A law firm has set up a sideline in private jet hire.

Svetlova LLP is a private client firm based in St James Square in London which represents "ultra-high net worth individuals" and acts "with discretion for many Russian businessmen and their families". Specialisms listed on its website cover standard oligarch preoccupations such as property investment in London by overseas buyers and the acquisition of "citizenship by investment".

But as well as noting that becoming a tax resident in the UK "often is not desirable for our clients' long term goals", Svetlova LLP offers something rather grander than escorting them to the lifts after a meeting. Instead, the three-partner firm offers "worldwide private jet charters for our clients".

On a section of its website called "FLY PRIVATE", Svetlova LLP asks, "Why arrive to the airport 2 hours before when you could be there a few minutes before your flight?" Why indeed. Promising that "Even if you are late, your pilot will wait for you", it touts "significant discounts" on routes to London, Moscow, Nice, Geneva, Paris and Dubai. Apparently it makes "flying private affordable", although with a price tag of €25,000 for a one-way ticket to Moscow, Svetlova LLP's definition of affordable may differ from yours.

    For a small fee you can upgrade to a non-Travolta flight

Founder Tatiana Svetlova told RollOnFriday that the scheme came about because her firm often dealt with clients' jet brokers to address issues with their visa applications "or when they want to bring dogs to the UK". Now the firm is alerted by friendly jet brokers when there is an 'empty leg' return flight which it can offer to clients, and which she said "usually means a 60-70% discount". In response to a salivating RollOnFriday hack, she confirmed, "Yes, we occasionally get a ride if we are going the same way".
 
Tip Off ROF

Comments

Roll On Friday 13 May 16 10:31

Oh, man, this reminds me of that duo who tried to set up... what was it called? "Hardcore Superstar"? Personal solicitors for ultra high net worth individuals who would... um... talk to the "actual" solicitors, acting as a go between? They had photoshoots that were like rejected Scissor Sisters publicity shots. Whatever happened to them? Would be great to know. Think they touted themselves as being impossibly good looking, so the rich people could drag them around like poodles.

"Yo, Dawg, I heard you like lawyers, so I got you a lawyer who can talk to your lawyer while you lawyer"

Anonymous 13 May 16 12:28

I think this firm needs a thorough audit by the SRA - there are a preponderance of the type of sociopaths who use Panamanian firms amongst "high net worth / low net conscience" individuals.

Anonymous 13 May 16 13:39

I don't know why I thought it was a good idea but do not google "Hardcore Superstar" when one's desk is close to glass fronted meeting rooms.

Anonymous 02 June 16 23:29

Seems dubious to me that lawyers are providing property services, private jets and hitching a ride alongside to Moscow. Surely this is breach of SRA regulations warranting an investigation.