Business Details
Expert Legal Services in Private Client Tax and Entertainment Law
Established as a niche legal practice, we specialise in private client, tax and entertainment law, delivering tailored solutions to a diverse clientele. Our firm has expanded from a traditional private client focus to offer expertise across a broad spectrum of legal matters, serving high-profile individuals in the entertainment industry and high-net-worth clients. With particular strength in advising non-domiciled individuals on complex tax issues, we maintain a reputation for discretion, with client referrals forming a significant portion of our work. Our team combines deep legal knowledge with industry-specific insights, ensuring clients receive strategic counsel aligned with their unique needs. 
Services
Wills and Trusts
Tax Planning
Entertainment Law
Probate Services
Brand Protection
Estate Administration
Family Law
Highlights and features
- We provide specialist tax advice for non-domiciled clients in complex international environments
- Our team has over 180 years of combined experience in wills and estate administration
- We maintain strict client confidentiality as demonstrated by our referral-based growth
- We offer integrated legal solutions across private client, tax and entertainment law
- Our partners charge transparent hourly rates with clear cost structures for probate work
Associations and certifications
- Solicitors Regulation Authority
Services
Wills and Trusts
We specialise in creating bespoke wills and trust structures to protect client assets across generations. Our expertise includes complex trust arrangements for non-domiciled individuals and tax-efficient inheritance planning. With over 180 years of combined experience, we ensure legal documents meet both current regulations and client objectives while maintaining strict confidentiality.
Tax Planning
Our tax specialists advise on UK and offshore tax planning for high-net-worth individuals. We handle income tax, capital gains tax and inheritance tax matters with particular focus on cross-border issues for non-domiciled clients. The team works with international fiduciary partners to create compliant, efficient tax structures while representing clients in HMRC disclosures and settlements.
Entertainment Law
We represent artists and entertainment professionals in contract negotiations across music, publishing and modelling industries. Our services include recording agreements, merchandising deals and tour arrangements supported by specialist tax structuring. With industry connections, we protect client interests in privacy matters and press relations while managing brand protection concerns.
Probate Services
We administer estates with transparent hourly billing rather than percentage-based fees. Our probate services include asset identification, tax return preparation and distribution of assets. For estates under 1 million with no inheritance tax, typical fees range from 5,00010,000 plus VAT, with clear cost breakdowns provided before work commences.
Family Law
We handle complex divorce matters including pre-nuptial agreements and high-profile asset division. Our approach focuses on resolving disputes through negotiation while providing clear guidance on tax implications. The team works with private clients who prefer to avoid external matrimonial specialists, maintaining continuity in legal representation.
People
Caroline Barkham
Partner
Specialist in private client law with extensive experience in complex wills and trusts. Provides strategic estate planning advice for high-net-worth individuals while maintaining strict client confidentiality.
Paul Edwards
Partner
Senior tax lawyer advising non-domiciled clients on UK tax compliance and offshore structures. Leads HMRC negotiations and settlements with over 30 years' experience in international tax planning.
Hugh Bradshaw
Partner
Probate specialist managing estate administration with transparent hourly billing. Oversees asset distribution and inheritance tax matters for estates valued up to 1 million and complex international holdings.
Diana Rawstron
Consultant
Experienced in entertainment law with focus on contract negotiations for musicians and models. Advises on brand protection and copyright issues while maintaining industry-specific tax structures.
Kai Jones
Associate
Supports private client matters including will drafting and trust administration. Works under senior partners to deliver tailored legal solutions for new and existing clients across multiple practice areas.
Questions
What areas of law does Smyth Barkham specialise in?
We specialise in private client law, tax planning and entertainment law with particular expertise in cross-border tax issues for non-domiciled individuals.
How does the probate process work with your firm?
We administer estates using transparent hourly rates, handling asset identification, tax returns and distributions. Typical fees for straightforward estates range from £5,000–10,000 plus VAT.
Do you work with international clients?
Yes, we advise non-domiciled clients and maintain offshore networks for tax planning, working with fiduciary partners in the Channel Islands and Switzerland.
How are legal fees structured for your services?
We use transparent hourly rates for partners and associates, with agreed cost structures provided before work commences to ensure fee predictability for clients.
What makes your firm different from other law practices?
We combine specialist expertise across three core areas with a commitment to discretion, evidenced by our referral-based client acquisition and tailored service approach.
