Private Wealth
Steven Bernstein
November 2025
Lawrence Stephens is proud to announce the launch of LS Private, a new multi-family office platform established to provide professional services that enhance and complement the firm’s tailored legal advice.
Designed for entrepreneurs, first-generation wealth creators, and family principals with complex or cross-border interests, LS Private delivers independent governance, oversight, and operational support to protect family capital, simplify decision-making, and strengthen control. Acting as a single point of accountability, LS Private coordinates the full ecosystem of legal, financial, and personal affairs ensuring that every adviser, asset, and decision is aligned.
The venture is led by John Russo, who brings more than fifteen years of experience advising and managing ultra-high-net-worth families and businesses. Before founding LS Private, John created and led the single-family office for one of the UK’s most prominent families, overseeing legal, financial, operational, philanthropic, and reputational matters across a portfolio exceeding £1 billion. Clients value John as a discreet and decisive operator who combines legal precision with real-world execution. His focus is on delivering three outcomes for principals and their offices: stronger governance, structures that work in practice, and the swift resolution of complex issues. John also serves on the Board of Directors of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and as a Trustee for The Diana Award.
Steven Bernstein, CEO of Lawrence Stephens, commented:
“Our clients are entrepreneurial and often managing growing personal and family complexity. LS Private extends our ability to help them beyond legal advice – providing the independent governance and trusted oversight needed to safeguard family capital and reputation. With John’s expertise, we can support both newly formed and established family offices in navigating the strategic and operational challenges that accompany wealth.”
John Russo, Managing Director of LS Private, added:
“I’m delighted to build LS Private with the backing of Lawrence Stephens. Having led single-family offices from inception, I know the difference that disciplined governance and effective coordination can make. LS Private brings that experience to others. Helping families, founders, and their advisers turn complexity into clarity.”
LS Private is a wholly owned subsidiary of Lawrence Stephens Ltd. and is not regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.
For further information, please contact: Daryl Atkinson.
