Hubbry Logo
Withers LLPWithers LLPMain
Open search
Withers LLP
Community hub
Withers LLP
logo
8 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Withers LLP
Withers LLP
Withers LLP
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia
Withers 20 Old Bailey

Key Information

Withers is an international law firm with offices in the United States, United Kingdom, Europe, Asia, and the Caribbean. Withers specializes in tax, trust and estate planning, as well as litigation, employment, family law, and other legal issues for individuals.[2]

History

[edit]

One of London's oldest blue blood private client practices, Withers was founded in England in 1896. In 2002, Withers merged with the New Haven, Connecticut-based law firm Bergman, Horowitz & Reynolds to form Withers Bergman LLP in the United States and Withers LLP in the United Kingdom and the rest of the world.[2]

Offices

[edit]

Withers has offices in Hong Kong, Singapore, Tokyo, Geneva, London, Milan, Padua, British Virgin Islands, Greenwich, Los Angeles, New Haven, New York City, San Diego, San Francisco, and Texas.

Rankings

[edit]

Withers has been recognized as one of the best law firms in the United States and the United Kingdom in 2015 by U.S. News & World Report[3] and in 2010 by Legal 500.[4] In addition, Withers ranked as one of The Sunday Times's 2012 Best Companies to Work For.[5]

Cox controversy

[edit]

Former Attorney General for England and Wales Geoffrey Cox was contracted by Withers following his sacking in September 2020. By 20 November 2021 Withers were reported to have paid Cox more than £800,000 in fees in a period in which he retained his parliamentary seat of Torridge and West Devon. A video appearing to show Cox using his parliamentary office for a Zoom meeting was published by Sky News which also featured Lauren Peaty, a Senior Associate with Withers.[6] Cox explained he could not remain part of the Zoom meeting, which also included Andrew Fahie, Premier of the British Virgin Isles.[7]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Withers LLP

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Withers LLP is an firm founded in in 1896, specializing in private client services for high-net-worth individuals, families, founders, fiduciaries, and businesses, as well as advising governments and charities on complex personal, commercial, and philanthropic matters. The firm operates as a full-service with dedicated teams across areas including , trusts and estates, , litigation, , and public , emphasizing agile collaboration for multifaceted client needs. Withers maintains 15 offices globally, employs over 1,500 people including more than 200 partners, and reports annual revenues of $394 million, serving clients with interests in over 100 countries. It has earned recognition in rankings such as Chambers High Net Worth for private wealth law, where it is noted for managing complex affairs of ultra-wealthy clients with global connectivity and strategic expertise, and U.S. Best Law Firms 2024 for multiple practice areas.

History

Founding and Early Years

Withers LLP was founded in 1896 in by John Withers, a solicitor who established the firm initially as a focused on private client services. The practice quickly developed a niche in advising successful individuals and families on personal legal matters, including wills, trusts, and , which formed the core of its early operations. In its initial years, the firm operated under the name Withers and Withers, incorporating John Withers' brother into the , and emphasized discreet, high-end representation for affluent clients in a era when such specialized services were emerging in London's legal landscape. By 1920, it had grown to a six-partner entity, positioning it among the larger private client firms in the city at the time, reflecting steady expansion amid post-World War I economic shifts and increasing demand for sophisticated advice. The early development underscored a commitment to long-term client relationships over broad commercial litigation, laying the groundwork for Withers' reputation as a "blue blood" practice serving elite clientele, though detailed records of specific cases from this period remain limited to internal firm lore rather than public archives. This foundational focus on private wealth persisted, distinguishing the firm from contemporaries more oriented toward corporate or .

