Stewarts has had two departments and 10 individuals ranked in the Chambers High Net Worth Guide 2019.
The Divorce and Family department maintained its Band 1 ranking for its High Net worth work and had seven individuals ranked. The team is described as, “an absolutely class act”, with one well-regarded barrister saying: “What impresses me is the consistency and quality. I know most of them and work for most of them and whoever you get there is at that benchmark which is completely consistent… There’s no weakest link.”
Emma Hatley and Helen Ward are both listed again as standout individuals. Emma is described as a “standout superstar” who “…really puts the work in and manages her case very efficiently.”
Helen Ward is described as “beyond compare”, with one specialist saying: “She has got a comprehensive, encyclopaedic knowledge of law and practice which beats all others.”
Debbie Chism and Stephen Foster are both listed in Band 1, with Debbie being described as having “incredibly strong client-handling skills, she’s very tough and determined but she overlays that with a very down-to-earth and empathetic approach”.
Head of Department Stephen Foster is described as having “gravitas, experience and super client-handling skills”. One peer comments: “Not only has he built the team himself, but he also runs cases which are tremendously complicated. He has done an amazing thing in creating what he has done and I have tremendous respect for him.”
Richard Hogwood is listed in Band 2, and described as “a real intellect”, with one person commenting: “His background in general mainstream private client means he really grasps the complexities when dealing with trust issues relating to divorce. He’s a cut above everyone else on that.”
Sam Longworth and Matthew Humphries are both listed in Band 3, with one peer saying of Sam: “He takes a very non-woolly approach; he’s very focused, very driven and works phenomenally hard for his clients.”
The guide says Matthew Humphries “is always thinking about the broad width of the case. He’s got a very good manner which comes with a very good legal brain that goes a bit wider than others.”
The Trust and Probate Litigation department is ranked in Band 4 of the Private Wealth Disputes category in the guide, which says: “They are a strong practice. They do this work at the highest level, they do multi-jurisdictional, high-value work.” It goes on to say that they are “an excellent team – they are extra good with their clients and extremely collaborative”.
James Price is ranked in Band 2 and described as “one of the most practical and businesslike people, whose focus is on what the client wants and needs”. The guide continues by saying of James: “He is extremely creative and thoughtful; he’s always looking for solutions and puts his finger right on the issue.”
Emma Holland is ranked as an Associate to Watch, with one interviewee saying she is “on top of everything – she is very good technically and very careful about the detail”. Sources add that “she is tremendously strong” and “one of the best operators in her field”.
Richard Kovalevsky QC, who leads the firm’s Financial Crime department, is listed in Band 2 of the guide. One market source reports: “He has a great rapport with clients and they really appreciate his direct and robust approach to matters. He is very focused and he really knows what clients want to achieve.”
The Chambers High Net Worth guide was launched in 2016 and covers private wealth management work and related specialisms in key jurisdictions around the world, featuring in-depth editorial about the leading lawyers and law firms for wealthy individuals and families.
You can find further information regarding our expertise, experience and teams on our Divorce and Family, Financial Crime and Trust and Probate Litigation pages.
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