We are pleased to report that Hunters Solicitors has been ranked as a leading firm in the third annual publication of Chambers HNW 2018.

The guide highlights the Private Wealth Law, Art & Cultural Property and Family/Matrimonial: High Net Worth, along with a selection of individuals being recognised as leading individuals in their practice areas.

Private Wealth Law (ranked in Band 4) is recognised for its extensive experience acting for substantial landed estates and multi-generational families and significant assets. “They provide a wide range of private client services, covering some niche areas,” says a fellow private client practitioner: “They are genuine specialists and have strength in depth. They have considerable institutional knowledge of their continuing family clients, generations of lawyers looking after generations of family members.” The team also assists with multi-jurisdictional matters, including cross-border trust and estate administration. “Their strongest points are that they are careful, concise and diligent and they do a great deal of research before providing answers,” reports an interviewee. Another praises their “rapid response time, clear technical expertise and the ability to explain matters to clients.”

Art and Cultural Property Law is well-regarded in Band 2, and the team is highlighted by a barrister as: “high visibility in this field“, adding: “They work diligently and are very responsive and an absolute delight to work for.” The team is also noted for its international private, corporate, professional and institutional clients on a range of transactional and litigation matters. “They are all tremendously skilful, knowledgeable and personable,” says a source, with another adding: “They do a lot of work for high net worth families; they are very good. You don’t get the sense that you are one client among thousands.”

Family/Matrimonial: High Net Worth is ranked in Band 3, and is highlighted for providing affluent clients with a full range of services in family law for domestic and cross-border matters. “They have done really well, they have a good offering, and a good reputation in the market,” says an interviewee, adding: “They have really come up and they will carry on growing. Good all-round family firm.”

Hetty Gleave, ranked in Band 3, “very well known in the market,”says a source, adding: “She’s just known generally for being the person to go to in art and cultural property.” One peer notes that Gleave is a member of the Treasure Valuation Committee, and says: “That’s her expertise. She is very widely respected in her treasure work. She also does private client work with this art and cultural property theme.”Another interviewee also comments on her treasure work, saying: “She is very knowledgeable about that, it’s quite specific and she’s good at it. I think she is probably one of the most knowledgeable people in this area and she’s definitely made it her prowess.”

Gregor Kleinknecht, ranked in Band 3, is a “genuine specialist in this area,” notes a market insider, adding: “He is very well connected and knows his stuff. He is very knowledgeable, thoughtful and efficient, and is keen to give the client the best advice and get the right results. The main thing you need is just to know the business and he certainly does.” Peers say: “We know he takes a very sensible approach to things. He’s very solid, he’s got substance. He will look after the client and you can be positive there will be no issues.” Clients praise his “excellent communication skills” and “good knowledge of the art market,” explaining: “He gets to the heart of a matter quickly.”

Henry Hood who leads the Family Department is ranked in Band 3. He advises on high-value financial matters and children law issues, and he is also an experienced mediator. A client says Hood “provides pragmatic advice and is good at getting tough when required. You don’t want to mess with Henry and he isn’t at all intimidated by a litigious opponent. His wealth of experience provides a superb backbone to any divorce case and you simply feel that you are in a strong pair of hands when he is dealing with your affairs. Ultimately he gives you the confidence that he will do everything to get the right settlement for you.”

Alexandra Sarkis is ranked in Band 5 and has a wealth of experience advising high net worth clients on estate planning, trusts, probate and wills. She heads the firm’s private client team and works with trustees and charities as well as wealthy individuals. “She’s very, very impressive, she holds her place as a top lawyer,” says one barrister.

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