Womble Bond Dickinson (WBD) has strengthened its London practice with the appointment of Will Ford who joins as a new partner in the private wealth team.

Will advises high net worth individuals, trustees and family businesses on UK and cross-border estate and life-time tax planning, international succession, asset protection/wealth preservation and related use of asset-holding structures. Before joining WBD, Will was a client advisor and head of UK estate planning at COFRA G.B. Ltd (aka Anthos, one of the largest international single family offices). Prior to that he was senior counsel in the private client team at law firm Macfarlanes LLP, having trained there.

Alexander Dickinson, private wealth partner at WBD, commented:

"WBD has been advising families and their businesses for over 200 years, combining legal expertise and commercial advice. We're delighted to welcome Will to our growing private wealth team in London, his track record advising individuals and businesses across a number of jurisdictions and his particular experience on both domestic and international tax-related matters will enhance our offering and provide added value to our clients."

Will added:

"WBD has an impressive client portfolio across a large number of sectors, particularly private wealth. The firm has a close fit with my established practice areas, as well being superbly positioned for growth in international private wealth work. I look forward to working with the teams here in London, throughout the UK and the other side of the Atlantic."

WBD was ranked highly in the Chambers High Net Worth guide and recognised for having a 'massive private client capability nationally' and for being 'strong across the country'. Partners Alexander Dickinson and Neil Long were both ranked as 'Leading Individuals' in London.

Ranking in the UK's top 20 law firms, WBD provides legal expertise across a range of sectors including private wealth, financial institutions, insurance, public & government services, energy & natural resources, healthcare, manufacturing, real estate, retail & consumer, transport, logistics & infrastructure, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology & life sciences and technology.