The ‘outstanding‘ team at Baker McKenzie receives plaudits for its ‘excellent service levels‘. Anthony Poulton heads the department and has a stellar reputation in the market. The group regularly acts in major international trust disputes, often with a multi-party dimension. The practice is also skilled at coordinating cases across borders, and is known for its experience in handling disputes with the main international offshore jurisdictions. Key members of the department include Yindi Gesinde and Gemma Willingham. Luke Richardson and Gareth Roberts are among the other stand-out members of the department.

Boodle Hatfield LLP works on high-value, complex and international matters. With Andrea Zavos at the helm, the group has considerable experience on trust litigation. This primarily relates to advising on issues concerning adopted and surrogate children. Increasingly, it is working on major trust partition cases involving second or third generation beneficiaries who have lost faith in the trustees’ ability to maintain equality. The practice continues to support on Court of Protection matters, and has a thriving offshore practice. Simon Rylatt is the lead partner on a number of high-value, international contentious trust matters. Mark Lindley works on complex cases primarily in an offshore context, while Nicola Bushby is an accomplished litigator for wealthy clients, particularly where there are capacity issues. James Woods-Davison is another primary contact.

Charles Russell Speechlys LLP's practice, led by Graeme Kleiner, regularly works in tandem with its matrimonial practice on some of the largest international divorce cases involving attacks on trusts, asset tracing and fraud matters. Solicitor advocate Ziva Robertson is an ‘extremely tenacious litigator‘ who has extensive experience in cross-jurisdictional litigation. Tamasin Perkins is lauded for her significant experience in cases involving offshore and international elements, while Oliver Auld specialises in advising UK and international clients on a wide range of trust and probate disputes, and on Court of Protection matters. Duncan Elson has considerable expertise in family businesses, landed estates and pensions cases. Also recommended is Tom Watts, who covers a range of chancery matters. Sarah Moore has considerable experience in international private wealth disputes.

Clifford Chance LLP‘s private wealth and asset management disputes practice is immensely experienced in high-value and complex disputes. Practice head Jeremy Kosky has significant expertise in big-ticket wealth litigation involving trusts and other ownership structures, acting for a variety of clients from UHNWIs, to trustees and protectors. Maxine Mossman has extensive trust disputes experience in England, Jersey, Guernsey, the Cayman Islands, and the British Virgin Islands, while Laura Hasson is another eminent practitioner who acts for a variety of clients, including financial institutions, sovereign wealth funds, corporates, trustees and beneficiaries. Emily Elliott is another significant member of the practice.

The 'absolutely top-notch' team at Farrer & Co is best-known for its work on complex and high-value disputes with an international dimension. Jointly led by Toby Graham and Jeremy Gordon, the practice advises a broad spectrum of domestic and international UHNW clients, trust companies and fiduciaries. It is increasingly instructed to act as administrator for UHNW estates which are subject to litigation, and frequently advises on high-value capacity and protectorship matters. Another area of focus has been working on cases involving the overlap between charities law and trusts. Joanna Poole advises trustees and beneficiaries in onshore and offshore contentious matters, and Charlotte Fraser specialises in international trust, probate and succession disputes. Elizabeth Sainsbury is sought after for her work on complex multi-jurisdictional trust and probate cases. Henrietta Mason is highly regarded, along with Tom McPhail who frequently advises settlors, beneficiaries, trustees and protectors.

 

Forsters LLP has an excellent reputation in high-value and multi-jurisdictional disputes. Department head Roberta Harvey is highly regarded for her work with wealthy individuals, family offices, trustees, protectors, executors and beneficiaries.  Alison Meek often works with professional trustees and trust companies, as well as executors and beneficiaries. Emily Exton is another seasoned practitioner, along with Hannah Mantle and Ashleigh Carr. Maryam Oghanna was promoted to the partnership in April 2025.

 

With Jonathan Arr and Elizabeth Doherty jointly at the helm, Macfarlanes LLP is a go-to firm for high-value and complex disputes for HNW families and high-profile individuals, trustees and family offices. Additionally, it is able to draw on the strength of its strong private client and trusts offering, as well as its well-regarded white-collar crime, tax litigation, corporate tax and M&A teams. The firm is regularly instructed in disputes concerning some of the largest trusts and estates. These disputes often involve prominent businesses, substantial property holdings, in addition to substantial cash and investment portfolios. Significantly too, a number of these disputes are resolved through multi-party Public Trustee v Cooper applications. Jacob Ward, was promoted to the partnership in April 2025, is increasingly known for his work on large-scale international and UK mandates.

