US Desk
Our Specialisms
US Desk Services
Private Wealth & Tax
The UK is of growing importance to US clients as they look to move both their residence and their capital to the UK. UK/US issues require a technical understanding and ability to traverse two legal and tax systems, as well as a network of lawyers in the US.
At Quastels, our team acts for high net worth individuals, families, family office and private banks with a particular focus on pre-arrival planning and estate planning. As part of this, we have particular expertise in guiding clients through their existing structures, whether corporate or trust, to ensure they work from a UK perspective, as well as setting up new structures that work efficiently on both sides of the Pond.
We work closely with our property and immigration teams at Quastels to provide a seamless and lined up service for US clients.
US Desk Services
Residential Real Estate
We offer legal support for both Residential and Commercial property transactions in the UK.
Our Residential Real Estate team is led and supervised by three highly experienced partners, who are familiar with the complex issues and potential pitfalls surrounding international investment in UK property. We provide a highly personalised service, taking the time to get to know our clients.
The team has expansive knowledge of all kinds of property transactions, including:
- High-value sales and purchases
- Transfers of equity
- De-enveloping
- Lease extensions.
We provide straightforward, practical advice alongside regular updates to ensure that our clients have the best possible outcomes in their transactions, and peace of mind.
US Desk Services
Commercial Real Estate
Our Commercial Real Estate team, recognised by The Legal 500 as a leading firm in the UK, handles all aspects of property transactions, including:
- Sales and purchases
- Business tenancies
- Development & construction
- Property finance
- Asset management
We act for a huge variety of clients, such as: landlords & tenants, developers, institutional investors, property funds, corporate occupiers, lenders, luxury retailers.
US Desk Services
Dispute Resolution
US clients engaged in international business frequently face disputes involving cross-border contracts, joint ventures, shareholder issues, regulatory matters, and enforcement of judgments abroad. These issues require a firm with deep legal expertise but also cultural and procedural fluency.
Our Dispute Resolution team is well-versed in managing high-value disputes across multiple jurisdictions. We act for US companies, brands, investors, and individuals in civil, commercial and regulatory proceedings, as well as international arbitration.
With experience across multiple jurisdictions and in a variety of industry sectors, we help clients strategise, assess risk early and act decisively.
US Desk Services
Corporate & Commercial
Our corporate and commercial team advises clients across a wide range of industries including technology, real estate, hospitality and retail and luxury goods.
We support businesses through every stage of their lifecycle, including:
- securing investment and funding;
- setting up appropriate English corporate structures;
- providing company secretarial and governance support; and
- advising on mergers, acquisitions and other transactions.
We also handle a wide variety of commercial contracts — from terms of business and e-commerce terms to complex agreements involving technology and data.
Our US Desk is dedicated to supporting US businesses operating or investing in the UK as well as UK or international clients with interests in the United States. While we advise exclusively on English law, we bring deep knowledge of US businesses and regularly coordinate with clients’ US counsel to ensure a joined-up cross-border approach.
Our approach is commercial and reflects the realities of doing business across jurisdictions.
US Desk Services
Employment
As US businesses increasingly expand overseas, the United Kingdom stands out as a top destination due to its shared language, skilled workforce, and strategic location. However, while the business environment may seem familiar, UK Employment laws differ significantly from the US making early legal guidance essential.
UK Employment law strongly protects employee rights, offering statutory benefits like paid leave, redundancy pay, and safeguards against unfair dismissal, some applicable from day one of employment. Unlike the US “at-will” system, UK employers must follow formal procedures for dismissals, grievances, and redundancies or risk legal claims (regardless of any justification for a decision).
The jurisdiction of UK Employment Law can also cross borders. For instance, a UK-based employee harassed by an overseas colleague may still bring a claim under UK law. Employers can be held liable unless they’ve taken proactive steps, such as training staff and clear policies.
To reduce legal risk, US businesses must have the necessary compliant contracts and HR policies from day one and essential knowledge of procedures. Acquisitions of UK companies are also not without risk and compliance audits are recommended to risk manage any potential claims.
Engaging UK Employment lawyers early supports a smooth, legally sound market entry, fostering a positive workplace culture.
US Desk Services
Immigration
The Quastels US Desk advises US businesses, entrepreneurs, and internationally mobile individuals on establishing a UK presence, navigating the regulatory landscape, and securing the right immigration strategy. We are frequently instructed by growth-stage US companies seeking to set up subsidiaries in London. Our support includes sponsor licensing, Skilled Worker route implementation, and broader cross-border planning.
We also advise US founders and investors making personal moves to the UK, whether through the Innovator Founder route, Global Talent visa, or alternative pathways tailored to their profile and ambitions. Clients include technology leaders, family offices, and investment professionals for whom international mobility is a core requirement, not a logistical afterthought.
Our approach is strategic, commercially focused, and discreet. We work closely with colleagues across corporate, employment, and private client to provide integrated, forward-looking advice. At every stage, we prioritise clarity, efficiency, and a deep understanding of both UK regulation and international context.
