considered when making licensing decisions”.
What happens if you fail to keep up to date with technology?
Microsoft support for Windows 10 ended on 14 October 2025, meaning that updates and bug fixes will no longer be dispatched to those who continue to use the operating system.
Why you should review your sponsor licence
Businesses who wish to recruit or employ someone to work for them from outside of the UK will require a sponsor licence.
Why use NCDR to resolve family disputes?
Recent announcements from the President of the Family Division have sent shockwaves through the family law community. The Central Family Court has been told that only 13% of court time can be used for divorce and financial cases – a threshold that has already been exceeded.
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.
DARVO and the English Family Courts: recognising and responding to manipulation
This month, in her report to parliament the Domestic Abuse Commissioner found that 87% of the case files it reviewed had evidence of abuse. It was also prevalent in 73% of the hearings it observed.
Court delivers Poundland restructuring plan: key insights from the judgment
On 24 October 2025, Sir Alastair Norris handed down judgment in relation to Poundland’s Part 26A Restructuring Plan (RP), which was successfully sanctioned by the High Court on 26 August 2025. This is the largest leasehold restructuring RP implemented to date.
Understanding conflict and narcissism in divorce and separation
Family law is not only about statutes, evidence, and procedure. It is also about human behaviour – how people think, feel, and act when their most personal relationships break down.
“Medical misadventure” inquest conclusion: what are the implications for plastic surgeons and clinic
At a recent inquest into the death of patient AR who died following elective cosmetic surgery, a Coroner reached a relatively rare conclusion, that she died as a result of “medical misadventure”.
Retail and hospitality insolvency risks: lessons from Pizza Hut’s financial troubles
Restaurant chain’s dough runs out as struggles reflect broader sector challenges
What matters more: well-known wine trade marks or geographical indications?
The Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) was asked by complainants in Italy to rule on a dispute between trade marks and a geographical indication (GI) concerning wine from Salaparuta, a wine region/town in Sicily.
What is the “Agent of Change” principle?
A recent Government and industry taskforce report Licensing policy sprint, included a recommendation to “make the Agent of Change principle a factor that must be considered when making licensing decisions”.
What happens if you fail to keep up to date with technology?
Microsoft support for Windows 10 ended on 14 October 2025, meaning that updates and bug fixes will no longer be dispatched to those who continue to use the operating system.
Why you should review your sponsor licence
Businesses who wish to recruit or employ someone to work for them from outside of the UK will require a sponsor licence.
Why use NCDR to resolve family disputes?
Recent announcements from the President of the Family Division have sent shockwaves through the family law community. The Central Family Court has been told that only 13% of court time can be used for divorce and financial cases – a threshold that has already been exceeded.
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.