The Nottingham-based team at Freeths LLP is frequently engaged in high-value litigation, claims under the Inheritance Act, and matters involving cross-border elements. Practice head Mark Keeley leads the private client dispute resolution team and specialises in complex trust and probate disputes; he is primarily involved in cases involving high-value estates. Rachel Gaffney is skilled at handling contractual matters such as breaches of contract, settlement agreements and granting probate. Robert Hill specialises in private wealth disputes, while Emma Fitzmaurice frequently assists on matters involving estoppel claims, partnership disputes and tax issues. Specialising in contentious trusts and probate work, Emma Pottinger assists with settlement disputes involving family loan and pension issues.
Contentious trusts and probate in East Midlands
Freeths LLP
Praxisleiter:
Mark Keeley
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Rachel Gaffney; Robert Hill; Emma Fitzmaurice; Emma Pottinger
Referenzen
‘Good strength in depth, knowledgeable and friendly team led well by Mark Keeley.’
‘Mark Keeley – our go to mediator.’
‘There is real depth of experience and expertise within Freeths across all their offices. They are extremely approachable and have a very practical approach to resolving disputes. I frequently recommend Freeths to anyone seeking a probate solicitor.’
Kernmandanten
The Norman Gill Charitable Trust
Nelsons Solicitors Limited
Operating out of Derby, Leicester, and Nottingham, Nelsons Solicitors Limited is well equipped to handle a range of contentious trusts and probate matters. Heading up the practice, Kevin Modiri is a key contact for claims under the Inheritance Act and will disputes. Lewis Addison specialises in trusts and probate litigation, while Ruby Ashby frequently assists on will challenger claims. Stuart Parris is adept at handling civil disputes and insurance fraud issues, and has experience in cases involving the Court of Protection.
Praxisleiter:
Kevin Modiri
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Lewis Addison; Ruby Ashby; Stuart Parris
Referenzen
‘The team have advised and managed the issues with a calm, measured, non-judgmental and supportive manner.’
‘Lewis Addison and team have managed matters on our behalf in a professional, calm and supportive manner whilst seeking to diffuse conflict and achieve compromise.’
‘The people that I have dealt with at Nelson’s are approachable – my current solicitor is very good and is definitely fully engaged with our case, I could not ask for more.’
Shakespeare Martineau LLP
Lauded by clients for conducting ‘high-quality work at a very high standard’, the team at Shakespeare Martineau LLP advises on contentious trusts and probate matters, counting charities, estates and individuals on its client roster. National head Andrew Wilkinson leads the practice from Leicester, with his areas of expertise including high-net-worth disputes and high-value estates matters. Commended by clients as an ‘excellent’ and ‘well-regarded’ partner, Debra Burton splits her time between Leicester and Nottingham and leads on a range of matters encompassing executor disputes, estoppel claims and charity-related matters. Jonathan Stork predominantly acts for clients within the agricultural sector, and Anna Morris assists with power of attorney disputes and financial provision claims.
Praxisleiter:
Andrew Wilkinson
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Debra Burton; Jonathan Stork; Anna Morris
Referenzen
‘Debra Burton’s extremely knowledgeable approach has been compassionate, sensitive & very understanding yet practical to resolve matters. All of which l was looking for and need.‘
‘This is an incredibly well-regarded team, doing high-quality work at a very high standard.’
‘Debra Burton is excellent.’
Roythornes Solicitors
Specialising in private wealth disputes, the team at Roythornes Solicitors has been praised by clients as ‘well-known and reputable’. Practice head Gavin Faber oversees the national private wealth disputes team and has been recognised as ‘excellent with clients’. Faber acts for individual clients and has extensive experience in handling litigation, with cases reaching the Supreme Court. Tim Russ is knowledgeable of proprietary estoppel claims and high-value probate proceedings. Jak Ward is skilled at acting for trustees and executors on wills, trusts, probate issues and estate disputes.
Praxisleiter:
Gavin Faber
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Tim Russ; Jak Ward
Referenzen
‘They have always been available to talk or discuss any issues I had. Jak Ward was my rock throughout this process, he listened and understood my position throughout the entire ordeal.’
‘Gavin Faber is an excellent addition to the team. He is great with difficult opponents and challenging situations: nothing fazes him and he brooks no nonsense from any quarter.‘
‘Roythornes have a strong offering – providing excellent value for money and adopting a robust approach to litigation which protects their clients‘ interests. They have good strength in depth.’
