New partner for Penningtons Manches Cooper’s private wealth group
Top 50 law firm Penningtons Manches Cooper has announced its partner promotions for 2025.
Tristan Smale, a private client and tax specialist, becomes a partner in the private wealth group – a key strategic sector for the firm.
Tristan, who joined the firm in 2020, is a private client and tax lawyer who specialises in wealth and succession planning advice. He predominantly works with high net worth, internationally mobile individuals and families who live in the UK or have UK interests. A number of his international clients are from Greece and Cyprus.
He also advises trustees, banks and financial institutions on a broad spectrum of private wealth matters. He is recognised for his expertise in residence, domicile and pre-immigration planning, as well as complex wills and mental capacity issues.
A key member of Penningtons Manches Cooper’s private wealth group, Tristan regularly works with the firm’s family law, immigration and residential property specialists to deliver cross-practice support on high value, complex matters. He is also part of its sports, media and creative industries group, and an increasing number of his clients work in those sectors.
Tristan has been named as a ‘rising star’ in The Legal 500 and is ranked in the Chambers High Net Worth Guide. He is a full member of STEP, the world’s leading organisation for private wealth professionals.
Sara, who joined the firm in 2023, is a real estate litigation lawyer specialising in UK living real estate. She works closely with institutional landlords, investment funds and housing providers on a wide range of issues, including building safety advice, block and estate management and service charge disputes.
Clare Archer, who leads the firm’s private client and tax team, commented: “I’m thrilled to welcome Tristan to the partnership. Not only has his contribution to the team been exceptional, but he has built an excellent reputation amongst his clients and peers. The breadth and depth of his experience
across the spectrum of high net-worth, international, and complex work is a real asset to the department, and to the wider private wealth group. We are all very proud of him. ”
The firm also promoted Sara Stephens, a real estate litigation specialist with a focus on UK living real estate. She works closely with institutional landlords, investment funds and housing providers on a wide range of complex issues.
Commenting on the promotions, Helen Drayton, Penningtons Manches Cooper’s CEO, commented:
“Huge congratulations to Sara and Tristan, who have both delivered consistently impressive contributions to their teams and the wider firm. I’m sure we’ll continue to see great things from them in the future and look forward to celebrating their future successes.”
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