Expansion and Mergers

Withers initiated its international expansion in the early 2000s, focusing on mergers to build capabilities in private client services across jurisdictions. In 2002, the firm merged with the New Haven, Connecticut-based Bergman, Horowitz & Reynolds, a specialist in private client and tax matters, establishing Bergman LLP as its U.S. arm and marking the first transatlantic integration for a U.K.-focused private client practice. This move facilitated cross-border advice for high-net-worth clients with assets in both the U.K. and U.S., contributing to subsequent workforce growth where 40 percent of employees joined post-2002. Further expansion targeted , beginning with an in 2015 with Singapore's KhattarWong LLP to form Withers KhattarWong, which evolved into a full merger and integrated practice by January 2019. The combination enhanced Withers' regional footprint in and , positioning Withers KhattarWong as one of Singapore's largest international firms by count. To bolster specialized practices, Withers pursued boutique acquisitions. In 2018, it acquired the six-partner U.K. technology firm JAG Shaw Baker, launching to address and venture needs for global tech clients. More recently, on January 7, 2025, Withers acquired California-based trust and estates firm Hoffman Sabban & Watenmaker, adding four tax partners to strengthen its West Coast private client expertise amid growing demand for cross-jurisdictional . These targeted integrations reflect a strategy prioritizing complementary expertise over large-scale consolidations.

Recent Developments

In 2024-25, Withers reported revenue of £323 million, marking a 6.4% increase from the prior year and securing a 22nd ranking among UK law firms by revenue. Globally, the firm achieved gross revenue of $412.57 million in 2024, placing 155th on the Am Law Global 200 ranking with 746 attorneys. On September 29, 2025, Withers announced Ceri Vokes, a private client tax partner who joined the firm in 2006, as its new chief executive officer, effective July 1, 2026, succeeding Margaret Robertson after nearly 25 years in the role. Vokes will continue practicing tax law alongside her executive duties, reflecting the firm's emphasis on private client expertise in leadership. This follows a May 2025 appointment of Stephen Hewitt, a London-based private client disputes partner, as chair of the private client practice effective July 1, 2025, replacing Justine Markovitz. The firm elevated 16 lawyers to partner effective July 1, 2025, across its , , , , and offices, with the largest number from US practices, underscoring a focus on internal growth in . In October 2025, Withers began representing Asian investors in legal action against over Credit Suisse's 2016 additional tier 1 (AT1) bond losses, highlighting its role in cross-border financial disputes. Additionally, partner Mari-Claudia Jiménez launched the firm's Art and Advisory practice in New York to address evolving needs.

Practice Areas

Private Client and Family Law

Withers LLP's private client practice specializes in legal and structuring for high-net-worth individuals and multi-generational families, encompassing cross-border estate and , trust creation and administration, family , and multi-jurisdictional succession and matters. The firm targets clients such as senior executives, founders, and international families with assets across , the , and , claiming to advise 74% of individuals on Rich List and 35% of the Hong Kong Rich List. Services include bespoke will drafting, non-domicile status applications, and wealth protection strategies for vulnerable beneficiaries, often integrating with the firm's expertise to address interconnected personal and familial needs. In , the private client team comprises a sizeable group of advisors, including US-qualified attorneys for clients with UK-US interests, handling complex cross-border , , and tax-efficient trust arrangements for ultra-high-net-worth individuals and family businesses. Recent internal developments include the promotion of Maya Buckland and Joseph Brothers to partnership in July 2024, enhancing capabilities in international . The firm's practice focuses on high-value and separation proceedings for clients with complex, international assets, providing advice on financial settlements, sharing, spousal and , and arrangements. Withers maintains one of the largest global teams dedicated to these matters, with partners in , , , and , routinely handling cross-border disputes involving trusts and offshore holdings. Innovative methods include the "Uncouple" process, where a single firm facilitates mediated without adversarial positioning, alongside for efficient resolution. Withers has influenced family law precedents through landmark cases, such as Miller v Miller (), which articulated principles of financial needs, compensation, and equal sharing in divorce settlements, and TRNS v TRNK, establishing the highest child maintenance award in history. In July 2024, the firm launched a dedicated practice in New York, led by partner Nicky S. Rooz, to expand services for US-based high-net-worth clients facing matrimonial issues with international elements. The practice's emphasis on discretion and sensitivity aligns with private client goals, often coordinating to safeguard wealth during family transitions.

