‘Professional, prompt, and thorough’, the team at RWK Goodman routinely advises clients on an array of disputes involving wills, estates and trusts. The practice boasts a dedicated Court of Protection team which deals with both contentious and non-contentious work. The ‘extremely knowledgeable and pragmatic’ Amanda Noyce – who heads up the team – handles a range of matters concerning proprietary estoppel claims, inheritance disputed and tax disputes. Calum Campbell is noted for his expertise in handling Trusts of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act (TOLATA) matters. Mike Muston is also recommended.

Drawing on expertise from various departments within the firm, the team at Ashfords LLP handles a broad array of contentious trusts and probate mandates, including will validity disputes, mutual claims, proprietary estoppel disputes, and related personal negligence claims. The team is jointly chaired by Robert Horsey, a highly experienced partner; Michael Alden, who also heads up the private wealth division; and Kerry Morgan Gould, noted for her expertise in contentious Court of Protection work. Other key figures include Barny Croft, who is praised as a ‘real star who attracts great work and is unflappable under pressure’, and Jess Flanagan, who joined from Clarke Willmott LLP in April 2022.

Noted for its expertise in large and complex mandates, the team at Burges Salmon LLP has an excellent reputation in the South West, representing a range of high-profile clients at both the national and international scale. The team is jointly chaired by Justin Briggs and Kevin Kennedy; Briggs is noted for his capabilities in high-stakes private trust matters, while Kennedy is well placed to advise on matters involving landed estates and wealthy individuals. Caroline Emslie, who handles international disputes concerning trusts, wills, tax planning and the administration of estates, is praised for her ‘superb judgement.’

 

Foot Anstey advises a strong mix of national charities, trust corporations, and wealthy individuals on complex disputes. The team is noted for its expertise in inheritance and trusts disputes, with a particular focus on resolving property disputes and administering estates and legacies for their charity client base. Lucy Gill - who heads the team - has over 15 years of experience handling contentious probate matters for national charities. Alexandra Rogers regularly handles disputes involving wills, trusts and estates.

 

 

Michelmores LLP houses a strong team capable of advising a range of renowned clients – including high-net-worth individuals and national charities – on the full gamut of wills, trusts, probate, and legacies matters. The practice maintains a strong presence in the South West, drawing high praise from clients – some of whom regard it as, ‘the best in its geographical area.’ The team is led by Tony Cockayne, who has over 20 years of litigation experience acting for wealthy individuals and national charities. Jasmine Ivory acts for high-net-worth individuals and charities on complex litigation matters. Georgia Wookey joined from Wards Solicitors LLP in January 2023.

VWV is a key port of call for a deep roster of clients, who turn to the firm for its ‘exceptionally strong contentious trusts and probate team, with vast experience in a wide variety of issues’. The practice is particularly noted for its legacy protection and Court of Protection work, which significantly bolsters its offering to a number of higher education institutions and national charities. Michelle Rose heads the team; she regularly deals with matters involving household names and acts as an independent court appointed administrator. Fiona Lawrence, who has extensive experience in complex cross-border disputes, is also recommended.

 

Praised for fielding a team ‘with all the expertise and experience of a London firm’, Wilsons regularly advises household name charities and professional and corporate trustees on a host of disputes concerning estates, trusts, wills and legacies. The practice is jointly chaired by Gillian Fletcher and 'tough litigator' Charlotte Watts; Watts in particular is noted for advising clients on matters before the Court of Protection. Other key individuals include the 'very effective' James Aspden, Peter Jeffreys, and Fiona Campbell-White - praised for her 'forceful but measured approach to cases that require it.'

Clarke Willmott LLP fields ‘a first-rate team of contentious probate lawyers’. The practice benefits from close relationships with the agriculture litigation team and private wealth team to offer clients a fully comprehensive legal service. The team is led by Bonita Walters and Esther Woolford; Walters has over 20 years of experience, with specific expertise in complex succession disputes, while Woolford is an expert in contentious probate matters concerning agricultural estates.

 

 

Drawing on its offices in Bournemouth and London, the team at Ellis Jones Solicitors LLP is well regarded by clients for its ‘extremely knowledgeable and proficient' approach in contentious probate claims. In particular, the practice specialises in disputes concerning the validity of wills, trusts, and proprietary estoppel claims. Lauren Day, who leads the team, regularly works on complex trusts and wills disputes. Other key figures within the practice include Victoria Riddleston, who is noted for her ability to advise clients on a wide range of disputes, including claims under the Inheritance Act 1975. Daniel Flynn joined the team from Moore Barlow in February 2023, while Luke Foot joined from Lester Aldridge LLP the following month.

