Marc Samuels specialises in matrimonial finance. His practice covers all aspects of financial remedy proceedings, as well as claims under Schedule 1 of the Children Act 1989.

Marc has noted expertise in cryptocurrency law and litigation featuring cryptoassets, companies, and trusts. He is co-author of ‘Cryptocurrency in Matrimonial Finance’ with Dean Armstrong KC (Bloomsbury Professional) (2022). Marc also authored ‘Commercial Contracts for UK Companies: Formation to Exit’ (Bloomsbury Professional) (2021).

Marc Samuels is a popular speaker on matrimonial finance law and overlapping legal issues involving emerging technologies. Outside of court, he represents clients in all forms of ADR, including arbitrations and Private FDRs.

Marc is a member of Lexis Nexis PSL’s panel of experts (Family Law).

Prior to joining 36 Family, Marc Samuels practised at New York law firms Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP and Debevoise & Plimpton LLP, where Marc formerly trained as a solicitor.

Key cases & testimonials

Instructed in numerous family finance cases involving complex cryptoasset portfolios and associated issues of dissipation, tracing, and valuation.

Instructed in complex litigation involving cross-applications for enforcement of a historic final order. The claim featured allegations of failure to disclose interests/connections with multiple offshore companies and disguised remuneraiton.

Instructed in family finance proceedings where the parties operated a business in the music industry. The case featured disputed assets, notably valuable publishing copyrights and royalty flows.

Instructed in proceedings featuring a high-value inheritance and multiple family trust funds. The case focussed on the the parties’ entitlement as beneficiaries under the respective trusts.

Instructed in complex litigation focussing on the interpretation of an ambiguous final order made a decade ago. The case hinged on a rare point of law concerning the redemption of legal charges.

Marc is great to work with. He gives practical advice to the clients and there is nothing he doesn't know about crypto assets. In court, he always seems to be able to strike a rapport with the judge, and always aims to work constructively with the other party to the proceedings.Chambers UK 2024
Marc has excellent technical abilities, which are demonstrated in his advocacy but equally so in his written work. His commercial background informs his advice to clients, and he focuses on achieving swift resolutions to issues.Chambers UK 2024
Marc is extremely thorough in his preparation for conferences and hearings. His written work is comprehensive, and he makes difficult points simple. He is very responsive and enjoys being part of the team. He excels at advocacy – punchy, persuasive and eloquent.Legal 500 2024

Areas of expertise

Marc’s practice covers the full array of financial remedies work ancillairy to divorce/civil partnership, as well as claims under Schedule 1 of the Children Act 1989.

Marc’s cases regularly feature businesses and complex company structures, trusts (onshore and offshore), foreign property, and disputed assets held by third parties. Marc Samuels has noted expertise in litigation featuring cryptoassets and associated technologies.

Marc’s cases often require examination of pre-acquired or inherited wealth, as well as featuring allegations of dissipation or hiding assets. Marc is experienced in seeking emergency remedies, including injunctions, search orders, and dealing with enforcement. Many of his cases feature international elements.

 

Marc Samuels represents clients in all forms of ADR, including arbitration, mediation, and Private FDRs (in which Marc is instructed both as counsel and as evaluator).

Marc Samuels offers advice and represention in cases featuring international elements. This includes: disputes relating to jurisdiction, determination of property ownership, worldwide asset preservation orders, and litigation involving offshore trusts and company structures.

Further information

MA (Cantab); BA (Hons) English, First Class Honours – Churchill College, University of Cambridge

LLB (Hons) (GDL Conversion), LPC – BPP University

 

Appointments & Memberships

Lexis Nexis PSL Family Law expert panel member

Resolution

Family Law Bar Association (FLBA)

The Contentious Trusts Association (ConTra)