Withers Graduate Careers

Wealth Planning, International

The work of the International Wealth Planning team

The department mainly advises UK resident, non-domiciled individuals (people who live in the UK but do not intend to live there permanently), as they are subject to different tax rules that can offer scope for tax planning. The work ranges from basic advice on maintaining clients' non-domiciled status, through to dealing with tax issues on divorce, advising on the use of offshore trusts, and advice on structuring their financial investments. Advice for families must also encompass both tax advice and succession planning.

As so many of the team's clients have significant international assets, the department works closely with lawyers and accountants in foreign countries to understand the cross-border regime and maximise planning opportunities, such as using the Spanish ‘[David] Beckham Law’ on temporary residence in Spain. The firm’s strong Italian links are also conspicuous in the department.

Tom Noad

Tom Noad

University attending/attended: Cambridge

PgDL/LPC institution: BPP

Seats experienced: Family, Wealth Planning (International) and Corporate

My experience in the International Wealth Planning team

Typically, International wealth planning work involves estate and tax planning for high net worth individuals who are resident but not domiciled in the UK. The relevant tax rules are complex and require very careful advice, closely tailored to the client's specific needs and circumstances. Other work includes the structuring, establishment and oversight of trusts (frequently offshore), family office work and advice on aspects of private international law.

I have advised clients in areas such as UK trusts and inheritance tax, the rules governing domicile and residence, offshore trust and foundation matters, double taxation and tax information sharing arrangements and immigration issues. I have also worked with our in-house US team in drafting UK wills and trusts for clients with bilateral interests.