A group of experienced private client-focused lawyers have launched MEUM Group, a London-based professional services advisory focused on private capital and ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs), their families, businesses and investments.

The founders include Keystone Law partners Sofia Syed and Gregor Kleinknecht, Spencer West family law specialist Julie Taylor and former Mishcon de Reya lawyer Gray Smith. The team will focus on law but with a range of advisory services bolted on, including financial management and support.

Syed, the group’s CEO, said: “When we examined the elite professional services landscape for UHNWIs, we identified significant disparities in the depth and breadth of expertise available. Most critically, there was a notable absence of a one-stop solution. MEUM is now providing that solution; our clients get the highest calibre of experts, with wide ranging expertise all under one roof, providing joined-up advice.”

The firm will cover areas including art and luxury assets, philanthropy, commercial and intellectual property, corporate and finance and dispute resolution all the way through to private client staples such as tax, family, trusts and estates laws.


Smith, the group’s CFO, said: “To make private capital truly flourish, you need a team that’s well-connected, collaborative and technically sharp. That’s where we shine. We’ve created a unique multi-disciplinary advisory services model dedicated to meeting the ever-changing needs of investors and managers. Our main focus is giving clients easy access to the trusted solutions, insights and support they need to stay ahead of the game.”

Syed is an employment and reputation lawyer and joined Keystone in 2017. She was previously a senior associate at Mundays and an associate solicitor at Morrisons Solicitors, having started her career at DLA Piper.

Kleinknecht is an experienced dispute resolution lawyer and is active in the art law and luxury assets space. He joined Keystone last year from Hunters Law and had earlier stints at defunct firm Howrey, CMS and legacy firm Berwin Leighton Paisner.

Taylor is a family, divorce and children solicitor, joining Spencer West in 2021. She previously had spells at Jarmans Solicitors, Buss Murton Law, Brachers and SpainWilliams. 

Smith, meantime, most recently worked for Smith Hamilton Investment Partners. He is the former head of financial services at Mischon de Reya and also worked at offshore firms Appleby, Ogier and Maples and Calder.