International

Experience

Our understanding of overseas clients’ needs and methods of operating is based on our wide experience of acting for a variety of corporate clients, private individuals and non-profit making organizations both in the UK and internationally. As a result, we believe we have a detailed knowledge of the assistance that overseas clients, or those with international interests, require and are able to provide practical advice and support to ensure the achievement of their objectives.

Practice

For many years our lawyers have worked in close association with a number of overseas law firms, who lack a presence or have a limited representation in the UK, in support of clients’ legal needs within the UK and elsewhere. Much of this is commercial and corporate work, private client services (for individuals, their families, executors, trustees and attorneys), dispute resolution and regulatory matters.

Service

We work with a select panel of overseas professionals. We also have a practical understanding of what is required and are able to work closely with these professionals to meet clients’ requirements.

• Corporate Commercial
• Commercial Disputes
• Employment and Labour Law
• Property
• Private Client
• Family

Corporate Commercial

Our main focus is in advising on English law and procedure in connection with the purchase/sale/structure of UK companies and members of their group by overseas companies direct or through their UK subsidiaries and in advising overseas clients on UK commercial contracts and company procedure.

This includes advising on company law requirements, intellectual property and information technology law as well as compliance with other UK legislation; drafting and negotiating directly on the provisions of purchase or agreements and advising on funding requirements; providing contractual analysis and assistance in the due diligence procedure on target companies as well as assisting in the completion of the transaction itself; and post completion advice on the restructuring or redirection of the target company.

Commercial Disputes

We have in-depth experience over a broad range of complex contractual disputes acting with and for overseas law firms and clients in litigation, arbitration, mediation and alternative dispute resolution.

Our main focus is on dealing with disputes speedily and in a commercial manner. We advise on UK law and procedure whether in taking vigorous action through the Courts or other tribunals or through alternative dispute resolution. Additionally, we have a highly efficient and cost effective debt collection unit used by overseas clients.

Employment and Labour Law

We provide advice on all aspects of UK employment and labour law and employment relationships. This includes advising on recruitment and selection procedures; drafting contracts of employment, service agreements and company handbooks; advising on internal disciplinary and grievance issues as well as statutory dismissal procedures and providing practical advice in relation to directors’ termination packages and the enforceability of contractual post-termination restrictions.

In addition, our lawyers have specialist experience in dealing with matters relating to redundancies and reorganisations in the UK, including legal issues affecting employers and employees as a result of the transfer of a business or undertaking (commonly referred to as “TUPE”).

Property

Our Commercial and Residential Property teams have a wealth of experience in acting for overseas clients who are either selling or purchasing properties in the UK. Similarly, our Property Disputes team frequently assists overseas clients in respect of disputes involving UK property.

Private Client

Our Private Client team focuses on a number of areas including wills, inheritance planning and trusts. They also deal with estate administration from obtaining the grant of probate on behalf of the executors and trustees and administering the estate if assets are in the UK. The team can advise on issues of domicile and assist with completion of the relevant tax returns. In addition to the above the team can prepare Living Wills for employees on secondment or otherwise in the UK to give a clear indication of wishes and advise on Lasting Powers of Attorney.

Guardianship is another issue which can face overseas clients who are living in the UK on a temporary or permanent basis the appointment of which can be dealt with in a Will or separately if not already included.

Family Law

Family law is strikingly different in different parts of the world. In particular, in the UK we do not have community of property, we retain full discretion in the divorce Courts in respect of the scope of financial settlements, and we can challenge terms of Wills and bequests on death. Notably, the alimony payments are not confined by duration. We are beginning to give recognition in the UK to pre-nuptial agreements. We have civil partnerships for gay and lesbian couples, where the rules on dissolution are similar to those on marriage.

We represent many overseas clients who have a connection with the UK. It is not necessary to be resident in the UK to use our divorce courts, and it is widely recognised that we have some of the widest discretions in the world when it comes to resolving family disputes fairly.

UK laws relating to unmarried couples are based on strict principles of trust and property law, and contrast sharply with the wide discretion available on financial settlement on divorce. These are long overdue for reform.

In the UK unmarried fathers have only recently acquired equal rights with mothers. We seldom go to Court to resolve children issues but an exception is whether there is an abduction or threat of abduction, or one parent wishes to relocate abroad with a child. We can also assist in the reciprocal enforcement of Orders obtained abroad, where appropriate.