We are pleased to report that Hunters incorporating May, May and Merrimans has been ranked as a leading firm in the first publication of Chambers HNW 2016. The guide highlights the Private Client, Dispute Resolution and Family Departments, along with a wide selection of individuals being recognised as leading individuals in their practice areas.

Private Client is well-regarded in Band 4 in Private Wealth Law, and the Dispute Resolution Department in Band 4 for Private Wealth Disputes. Chambers sources praise Hunters’ “quiet efficiency and flexibility,” highlighting it as “a comprehensive service that abides by fee estimates.” With equal expertise in contentious trusts, the firm represents individuals, trustees and executors and handles High Court trust litigation. “They are technically very good – they know what they are doing. They are really nice to work with. They put the client first,” says an interviewee.

Joe Richardson, ranked in Band 3, is described as “absolutely outstanding, first-class. He has been at the top of his game for a very long time,”. He has “huge knowledge and gives great attention to detail. He is very bright and extremely good with clients.” Richardson is well experienced in all matters of tax, including succession planning, capital gains tax and income tax planning and relief. He often acts for landed estates, entrepreneurs and offshore clients. “He is very thorough and easy-going. He is good with clients, yet technical. He has a lot of experience,” says a market observer.

Wilfrid Vernor-Miles, ranked as Up and Coming, is listed as adept at advising UK and offshore individuals, families and trusts on matters involving trusts, wills and capital tax planning. With a lot of experience advising on the formation and administration of charities, he is often called upon to act as a trustee of multinational private and charitable trusts.

The “really good” Richard Kershaw, ranked in Band 4, combines a knowledge of family law and contentious trust work. He often advises on cases involving relationship breakdowns and Inheritance Act disputes. He also advises on offshore trust issues.

The Family Department is ranked in Band 3 for their impressive mediation and collaborative law expertise. The department is described as “really good: strong, well organised and good value for money.” The department advises on complex and high-value financial work alongside private law children issues, including wardship and adoption. Members of the team are regularly involved in international matters and are active collaborative lawyers and participants in ADR proceedings. “I would highly recommend them for impartial and a bespoke and professional service,” says a commentator.

Henry Hood, ranked in Band 3, is described by sources as “empathetic, pragmatic, straightforward and gently persuasive.” Henry is highlighted as adept at tackling complex litigation but also being regularly involved mediations and collaborative law matters. “He has a very good and strong practice. He has a very nice manner with clients,” observes one interviewee, while another market commentator says: “He is very affable and very supportive. He is brilliant with high-profile private clients.”

Both Hetty Gleave and Gregor Kleinknecht have also been recognised as leading individuals in Band 3 for Art and Cultural Property Law. Hetty is described as “a really lovely lady” who is “very knowledgeable, personable and calm.” Hetty is a member of Treasure Valuation Committee which advises the Secretary of State on the fair market value of declared treasure finds in the UK. “She is exceptionally meticulous and extremely good at getting on with people and getting them to do what she wants,” reports one interviewee, adding: “I have extremely high regard for her. She wears her learning lightly.”

A source notes on Gregor “I like him. I have a lot of time for him” . Gregor acts for UK and overseas art galleries, dealers and collectors on contentious and non-contentious matters. In particular he has expertise in title and authenticity disputes. An interviewee reports: “I am very impressed. He knows what he is talking about.”

Find the firm’s full profile on the Chambers & Partners website here.