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Joshua is formerly of RadcliffesLeBrasseur and joined Weightmans as a part of their merger.

Joshua advises individuals, families, trustees, family businesses, and onshore and offshore fiduciaries on all aspects of UK and cross-border tax and succession planning. Joshua’s clients are based in the UK and overseas, and he has a particular focus on advising US connected clients and /or European connected clients.

  1. Joshua advises on wills, lasting powers of attorney, trusts, foundations (and other offshore structures), succession and tax planning strategies, business succession and exit strategies, family vehicles and investment companies, and strategies to own UK real estate. Joshua is qualified as a Wills Draftsman in Dubai, and he can assist with the preparation and registration of DIFC compliant wills.
  2. Joshua advises internationally minded clients on their tax residency and domicile positions, tax strategies and structuring options for individuals and families relocating to or from the UK, and on tax obligations under double tax treaties. A part of this works sees Joshua advising owners of businesses on structuring options for their businesses too. This is often in coordination with advisors in multiple jurisdictions.
  3. Joshua also acts for a number of UK-based clients on their tax and estate planning, and he administers a number of UK trusts for clients, ensuring that all tax, legal, and compliance aspects are dealt with.
  4. Joshua also advises on the administration of estates of varying sizes and complexities. These can include advising on failed gifts, exposure to UK taxes (for non-domiciliaries), coordination between administrations in multiple jurisdictions, administration of business assets, contested estates, applicability of law (and conflict of law points), and exposure to tax under double tax treaties.

Experience

Joshua is experienced in:

  • Providing tax and estate plans to US connected individuals: This includes advising on existing estate planning documents to ensure relevance. Often, this includes reviewing trusts established in the US, providing an analysis of the trust, and confirming the trust’s exposure to UK taxes (following an analysis). Equally, Joshua advises on US LLCs and the potential tax implications for UK resident owners. It also involves advising on exposure to US and UK tax under the double tax treaty, and structuring options for the ownership of assets to minimise global taxes. Finally, it includes preparing US/UK wills, lasting powers of attorney, trusts (both onshore and offshore), and dealing with the administration of estates.
  • Providing tax and estate planning advice to European connected clients: This includes advising on estate planning and the efficacy of incorporating the European Succession Regulation with the plan. This frequently involves the analysis of succession under local laws, and whether it would be possible to override forced heirship provisions. It also extends to structuring options for clients looking to acquire European assets and options for Europeans looking to acquire UK assets. Frequently, Joshua advises on UK tax implications for owners of European assets, who hold the assets under a European structure such as an usufruct (and he advises nus propriétaires and usufruitiers), SCI, corporate structure, foundation, anstalt, Stiftung, and other structures. Equally, Joshua advises on tax and reporting obligations under various European double tax treaties.
  • Pre-immigration / emigration tax planning strategies: Joshua advises on structuring options for those looking to come to the UK, emigrate from the UK, or acquire assets in the UK. This includes potential restructuring of investments, businesses, and other entities, and also advising on the remittance basis of taxation and dealing with requests for disclosure from HMRC.
  • Coordination of administration of estates with assets in multiple jurisdictions.
  • Administering trusts: Acting on behalf of onshore trustees which includes an established group of interlinked family trusts, charitable trusts, and will trusts. This includes advising the trustees on their legal and fiduciary obligations, trust restructuring, tax implications and consequences; submitting and advising on reporting declarations (to HMRC and under FATCA/CRS); preparing trust deeds; and dealing with other issues as they arise.
  • Advising on all aspects of offshore trusts: Acting on behalf of offshore trustees in relation to the UK tax exposure and compliance obligations in relation to a decision reached, efficacy of structures, and restructuring options. 

Membership and recognition

Joshua is a full member of STEP, the International Bar Association (private client and tax division), the Franco British Lawyers Society, and the Society of English American lawyers.

  • In 2022, Joshua was listed as a Top 35 under 35 by ePrivateClient, and was commented on as having a ‘level of technical knowledge is well beyond his four years of qualification experience (and four years of pre-qualification sector experience) and he has that rare skill in the private wealth legal world of being able to combine technical excellence with commercial acumen.’ He was also shortlisted for Young Practitioner of the Year by STEP in 2022.
  • In 2023, Joshua was recognised in the Legal 500, 2004 as a Rising Star and ‘a force to be reckoned with, he is a fluent French speaker which has been beyond helpful in a number of UK/France matters. Josh is not only an excellent lawyer but a really well connected individual who is already making waves. Josh is a super star for the future’. He was also accolated as a Next Generation Leader by ePrivateClient in the inaugural listing  - ‘He is talented, its as simple as that. His name seems to pop up in lots of places and he is dealing with some really very good clients. I know that he is tipped for great things by his team and I can see why. Amongst the lawyers that I know at his level he is standing ground with the best and he is someone that I am glad to have a relationship with and to work with.’ He was also part of the team shortlisted for Private Client Legal Team of the Year (large firm) in 2023.
  • In 2024, Joshua was included within Citywealth’s Top 40 under 40 Private Client Lawyers, which is a ranking of tax, trust, and succession lawyers internationally. He has also been shortlisted for the Future Leader Award with Spear’s which recognise leaders in the private client world.

Publications

Joshua is published in a number of leading authorities including Lexology, ePrivateClient, STEP and Taxation on subjects including:

  • cryptocurrency, and ownership issues;
  • tax obligations arising from ownership of cryptocurrency;
  • Middle Eastern tax and estate planning; and
  • structuring options for modern families including LGBT+ couples and throuples.

He has also been asked to speak on topics including tax and structuring options for modern families and US/UK estate planning.

  • Joshua Ryan is a dynamic future partner, one to watch and with a very rapidly growing reputation in the UK and internationally.

    Legal 500 2025

  • I have been incredibly impressed by Joshua Ryan and Patrick Malone who offer a personalised service with professionalism and attention to detail of the highest level. Nothing is ever too much bother.

    Legal 500 2025