WBD has appointed Edward Stone as a partner in the firm's London office, joining WBD's top-ranked private wealth team. He brings over 20 years' international experience at leading firms advising high net worth individuals, their families, trustees and family offices on wealth/succession planning and cross-jurisdictional asset structuring/restructuring.

Edward has previously worked offshore as a partner at Collas Crill and as head of trusts and private client for Conyers Dill & Pearman in London, having trained and qualified onshore at Withers in London. Edward's detailed experience of the American market and structuring for US clients with UK connections will add a new dimension to the combined firm's international capability, which was already substantially enhanced following its US combination in 2017. Edward has also acted in offshore trust disputes which will complement the firm's existing trust disputes capability. 

As part of his work with high net worth clients and their advisers from the US, Latin America, Middle East and Europe, Edward has established trusts and fiduciary structures as well their alternatives (including family investment companies, companies limited by guarantee and private funds). He has acted as a trustee and as a director of private trust companies and of underlying investment companies. He has also advised on non-contentious matters (wills, tax and estate planning and UK residential property holding structures) and led on hostile and non-hostile contentious matters.

David Dale, who heads the private wealth team at WBD commented:

"It's fantastic to welcome someone of Edward's calibre to the firm. His international experience in the private wealth arena will be a great asset to our team and the wider firm. Our private wealth team has grown substantially in recent years and much of our success is due to our focus on recruiting the right people to provide added value to our clients."

Edward Stone added:

"I believe WBD presents the perfect proposition for me with the combination of the international nature of the firm and the depth and strength of its private wealth team. I'm looking forward to working with colleagues from across the UK and the US to capitalise on the opportunities ahead." 

Recognised by Citywealth, Legal 500 and Who's Who Legal Private Client for his expertise, Edward has been a member of the Panel of Experts for the STEP Private Client Awards since 2008.

Edward's appointment follows a wider recruitment drive particularly in WBD's London office which has seen 10 new partners join in the past six months. The Private Wealth team now comprises 13 partners and over 80 professionals in the UK.