International Legal Services
Comprehensive cross-border legal solutions for clients with international interests
Global Expertise, Local Knowledge
In today's interconnected world, legal matters increasingly cross national boundaries. At Atkins Legal, we offer comprehensive international legal services for individuals and businesses navigating complex cross-border issues. Our team combines global expertise with deep local knowledge to provide practical, effective solutions tailored to your specific circumstances.
Whether you need assistance with international family matters, global wealth planning, or cross-border business transactions, our experienced solicitors are equipped to guide you through the legal complexities of multiple jurisdictions.
Our International Capabilities
Cross-Border Family Law
We specialise in family law matters that span multiple countries, including international divorce, cross-border child arrangements, and enforcement of UK family orders abroad. Our solicitors have extensive experience with the complexities of the Brussels II Regulation, the Hague Conventions, and post-Brexit family law arrangements.
International Wealth Planning
Our private client team provides sophisticated estate planning for clients with assets in multiple jurisdictions. We advise on structuring international wills, establishing foreign trusts, and navigating cross-border inheritance tax implications under the UK Inheritance Tax Act 1984 as it applies to international estates.
UK-US Legal Services
With dual-qualified solicitors on our team, we offer specialised expertise for clients with connections to both the UK and US. Our services include US tax compliance for UK residents, advice on the UK-US Double Taxation Convention, US estate planning for UK assets, and guidance on FATCA and international tax reporting obligations.
EU Relations Post-Brexit
We help clients navigate the evolving legal landscape following the UK's exit from the European Union. Our team advises on the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement and its implications for individuals and businesses, residency rights under the EU Settlement Scheme, and ongoing legal developments affecting cross-border matters.
Jurisdictional Coverage
Directly Covered Jurisdictions
Our team includes solicitors qualified to practise in the following jurisdictions:
- England and Wales (all solicitors)
- United States (New York State Bar)
- United States (California State Bar, inactive status)
- European Union (qualified European lawyers with practising rights in the UK under the Establishment of Lawyers Directive)
Partner Networks
For matters in jurisdictions where we do not have directly qualified solicitors, we maintain a trusted network of foreign legal experts including:
- Correspondent law firms throughout the European Union
- Affiliated counsel in major financial centres worldwide (Hong Kong, Singapore, Dubai, etc.)
- Specialist advisors for offshore jurisdictions (Cayman Islands, British Virgin Islands, Jersey, etc.)
How We Coordinate International Matters
Our approach to international legal matters is designed to ensure comprehensive, coordinated advice across all relevant jurisdictions:
Single Point of Contact
Every international matter is assigned a lead solicitor who serves as your primary point of contact and oversees all aspects of your case across multiple jurisdictions.
Integrated Teams
We assemble customised teams that include both our own multi-jurisdictional solicitors and trusted foreign counsel as needed, ensuring seamless coordination.
Conflict of Law Analysis
We conduct thorough analyses of applicable laws across relevant jurisdictions, identifying conflicts and developing strategies to navigate competing legal frameworks.
Technology-Enabled Collaboration
We utilise secure digital platforms for document sharing, virtual meetings across time zones, and real-time collaboration with clients and foreign counsel.
International Legal Frameworks
Our international practice navigates a complex web of legal frameworks that govern cross-border matters, including:
- The Private International Law (Implementation of Agreements) Act 2020
- The UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement
- The Hague Conventions (including those on Child Abduction, Protection of Children, and Choice of Court Agreements)
- The Lugano Convention on jurisdiction and enforcement of judgments
- Bilateral legal agreements between the UK and non-EU countries
- The UK-US Double Taxation Convention and other tax treaties
- The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) legalisation requirements
Our International Process
- 1.Initial Assessment: We evaluate the jurisdictions involved in your matter and identify applicable laws and potential conflicts.
- 2.Strategy Development: We create a coordinated legal strategy that accounts for all relevant jurisdictional requirements and optimises your position.
- 3.Team Formation: We assemble the appropriate team of our solicitors and, where necessary, engage trusted foreign counsel through our established networks.
- 4.Coordinated Implementation: Your lead solicitor ensures consistent approach and communication across all jurisdictions throughout the process.
- 5.Documentation: We prepare all necessary documentation in compliance with the requirements of each relevant jurisdiction.
- 6.Ongoing Support: We provide continued guidance as you implement agreements or judgments across multiple jurisdictions.
Case Studies
Complex UK-US Estate Planning
We successfully structured a comprehensive estate plan for a dual UK-US citizen with substantial assets in both countries, implementing solutions that minimised global tax liability while ensuring compliance with both the UK Inheritance Tax Act and US estate tax regulations.
International Child Relocation
Our family law team represented a client in a complex international relocation case involving the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction, successfully navigating both UK family courts and foreign legal processes.
Post-Brexit Business Restructuring
We advised a UK business with significant European operations on restructuring their corporate arrangements following Brexit, ensuring regulatory compliance across multiple jurisdictions while preserving operational efficiency.
International Services
- International Family Law
- Cross-Border Wealth Planning
- International Asset Protection
- UK-US Legal Services
Our International Team
Meet our multi-jurisdictional solicitors who specialise in international legal matters.
Meet Our TeamInternational Enquiries
Contact our international desk to discuss your cross-border legal needs.
Contact International DeskRegulated Practice
Atkins Legal, LLC is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA No. 539904).
VAT Registration No: GB 910 1420 08
Global Solutions, Personal Approach
Navigate complex international legal challenges with confidence. Our team provides expert guidance across multiple jurisdictions with a personal touch.
Schedule a Consultation