Commercial, Dispute Resolution, and Other Services

Withers LLP provides commercial legal services encompassing corporate transactions, banking, and finance advisory. The firm's corporate practice advises on , joint ventures, , and finance matters, serving clients such as family offices, high-net-worth individuals, and businesses across jurisdictions. In banking and finance, Withers handles acquisition and leveraged finance, art and asset finance, , and private capital deployment, with expertise in cross-border structuring for institutional and private lenders. The practice focuses on commercial litigation and , managing complex, multi-jurisdictional disputes valued in the hundreds of millions. Key areas include contract and shareholder disputes, litigation, civil , asset recovery and enforcement, white-collar defense, professional negligence, , and . The team operates internationally, leveraging offices in , , the , and the to pursue cross-border enforcement, such as global asset tracing and recovery in cases involving or regulatory breaches. Withers supports clients in sectors like , luxury goods, , and , often utilizing alternative funding models including third-party litigation finance and conditional arrangements. Other services include employment law, protection, and advisory. The employment team advises on executive contracts, workforce restructuring, and contentious issues like claims and TUPE transfers for multinational employers. services cover registration, against infringement, and portfolio for brands in luxury, media, and technology sectors. practice assists with global mobility, visa applications, and compliance for high-net-worth clients and corporate expatriates across key jurisdictions. These offerings complement the firm's core strengths, emphasizing integrated advice for clients with intertwined business and personal interests.

Global Presence

Office Locations

Withers LLP maintains a of offices spanning , , and , enabling coordinated services for international clients. In , the firm operates from (), (), (), and (). The office, located at 20 , serves as the firm's headquarters and primary hub for European operations. In , offices are situated in (), , and (), supporting clients in high-net-worth private client matters and cross-border transactions. North American presence includes offices in , , United States), , United States), , United States), New York (New York, United States), , United States), , United States), and Texas (United States). The U.S. offices, particularly in California, expanded in with relocations to enhance service capacity for West Coast clients.

International Client Strategy

Withers LLP's international client strategy emphasizes delivering integrated, cross-jurisdictional legal services tailored to high-net-worth individuals, families, founders, fiduciaries, and private capital enterprises, leveraging its global office network to address complex, multinational needs in areas like private , trusts, estates, and . The firm differentiates itself by focusing exclusively on successful private clients rather than broad corporate litigation, enabling confidential, holistic advice that spans personal, business, and philanthropic interests across borders. This approach supports representation of clients in matters involving over 100 countries, including 25% of the richest Americans, through coordinated efforts among its offices. Expansion has targeted regions with high concentrations of private wealth to achieve revenue parity, such as aiming for Asia's contributions to equal those from and the following its entry into the region over a decade ago. Key milestones include establishing an Australian presence in 2014 to capture fragmented private client opportunities in the , bolstering operations in 2019 to tap into wealth hubs, and ongoing investments in , the , and the . With 17 offices and over 220 partners as of recent reports, the firm fosters inter-office collaboration for "joined-up" advice, enhancing client retention in sensitive cross-border scenarios. This strategy has driven financial growth, with global expansion contributing to revenue increases and profit per equity partner rises, as evidenced by a 25% PEP leap in earlier years amid office buildouts to 19 locations across nine by 2017. Recent reinforcements include 16 international partner promotions effective July 1, 2025, predominantly in the but spanning regions to support private wealth scaling, alongside strategic hires like a global head of private client in May 2025. Peer evaluations highlight Withers' "excellent global connectivity" and client-service focus in high-net-worth private wealth, underscoring the efficacy of this targeted, client-centric international model.

Recognition and Rankings

Awards and Peer Evaluations

Withers LLP has been consistently ranked by independent legal directories such as and The Legal 500 for its strengths in private , , and contentious trusts, with peer feedback highlighting the firm's expertise in handling high-net-worth clients and cross-border matters. In the Chambers UK 2026 rankings, published in October 2025, Withers is recognized as a leading firm in 16 practice areas, including and rural affairs, (employer side), and private disputes, based on interviews with clients and peers praising the firm's strategic advice and responsiveness. The Legal 500 United Kingdom 2025 edition lists Withers as a top-tier firm in a landmark 31 practice areas, such as contentious trusts and probate, family law, and commercial litigation (mid-market), with commendations from sources noting the firm's "quality from top to bottom" and strong international capabilities for ultra-high-net-worth individuals. In the United States, the Legal 500 2025 guide ranks Withers highly in international arbitration, international tax, and not-for-profit organizations, emphasizing its work with multi-generational families and enforcement proceedings. Similarly, Chambers USA 2025 recognizes the firm in international arbitration (nationwide), while Chambers High Net Worth 2025 profiles Withers for private wealth law across multiple jurisdictions, including band 1 rankings in the UK for private wealth disputes. In Best Lawyers in America 2025, over 50 Withers lawyers in the were individually recognized, with 22 named as "Ones to Watch" in areas like trusts and estates and , reflecting peer nominations and client evaluations. The firm also earned national recognition in the 2024 Best Law Firms rankings by U.S. News – Best Lawyers in three practice areas, including Tier 1 for in New York metro. Regionally, Withers won the Matrimonial and Firm of the Year award at the ALB Law Awards 2024, selected by a panel of judges based on casework and innovation in family disputes. These evaluations, drawn from anonymous peer and client surveys, underscore Withers' niche leadership but note occasional critiques on firm size limiting scalability in mega-transactions compared to larger competitors.