Under the excellent leadership of Mark Keenan and Peter Steen, Mishcon de Reya LLP specialises in complex intra-family and high-value disputes. The group is well placed to handle both domestic and international trust and succession disputes, often involving asset-tracing measures and recovery actions in offshore jurisdictions. Jessica Medus works on complicated international disputes with trusts and succession issues. Medus acts for individuals, corporate trustees, family offices and charities. Emilia Piskorz was promoted to the partnership in July 2024, and acts on high-value and multi-jurisdictional trust and succession disputes.

Richard Manyon heads up the team at Payne Hicks Beach LLP, whose roots lie in traditional chancery work, where the firm advises on disputes affecting large landed estates and domestic trusts. Additionally, it regularly advises on significant trusts in the context of divorce proceedings while in recent years, the team’s reputation has grown in the international sphere, and it frequently handles challenging multi-jurisdictional and domestic trust and estates cases. Jessica Henson has a busy practice covering the full spectrum of private wealth disputes; Ane Vernon is an experienced litigator with a solid case load of contentious trust and probate matters; and Rosamond McDowell is currently advising on several substantial pieces of trusts and estates litigation. Clementine Dowley and Charlotte Henshall are both well-regarded members of the practice.

 

At Stephenson Harwood, the team predominantly advises UHNW entrepreneurs, business owners and their families and also regularly works with trustees from around the globe. Under the leadership of Jenny McKeown, the team’s main focus is on international work, though the firm also excels in domestic work. Additionally, it continues to expand into the Asian market, and has a number of important matters which are connected to the region. Other members of the team include Helena Berman, who has a strong reputation for her work on an array of contentious trusts matters, and Peter Gillis who was promoted to the partnership in May 2025. Jack Secunda joined the practice from Baker McKenzie in June 2024.

Stewarts Law LLP specialises in complex, large-scale and high-profile trust, probate and capacity disputes, and continues to be involved in some of the sector’s largest multi-jurisdictional cases. Practice head James Price is consistently instructed in many of the leading trust litigation matters globally. Another name to note, Geoff Kertesz is dual qualified in California as well as England and Wales; he frequently works on an array of high-value wealth disputes. Emma Holland assists beneficiaries, trustees, and other fiduciaries with trust disputes, both in an onshore and offshore context. Additionally, Holland specialises in probate disputes, and advising on issues relating to capacity. Jemma Goddard‘s areas of focus span advising on trustee-beneficiary disputes, applications for the removal of trustees, and on complex restructurings for UK-based and offshore trusts.

At Taylor Wessing LLP, practice head Emma Jordan, who focuses on representing high-net-worth clients and trustees, is dual qualified as both an English barrister and a Jersey advocate. It is a ‘tenacious and hardworking team’, which is ‘always available‘. It is ‘able to explain things clearly and simply‘, say clients. Kirstie McGuigan is another key individual whose work spans contentious and advisory matters. Also recommended is Caroline Tayler, who has a strong reputation for her work on complex international estate disputes, as well as for her trusts advice in divorce proceedings. The group is skilled at advising on civil fraud, asset-tracing and recovery within offshore trusts and structures, while additionally being well equipped to deal with high-value issues of capacity, in particular where the protector loses capacity. Sacha Somerston is another experienced member of the department.

Withers LLP has specialists across all aspects of private wealth disputes and, under the leadership of Stephen Richards, continues to attract complex and high-value cases from around the world. Paul Hewitt is particularly recognised for his representation of families with connections to the sub-continent. Steven Kempster has a wealth of experience in trusts and estates litigation, and continues to be involved in numerous leading offshore trusts cases. Natasha Stourton specialises in inheritance disputes, as well as contentious trusts and succession matters across multiple jurisdictions. Sarah Aughwane focuses on international trust and inheritance disputes, and has a particular interest in investment issues and professional negligence claims relating to trusts and estates.

Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP advises institutional clients, trustees, their insurers and beneficiaries as well as family offices and UHNWIs. The group covers pure advisory work, as well as complex actions pursuing or defending trustees. These cases often relate to claims for breach of trust,  and third-party claims by or against trustees. Client mandates stem from some of the wealthiest families in Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and the UK. Practice head Richard Norridge’s client base is international with his work spanning leading onshore and offshore jurisdictions. Nick Clayton has a broad contentious practice and focuses on offshore non-compliance and private wealth tax disputes. William Turner is a solicitor advocate who is skilled at handling both contentious and non-contentious private client work.

