Gilly Kennedy-Smith

Partner

"Technically very impressive"

Chambers and Partners High Net Worth

Overview

Overview

I head up our award winning International 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 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.

“A true private client practitioner, with very special people skills, both with her clients and with her team.”

Legal 500 UK 2026

“Perfect with clients.”

Chambers and Partners High Net Worth 2025

“Great technical knowledge and even better personal skills.”

Chambers and Partners High Net Worth 2025

“Gillian is a well-respected private client practitioner, and it is easy to understand why.”

Chambers and Partners High Net Worth 2025

“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.”

Legal 500 UK 2025

“A very strong professional and leader”

Legal 500 UK 2025

“Clearly an expert in her field.”

Legal 500 UK 2025

“I appreciate that Gillian proactively raises any potential risks and considerations in the initial conversations regarding a new piece of work,”

Chambers and Partners High Net Worth 2024

“Suberb.”

Chambers and Partners High Net Worth 2024

“Great with clients.”

Chambers and Partners High Net Worth 2024

“Extremely knowledgeable”

Chambers and Partners High Net Worth Guide 2023

“Very level-headed and calm.”

Chambers and Partners High Net Worth Guide 2023

“A great leader and asset to the firm.”

Legal 500 UK 2023

“Excellent commercial approach to complex matters.”

Chambers and Partners UK 2023

“Technically very impressive.”

Chambers and Partners High Net Worth 2022

Memberships

Guernsey Bar

STEP Guernsey Branch Committee Member

ATT member

STEP member

Law Society of England and Wales

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