Financial and Operational Metrics

Withers LLP's global gross revenue reached $412.6 million in 2024, positioning the firm at 155th in the Am Law Global 200 ranking. In the UK, where a significant portion of operations are based, revenues totaled £243.7 million for the most recent reported financial year, reflecting an 11% year-over-year increase. These figures underscore steady growth amid international expansion, though detailed profit breakdowns, such as profit per equity partner, remain undisclosed in public filings due to the firm's private status. Operationally, Withers employs over 650 lawyers, including more than 220 partners, supported by approximately 1,500 total staff members. The firm maintains a leverage ratio typical of mid-sized international practices, with attorney headcount distributed across high-value practices like private client and . Recent partner promotions, including 16 elevations in 2025 following 12 in 2024, indicate ongoing investment in equity growth to sustain operational capacity.

Notable Matters

High-Profile Cases and Clients

![Withers_20_Old_bailey.jpg][float-right] Withers LLP has advised high-profile individuals across entertainment, business, and finance, including British actor and his wife Sabrina Elba on personal and partnership matters, fashion retail pioneer Dame on strategic initiatives, and Sandie Okoro, general counsel of the , among other ultra-high-net-worth clients. The firm's client base extends to celebrities and executives seeking discreet handling of wealth structuring, family disputes, and commercial transactions, such as an Australian A-list celebrity in a U.S. acquisition structured through an inbound . In , Withers has managed landmark matrimonial cases, including the representation of Lisa Tchenguiz in a protracted, high-value that prompted judicial developments in disclosure obligations and protections within English family proceedings. Partner Jennifer Dickson acted for manager Sir in his from Jamie Cooper, recognized as the largest financial remedy case in English legal history, involving a settlement exceeding £337 million in 2021. The firm routinely handles complex international , prenuptial agreements, and custody disputes for clients with multinational assets. Beyond family matters, Withers secured a key victory for Spencer Road LLP (trading as The Omerta Group) in 2024, affirming the validity of bonus clawback clauses against challenges of in employment law. In probate litigation, the firm represented siblings Michael and Lindsay Bond in contesting the validity of lifetime transfers and the will of their father, Reg Bond, a prominent property developer. Withers' practice has adjudicated numerous precedent-setting family cases in , contributing to regional jurisprudence on high-net-worth separations.

Controversies

Geoffrey Cox Consultancy Affair

In November 2021, Sir Geoffrey Cox, a Conservative and former , faced public scrutiny over his consultancy arrangement with , a London-based , amid broader concerns about MPs' second jobs during what media described as a "Tory sleaze" scandal. Cox disclosed in the UK Parliament's register of interests that, effective 1 November 2021, he would receive an annual fee of £400,000 plus VAT from Withers for up to 41 hours of work per month, primarily involving legal advice to the (BVI) government during its Commission of into allegations of and misgovernance. This followed earlier 2021 earnings from Withers exceeding £800,000 for related work, with total legal fees registered by Cox reaching £921,713.95 by early November, equivalent to approximately £813 per hour after accounting for limited working hours. The arrangement drew criticism for potential conflicts between Cox's parliamentary duties and his high-earning private practice, particularly as video evidence emerged showing him conducting Withers-related hearings remotely from in the while voting by proxy in the on issues such as the Grenfell cladding scandal and steel industry protections. Labour Party figures, including members, urged to investigate whether Cox's declarations complied with parliamentary rules, arguing that his absence undermined constituents' representation and highlighted systemic issues with MPs' external earnings. Cox defended the work as "" and compliant with disclosure requirements, noting that his BVI representation addressed reforms rather than direct of officials. Withers LLP's involvement amplified the firm's exposure, as the BVI paid the firm $6.5 million USD for its services during , including Cox's contributions to a parallel report on recommended reforms. By the following year, Cox's payments from totaled over £1.1 million for 633 hours between April 2021 and March 2022, per updated parliamentary filings, though no formal sanctions were imposed on either Cox or the firm. The episode underscored debates on standards in public life but did not result in regulatory action against , which maintained that all engagements were transparently declared and professionally conducted.