Howard Kennedy LLP fields a ‘client focused’ and ‘responsive’ team, which covers the full spectrum of trusts and estates disputes. Its work includes advising on promissory estoppel claims, and breach of trust applications. Other areas of expertise include advising on property co-ownership disputes, and Court of Protection applications. Practice head is the ‘astute‘ Naomi O’Higgins, who often acts in cases with complex multidisciplinary and international elements. The group acts for HNW and UHNWIs on many high-value matters. Monika Byrska covers a broad variety of trusts and estate matters, and is noted for her bilingual capabilities in Polish. Emily Mailer is sought after for her wide-ranging expertise -this includes advising on will validity, breach of trust claims, and applications to remove executors and trustees.

Spearheaded by Ryan Mowat, the team at Kingsley Napley LLP specialises in complex  and multi-jurisdictional trust, estate and Court of Protection cases. The group represents a diverse range of HNWIs – this includes trustees, beneficiaries and offshore fiduciaries. A sizeable proportion of its lawyers are also experienced in commercial litigation and civil fraud work. Katherine Pymont works on a variety of international and high-value trust and estates matters. Laura Phillips regularly acts as the lead lawyer on substantial cases. Kate Salter is another talented member of the department, alongside Anna O’Carroll.

Russell-Cooke LLP covers a wide variety of work from high-value cross-border disputes involving complex private international law issues, to cases with charity or philanthropy considerations. Practice head is the ‘extremely bright’ Alison Regan, who specialises in complex estate and trust disputes, most of which have cross-border and/or corporate elements. Gareth Ledsham has developed niche expertise in applications to court dealing with property owned by minors in civil law jurisdictions. Sarah Arnold is recommended for her work across the full range of domestic and international trust and estate cases. Tom Deely and Andrew Morgan both play a crucial role in the department.

David Wedgwood leads the 'extremely knowledgeable' and 'very experienced' team at Anthony Gold Solicitors LLP; Wedgwood has particular expertise in working with beneficiaries without capacity, and frequently works for both the Official Solicitor and the Court of Protection. The group has been busy advising on matters spanning cross-jurisdictional cases, Beddoe Orders, and appeals. Tom Dickinson and Beth Holden are highly regarded, and Kimberley McGhie also plays a pivotal role in a number of high-value cases.

Under the joint leadership of Justin Briggs and Kevin Kennedy, the team at Burges Salmon LLP has a well established client base of HNW individuals, and landed estates. The practice works closely with its non-contentious colleagues to advise on various high-stakes and challenging private trusts matters. Michael Ward acts on a variety of private wealth disputes for HNW clients, where the disputes often involve family businesses.

Irwin Mitchell’s diverse client base includes UHNWIs, business owners and entrepreneurs, as well as family offices, and charities. The group continues to receive a steady stream of work on farming and family business disputes, and is ably led by Claire-Marie Cornford. Cornford regularly acts in high-value and complex private wealth disputes for clients, such as landed gentry, trustees and individuals. Sangita Manek has a particular focus on cohabitee disputes pertaining to the ownership of property.

Rupert Ticehurst heads the private wealth disputes offering at Maurice Turnor Gardner LLP. The team excels in high-value and complex cases for its global client base of UHNW families. It is recommended for its handling of onshore and offshore trust and estate disputes. Ticehurst is well-regarded for his advice on the removal of trustees, protectors and executors. Dominic Conde-Cole is another key contact.

The London private client team at Mills & Reeve LLP is characterised by its international focus, regularly working on valuable estates and advising on family governance issues for large family offices. David Catchpole exclusively handles contentious trusts and probate matters, acting for a number of HNWIs and trust companies alongside Simon Pedley. Lucy Howard often acts for professional indemnity insurers involved in probate and trust negligence cases.

The practice at Osbornes often acts for a wide range of HNWIs and families on complex estate and trust cases, frequently dealing with cross-border estates. Elspeth Neilson is regularly instructed by high-profile clients, and accepts appointments to act as an independent administrator and deputy. Katie De Swarte specialises in contentious trust and estate matters, including those with cross-border issues.

At Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP, a growing part of the practice comprises taking on trusteeships and the administrations of estates in situations where there is family conflict. The ‘intensely pragmatic and calm‘ Michael Cash is sought after for his representation of HNW clients. Sarah Lee covers a broad spectrum of international and domestic claims, as well as contentious Court of Protection matters.

