Given the complexity and deeply personal nature of UHNW family law, legal practitioners must possess a combination of skills that are difficult to find, and therefore recognising this talent internally is crucial.

Commenting in City AM on the skill set required for success in the industry, Alex noted: “It is only when you work with individuals on a day to day basis do you find out if they have the requisite skills, firstly to be a suitable lawyer, and then to potentially be a part of a leadership team.”

Alex goes on to highlight the firm’s strength of bench, stating: “We have had some great lateral hires, with Mark Harper being a prime example. However, our experience has shown that when considering lawyers for top level partnership, recruiting internally can provide a more accurate prediction of success.

“Lateral hires can seem attractive, but however good they appear in the directories and over a glass of wine it is impossible to know if they will have the requisite skills and fit into the office culture.”

Read Alex’s comments published in City AM, here.