Who Is Macfarlanes LLP?
Macfarlanes LLP is one of the UK’s leading law firms, recognised for its high-quality legal services, distinctive approach, and strong client relationships.
Headquartered at 20 Cursitor Street, London, the firm operates as a Limited Liability Partnership and has been serving clients since its incorporation on 28 January 2008 (Company No. OC334406).
The firm is widely respected for its elite private client practice and commercial law expertise. Its client base includes multinational corporations, financial institutions, ultra-high-net-worth individuals, family offices, and private equity firms.
Macfarlanes is especially known for handling complex transactions, regulatory challenges, litigation, and international private wealth structuring.
Rather than seeking broad coverage, the firm focuses on areas where it can lead the market. Alongside its London headquarters, it operates an office in Brussels for EU legal matters and collaborates with a global network of top-tier firms to meet international client needs.
Who Leads Macfarlanes LLP and What Is the Company’s Structure?
Macfarlanes LLP is guided by a highly experienced and well-respected leadership team. The firm’s governance reflects both strategic foresight and operational precision, with each member playing a pivotal role in shaping the firm’s future.
Key Management Team
| Name | Position | Notes |
| Sebastian Prichard Jones | Senior Partner (until Mar 2026) | Long-time leader and face of the firm’s strategic growth. |
| Damien Crossley | Incoming Senior Partner | Will assume the role of Senior Partner in March 2026. |
| Luke Powell | Managing Partner | Oversees day-to-day operations and the firm’s strategic direction. |
| Katherine Milliken | Chief Operating Officer | Ensures organisational efficiency and manages internal operations. |
| Adrian Boyd | Chief Financial Officer | Heads financial planning and corporate finance strategy. |
| Yamini Paramesan | Director of Risk | Also serves as COLP and MLRO, ensuring regulatory and ethical compliance. |
This structure supports Macfarlanes’ goal of remaining agile while operating at the highest professional standards. The leadership transition set for 2026 underscores the firm’s commitment to careful succession planning and continuity.
What Is the Capital Strength and Financial Position of Macfarlanes LLP?
Macfarlanes LLP has consistently demonstrated financial resilience and operational efficiency, underscored by strong annual filings and a prudent growth strategy. As of the latest filings:
Macfarlanes LLP Financial Overview
| Detail | Information |
| Company Name | Macfarlanes LLP |
| Company Number | OC334406 |
| Company Status | Active |
| Incorporated On | 28 January 2008 |
| Registered Office | 20 Cursitor Street, London, EC4A 1LT |
| Last Accounts Made Up To | 31 March 2024 |
| Next Accounts Due By | 31 December 2025 |
| Last Confirmation Statement | 28 January 2025 |
| Next Confirmation Statement Due | 11 February 2026 |
While specific turnover figures are not published in the public domain, the firm is widely recognised as one of the UK’s most profitable law firms on a per-partner basis. Macfarlanes’ selective practice areas and premium client base contribute to its robust financial health and market-leading margins.
Notable transactions, such as the $5.5 billion 17Capital Strategic Lending Fund 6 closing and advisory roles in multinational M&A and litigation, highlight the firm’s significant transactional capacity.
What Services and Features Does Macfarlanes LLP Offer?
Macfarlanes LLP offers a comprehensive portfolio of legal services, carefully tailored to meet the needs of corporate clients, investors, and private individuals. The firm divides its offerings into three broad categories:
- Major Corporate Transactions: Including mergers & acquisitions, private equity, and financial services structuring.
- Dispute Resolution and Investigations: Representing clients in complex litigation and regulatory investigations.
- Private Client Services: Addressing the unique legal needs of high-net-worth individuals and family offices.
Core Practice Areas
| Service Area | Description |
| Corporate and M&A | Strategic legal advice for complex mergers, acquisitions, and joint ventures. |
| Private Client | Market-leading service for wealth structuring, trusts, tax, and succession planning. |
| Litigation and Dispute Resolution | High-stakes litigation and arbitration, both domestic and cross-border. |
| Tax | Expert tax advisory across corporate, fund, and private structures. |
| Finance and Restructuring | Innovative finance solutions and insolvency management. |
| Private Funds & Investment Mgmt. | Legal support for fund formation and regulatory compliance. |
| Real Estate | Advising institutional investors and developers in complex real estate transactions. |
| Employment & Immigration | Advice on cross-border employment structures, immigration, and compliance. |
Notable Transactions and Cases
- Advised Stonehage Fleming and Stanhope Capital in their combination with US-based Corient, creating a $430bn wealth management firm.
- Represented PRS for Music in a high-profile strike-out case in the Competition Appeal Tribunal.
- Guided 17Capital through the $5.5bn closing of their Strategic Lending Fund 6.
The firm’s sector expertise extends to lawtech, ESG, pensions, insurance, and public policy, making it a one-stop destination for sophisticated legal advisory.
What Do Clients and Employees Say About Macfarlanes LLP?
Macfarlanes LLP is praised for its clarity, technical expertise, and client-focused advice. Clients value the firm’s ability to simplify complex issues and deliver commercial, practical solutions.
Client Highlights:
- Harriet Miller: Known for simplifying legal complexities.
- Tom Rose: Provides pragmatic, high-value M&A advice.
- Andrew Barton: Expert in pensions and insurance law.
- Brian Spiro: Trusted for complex investigations and business crime.
- Madison Kaur: Anticipates client concerns, streamlining processes.
The firm consistently ranks highly in The Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners.
Employee Insights:
- Strong culture, quality training, and collaborative teams.
- Exposure to top-tier legal work.
- Long hours and some hierarchical elements noted.
Overall, reviews reflect a firm committed to excellence, innovation, and long-term client relationships, making Macfarlanes a standout choice in the UK legal sector.
How Can You Contact Macfarlanes LLP?
Macfarlanes LLP maintains an open line of communication with clients and prospective partners. Their London office is centrally located near Chancery Lane, a hub of the UK legal world.
Contact Information
| Category | Details |
| Address | 20 Cursitor Street, London, EC4A 1LT |
| Phone | +44 (0)20 7831 9222 |
| Fax | +44 (0)20 7831 9607 |
| DX Number | DX 138 Chancery Lane |
| website@macfarlanes.com | |
| Website | www.macfarlanes.com |
Macfarlanes is known for quick response times, personalised service, and discretion — making them a reliable partner for sensitive and high-value matters.
Why Choose Macfarlanes LLP?
Macfarlanes LLP is a benchmark in the UK legal sector, known for its depth of expertise and selective practice model. By focusing on carefully chosen areas, the firm delivers legal services of the highest quality. Its lawyers are consistently recognised in The Legal 500, Chambers UK, and Legal Cheek for their outstanding skills and client service.
The firm is respected for its integrity, discretion, and innovative approach. Unlike many global firms, Macfarlanes operates independently, but collaborates with a handpicked network of international partners to provide seamless cross-border advice.
Key strengths include:
- A selective practice model ensuring depth and quality
- Recognition for top-tier lawyers across leading directories
- Strong international collaboration without a global office network
For businesses, institutions, and individuals seeking trusted counsel in the UK or abroad, Macfarlanes LLP stands as an elite and reliable choice.