Sinclair Gibson LLP continues to act for a broad array of clients, ranging from successful professionals and landed families, to entrepreneurs and UHNWIs. Henry Hickman leads the department, and specialises in trust matters (both onshore and offshore), and often advises on disputes over closely held family companies, and disputes over inheritance and estates. In addition, Hickman works on executors’ malpractice, and 1975 Act claims. Of note too, is the fact that the firm has built up a significant practice in acting for offshore law firms in Privy Council appeals. Amy Williams is another impressive member of the practice.

The ‘commercially aware‘ James Lister spearheads the practice at Stevens & Bolton LLP, which acts for a wide range of clients, from private individuals to corporate trustee companies. The group is well equipped to advise on diverse issues, including trust and property disputes in a matrimonial context, as well as claims which span multiple jurisdictions. The department often advises on professional negligence claims, and on disputes about the validity of wills or trust documents. Jack Bailey is also well regarded.

The team at VWV is recommended for its strength across a broad array of contentious trusts and probate matters under the leadership of Michelle Rose. The specialist legacy protection team regularly works with its charities practice to protect national charities, higher education institutions and universities. Additionally, the group receives frequent referrals to be appointed to act as independent administrators and trustees on complex and deadlocked matters. Fiona Lawrence is another seasoned practitioner.

The private wealth disputes team at Wedlake Bell LLP advises on the full gamut of contentious issues facing HNWIs in the UK and abroad. With Caroline Miller at the helm, it is known for its work on high-value and complex cases. Clients include families, executors, trustees and beneficiaries, while the team has a steady stream of work on Court of Protection matters for vulnerable clients. Andrew O’Keeffe is another name to note, and has particular expertise in disputes concerning the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975.

Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP’s private wealth team advises HNW clients on the full range of domestic and international issues (with a focus on US/UK matters), operating across the firm’s London, Newcastle and Leeds offices. Neil Long advises individuals, families, charities and trustees on matters such as the validity of wills and trust documents, undue influence and other matters, such as mental capacity. Will Ford works with UK and international individuals and families, as well as trustees, family offices and financial institutions. Rosie Taylor is also recommended.

Collectively led by Matthew Duncan; Helen Freely and Paul Levy, the team at Druces regularly acts in contested estates, trust litigation, and disputes arising from complex family structures. It is well placed to manage cases involving multi-jurisdictional assets, proprietary estoppel claims, and undue influence. In addition, it is skilled at advising on cases involving lack of mental capacity arguments.

Fladgate LLP is ‘a relative newcomer in this area, but they have made a lot of waves in a short period of time’. The team acts exclusively for very wealthy individuals, families, and their related trusts and trustees. Head of practice, Simon Goldring has been described as a ‘real private client powerhouse’ and focuses on onshore and offshore trust and estate disputes. Rosalind Hetherington specialises in trust and probate litigation with an international dimension.

The team at Gowling WLG is primarily based in London, but draws on the experience of the firm’s other private wealth practitioners in Singapore and Toronto. Practice head Catherine Naylor has a particular focus on complex multi-jurisdictional cases. The department has a solid reputation for its experience in all aspects of trust litigation for its predominantly international client base. Andrew Witts concentrates on international and offshore cases, while James Sidwell is another eminent practitioner.

Hunters Law LLP has a solid reputation in the market for its handling of a variety of contentious trusts and probate matters. David Draisey heads up the practice, and has a particular focus on disputes concerning estate administration, will validity, and trustee disputes. Richard Kershaw is another leading member of the practice, working on complex financial disputes in divorce proceedings, and private wealth matters. Kershaw is sought after for his advice on cases involving private equity interests, trusts and cross-border assets.

Michelmores LLP has a cross-departmental offering, which is known for its work in high-value and complex domestic and international disputes. Tony Cockayne and Sara Chisholm-Batten co-lead the practice, which is frequently involved in complex trusts and estate cases for wealthy clients. Alexa Payet has particular expertise in disputes focusing on trust and probate claims, as well as on contentious Court of Protection matters. Natasha McKeever is experienced across a wide range of complicated multi-jurisdictional cases.

Weightmans LLP fields an excellent team, which regularly acts for parties who are involved in large and complex trust and probate litigation. It receives a regular flow of instructions from executors, administrators, beneficiaries and dependents. Jon Shankland plays a key role in the department. Patrick Malone, who is a member of ACTAPS, is often approached by other legal professionals to act as an independent administrator in contentious probate and court of protection matters.