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Portrait of Will Bell

Profile

Will is an associate in the private client and tax team, based in the London office. He assists with a wide range of private client matters, including wills, lasting powers of attorney, trusts, tax advisory, estate planning and administration. 

With a particular focus on matters with a cross-border or multi-jurisdictional element, both onshore and offshore, Will regularly advises UK-US connected clients. He is an affiliate member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP), the world's leading organisation for private wealth professionals, and is currently in the process of obtaining his STEP diploma in order to become a full STEP member. 

Will joined the firm in May 2025, having previously completed his training contract and qualifying in 2023 in the London office of another top 50 UK law firm. Prior to this, he graduated with a 2:1 from the University of Bristol in 2019, where he read ancient history. Will then completed his Graduate Diploma in Law, and the Legal Practice Course at the University of Law, obtaining a distinction. 

Recent work highlights

  • Administrating a cross-border estate with assets in the UK, North America, Caribbean and the Middle East.
  • Drafting bespoke wills and letters of wishes for high-net-worth individuals with assets in the UK, multiple European jurisdictions and the US.
  • Advising offshore trust companies on the appointment, removal and indemnity of trust fund trustees and drafting the accompanying deed or instrument.
  • Providing bespoke tax advice to a high-net-worth non-UK resident individual on the most tax efficient way to pass their UK real estate to their children.
  • Reviewing a US revocable living trust holding UK assets and providing advice on the UK tax consequences and remedies for a US citizen and resident beneficiaries.

Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP

Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP is a limited liability partnership registered in England and Wales with registered number OC311575 and is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority under number 419867.

Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP