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
254 items provided by Keystone Law
How the divorce process works in England & Wales
If you are divorcing and unsure where to start, understanding the legal process for divorce can help you plan the next steps with confidence. Divorce in England and Wales is now simpler and less confrontational than it used to be, but there are still key stages and practical considerations.
What to expect in employment law in 2026
2026 is shaping up to be one of the most significant years for UK employment law in a decade.
Failure to mediate – lessons from Grijns: when can you refuse to mediate?Failure to mediate – lesson
Grijns v Grijns & Ors concerns a sad tale of a family dispute over a multi-million-pound house in Chelsea, London. Whilst the facts of the case were unfortunate, there was a small upside in the lessons it offers on when to settle and how to do so.
Family arbitration: is it always completely private and confidential?
Family arbitration is increasingly used as a private alternative to court proceedings in family law disputes.
Copyright and AI remain in focus for 2026 with Getty appeal given the green light
On 16 December 2025, Mrs Justice Joanna Smith DBE granted permission for Getty Images to appeal her judgment in November 2024, which dismissed Getty’s copyright infringement claims against Stability AI.
What are the trends and challenges for UK hospitality in 2026?
By 2026, the UK hospitality sector will not be defined by a single trend, technology or asset class. Instead, success will depend on how effectively operators navigate sustained uncertainty while extracting value from every square metre, every data point, and every guest interaction.
Digital Explainer – What is Adequacy?
The EU has been a leader in the world when it comes to personal data regulation, and creation of individuals’ rights in data. As part of that, it has a policy to assess the adequacy of the laws of other jurisdictions to determine if they meet the EU standard.
What do the new EU Sustainability Reporting and Due Diligence laws mean for UK companies?
The European Union (EU) has now agreed the final version of its Sustainability Omnibus, an all-in one legal change mechanism, reshaping both the Corporate Sustainability Reporting regime (CSRD) and the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence framework (CSDDD). The changes are substantial.
UKIPO to discontinue series trade mark applications
Series trade marks were first introduced in the UK under the Trade Marks Act 1938. They are a cost-effective way of obtaining registered trade mark protection for up to six variations of the same mark, for example the same logo in six different colour variations.
Do you have to honour a promotion or pay-rise promise made at a work event?
In the wake of Christmas party season, some businesses may be left dealing with the repercussions of promises made under the influence of alcohol at a Christmas party or festive event. Employment partner Sarah Garth considers if theses promises have any legal weight.
When to seek professional support as a separated parent
For separating parents, it is completely normal to feel overwhelmed, frustrated, or anxious during and after separation. Parenting apart is emotionally demanding.
Why your share buyback could backfire
Share buybacks are often viewed as a straightforward financial manoeuvre. A company uses surplus cash to repurchase its own shares, reducing the number available on the market.
Greenwashing risks: how sustainability claims can backfire for brands
Recent rulings by the UK’s Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) highlight the risks companies face when making vague or unsubstantiated environmental claims in their advertising.
Supporting your child through separation: how to talk, reassure, and help them adjust
One of the hardest parts of separation is explaining it to your child and supporting them through the changes that follow. Children often sense more than parents realise, and the way you communicate – calmly, honestly, and together where possible – shapes how secure they feel.
Digital Explainer – Will there ever be universal translation?
The imagination of story tellers have for many years conjured the idea that we might have a universal translator, and in the age of AI maybe it is possible, but it is not an easy thing to achieve.
Negotiating workplace settlement agreements: pitfalls and considerations
Settlement agreements have become a common feature of the employment landscape in the UK. Formerly known as a compromise agreement, a settlement agreement is a legally binding contract between an employer and an employee in which the employee agrees not to pursue certain claims.
Autumn Budget 2025: heightened insolvency risks for retail and hospitality operators
The UK retail and hospitality sectors are entering the crucial winter trading period under renewed pressure following the Chancellor’s November Budget. Economic growth remains weak, and the Office for Budget Responsibility has downgraded its annual economic forecasts through to 2030.
Getty Images v Stability AI: the key intellectual property issues
Intellectual property (IP) practitioners, creatives, and AI developers have been eagerly awaiting the judgment Getty Images v Stability AI [2025] EWHC 2863 (Ch) as it is the first claim against an AI developer to be heard in English courts.
Co-parenting after separation: practical tips for reducing conflict and building routine
Co-parenting after separation can feel challenging – especially when emotions are high and communication has broken down. But with the right structure, it is possible to create a calmer, more predictable routine for your children and reduce unnecessary conflict.
Using mediation to resolve high-conflict family cases
High-conflict family cases can often lead to long, drawn-out, and costly court proceedings.