Highlight-Mandate
- Acted in the Supreme Court case of Hirachand v Hirachand, an appeal concerning the recovery of success fees in Conditional Funding Arrangements.
- Acted for the successful claimant in Spencer v Spencer EWHC 2050 Ch, a High Court proprietary estoppel claim.
- Represented national charities, whose inheritance has been at risk.
Sills & Betteridge LLP
Primarily acting for trustees and executors on will dispute matters, Sills & Betteridge LLP is praised by clients for providing ‘expert legal support’ with a ‘personal touch’. Leading the practice from Lincoln, Karen Bower-Brown is a key contact for matters involving will disputes, contentious probate proceedings and financial provision claims, primarily acting for private individuals. Splitting his time between Nottingham and Lincoln, Robert Pearson specialises in property-related issues and claims under the Inheritance Act.
Praxisleiter:
Karen Bower-Brown
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Robert Pearson
Referenzen
‚I had an outstanding experience with Sills & Betteridge. Their team was incredibly kind, helpful, and considerate throughout the entire process. Communication was excellent, and I truly felt like I had exceptional fighters in my corner.‘
‚Karen Bower-Brown and the team were beyond exceptional. From start to finish, they provided unwavering support, making me feel genuinely cared for throughout the entire process. They eased my stress, ensuring everything was as comfortable and straightforward as possible.‘
‘Karen Bower-Brown was highly professional in all of our communications, it was always made absolutely clear where I stood in the situation and what the risks were if things should escalate.‘
Highlight-Mandate
- Advised an individual on a homemade will dispute.
- Advised a client on a will dispute that involved cross-border elements.
- Advised two individuals on financial provision proceedings.
Smith Partnership
Working in conjunction with the commercial litigation and private client teams, Smith Partnership's practice handles private client, professional negligence and will and estate claims. Heading up the practice, Victoria Townsend is a key contact for advising on will disputes, proprietary estoppel and family trust issues. Townsend is an accredited member of the ACTAPS and has been lauded by clients for her ‘professional integrity, patience, and judgement’.
Praxisleiter:
Victoria Townsend
Referenzen
‘My solicitor was exceptional and could not have been more helpful, kind and courteous to me and my wife.’
‘In my experience, what makes this practice unique is the quality of thinking and calm authority that underpins every stage of their work. The team at Smith Partnership, and particularly the Contentious Trusts and Probate team, have a rare ability to manage sensitive and high-stakes matters with both legal precision and a human touch.‘
‘Victoria Townsend has stood out throughout. She brings a calm, grounded presence to every exchange and has given me enormous reassurance during what has been a legally complex and emotionally fraught period.‘
Highlight-Mandate
- Defending multiple claims against the Deceased’s estate for Proprietary Estoppel, a claim for reasonable financial provision under the Inheritance (Provision for Family & Dependants) Act 1975, and a dispute as to the validity of the Will which relates to farming and agricultural land worth in excess of £1m.
- Successfully negotiated a settlement for a very favourable variation to an estate in favour of the client, following a claim for proprietary estoppel and reasonable financial provision under the Inheritance (Provision for Family & Dependents) Act 1975.
- Successfully secured a 1/3 share of the residuary estate of the clien’ts deceased father following a claim to dispute the validity of a deathbed will.
Flint Bishop
With a focus on handling private client disputes, Flint Bishop has been praised by clients for its ‘excellent advice and service’. Recognised as a ‘confident litigator’, Sundeep Sandhu leads the practice from Derby and primarily advises on matters involving the validity of wills, real estate and property disputes, as well as professional negligence claims. Sandhu has been commended as ‘knowledgeable, organised, patient and action oriented’.
Praxisleiter:
Sundeep Sandhu
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Kelly Savage
Referenzen
‘Strong knowledge. Very approachable staff. Exceptional service.’
‘Kelly Savage and Sundeep Sandhu were exceptional when dealing with our case. Their knowledge and expertise was beyond expectation. They both obtained a great result for us. They made a difficult situation much easier.’
‘My experience with Flint Bishop has been positive and I find that they provide excellent advice and service.’
Highlight-Mandate
- Acted for a client whose nephew died unexpectedly and successfully challenged the validity of his will.
- Acted on a farming estate and inheritance matter involving issues of proprietary estoppel, financial provision, and complex trust arguments.
- Acted for the executors of an estate to successfully settle a proposed claim under the Inheritance Act 1975 by the deceased’s adult daughter in a short period of time.
