Anthony Poulton, who has been described as ‘the pre-eminent offshore trusts litigator in London’, heads the practice at Baker McKenzie. It is ‘one of top teams in London-based private client disputes'. The group regularly acts in the most major and international trusts disputes with vast experience in co-ordinating actions across borders, and its familiarity with the main international offshore jurisdictions is key to its success. The practice continues to work with the private banks and trust companies operating in the leading offshore jurisdictions. Other important members of this ‘world-class’ team include Gemma Willingham, Yindi Gesinde, and Luke Richardson. In addition, the team works closely with lawyers in its wealth management group to advise on a whole host of other private client matters.

‘Boodle Hatfield LLP 'is the gold standard in this area' and 'they are sought out for some of the largest and most complex cases both in the UK and offshore’. The team’s work is often high value, complex and international. Andrea Zavos spearheads the department, which is skilled at advising on developing areas of law. It now has considerable expertise in advising on modern family trust litigation surrounding illegitimate, adopted, and surrogate children. It is also increasingly working on a number of substantial high-value trust partition cases involving a second or third generation of beneficiaries who lose faith in the trustees' ability to maintain equality, and subsequently seek an exit. Simon Rylatt advises on numerous significant contentious trusts and estate disputes both onshore and offshore. Mark Lindley specialises in resolving disputes regarding trusts, estates, tax, and gifts. Also recommended is Nicola Bushby, who is an accomplished litigator for wealthy clients. Many of her cases involve complex mental capacity issues. James Woods-Davison is another key member of the group.

The ‘superb team’ at Charles Russell Speechlys LLP is ‘absolutely at the top of the tree'. It is praised by clients for its 'enormous expertise and experience, and there are few big, high-profile cases it is not involved with’. Graeme Kleiner sits at the helm of the group and has been described as an ‘excellent litigator’ who is ‘great on the big-ticket cases’. The group has a stellar reputation in the UK and internationally. The team also works in tandem on some of the largest international divorce cases involving attacks on trusts, asset tracing, and fraud matters. There is a particular focus on attracting high-value cross-border disputes work, often involving multiple jurisdictions. Ziva Robertson is a solicitor-advocate who advises clients on cross-jurisdictional litigation, while Tamasin Perkins is a known name for her work with elderly clients, international Court of Protection cases, and capacity work. Oliver Auld, Duncan Elson, and Tom Watts are all highly regarded. Edward Birrell was promoted to the partnership in May 2024.

Clifford Chance LLP's private wealth and asset management disputes practice has a vast array of experience in advising clients on high-value and complex disputes which frequently involve multiple jurisdictions, both onshore and offshore. It has leading practitioners in London, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia Pacific, and is well-placed to handle cross-border disputes. In addition, it is frequently advising trustees and clients on sanctions and regulatory-related risks. Practice head Jeremy Kosky ‘brings immense experience to the space making the firm a select choice for the very biggest matters’. Maxine Mossman has extensive trust disputes experience in England, Jersey, Guernsey, the Cayman Islands, and the British Virgin Islands, and she is experienced in advising both trustees and high-net-worth individuals. Laura Hasson acts for a variety of clients, including financial institutions, sovereign wealth funds, corporates, trustees, protectors, and beneficiaries. Nicole Buncher has recently moved to the firm's Dubai office.

Farrer & Co ‘combines boutique firm client service, with city law quality’. The ‘heavyweight’ team is ‘at the top of its game’ and is ably co-led by Toby Graham and Jeremy Gordon. The department is best known for its work on complex and high-value disputes with an international dimension, which often set legal precedents. It is regularly involved in many of the largest trust and estates disputes, frequently involving values of several billion pounds. The firm’s stable of domestic and international ultra-high-net-worth clients also includes trust companies and fiduciaries. Joanna Poole advises trustees and beneficiaries on the full range of onshore and offshore contentious matters. Charlotte Fraser specialises in international trusts, probate, and succession disputes. Henrietta Mason is another leading member of the group, along with Elizabeth Sainsbury. Tom McPhail also garners praise for his work in this space. Joseph de Lacey left the firm in December 2023 and is now at Fieldfisher.