Stephens Scown LLP advises clients on a range of matters, including claims of negligence against professional trustees, estate planning, proprietary estoppel, validity claims concerning incapacity and undue influence, and claims concerning abuse of the elderly. With more than 15 years of experience in litigation, practice head James Burrows is noted for his extensive experience advising on matters concerning multi-million pound estates. Davina Haydon‘s capabilities include the defence and persuit of claims under the Inheritance Act 1975.

 

Well regarded by clients for their 'great technical knowledge', the team at Thrings LLP regularly handles disputes concerning will construction, validity of wills, and removal of executors, acting for a mix of high-net-worth individuals, charities, professional executors, and trustees. The team is led by Emily Prout, variously praised for her 'supportive and genuine' approach, as well as her 'excellent' knowledge of contentious probate. Robert James is noted for his expertise in inheritance claims.

Wards Solicitors LLP fields a team of experts that are regularly instructed on complex and high-value disputes. The practice enjoys a strong presence in the South West, with the team working across 12 offices in Bristol, Bath, Somerset, and Gloucestershire. Bristol-based Elizabeth Fry - who leads the team - has specialised in contentious probate for more than two decades. Also based in Bristol, Ian Williamson is noted for his expertise in trust work involving ownership of land held trusts.

A 'down to earth' team which 'commands a knowledgeable presence', Willans LLP's regular workload includes the validity of wills, trust disputes, applications to rectify wills, and claims under the Inheritance Act 1975. The team is headed up by the 'excellent' Paul Gordon, a key contact for clients on account of his litigation experience, who regularly deals with complex and high-value matters. Other key names to note include the 'exceptionally dedicated' Jessica Whooley and Laura Stone, whose experience ranges from wills preparation to Court of Protection matters.

Particularly noted for its capabilities in Court of Protection work, Blanchards Bailey LLP draws praise from clients for fielding a contentious trusts and probates team with 'genuine expertise and strength in depth.’ The team is jointly headed by Paul Dunlop, a highly experienced civil litigator; commercial litigator Ben Jones; and Lucy Mignot - a 'fantastic lawyer' who deals exclusively with contentious trust and probate and Court of Protection matters.

Coodes Solicitors handles a range of matters concerning complex trust and estate claims, proprietary estoppel, will rectification claims and will validity challenges. The team also handle contentious Court of Protection applications and disputed lifetime gifts. Practice head Melanie Grose - 'effective, knowledgeable, and personable' - has particular expertise in running and overseeing all disputes involving contentious trusts and probate issues.

The team at Frettens LLP assists clients with specialist advice on powers of attorney, will writing and Court of Protection cases. Practice head Michelle Hayter – who works on numerous high-value and high-profile cases – is the key name to note.

The 'thoroughly knowledgeable' team at Slee Blackwell is well placed to advise clients on a range of disputes, including a number of Court of Protection cases. Practice co-chair Naomi Ireson is noted for her extensive experience handling TOLATA cases. Other key figures include the 'excellent' Hayley Bundley, a prolific adviser on contentious probate work.

 

Lauded as an ‘excellent regional firm’, Steele Raymond LLP is well placed to advise clients on a range of disputes. The team is led by the 'commercially minded and pragmatic' John Andrews, who specialises in disputes relating to validity and interpretation of wills, proprietary estoppel, and Court of Protection proceedings. Andrews regularly works in conjunction with Louise Maidment, who is also well regarded for her 'knowledgable, commercially minded and pragmatic' approach.

Capable of working on international disputes - drawing on the firm’s dedicated cross-border trusts and estates team - the practice at Stone King LLP covers a wide array of contentious probate and trust claims, with particular expertise in the third sector. The team is jointly chaired by Daniel Harris and Luke Watson; Harris heads up the firm's specialist international and cross-border unit, while Watson has over 20 years of experience in dispute resolution, with extensive experience of working and advising both charities and trustees.

Trowers & Hamlins LLP‘s Exeter-based team is noted for its focus on high-value private wealth disputes, often with a strong cross-border dimension. Practice head Charisse Crawford is a highly experienced partner who handles a host of contentious trust and estate matters. Maria Dunn‘s expertise includes Court of Protection proceedings, while commercial litigator Holly Bryan regularly advises clients in respect of claims under the Inheritance Act.