Gilly Kennedy-Smith

Overview

I head up our award winning Trusts and Private Client team in Guernsey and have nearly two decades of experience in both London and offshore. 

I advise international high net worth families, trust companies and family offices on the establishment, restructuring and management of family asset holding vehicles as well as estate and succession planning, with a focus on achieving private wealth objectives by thoughtful planning and governance. While my clients are global I have particular experience working with Middle Eastern, Swiss and UK connected clients. I frequently work with advisors in other jurisdictions to build coherent succession solutions for clients, that work for successive generations of the family.

I have also been on two secondments to trust companies, giving me practical experience of the issues facing the advisory team. I have been a member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP) and sit on the Guernsey branch technical committee.

I am a Tax Technician and member of the Association of Tax Technicians (ATT), the leading professional body for those providing tax compliance services.

I am individually ranked in the Chambers and Partners High Net Worth Guide in Offshore: Trusts, listed as a Global Elite - Lawyer in the Private Client Global Elite Directory and ranked as a Leading Individual in Legal 500 UK.

I am a regular speaker in Guernsey and beyond, as well as having published a number of articles for international publication.

In 2024, I was appointed International Correspondent for Private Client Business, the leading journal for those involved with private client work. 

Professional qualifications

• Solicitor in England & Wales (currently non-practising), 2006
• STEP (Society of Trust & Estate Practitioners - diploma), 2011
• STEP Advanced Offshore Certificate in Company Law & Practice, 2014
• STEP Advanced Certificate in UK Tax for International Clients, 2015
• Tax Technician (Association of Tax Technicians - diploma), 2018
• Advocate of the Royal Court of Guernsey, 2023

Memberships

• Law Society of England & Wales, (currently non-practising), 2006
• STEP member, since 2011
• ATT member, since 2018
• STEP Guernsey Branch Committee Member, since 2022
• Guernsey Bar, 2023

What the directories say

In Legal 500 UK 2025, Gilly is ranked as a Leading Partner in Private Client, Trusts and Tax. A source comments: "Gilly Kennedy-Smith has done some exceptional work for us over the past year. Her knowledge and links with the Middle East and Shariah structures has proven particularly crucial." Another praises her for being "a very strong professional and leader" and "clearly an expert in her field."

In Chambers and Partners High Net Worth 2024, Gilly is ranked in Offshore: Trusts in Guernsey. A source comments: "I appreciate that Gillian proactively raises any potential risks and considerations in the initial conversations regarding a new piece of work," with another praising her as being "suberb," and "great with clients."

In Legal 500 UK 2024, Gilly is ranked as a Leading Individual and a Recommended Lawyer in Private Client, Trusts and Tax. 

In the Chambers and Partners High Net Worth Guide 2023, Gilly is individually ranked for Offshore: Trusts in Guernsey. A source commends Gilly for being "extremely knowledgeable" while another praises her for being "very level-headed and calm" and offering "succinct" advice.

Listed as a Global Elite - Lawyer in the Private Client Global Elite Directory 2023.

"A great leader and asset to the firm." Legal 500 UK 2023. Gilly is also named as a Recommended Lawyer in the area of Private Client, Trusts and Tax in the guide.

"Excellent commercial approach to complex matters." Chambers and Partners UK 2023. Gilly is also individually ranked as an Up and Coming Lawyer in the directory, in the area of Offshore: Trusts.

"Technically very impressive" and "able to master the details while always keeping an eye on the bigger picture." Chambers and Partners High Net Worth Guide 2022. 

"She is personable, approachable and provides advice in a understandable way." Chambers and Partners High Net Worth Guide 2022. 

"Very experienced, but deals with clients compassionately" and is "a good all-round private client lawyer." Legal 500 UK.

"Pleasure to deal with. She has great legal knowledge and experience whilst still providing advice which is easy to understand. She has an excellent client manner." Legal 500 UK.