References

  1. https://www.withersworldwide.com/en-gb/about
  2. https://www.legal500.com/firms/3597-withers-llp/c-united-states/about
  3. https://www.withersworldwide.com/en-gb/experience/our-practices
  4. https://www.withersworldwide.com/en-gb/about/our-firm-key-stats
  5. https://chambers.com/department/withers-private-wealth-law-high-net-worth-21:2633:16027:1:463
  6. https://www.withersworldwide.com/en-gb/insight/read/withers-recognized-in-best-law-firms-2024-us-rankings
  7. https://www.withersworldwide.com/en-gb/experience/institutions-and-businesses/private-companies
  8. https://www.wealthbriefing.com/html/article.php?id=30773&src=
  9. https://en-academic.com/dic.nsf/enwiki/9431886
  10. https://www.globallegalpost.com/news/withers-names-successor-to-longstanding-ceo-robertson-338778185
  11. https://www.nytimes.com/2002/04/07/business/executive-life-call-him-to-ease-the-pain-of-the-tax-bite.html
  12. https://www.withersworldwide.com/en-gb/insight/read/withers-launches-fully-integrated-singapore-practice
  13. https://www.law.com/2018/08/01/withers-launches-new-tech-venture-with-acquisition-of-six-partner-firm-396-5364/
  14. https://www.internationaltaxreview.com/article/2e979hu6uoxpf6mi32ebk/direct-tax/withers-adds-four-tax-partners-in-california-firm-acquisition
  15. https://www.law.com/international-edition/2025/09/29/withers-names-new-ceo/
  16. https://www.law.com/compass/firm/LF00001234/Withersworldwide/overview
  17. https://www.withersworldwide.com/en-gb/insight/read/withers-appoints-a-new-ceo-ceri-vokes
  18. https://www.globallegalpost.com/news/withers-names-private-client-disputes-partner-as-new-chair-1124242632
  19. https://www.globallegalpost.com/news/withers-promotes-16-partners-in-global-round-as-us-dominates-570280390
  20. https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/companies-markets/withers-take-action-against-switzerland-credit-suisse-at1-losses-asia
  21. https://www.citywealthmag.com/news/mari-claudia-jimenez/
  22. https://www.withersworldwide.com/en-gb/experience/our-practices/private-client
  23. https://www.legal500.com/rankings/ranking/c-london/private-client/personal-tax-trusts-and-probate/3597-withers-llp
  24. https://www.withersworldwide.com/en-gb/experience/our-practices/divorce-and-family-lawyers
  25. https://www.familywealthreport.com/article.php/Withers-Creates-New-York-Family-Law-Practice
  26. https://www.withersworldwide.com/en-gb/experience/our-practices/corporate/corporate-finance
  27. https://www.withersworldwide.com/en-gb/experience/our-practices/banking-and-finance
  28. https://www.withersworldwide.com/en-gb/experience/our-practices/commercial-litigation
  29. https://www.withersworldwide.com/en-gb/experience/our-practices/commercial-litigation/international-asset-tracing-and-enforcement
  30. https://www.withersworldwide.com/en-gb
  31. https://www.withersworldwide.com/en-gb/locations
  32. https://www.withersworldwide.com/en-gb/locations/north-america
  33. https://www.withersworldwide.com/en-gb/insight/read/withers-deepens-commitment-to-california-with-three-strategic-office-moves
  34. https://commercial.ft.com/case-studies/withers/
  35. https://www.law.com/international-edition/2021/10/28/a-decade-on-has-withers-pursuit-of-private-clients-in-asia-finally-paid-off/
  36. https://www.wealthbriefingasia.com/article.php/Law-Firm-Withers-Continues-Global-Expansion-With-New-Australian-Outfit
  37. https://www.law.com/therecorder/2019/02/14/withers-expands-la-practice-as-3-local-attorneys-seek-global-reach/
