Birketts LLP is renowned for the strength of its private wealth practice, for which Cambridge is a key hub. Led by Caroline Stenner and 'knowledgeable and responsive' up-and-coming partner Rachel Winter, the team acts for many of the largest businesses, farming families and entrepreneurs in the area, handling the full range of private client advisory matters, as well as offering niche advice on equine, family business and natural capital issues. Legal director Alex Hunt has 'an eye for detail, and an enthusiastic thirst for complex knowledge'. STEP-qualified senior associates Kimberly Sayward (who has 'a commendable grasp of her subject and clients' needs') and James Marsh are also recommended.

Cambridge is the largest hub of the firm-wide private client practice at HCR Hewitsons, which has the largest group of lawyers in the region. Led by Daniel Curtis, who frequently acts for clients with foreign property or who are domiciled abroad, the practice provides 'personal service and a knowledge base that is second to none'. Bernadette O’Reilly handles capital tax planning for individuals and trustees; Elizabeth Davies frequently advises high-net-worth individuals, businessmen, farmers, and elderly clients; and Katherine Hague handles matters involving foreign assets and landed estates. Senior associate Kelly Wardell is also recommended for estate planning and newly hired partner Lisa Millington from Roythornes Solicitors for trusts involving landed estates.

The Cambridge office of Mills & Reeve LLP has a deep bench of talent led by vastly experienced practice head Chris Belcher, who has a stellar reputation in advising wealthy UK and international individuals and families on tax, trusts and estates, including inheritance matters and capital gains tax planning. Belcher ‘clearly understands clients’ specific needs on a range of different matters, from the simplest to the deeply complex‘. His team is noted for its ‘discretion, speed, accuracy, and simplicity‘. The firm hired Lucinda Brown from BDB Pitmans, who brings a national trusts and estates practice. Principal associate Emma Geale and senior associate Katrina Hopkins are highly recommended by clients.

The large, cross-office private client practice at Ashtons Legal has a high concentration of experience in its Cambridge office, with Court of Protection specialist Lynn Wicks and wealth management and tax planning expert Jennie Pratt among the region’s most sought-after advisers. Senior associate Christina Duck and ‘phenomenal‘ associate Amy Pettitt also play pivotal roles in the firm’s high-value matters. Senior associate Zara Bracegirdle joined from Woodfines LLP in late 2023 to add expertise in estate planning for business owners.

Barr Ellison LLP's private wealth practice  is 'very knowledgeable, reliable and provides a personalised approach to the high-quality advice it delivers'. Practice head Emma Parsons is highly sought after for wills, trusts and estate planning for high-net-worth individuals, academics and entrepreneurs. Associates Chris Jones and the 'calm, patient and helpful' Tim Metcalfe , and 'very caring and professional' legal executive Courtney Searle are among the firm's many skilled junior lawyers.

Greenwoods has a large firm-wide private client practice with a foothold in Cambridge, where practice head Clare Harris is the standout practitioner. Clients regard her as 'a proactive, commercial lawyer who has great technical competencies'. Legal executive Ellen Eley also plays a key role in the 'slick and impressive team'. Both are STEP-qualified, and Harris is also a Fellow of the Agricultural Law Association. Locally, the firm has a strong bank of multi-generational trusts and estates work, and is also adept in Court of Protection matters.

Howes Percival LLP‘s private client practice is led from Norwich by Tom Lawrence but the firm is steadily building its presence in Cambridge through 'efficient, thorough' STEP member Stephen Patch, who not only handles high-value and complex matters for high-net-worth clients, but also acts frequently as an executor and trustee. Clients note that he 'strikes a good balance between professionalism and friendliness', and they praise the practice's ability to respond quickly to all enquiries.

Tees Law has a large and loyal client base locally, which includes high-net-worth individuals, members of the House of Lords, academics, business owners, farmers and landowners.'Thoughtful and helpful' practice head and senior partner Catherine Mowat stands out for succession planning for rural clients and high net worth individuals.  Senior associate Chris Claxton-Shirley, who is recommended for his 'kindness, empathy and support', and 'very knowledgeable and very patient' associate Heather Fuff are among many junior lawyers who play pivotal roles in key matters.

The private client tram at Woodfines LLP is 'able to provide a genuinely personal feel to their services and they are highly reliable'. Lead partner Mikhala Leak 'sets an outstanding positive culture' in a practice that frequently handles high-value estate and succession planning for business owners and directors. Senior associate John Wright and 'approachable and easygoing' associate Thomas Hale are part of a large and highly regarded bench of junior lawyers.