Autumn Budget 2025: the key takeaways
The Chancellor recently set out the government’s financial plans in this year’s Budget. Our tax consultant solicitor Michael Fluss provides an overview of the key takeaways and how it will impact your finances.
Are over-optimistic business valuations putting companies at risk?
Business valuation is not simply a financial figure. It shapes how much capital can be raised, how ownership is shared, and how tax may be calculated. For founders, it may decide whether a fundraising round succeeds.
How will the tourist tax proposals impact professional short-term rental operators?
The Chancellor’s plan to give local authorities in England the power to levy a tourist or overnight stay tax on hotels and short-term rentals (STRs) is set to become one of the most significant changes to the UK visitor economy in recent years.
What you should expect going to court in children proceedings
Attending court about your child can feel daunting, especially if it is your first experience of the family courts. Understanding what to expect at each stage can make the process less overwhelming and help you prepare with confidence.
What is the role of a Non-Executive Director?
Non-executive directors (NEDs) are often described as the cornerstone of modern corporate governance. Their role is to provide independent oversight, challenge the executive team, and contribute external experience to strategic decision-making.
The Intellectual Property Office’s updated guidance on IP audits
The Intellectual Property Office UK (UKIPO) has recently published some updated guidance to IP practitioners when conducting IP audits, highlighting some additional areas to review concerning standards essential patents (SEPs).
The Renters’ Rights Act 2025: what are the grounds for possession and their notice periods?
The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 (the Act) received Royal Assent on 27 October 2025. The first major phase of the Act will come into force on 1 May 2026. However, the Government retains the power to vary the implementation period for different parts of the Act.
How you can avoid co-parenting disputes
Maintaining a healthy co-parenting relationship with your ex-partner can be challenging but it is crucial for the wellbeing of you and your children. The most important thing to keep in mind is that your children’s needs and best interests should always come above yours.
What is the European Commission’s Digital Omnibus package?
The recent leaks of the European Commission’s draft plans for digital reforms caused concern amongst digital rights advocates, especially as there was a notable shift of thinking inside the European Union (EU).
SDLT and ATED: what reliefs are available?
In general, where a company acquires an interest in a dwelling for consideration over £500k, the company will be liable to pay Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) at a flat rate of 17% (formerly 15%) in respect of the acquisition and, subsequently, while it holds that interest valued at over £500k
How the divorce process works in England & Wales
If you are divorcing and unsure where to start, understanding the legal process for divorce can help you plan the next steps with confidence. Divorce in England and Wales is now simpler and less confrontational than it used to be, but there are still key stages and practical considerations.
What to expect in employment law in 2026
2026 is shaping up to be one of the most significant years for UK employment law in a decade.
Failure to mediate – lessons from Grijns: when can you refuse to mediate?Failure to mediate – lesson
Grijns v Grijns & Ors concerns a sad tale of a family dispute over a multi-million-pound house in Chelsea, London. Whilst the facts of the case were unfortunate, there was a small upside in the lessons it offers on when to settle and how to do so.
Family arbitration: is it always completely private and confidential?
Family arbitration is increasingly used as a private alternative to court proceedings in family law disputes.
Copyright and AI remain in focus for 2026 with Getty appeal given the green light
On 16 December 2025, Mrs Justice Joanna Smith DBE granted permission for Getty Images to appeal her judgment in November 2024, which dismissed Getty’s copyright infringement claims against Stability AI.
What are the trends and challenges for UK hospitality in 2026?
By 2026, the UK hospitality sector will not be defined by a single trend, technology or asset class. Instead, success will depend on how effectively operators navigate sustained uncertainty while extracting value from every square metre, every data point, and every guest interaction.
Digital Explainer – What is Adequacy?
The EU has been a leader in the world when it comes to personal data regulation, and creation of individuals’ rights in data. As part of that, it has a policy to assess the adequacy of the laws of other jurisdictions to determine if they meet the EU standard.
What do the new EU Sustainability Reporting and Due Diligence laws mean for UK companies?
The European Union (EU) has now agreed the final version of its Sustainability Omnibus, an all-in one legal change mechanism, reshaping both the Corporate Sustainability Reporting regime (CSRD) and the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence framework (CSDDD). The changes are substantial.
UKIPO to discontinue series trade mark applications
Series trade marks were first introduced in the UK under the Trade Marks Act 1938. They are a cost-effective way of obtaining registered trade mark protection for up to six variations of the same mark, for example the same logo in six different colour variations.
Do you have to honour a promotion or pay-rise promise made at a work event?