  38. https://www.chambersstudent.co.uk/withers/true-picture/463/1
  39. https://www.lexology.com/contributors/withers
  40. https://www.legalbusiness.co.uk/law-firms/blogs/encouraging-results-withers-global-expansion-breeds-revenue-growth-as-pep-leaps-25/
  41. https://www.wealthbriefing.com/html/article.php/whos-moving-where-in-wealth-management--withers%252C-first-eagle-investments%252C-others
  42. https://www.mondaq.com/pressrelease/171226/chambers-high-net-worth-guide-recognizes-withers-as-a-leading-firm-globally-in-2025
  43. https://chambers.com/law-firm/withers-uk-1:463
  44. https://www.legal500.com/firms/3597-withers-llp/r-england/rankings
  45. https://www.mondaq.com/pressrelease/178174/latest-chambers-uk-guide-recognizes-withers-as-a-leading-firm-in-16-practice-areas
  46. https://www.mondaq.com/pressrelease/176776/legal-500-uk-guide-recognizes-withers-as-a-leading-firm-in-landmark-31-practice-areas
  47. https://www.withersworldwide.com/en-gb/insight/read/legal-500-uk-guide-recognizes-withers-as-leading-firm-in-28-practise-areas
  48. https://www.withersworldwide.com/en-gb/insight/read/legal-500-us-guide-recognizes-withers-as-a-leading-firm
  49. https://chambers.com/law-firm/withers-usa-5:120507
  50. https://chambers.com/department/withers-private-wealth-law-high-net-worth-21:2633:12169:1:463
  51. https://www.withersworldwide.com/en-gb/insight/read/withers-lawyers-recognized-in-best-lawyers-2025-us-rankings
  52. https://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=08eb638b-7fcf-4b49-8190-da199cf92f1e
  53. https://www.withersworldwide.com/en-gb/insight/read/withers-wins-matrimonial-and-family-law-firm-of-the-year-at-alb-hong-kong-awards-2024
  54. https://www.legal500.com/firms/3597-withers-llp/global/rankings
  55. https://www.lawgazette.co.uk/news/top-50-financial-results-table-updated-live/5109085.article
  56. https://www.withersworldwide.com/en-gb/about/our-clients
  57. https://www.withersworldwide.com/en-gb/experience/our-practices/divorce-and-family-lawyers/divorce-separation-and-finances
  58. https://www.legal500.com/firms/3597-withers-llp/r-england/lawyers/3019986-jennifer-dickson
  59. https://www.withersworldwide.com/en-gb/insight/read/withers-secures-victory-in-significant-bonus-clawback-case
  60. https://www.legal500.com/rankings/ranking/c-london/private-client/contentious-trusts-and-probate/3597-withers-llp
  61. https://chambers.com/law-firm/withers-llp-greater-china-region-116:463
  62. https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-59218438
  63. https://www.rollonfriday.com/news-content/withers-dragged-tory-sleaze-scandal-mps-ps900k-consultancy
  64. https://news.sky.com/story/sir-geoffrey-cox-conservative-ex-cabinet-minister-voted-remotely-in-commons-while-in-caribbean-for-800k-legal-work-12464582
  65. https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2021/nov/09/geoffrey-cox-under-pressure-to-quit-for-working-from-caribbean
  66. https://www.the-independent.com/news/uk/politics/geoffrey-cox-sleaze-honourable-second-job-b1965692.html
  67. https://www.bvibeacon.com/6-5m-paid-to-withers-during-coi/
  68. https://www.law.com/international-edition/2022/05/26/uk-conservative-mp-handed-over-1-1m-by-withers-in-last-year/
  69. https://www.opendemocracy.net/en/dark-money-investigations/geoffrey-cox-made-800000-at-law-firm-that-helps-rich-companies-sue-poor-states/
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.