Family Enterprises
With a long history acting across generations of high-net-worth families, our multidisciplinary team is sought after to advise on the unique range of issues that family offices and their businesses face.
Overview
We have spent decades working closely with high-net-worth families, advising them on their business, financial and personal matters—and in many cases, acting effectively as outsourced counsel with a 360-degree view of their interests. Our cross-practice team of lawyers are leaders in this complex area of law, providing sophisticated advice to clients on estate and tax planning, corporate and family governance, succession issues, transactions and private investments, employment matters, disputes, philanthropic pursuits and other key areas.
With the long term always in view, our counsel is tailored to each family’s unique structure, core values, and evolving goals.
Primary Contacts
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Areas of Service
- Trusts, Estates and PhilanthropyOur Private Client Services team regularly assists clients in the design and implementation of appropriate strategies for succession planning and the transfer of family businesses and assets to the next generation. We also routinely assist clients in the formation of family charities and in major gifting projects.Learn more
- GovernanceWe work closely with our clients to design and implement the right structures to suit each family’s unique needs. We have extensive experience advising families and family offices on the complex and multigenerational structures often involved in family enterprises. We have insight into how to structure engagements for both the family and the family enterprise, and can help manage conflicts if they arise.Learn more
- TaxOur tax group has deep experience working with high-net-worth families in finding the most tax-efficient solutions across their interests, including estate, income and transfer tax planning, as well as tax aspects of transactions, investments and reorganizations.Learn more
- TransactionsWe are known for our strength in corporate matters, routinely advising families and family enterprises in structuring and implementing sophisticated, innovative transactions, both in the private and public markets, as well as in negotiating complex agreements.Learn more
- Fund InvestmentsWe have a long track record helping clients realize their fund investment activities, including co-investments, across a wide range of strategies—from private equity buyout and venture capital to alternatives such as real estate and infrastructure.Learn more
- EmploymentOur team is experienced in the employment issues affecting family offices and enterprises, including implementing employment policies and incentive plan designs, as well as addressing compliance issues across jurisdictions.Learn more
- DisputesWe understand the sensitivities involved in disputes related to high-net-worth families. We work closely with our clients to develop sound strategies to mitigate litigation risk and resolve disputes efficiently, and help them manage all manner of crises.Learn more
- Real EstateClients turn to us to help execute their most significant real estate investments. From an initial acquisition, through development, management and disposition, we guide family enterprises across the spectrum of real estate activity.Learn more
Guidance for family enterprises
From estate and trust planning to governance and philanthropy, determining how to transfer wealth to successive generations involves a range of considerations.
When leadership of a family enterprise moves to subsequent generations, governance structures must evolve to support the family over the long term.
There are a variety of options available to efficiently structure philanthropic activities and for family enterprises to benefit from tax recognition.
The family enterprise’s rare fusion of family and business raises the stakes on protecting its privacy and good name.
Family enterprises sometimes have blurred lines when it comes to employment policy and procedures, which can raise unique legal issues.
Private market funds can offer an attractive opportunity for family offices, and there are legal nuances particularly relevant to them in pursuing these investments.
Upfront planning and a robust governance process can help chart the best path forward when considering an exit or devolution transaction to break up of a family business.
Generational asset transfers within family-owned businesses are giving rise to family disputes, and there are ways in which families can anticipate, address and resolve them.
To receive our series of client memos addressing some of the key issues facing families in their legal and personal affairs, please contact [email protected].
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