In the wake of Christmas party season, some businesses may be left dealing with the repercussions of promises made under the influence of alcohol at a Christmas party or festive event. Employment partner Sarah Garth considers if theses promises have any legal weight.
When to seek professional support as a separated parent
For separating parents, it is completely normal to feel overwhelmed, frustrated, or anxious during and after separation. Parenting apart is emotionally demanding.
Why your share buyback could backfire
Share buybacks are often viewed as a straightforward financial manoeuvre. A company uses surplus cash to repurchase its own shares, reducing the number available on the market.
Greenwashing risks: how sustainability claims can backfire for brands
Recent rulings by the UK’s Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) highlight the risks companies face when making vague or unsubstantiated environmental claims in their advertising.
Supporting your child through separation: how to talk, reassure, and help them adjust
One of the hardest parts of separation is explaining it to your child and supporting them through the changes that follow. Children often sense more than parents realise, and the way you communicate – calmly, honestly, and together where possible – shapes how secure they feel.
Digital Explainer – Will there ever be universal translation?
The imagination of story tellers have for many years conjured the idea that we might have a universal translator, and in the age of AI maybe it is possible, but it is not an easy thing to achieve.
Negotiating workplace settlement agreements: pitfalls and considerations
Settlement agreements have become a common feature of the employment landscape in the UK. Formerly known as a compromise agreement, a settlement agreement is a legally binding contract between an employer and an employee in which the employee agrees not to pursue certain claims.
Autumn Budget 2025: heightened insolvency risks for retail and hospitality operators
The UK retail and hospitality sectors are entering the crucial winter trading period under renewed pressure following the Chancellor’s November Budget. Economic growth remains weak, and the Office for Budget Responsibility has downgraded its annual economic forecasts through to 2030.
Getty Images v Stability AI: the key intellectual property issues
Intellectual property (IP) practitioners, creatives, and AI developers have been eagerly awaiting the judgment Getty Images v Stability AI [2025] EWHC 2863 (Ch) as it is the first claim against an AI developer to be heard in English courts.
Co-parenting after separation: practical tips for reducing conflict and building routine
Co-parenting after separation can feel challenging – especially when emotions are high and communication has broken down. But with the right structure, it is possible to create a calmer, more predictable routine for your children and reduce unnecessary conflict.
Using mediation to resolve high-conflict family cases
High-conflict family cases can often lead to long, drawn-out, and costly court proceedings.
Autumn Budget 2025: the key takeaways
The Chancellor recently set out the government’s financial plans in this year’s Budget. Our tax consultant solicitor Michael Fluss provides an overview of the key takeaways and how it will impact your finances.
Are over-optimistic business valuations putting companies at risk?
Business valuation is not simply a financial figure. It shapes how much capital can be raised, how ownership is shared, and how tax may be calculated. For founders, it may decide whether a fundraising round succeeds.
How will the tourist tax proposals impact professional short-term rental operators?
The Chancellor’s plan to give local authorities in England the power to levy a tourist or overnight stay tax on hotels and short-term rentals (STRs) is set to become one of the most significant changes to the UK visitor economy in recent years.
What you should expect going to court in children proceedings
Attending court about your child can feel daunting, especially if it is your first experience of the family courts. Understanding what to expect at each stage can make the process less overwhelming and help you prepare with confidence.
What is the role of a Non-Executive Director?
Non-executive directors (NEDs) are often described as the cornerstone of modern corporate governance. Their role is to provide independent oversight, challenge the executive team, and contribute external experience to strategic decision-making.
The Intellectual Property Office’s updated guidance on IP audits
The Intellectual Property Office UK (UKIPO) has recently published some updated guidance to IP practitioners when conducting IP audits, highlighting some additional areas to review concerning standards essential patents (SEPs).
The Renters’ Rights Act 2025: what are the grounds for possession and their notice periods?
The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 (the Act) received Royal Assent on 27 October 2025. The first major phase of the Act will come into force on 1 May 2026. However, the Government retains the power to vary the implementation period for different parts of the Act.
How you can avoid co-parenting disputes
Maintaining a healthy co-parenting relationship with your ex-partner can be challenging but it is crucial for the wellbeing of you and your children. The most important thing to keep in mind is that your children’s needs and best interests should always come above yours.
What is the European Commission’s Digital Omnibus package?
The recent leaks of the European Commission’s draft plans for digital reforms caused concern amongst digital rights advocates, especially as there was a notable shift of thinking inside the European Union (EU).
SDLT and ATED: what reliefs are available?
In general, where a company acquires an interest in a dwelling for consideration over £500k, the company will be liable to pay Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) at a flat rate of 17% (formerly 15%) in respect of the acquisition and, subsequently, while it holds that interest valued at over £500k