Mark Summers

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

Representing STEP at the OECD Working Party 10 on the implementation and guidance for the Common Reporting Standard (CRS). It was not only an honour to be asked to do this but I believe that some of my interventions have made a genuine impact in how the CRS is applied to trusts so that it is practical and provides more accurate information (in particular, how persons such as protectors and settlors should be reported). I am currently working on STEP Switzerland’s Working Group for the implementation and guidance for CRS on trusts, too.

How did you get into private client?

I am a chemist by training. I thought I wanted to do intellectual property law, until I realised how dull it was! One of my other trainee seats at Eversheds was in Monaco, doing international private client work. This persuaded me to change to the dark side and take up international tax and private client work. I got into the US related work through Andrew Penney, a Partner at CRS (now at Sequent.)

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

If you see a gap in the market with few or no practitioners providing badly needed specific advice by clients, seize it and make it your own. If you are talented, intelligent and able to communicate with clients and the world at large, you will succeed.

What is your favourite quote?

“I'd rather have lucky generals than good ones." Napoleon Bonaparte.

Do you have any outside interests or hobbies?

I spend a good deal of time cycling – which is great during lockdown. I’ve spent lot of time in the Swiss mountains. I enjoy wine tasting, food gastronomy and music! Both of my parents were professional musicians.

When the restaurants reopen, where would you like to go?

Razzia in Zurich – it was Zurich’s first cinema in the 1920s.