Forsters LLP is ‘the best of the best', with a leading reputation for its work on high-value and multi-jurisdictional disputes. Practice head Roberta Harvey is ‘a brilliant partner with great work and a relentless work ethic’. Harvey has a first-rate reputation for her work with wealthy individuals, family offices, trustees, protectors, executors and beneficiaries on a broad range of contentious trusts and estate matters. The practice is noted for its ‘particular experience in assisting members of ultra-high-net-worth families in the context of disputes arising from the breakdown in family relationships'. Alison Meek regularly works with professional trustees and trust companies, both onshore and offshore, executors, and beneficiaries. Emily Exton is another eminent practitioner, and Hannah Mantle, Maryam Oghanna, and Ashleigh Carr are all highly recommended.

The ‘Rolls-Royce team’ at Macfarlanes LLP has ‘endless experience of big cases.’  It is a go-to firm for high-value and complex disputes for high-net-worth families, individuals, trustees, and family offices. It receives a very steady flow of instructions on disputes involving some of the largest trusts and estates, which often hold prominent businesses, substantial properties, as well as large cash and investment portfolios. It acts for individuals and institutions from around the world. Practice head Charles Lloyd is ‘the doyen of the contentious trusts world. He is completely unflappable and exudes confidence’. Jonathan Arr is a ‘superstar’ who is an experienced litigator in England and offshore. Elizabeth Doherty covers a wide range of trust and estates disputes both domestically and internationally. She frequently advises on claims for breach of trust and matters such as Public Trustee v Cooper applications. Jacob Ward is regularly involved in large-scale international mandates.

Mishcon de Reya LLP is ‘one of the strongest players in the market' with 'real strength in depth'. It specialises in complex, intra-family and high-value, domestic and international trust and succession disputes. These disputes often involve asset-tracing and recovery in offshore jurisdictions. The group has significant experience in advising individuals, family offices, protectors, executors, and trustees. Mark Keenan has been praised as ‘the consummate grandmaster, who seems to know where every piece on the board is going to be six moves ahead’. Co-head Peter Steen is well-known on the onshore and offshore contentious trusts circuits, while Jessica Medus works on complex international disputes concerning trusts and succession. She acts for individuals, corporate trustees, family offices, and charities. Also recommended is Emilia Piskorz, who has particular expertise in advising corporate and individual trustees, beneficiaries, and those with an interest in an estate.

Payne Hicks Beach LLP fields an ‘uniformly excellent team with some of the best talent’. The ‘super smart’ Richard Manyon heads the department, which has its roots in traditional chancery work, advising on disputes affecting some of the oldest and largest landed estates. Its reputation has now grown in the international sphere, and it regularly handles the most challenging multi-jurisdictional and domestic trust and estate disputes. The group is skilled at advising on issues involving complex structures, family governance, and allegations of breach of trust or duty in relation to tax. Another core area of focus is working with its family department to advise on an array of trust matters in the context of divorce proceedings. The ‘tactically astute’ Jessica Henson also has a very busy practice advising on the full spectrum of high-value wealth disputes. Ane Vernon is another experienced litigator, and Charlotte Henshall is also highly regarded. Clementine Dowley has particular expertise in matters involving complex corporate structures, company law issues, and cross-border elements.

Stewarts Law LLP ‘are at the top of the ladder in terms of litigation boutique practices’ and clients note that ‘they have strength in depth from partners down to associates’. It is well-known for specialising in complex, large-scale and high-profile trust, probate, and capacity disputes in England, and other major jurisdictions. The team, under the leadership of James Price, has been involved in some of the sector’s largest and most complex multi-jurisdictional matters. Geoff Kertesz is dual-qualified in California and England and Wales. He is frequently instructed in high-value and high-profile private wealth disputes, both in the UK and further afield. Emma Holland is adept at handling major trusts and probate disputes, and is also focused on disputes relating to capacity. Marcus Parker has a wealth of experience of managing global disputes for wealthy families, and their associated structures. Luca del Planta is now at Walkers Bermuda.

At Taylor Wessing LLP, ‘the team has wide knowledge of commercial matters and has the ability to distil information to non-lawyers in a very professional way’.  Emma Jordan heads the practice, and is dual-qualified as both an English barrister and a Jersey advocate. The team includes Kirstie McGuigan, whose practice spans contentious and advisory work, and Caroline Tayler, who has a strong reputation for trusts advice in divorce proceedings. The stellar team advises on civil fraud work, asset-tracing, and recovery in the context of offshore trusts and structures. Another area of strength is advising on insolvent trusts. The group has been busy handling high-value issues of capacity, particularly where the protector loses capacity. Its client base includes ultra-high-net-worth individuals and families who have interests in two or more jurisdictions, and it represents more than 100 families with global wealth in excess of $1bn, eight royal families, and around 300 individuals and families worth over $100m.

