Welcome to JMW Signature
At JMW Signature, we understand, and serve, the unique needs and dynamics of high and ultra-high net worth (UHNW) families, Family Offices and family businesses both in the UK and internationally.
Our specialist expertise
The strength and depth of our legal expertise in the fields of succession and tax planning, trusts, foundations for family assets, corporate structures, real estate and family law issues, as well as all other related legal disciplines such as immigration and contentious probate, is second to none. We work closely with handpicked accountants, asset managers, CSPs, private banks and fiduciaries in order to provide the bespoke knowledge and capabilities vital to meeting the needs of Family Offices and international families on the multiple issues they may face at any time.
Our key services
Our expertise spans the following core areas:
- Corporate Finance
- Family including prenuptial agreements, divorce and asset protection
- Trusts and estates
- Wealth structuring
- Private commercial litigation including shareholder disputes
- Trust creation and administration
- Employment law
- Private Equity
- Family Investment Companies: Advisory and Formation
- Private wealth disputes
- Contentious probate
- Media and reputation management
- Real estate acquisitions and developments
- Mergers and acquisitions
- Transactional real estate: commercial and residential
- Citizenship and immigration
- Residence and domicile issues
We work across multiple sectors and jurisdictions
A large number of the families who seek our advice have business and property interests in a wide variety of sectors and jurisdictions. Many of these families are not resident in the UK; they come to us not just to assist them in protecting their private wealth but also to help them achieve their long-term business goals. And where necessary we have relationships with lawyers who have expert knowledge of particular jurisdictions, ensuring everything we do for you is perfectly tailored to your situation.
Understanding your strategic needs
If you are looking for legal advice on the preservation of your wealth, particularly in relation to marriage or divorce, the growth of your assets for the benefit of your family, or want an experienced corporate legal team able to advise on transformational corporate structures, including acquisitions, or reorganisations for mergers, our bespoke team is on hand to assist you. You may require high-level legal advice in the field of commercial real estate purchase, sale, and property management. You may have spent a lifetime building your business assets and family wealth, and wish to maximise your legacy for future generations. Whatever your needs, regardless of their complexity, we will assist you in navigating your circumstances, delivering for you creative and effective solutions.
Working with you
The JMW Signature experience is unique to you, which is why you will only deal with your personal, dedicated partner who will deliver to you the highest standards of client care.
Ruben Sinha, Partner | Head of JMW Signature
"Too often, when complex, trust, corporate and other asset-holding structures are created, families are not considering fully the potential - and very serious financial impact - a divorce or wider family litigation may have on their wealth. It is important, now more than ever, that both existing and new structures are comprehensively ‘stress tested’ to ensure that substantial wealth, often built over generations, is properly protected’’.
Ruben is a partner and family lawyer who specialises in advising clients involved in ultra-high net worth divorce and asset protection cases. His clients include leading entrepreneurs and industrialists, professional trustees and family offices. He is frequently consulted on financial matters in complex international cases often involving corporate structures, trusts and substantial family wealth, both on and offshore. He is regularly instructed in many of the largest cases often with assets between £100m and £1bn+. He has represented numerous high-profile clients and acted in a number of family cases which have shaped the law in this field.
Joe Cobb, Partner | Private Client
"When it comes to considering business succession planning, one must also consider some estate planning at the same time – the two go hand in hand. Failure to plan for one or both is a common oversight by many business owners and can have significant financial repercussions.”
Joe, a full member of The Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP), is much sought after by Family Offices for his expertise in providing tax, estate and succession planning to high and UHNW individuals, institutional clients, and entrepreneurs. He focuses on owner-managed businesses and corporate vehicles and has extensive experience advising on trust formation and administration, high value and international estate administration, and contentions trusts and estates. He is an acknowledged expert on the formation of Family Investment Companies for tax mitigation, and works extensively in the field of advising non-UK resident UHNW individuals on funding the purchase of UK properties and tax efficient structures, including advising on income tax, CGT and IHT implications of purchasing and owning assets personally or through various corporate structures.
Thomas Pearson, Partner | Real Estate
“Private wealth has always been important in the world of real estate but in recent years, more so than ever. That’s why global, strategic experience and a deep understanding of complex, cross-jurisdictional work for individuals and trusts is so crucial.”
Thomas specialises in working with privately owned property companies on their many and varied real estate needs, both commercial and residential. He acts for Far East and offshore (Guernsey, Jersey and Isle of Man) investors who acquire large scale residential and commercial portfolios, and is a trusted advisor to many high and UHNW individuals who hold significant investments in property, often abroad, and which require professional and informed management with respect to trust and IHT planning. He works with many non-doms and their Family Offices, and provides them and other investor groups investing in commercial and large scale residential opportunities with expert advice.
Solicitors for you and your business
As a full-service law firm with offices in Manchester, London and Liverpool, we can advise you on any and all of the legal matters that affect you, your family, your businesses or your assets. We work closely with our handpicked colleagues to ensure a seamless service that best serves your needs and delivers for you the solutions you want. If you would like to find out more about JMW Signature, please contact Ruben Sinha.
Phone: 0333 060 7013
Email: signature@jmw.co.uk