Wilkin Chapman Rollits
Primarily acting for executors, administrators and trustees on contentious probate matters, Wilkin Chapman Rollits is considered to be ‘particularly strong in contentious issues involving land and agricultural issues, development land and farming partnership disputes.’ Heading up the practice, Katherine Marshall is adept at leading matters involving the Inheritance Act, will disputes, proprietary estoppel claims and litigation. Sam Sleight‘s areas of expertise span financial provision claims, property disputes and issues arising out of estate administrations.
Praxisleiter:
Katherine Marshall
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Sam Sleight
Referenzen
‘Katherine Marshall spent considerable time discussing my case with me, and understood it in depth before she said that she could help me. During the process she was very knowledgeable, helpful, and good to speak to when issues arose when I was not sure how I should deal with them.’
‘The team work cohesively together and aid the client at every step.‘
‘Katherine Marshall has been a god send. She explains well and simply without patronising or condescending, accepts questions and answers fully, is happy to repeat herself if necessary, and guides rather than tells. She listens. She is friendly, approachable yet professional at all times.‘
Highlight-Mandate
- Advised a client on a claim under the Inheritance Act 1975 at court, the matter settled and the parties entered into an agreement.
- Advanced a claim on the basis that the clients were entitled to provision under the 1975 Act. The parties agreed to settle.
- Advised a client in relation to a maladministration of an estate claim
Browne Jacobson LLP
Counting government bodies, councils, families and individuals on its client roster, Browne Jacobson LLP handles a range of disputes relating to wills, trusts and inheritance issues. Heading up the practice, Daniel Edwards is a key contact for private wealth and will disputes, as well as financial provision claims. Edwards is also experienced in handling Inheritance Act claims, providing ‘excellent service and advice’.
Praxisleiter:
Daniel Edwards
Referenzen
‘Daniel Edwards has good judgement and communication skills, he pilots clients through often traumatic inheritance disputes.’
‘We regularly refer cases to Daniel Edwards due to his lovely manner with clients and in the knowledge that they are in good hands. Daniel is pragmatic as well as technical and does the best for his clients.’
‘Exceptional people, excellent service.’
Gateley Legal
Often working in conjunction with the private client team, Gateley Legal is well equipped to handle will disputes. Lauded by clients as an ‘extremely effective litigator’, practice head Claire Herbert leads the commercial litigation team from Nottingham. Herbert’s recent caseload encompasses estoppel claims, will challengers and financial abuse cases.
Praxisleiter:
Claire Herbert
Referenzen
‘Claire Herbert is an extremely effective litigator and is dedicated to getting the best outcome for her clients. She is tenacious and clients rightly trust her to tell them exactly where they stand.’
‘The team is large and has a diverse range of capabilities, which means there is always someone appropriate available to carry out work.’
‘I work with Claire Herbert – she is clever, tenacious and at the same time compassionate and thoughtful. She has worked hard to be a leader in her field and has a huge passion for contentious probate work.’
Howes Percival LLP
Acting for beneficiaries, trustees and individuals on estates, wills and trust disputes, the team at Howes Percival LLP have been recognised by clients for providing a ‘highly personal service’. Practice head Jennifer Laskey leads the team and has been praised for her ‘deep knowledge of the law of private client disputes’. Laskey is a key contact for handling disputes arising from the administration of estates and trusts.
Praxisleiter:
Jennifer Laskey
Referenzen
‘Jennifer Laskey has been so very helpful, I honestly cannot praise her enough. I was in quite a state when I first contacted her. Jennifer put me at ease. She has a great ‚bedside manner‘ and reassured me when I felt quite despondent and anxious. She has a very calm, reassuring yet no nonsense approach.‘
‘The team provide a highly personal service and are extremely knowledgeable and professional in their conduct.’
‘Jennifer Laskey is absolutely brilliant. She has the excellent ability to separate the ‚wheat from the chaff‘. She focuses on the fundamental issues and does not get distracted with peripheral issues. Her advice is clear and concise. I cannot recommend Jennifer Laskey highly enough.’
Wilson Browne
Based in Leicester, Wilson Browne has a broad contentious probate offering, with areas of focus including property-related issues, Inheritance Act claims and litigation. Practice head Nadia Halliday is experienced in handling financial provision claims, will disputes and litigation involving estates.
Praxisleiter:
Nadia Halliday
Referenzen
‘Communication was clear and useful.’
‘Nadia Halliday knew her subject and was prepared to take action.‘
Highlight-Mandate
- Defended a Will challenge for a client.
- Represented the Beneficiaries in opposing the value of the claim against an Estate.