Business Details
Trusted Legal Partners in London
William Sturges is a distinguished law firm with a heritage dating back to 1780, making us London's second-oldest legal practice. Our partner-led approach ensures clients receive specialised expertise across commercial property, family law, private client services, and litigation. With ISO 9001 certification, we uphold rigorous standards in client care and management. Our ethos centres on building enduring client relationships through progressive, practical legal solutions tailored to diverse needs. As an equal opportunities employer, we foster diversity and nurture talent to create an inclusive workplace.Our Graduate Recruitment Programme reflects our commitment to cultivating future legal leaders. With offices in Westminster, adjacent to St James's Park Underground Station, we provide accessible, disabled-friendly facilities and partner-led advice. Our track record includes landmark cases, such as a recent Court of Appeal victory in insolvency law. We combine centuries of experience with modern legal strategies to deliver value-driven outcomes for SMEs, public institutions, individuals, and multinational corporations.
Services
Commercial Property
Family Law
Private Client Services
Litigation & Dispute Resolution
Residential Property
Company & Commercial
Insolvency
Employment Law
Highlights and features
- We have over 140 years of continuous legal expertise since 1880.
- Our partner-led approach ensures specialised expertise across all legal disciplines.
- We hold ISO 9001 certification for quality management and client care.
- Clients praise our responsiveness, professionalism, and transactional expertise.
- We serve diverse clients from SMEs to publicly quoted companies.
Associations and certifications
- ISO 9001
What people say
Excellent, professional
Highly recommend
Totally on the ball
Second to none
Quick to respond
Services
Commercial Property
Our commercial property team advises on acquisitions, disposals, and development of commercial real estate. We handle complex transactions for investors, developers, and occupiers. Clients benefit from our deep market knowledge and strategic approach to property law.
Family Law
We provide expert guidance on divorce, child arrangements, and financial settlements. Our family law specialists prioritise amicable resolutions while protecting client interests. Services include prenuptial agreements and complex asset division cases.
Private Client Services
Our private client team manages wills, probate, and tax planning. We offer tailored advice on wealth preservation and succession planning. Services include Court of Protection matters and charitable trust establishment.
Litigation & Dispute Resolution
We represent clients in commercial, property, and insolvency disputes. Our litigation team combines advocacy skills with strategic negotiation. Recent successes include landmark insolvency cases in the Court of Appeal.
Residential Property
Our residential property solicitors handle purchases, sales, and remortgages. We streamline transactions for first-time buyers and high-net-worth individuals. Services include leasehold enfranchisement and new build purchases.
People
Jeremy Spooner
Partner, Commercial Property
Jeremy Spooner is a commercial property partner with extensive experience in real estate transactions. He advises major developers and investors on complex property matters, combining technical expertise with commercial pragmatism.
Sophie Jones
Partner, Residential Property
Sophie Jones specialises in residential property law, handling high-value transactions and leasehold enfranchisement. She provides clear, practical advice to individuals and property investors across London.
Graeme Fraser
Head of Family
Graeme Fraser leads our family law team, focusing on complex financial settlements and child custody cases. His client-centred approach prioritises resolution while maintaining rigorous advocacy when required.
Matthew Montlake
Head of Commercial Property
Matthew Montlake oversees commercial property transactions for institutional clients and developers. With over 25 years' experience, he specialises in mixed-use developments and investment acquisitions.
Julian Hay
Partner, Private Client
Julian Hay advises on private client matters including wills, trusts, and probate. He helps families navigate succession planning and tax-efficient wealth transfer strategies with sensitivity and expertise.
Questions
What areas of law does William Sturges specialise in?
We specialise in commercial property, family law, private client services, litigation, residential property, company & commercial law, and insolvency.
How long has William Sturges been operating?
Our lineage dates back to 1780, with the current firm established in 1880, making us London's second-oldest law firm.
Are your legal services ISO certified?
Yes, we hold ISO 9001 certification, demonstrating our commitment to quality management and client care standards.
Do you offer partner-led legal advice?
Yes, our partner-led approach ensures clients receive direct access to senior legal experts across all practice areas.
What locations do you serve?
Based in Westminster, London, we serve clients across the UK and internationally, with particular expertise in London property markets.
Reviews (7)
Oliver Brown
Oct 22, 2021
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As good as a practice gets. Not the cheapest (you get what you pay for!), but definitely excellent value. I can't recommend Sophie Jones enough.
Halina Galvin
Apr 09, 2021
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Very helpful and professional. My thanks to Richard Dugdale for his efficient and useful response to my enquiry beyond the call of duty.
Anthony Matthews
Mar 31, 2021
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I have used William Sturges since the 1990's. They have always acted in my best interests and ensure "best practice" i recommend them.
Jerry Sachsen
Jun 08, 2020
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Incredibly poor attitude given to our accounts with emails going for weeks unanswered, ccing in other colleagues doesn't help. Lengths you have to go to to simply get an answer to a basic question is insulting. Took my money elsewhere, they clearly didn't want it!
J. Tma
May 13, 2020
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Excellent all round. This firm has given me tremendous support in helping with my business and personal affairs. The resi and commercial property team is absolutly excellent with really dedicated solcitors.
David Day
Apr 04, 2019
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I was recommended to use William Sturges to help with an employment issue. I found them to be incredibly helpful and professional. I would have no hesitation in recommending this law firm. Thank you again for all your hard work.
Beverley Froggatt
Oct 08, 2017
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E-mailed Mr Tony Tuthill asking for an update on a properties lease extension we were dealing with and received a rude response - If and when I have instructions in this matter I shall prepare and issue documents in the normal way. In the meantime I should be grateful if you would refrain from pestering me and my secretary Tony Tuthill This was my 1st ever encounter or contact with this company and I have to say I was not over awed by their professionalism or response in the matter. Poor response. Poor customer service. Unhelpful staff member
