Russell Cohen

Partner

Russell has over 25 years’ experience advising clients on how to navigate the complexities of private wealth. He has a personable and collaborative style and is known for advice that is both strategic and pragmatic.

Russell works with individuals and families, trustees and family offices, often in an international context.

Russell advises clients on how best to structure their wealth, including wealth preservation, strategic tax planning and succession planning. He frequently deals with tax investigations and tax disputes. He also provides guidance on family governance issues, including how a family can structure its wealth in a way that is consistent with its values.

Russell is head of international strategy at Farrer & Co. He is ranked in the top tier in several directories and has won multiple awards.

Individuals & Families

Russell is a trusted adviser to high net worth individuals and families. They seek his advice on everything from wealth structuring and succession planning to tax planning and family governance. This is often in an international context.

Recognitions

The Legal 500 2026

Personal Tax, Trusts and Probate

Hall of Fame

Spear's 2025

Tax

Top Flight

Chambers HNW 2025

Private Wealth Law

Band 1

Memberships & Accolades

Russell is top-ranked in the Chambers and Legal 500 directories (and features in the Legal 500 Hall of Fame).

Russell is also listed in the Private Client Global Elite 2025 directory and as a top Tax and Trust lawyer in Spear's 500 Magazine 2025 edition.

Russell won Tax and Trust Lawyer of the Year at the Spear's Wealth Management Awards 2019.

Russell has been elected to the International Academy of Estate & Trust Law.

Testimonials

"Russell Cohen listens and tries to be very reassuring for clients. He's able to find the right people in and out of the firm to help." (Chambers HNW 2025 & Chambers UK 2026)

"Russell Cohen is highly skilled and a pleasure to work with." (Chambers HNW 2025)

"Russell Cohen showed deep empathy at all levels with the family and held the room with his gravitas." (Chambers HNW 2025)

"Russell Cohen is a first-rate operator supported very well by a high-calibre team." (Legal 500 2025)

"Russell Cohen is a very good technical tax lawyer." (Chambers HNW 2024)

"Russell Cohen is one of the best Private Client lawyers I have worked with. He is intelligent and knowledgeable while being at the same time very personable." (Legal 500 2024)

"Russell Cohen – Calm, reassuring and able to identify quickly, and communicate clearly, the heart of the matter." (Legal 500 2024)

"Russell really puts his clients at ease. He thinks in a holistic way, which is very helpful." (Chambers HNW 2023)

"Russell is a very natural adviser to families, particularly in complex situations. He knows how to read the room and understand personal dynamics and integrate that sense into his technical advice. He really guides his team; that provides excellent results and a sense of comfort to the client and other advisers." (Chambers HNW 2023)

"Russell is very switched on and commercially astute." (Chambers HNW 2023)

"Russell Cohen: a brilliant lawyer who is at the same time personable." (Legal 500 2022)

"One commentator noted that Russell's 'interpersonal skills are the best I've seen in the law.'...He has brilliant communication and technical skills." (Chambers HNW 2022)