Kirstie advises UHNW individuals and families (both domestic and international) as well as trustees of trusts of considerable value on a wide range of private client matters, often with a focus on intergenerational planning. Kirstie is an outstanding family advisor and a highly experienced private client litigator. She is unique in being able to offer this broad skillset, and her UHNW clients benefit from the holistic approach and commercial insight she brings to all areas of her work.
As the private wealth world evolves with higher-than-ever levels of scrutiny, greater governance requirements and growing sophistication of family trusts, Kirstie takes the naturally bold approach that optimises her clients' positions. She has an established track record in successfully guiding families through considerations such as fairness between family members, questions of entitlement and control and the practicalities on implementation, such as tax issues and the implications of particular legal structures. Adept at conflict prevention, she blends great sensitivity and empathy in dealing with highly personal matters with a steely resolve to get the best result for her clients.
Kirstie is often appointed to act as a trustee, executor and attorney for many of her clients, which demonstrates the trust and confidence clients have in her, both as a lawyer and a family advisor.
In addition to her exceptional skill as a private client advisor, Kirstie has also long been recognised as an expert in resolving disputes relating to the formation or administration of trusts and estates in the UK and internationally. She has developed a strong reputation in the market for her involvement in large complex trusts and contested estates, and Court of Protection matters.
Kirstie is a member of our Executive Board and represents the interests of the firm's Responsible Business programme.
Leading partner
Band 3 individual
Private Wealth Disputes - Band 3: Kirstie McGuigan's practice spans both contentious and advisory work. She acts for trustees in long-running multi-jurisdictional disputes and is accomplished in advising on Court of Protection procedures. An interviewee who has worked closely with McGuigan in the past remarks: "She really got the best out of everyone and worked extremely hard. She is a very good strategic thinker and brought everyone together well."
Contentious trusts and probate - Leading Individual: ‘Kirstie McGuigan is an outstanding team leader who is capable of efficiently managing litigation being conducted in multiple jurisdictions. She has exceptional interpersonal skills, and a superb rapport with clients and team members’. ‘Kirstie McGuigan – an iron fist in a velvet glove – a very experienced and determined litigator who does not give in.' ‘I work with partners Kirstie McGuigan and Caroline Tayler. They are quite simply brilliant: clever, sensible, and intuitive. They work all hours and nothing escapes their notice. They manage their time efficiently and take careful note of deadlines and points of detail’.
Contentious trusts and probate - Leading Individual: McGuigan is described as ‘charming, thoughtful and always practical’ and has a strong reputation in the market for her involvement in large complex trusts and contested estate matters.
Personal tax, trusts and probate
Contentious trusts and probate (Leading individual)
Leading individual - Private client: Contentious trusts and probate
Leading individual - Private Wealth Disputes (Band 3)
Best Training Principle
Leading individual - Private client: Contentious trusts and probate: Kirstie McGuigan has an ‘excellent intuitive grasp of complex legal problems and litigation strategy’.
by Jess Thomas and Kirstie McGuigan
Mansfield Rule UK Certification Plus for 2024
Liechtenstein proposed treatment of mixed funds
by multiple authors
by Siân Skelton
by multiple authors
by multiple authors