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 across the world.
Our specialist expertise
The strength and depth of our legal expertise in the fields of tax and succession planning, trusts, foundations for family assets, corporate structures, real estate, family law issues and private wealth management, as well as all other related legal disciplines such as immigration and contentious probate, is second to none. We work closely with handpicked accountants, IFAs, 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 structuring
- Mergers, acquisitions and investments
- Family including prenuptial agreements, divorce and asset protection
- Trusts and estates
- Wealth structuring
- Private commercial litigation including shareholder disputes
- Trust creation and administration
- Family Investment Companies: Advisory and Formation
- Private wealth disputes
- Contentious probate
- Media and reputation management
- Real estate investments and developments
- 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 collaborate closely with lawyers who have expert knowledge of particular jurisdictions, ensuring everything we do for you is perfectly tailored to your situation.
Understanding your unique financial 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.
Our specialist team
Ruben Sinha, Family Law
“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 may have on their wealth.”
Ruben is a specialist family and asset protection lawyer. He advises on all issues following divorce and protecting wealth in that context. He focuses on financial matters in complex international cases involving trusts, corporate structures and substantial family wealth. He has particular experience advising ultra-high-net-worth (UHNW) clients in family and divorce proceedings having acted in many cases with assets between £100m and £1bn+. He advises a range of clients from successful entrepreneurs and industrialists to professional trustees and family offices across Manchester and the North, London and internationally. He routinely advises high-profile families. During 2021/2022 he acted for Sir Frederick Barclay in his successful defence of committal proceedings following his widely publicised divorce from Lady Barclay, in one of the largest and most complex cases to have come before the English courts.
Jonathan Kropman, Private Client
“Private clients are unique in their needs. that is why independent and imaginative thinking has to be applied to their requirements. In many cases, solutions are relatively simple. In others, more complex work is the answer. For example, family offices are increasingly a key tool for the management and preservation of wealth but not the only one. For some, trusts remain the right route. We are seeing ageing Baby Boomers worldwide transferring their assets to the next generations. Some are not taking the appropriate legal and tax advice. Their families and generations to come could pay a heavy price.”
Jonathan is amongst the UK’s most highly regarded Private Client lawyers, with decades of experience acting for creators and owners of wealth, as well as for private client professionals (trust companies, asset managers, private banks and family offices), where he is known for his discretion and sound thinking.
A prior background in business law provides Jonathan with valuable experience when addressing the wider legal issues that affect individuals and families with commercial interests. He advises on dynastic trusts and asset protection techniques or re-organising on-shore and off-shore holdings, especially for residential real estate investments and owner-managed businesses. His work also encompasses appointing or creating family offices. In those cases, it is essential to be addressing terms and conditions of appointment, service level agreements and attendant legal issues across the wider law disciplines.
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 or Jonathan Kropman
Phone: 0333 060 7013
Email: signature@jmw.co.uk