Anthony Thompson

What has been the highlight of your practice over the past 12 months?

I have developed an expertise in family governance structures. I created a structure for a client from the UAE. It took two years to design and fully implement but is working incredibly well. The children are now involved and learning how to help manage the senior family members' wealth, and provision has been made to benefit the wider family (e.g.uncles/aunts and nephews/nieces). The principal is now able to walk away from day to day control allowing him to enjoy his retirement.

What advice would you give rising stars/new lawyers in the private client world?

You need to be a psychologist as well as a lawyer!

What is your favourite quote?

"Shirtsleeves to shirtsleeves in three generations" – Proverb. It reminds clients they need to get their family governance and estate planning correct to preserve the family wealth as rarely do family businesses survive transfers to the third generation.