Withers Worldwide

• Education: University College, London, Law with French Law • University of Pantheon-Assas, Paris, Diploma in French Law • Inns of Court School of Law, Bar Vocational Course
• Admitted: England and Wales, 2001
• Languages spoken: French
• Year joined: 2003

Overview

Sophie advises on all aspects of sophisticated private client planning, with an emphasis on

• advising fund managers and principals on tax efficient remuneration structuring; advising individuals and trustees on investment taxation and efficient use of wrappers, in particular to defer taxation or maximise the remittance basis
• family office establishment and structuring;· structuring acquisition and holding structures for private aircraft, to combine tax efficiency and liability insulation
• developing innovative structures, using partnerships for wealth protection and tax efficient family collective investment
• sophisticated remittance planning
• employee tax issues, especially with respect to restricted securities.

Sophie has regular experience on advising on in a cross border context, and especially familiar with US/UK planning.

Highlights

• Advising UK resident non domiciled principal of major international hedge fund on all aspects of personal planning, including tax efficient structuring of remuneration and investment in fund. Ongoing advice to individual and trustees to maintain capacity to remit onshore tax free, and reviewing selected investments to ensure profile compatible with tax strategy.
• Advising UK resident and domiciled principal of high profile fund on restructuring fund to ensure his and spouse's interest would qualify for favourable taxation.
• Advising UK resident and domiciled individual in receipt of significant proceeds following IPO on establishing a family office.
• Establishing holding structures for private aircraft, combining liability protection with tax efficiency.
• Product development, with a focus on Family Limited Partnership (‘FLP') planning.

Publications and speaking engagements

Sophie regularly speaks at a number of external conferences both in the UK and overseas, including speaking at STEP events in the UK and Jersey, on topics including sophisticated remittance planning and wealth transfer structures and also speaking at a number of internal conferences.

Additionally, she speaks at briefing sessions for clients on topical issues.

Sophie is co-author, with Jay Krause, of article entitled ‘A new era begins' in volume 15 of the Step Journal. She regularly contributes to Stop Press updates, including Pre-Budget Report and Budget updates.

Memberships

Inner Temple

On a personal note

Sophie has a keen interest in design.