Phyllis Townsend

Spear’s Review

Phyllis Townsend is a partner at Baker McKenzie and head of its EMEA wealth management practice group. She advises UHNWs, family offices, private banks and trustees on complex, cross-border matters spanning tax, wealth structuring and succession planning. Her clients include prominent Middle Eastern families, ruling dynasties and internationally mobile entrepreneurs, including those with assets exceeding $1 billion.

Half-Swiss and fluent in German and French, Townsend frequently works with the firm’s Switzerland offices and across Europe to deliver seamless, multi-jurisdictional advice. Recent work includes establishing private investment funds for family offices, advising on high-value restructurings and navigating the UK’s changing non-dom landscape.

She also spearheads the firm’s alternative capital initiative, bringing corporate expertise to the private wealth world through innovative, bespoke structures for sophisticated clients.