Working at the law firm for more than 50 years, and with roots in Italy as well as experience the UK's legal arena, this private client legal expert has a good vantage point on the big trends that have played out since he entered the profession.

Experience lends perspective and there cannot be many private client lawyers with a career at a firm spanning more than half a century. For Roy Campbell (pictured), senior partner at Druces, his background gives him an interesting perch from which to see what the UK and wider world is going through in the private client space.

Campbell recently sat down with WealthBriefing to talk about what he’s learnt and how the sector he’s in now looks.

This news service jumped right in to ask Campbell what he thinks of the UK’s standing as a jurisdiction, given the new government’s closure of the resident non-dom system, tax hikes, other changes such as Brexit, and the sometimes fraught relations between the UK and Brussels.

“So far, there hasn’t been the large-scale relocation some might have predicted,” Campbell said. “That said, I believe this is only the beginning. The full impact of these reforms is yet to be seen, and I expect we will witness a gradual exodus over time as clients reset their ties to the UK.”

Is the UK becomings a less “international” jurisdiction?

“I don’t think these concerns are exaggerated. London’s reputation as a global hub is under pressure. We are, I fear, heading towards a 'third country' status, which could undermine the UK’s appeal to international families and investors,” Campbell said. 

More positively, Campbell noted the issues that tend not to change over time. 

“Certain fundamentals remain unchanged: capital tax planning, estate administration, probate, trusts, and LPAs or EPAs [lasting powers of attorney, enduring powers of attorney]. These are the cornerstones of private client work. While the tools and regulations have evolved, the role of a trusted advisor remains constant – guiding clients through life’s significant milestones,” he said. 

Campbell specialises in all aspects of private client work, including the deployment of private capital, tax and estate planning, probate and administration of estates through to wills, commercial ventures and services for international clients. A fluent Italian speaker, Campbell brings a continental European sensibility: He was president of the British Italian Law Association (2019 to 2022). Campbell was formerly chairman of the City branch of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (2009 to 2012).

Campbell, who was born and raised in Italy, retains important professional connections to the country. “I was born in Rome and raised by an Italian mother and a Scots father. At 13, I was sent to school in the UK, which set me on the path to my legal career. While my Italian background doesn’t directly affect my practice, it does bring an appreciation of the nuances of international client relationships – particularly when engaging with Italian families and businesses,” he said. 

“Over the years, I’ve become far more specialised. While I started out covering property law and family law, I’ve increasingly focused on private client work – a field where I feel most at home. Specialisation has been a natural evolution, reflecting both my interest and the growing complexity of the private wealth space,” Campbell said. 

Focus
“Today, my practice revolves around estate planning, tax advice, and LPAs. It’s a sharper focus compared to the broader legal roles I once held. This reflects the heightened need for tailored advice as clients navigate ever more intricate tax and wealth structures.

"With all that experience, comes an understandable desire to help mentor and encourage younger colleagues. 

“I’m fortunate to have decades of experience, and mentoring naturally comes with that. Colleagues often seek my advice, and I’m always happy to help them navigate the complexities of modern private client work. Of course, nothing is ever truly 'clear-cut’ anymore, but sharing perspectives and experience is invaluable,” Campbell said. 

So what qualities are important in this profession?

“Patience. It’s a quality that can’t be overstated. Private client work involves not only legal and technical challenges but often emotional and sensitive issues. Patience allows you to manage complexity, maintain trust, and achieve the best outcomes for your clients,” Campbell said. 

Campbell continues to shape Druces LLP’s private client practice with his understanding of estate planning, tax advisory, and cross-border wealth management. And it is clear that such a perspective, honed through decades of service and his international connections, positions this law firm well with the families and firms navigating the legal landscape.