Private Client
We are an internationally recognised private client team working with entrepreneurs, business owners and investors. We also work with many City professionals, particularly those that work in finance, property development and law.
A comprehensive and highly personal service for individuals and their families.
Our expert lawyers assist our clients with important aspects of their lives in an efficient and discreet way, often over many years. We take the time to get to know our clients and instil confidence in them that we are available with expert, reliable and timely advice when they need us.
We are highly regarded for our expertise domestically and internationally, and are frequently recognised in the leading legal and wealth directories.
Reflecting the breadth and diversity of the firm, we act for a diverse range of clients. These include entrepreneurs and business owners, landed estates, family businesses and investors, many with international assets and family spread around the world. However, many of our clients are not within any category and are simply those who require well-delivered, high quality advice.
Whoever our client and whatever their level of wealth and complexity, our specialist lawyers work with them and their advisers to structure their affairs in the way that they want.
Where we can help
Private Client Services Brochure
A guide to efficient tax, trusts and estate planning
Meet the team
Frequently Asked Questions
What do private client lawyers advise on?
Why should we instruct Kingsley Napley’s private client lawyers?
Well, maybe we’ll let others explain why:
The approach taken and the understanding of both ours and the client’s needs makes dealing with the firm a simple and relaxed process.”
Chambers and Partners, High Net Worth Guide 2024
I have found Kingsley Napley to be reliably very responsive. The firm hosts seminars exploring how different service offerings are relevant to real-world client scenarios.”
Chambers and Partners, High Net Worth Guide 2024
The team now has quite a few solicitors who each tend to develop a specific expertise, either in estate planning or in administration of estate. They are very interested by international matters and understand that the differences between the legal systems lead to a need for adaptation.”
The Legal 500, 2024
The private client team has a very broad range of multi-jurisdictional experience and knowledge, which is invaluable.”
Chambers HNW 2023
Kingsley Napley has a very approachable and knowledgeable team who are readily available.”
Chambers HNW 2023
Kingsley Napley are a very capable team with extensive experience of complex international clients and difficult situations. They are very pragmatic in approach, and in finding solutions for their clients.”
Chambers HNW 2023
The team is flexible, professional and you get a sense that it does care. Always ready to help they are a source of great support for me. James Ward is someone I have a great deal of faith and trust in, easy to work with, with a depth of experience and knowledge that is invaluable. Never talks down to clients as some in the legal profession can do and client feedback is always very positive”.
Legal 500 2022
I am the executor of a substantial estate being administered by Kingsley Napley LLP by partner Anita Gill and senior estate manager Joseph Austin. The service that I have received has been first rate and I should strongly recommend the firm. The individuals whom I have dealt with not only know their work to the highest level but turn round email and other correspondence by return”.
Legal 500 2022
The solicitors at Kingsley Napley are very efficient to work as a team and they are quite responsive. They have some experience in cross-border situations and have an interest for such matters, and they have the flexibility which is required to deal with such situations. I have been working with Joseph Austin for many years in cross-border matters and he is always responsive, very accurate and detailed, and open to the fact that different solutions apply outside of England and Wales, which is very important. Joseph is also very nice to work with”.
Legal 500 2022
A very reliable team always willing to go the extra mile. James Ward and in fact his whole team are incredibly professional and they uphold my high standards”.
Legal 500 2022
Warm, open and easy to communicate with, refreshing approach to sharing knowledge and supporting client outcomes. Offering a wide array of services, KN is able to deliver a full range of easily accessible services”.
Legal 500 2022
A highly competent team led by focused partner in James Ward. Strengths in dealing with international clients, particularly those involved with finance and business. James Ward has energised KN since being appointed as head of private client services and remains highly dynamic”.
Legal 500 2022
Extremely professional with good clarity on explaining the processes and procedures involved in the probate process. Joseph Austin was extremely good and helpful throughout the probate exercise for the client who we referred”.
Legal 500 2022
They have the strength-in-depth and ability to cross-refer to colleagues where required,”
Chambers High Net Worth Guide 2022
They are an extremely responsive and knowledgeable team who have a comprehensive knowledge of multi-jurisdictional estate planning. Their key strengths are their responsiveness and knowledge of international planning matters.”
Chambers High Net Worth Guide 2021
The team demonstrates an immediate appreciation of the issues affecting our clients and are able to use their knowledge and experience to guide our clients through stressful and complex situations.”
Chambers High Net Worth Guide 2020
Who will I deal with in the team?
One of the firm’s partners will take responsibility for and oversee each and every matter. That partner (and others) may also undertake the work, but other solicitors and team members may have day to day responsibility. We will ensure that the work is undertaken at the correct level to ensure efficiency of service and cost.
Is my matter too small for Kingsley Napley’s private client team?
We advise on a wide range of matters for a diverse client base and the issues that require our advice do not always equate to a high value. We pride ourselves on treating all our clients in the same way and providing an equal service no matter the complexity or value.
Does Kingsley Napley only advise the rich and famous?
Not at all. We act for a variety of clients. As a group of lawyers, we match well with our varied client base.
Does Kingsley Napley have a trust corporation?
Yes, we have Kingsley Napley Trust Corporation Limited (“KNTC”) which is authorised to undertake trust business. It can act as executor on a client’s Will or independent administrator, trustee of a trust, attorney on their property and financial affairs LPA, deputy for finances and a director of a FIC (with a natural person).
For more details please read our KNTC factsheet.
Do you have any factsheets or other resources with additional information?
Yes, our private client lawyers have produced the following factsheets and videos.
Factsheets
- Applying for Probate
- Deed of Variation – Change a Will or Intestacy after Death
- Domicile and Death
- Executor Guide
- Inheritance Tax and the Spouse Exemption
- Real estate, Mortgages and Death
- Why you should make a will?
- What are Lasting Powers of Attorney?
Videos
- Beneficiary Guide – Lucy Bluck
- Deed of Variation – Diva Shah
- Executor Guide – Diva Shah
- Intestacy Rules in England and Wales – Joseph Austin
- Re-sealing foreign Grants of Probate – Sameena Munir