Withers (law firm)

Withers Worldwide is a London-based law firm specializing in international succession planning for individuals, charities and companies. It focuses on trusts and estates and related matters for international high-net worth individuals, foundations and other entities. In 2006, the firm had revenues of £67.2 million, nearly 280 attorneys including 89 partners.

History

John Withers and his brother founded a new partnership in London in 1896 as Withers and Withers.

In 1920, the six partner firm was one of the largest in London.

In 1926 John Withers is elected again as a Conservative member of parliament for Cambridge University. Three years later he is knighted by King George V and becomes Sir John Withers LLD CBE MP.

In 1930, the firm adopts the name of Withers & Co. Sir John is a passionate campaigner against injustice and promotes reforms which lead to the Poor Prisoners' Defense Act of 1930. Sir John Withers again champions the rights of those not protected by the law. He plays a major part in introducing The Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act of 1938, which safeguards the financial interests of wives and children after divorce.

In 1935, William Rollo (Bill) becomes Senior Partner and remains so for 27 years. In 1939 partners join up to serve their country during the Second World War. Sir John Withers dies the same year.

In 1961, Withers merges with Nicholl Manisty and adopts the name Withers Nicholl Manisty & Co.

In 1962, Stanley Bergman opens a tax law practice in New Haven, Connecticut. Stanley learned communication skills early, selling ice in his father's business. After earning an AB and MBA at Dartmouth, he earned his JD and qualified as an attorney. Prior to opening his law practice, he earned his CPA. The same year in the UK, Bill Rollo is tragically killed in a riding accident. Arthur Collins takes over as Senior Partner. His own practice includes a number of the most aristocratic families in Britain.In recognition of his work for the Ascot Authority, Arthur Collins is awarded the CVO by Queen Elizabeth II, later to receive the KCVO in 1980.

In 1968, Withers Nicholl Manisty shortens its name to simply Withers.

In 1976, Stanley Bergman expands his tax practice adding new partners and the firm becomes Bergman, Horowitz & Reynolds, and is headquartered in the Connecticut Financial Center in New Haven, Connecticut.In 1982, David Dixon a former Olympic athlete becomes Senior Partner. David is the Honorary Secretary of the Commonwealth Games Federation, a position he holds for 17 years. The David Dixion Award is names after him and is given to the outstanding athlete of each of the Commonwealth Games.

In 1986, John Roome becomes Senior Partner. He is also Commodore of the Royal Yacht Squadron.

In 1990, Brian Stevens becomes Senior Partner.

In 1995, the law firm MacKenzie Mills merges with Withers. It provides corporate advice, with a particular focus on Italian companies in the UK.

In 1999, divorce lawyer Diana Parker is elected as the youngest, and first female, Senior Partner of a major London law firm.

In 2001, Withers moves to a state of the art building at 16 Old Bailey, London located directly opposite the world famous "Old Bailey Central Criminal Courts."

In 2002, Withers merges with Bergman Horowitz & Reynolds, creating the first international law firm dedicated to serving the needs of successful people, their families, businesses, and philanthropic interests. At the same time the new firm becomes the first major UK law firm to convert to LLP status. The same year the growth of the firm's Italian practice results in a new office being opened in Milan, Italy by Anthony Idaimo. The New York office also opens at 430 Park Avenue to serve the firm's international client base.

In 2005, following client demand the Geneva office is opened.

In 2006, the Greenwich, Connecticut office is opened to provide integrated business and personal advice locally to the rapidly expanding financial services community.

In 2007, Anthony Indaimo is elected as Chairman (formerly known as Senior Partner).

In 2008, the Hong Kong office is opened to cater for the rapid growth of business and personal wealth in Asia.

Notable Clients

*Advised the Roger De Haan family trusts in the £1.35 billion management buyout of the Saga Group Ltd., a holiday and leisure company.
*Ongoing legal advice to the Foundation begun by Pierre Matisse in its gift to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.
*Mrs. Miller in the famous British divorce case, Miller v Miller.
*Legal counsel to Philip Treacy in his hotel design consultancy.

Offices

* (1896)
* (2002)
* (2002)
* (2002)
* (2005)
* (2006)
* (2008)

External links

* [http://www.withersworldwide.com/ Withers Official site]