Withers LLP ‘is at the top of the tree in terms of private client work and trust related matters. It has a wealth of experienced lawyers in its ranks and a well-earned reputation for being very client focused and diligent’. It has ‘great strength in depth in its lawyer bench’. Led by Suzanne Todd, it has continued to attract a variety of complex and high-value cases from around the globe. The entire team is adept at handling cross-border and complicated trusts, estate, inheritance, and Court of Protection disputes. It has a solid grounding in charity legacy disputes, and in domestic work too. Paul Hewitt continues to be recognised as one of the top contentious trusts and probate practitioners, along with Steven Kempster. Stephen Richards is increasingly advising families of which a vulnerable member, often with cognitive decline, has suffered financial abuse. Natasha Stourton has a particular interest in the succession and trusteeship of digital assets and cryptocurrencies. Senior Counsel Dawn Goodman is recommended, along with Alice Tomlin, Sarah Aughwane, and Alexandra Dix.

Herbert Smith Freehills LLP has a dedicated private wealth practice, which comprises senior disputes, advisory, and transactional lawyers. The team is well placed to handle a range of contentious, structuring, tax, and advisory matters. It regularly assists institutional clients, including banks and trust companies, as well as trustees, their insurers, beneficiaries, family offices and ultra-high-net-worth individuals. In addition, led by Richard Norridge, it frequently works on complex actions pursuing or defending trustees. These claims are often in relation to breach of trust and third-party claims by or against trustees. The group has also acted in the arbitration of a number of trust disputes. Nick Clayton advises on various private wealth tax disputes, while William Turner, who is a solicitor advocate, is also recommended.

‘There are no weak links at Howard Kennedy LLP‘ and the team is praised as ‘one of the best teams in the sector’.  Under the ‘fantastic’ leadership of Naomi O’Higgins, the ‘strong team with pots of really good lawyers’ boasts a wealth of experience in advising wealthy clients on complex and high-value  disputes. In addition, the group is skilled at looking at various forms of alternative dispute resolution. A large proportion of its work includes elements of international succession, as well as offshore assets and trusts. The ‘super efficient’ Emily Mailer plays a pivotal role in the department, and Monika Byrska has a high-net-worth international client base. Tom Deely has moved to Russell-Cooke LLP.

Kingsley Napley LLP ‘is a very strong team with real strength at all levels of seniority; a perfect choice for any heavy contentious trusts and estates work’. Ryan Mowat leads ‘a great team’, which continues to advise on a myriad of complex and high-value disputes, in addition to having expertise in criminal, fraud, and media-related disputes. Its lawyers also have experience in both commercial litigation and civil fraud. The group is additionally sought after for its expertise in high-value trusts and divorce cases. Laura Phillips has particular experience in handling complex validity disputes, disputes concerning high-value farms and landed estates, and unusual Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependant) Act 1975 claims. Anna Metadjer and Kate Salter are also recommended. Katherine Pymont was promoted to the partnership in May 2024.

Rupert Ticehurst heads the practice at Maurice Turnor Gardner LLP, which specialises in high-value and complex disputes. Its wealthy client base stems from around the world, and the group is skilled at handling onshore and offshore trust and estate disputes. The ‘very knowledgeable‘ Ticehurst has ‘an excellent ability to explain complex matters in a simple way'. He is recognised for his expertise across a broad variety of matters, such as freezing orders, as well as advising on the removal of trustees, protectors, and executors. Simon Goldring, Rosalind Hetherington, and Jerry Jamieson are now at Fladgate LLP.

Alison Regan heads the practice at Russell-Cooke LLP , which ‘blends technical legal know-how and strategy with friendliness and approachability’. The team has developed a strong reputation for its work in the ultra-high-net-worth and high-net-worth cross-border estates space, as well as for its work on offshore trusts disputes. It is also regularly instructed on risk management issues as part of its wealth and succession planning service. Gareth Ledsham is increasingly advising on complex cross-border estates litigation, particularly in civil law cases. Andrew Morgan has considerable strength in complex cross-border matters. In April and March 2024 respectively, both Sarah Arnold and Giles Hall joined the practice from Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP. Tom Deely has joined from Howard Kennedy LLP.

‘The Stephenson Harwood team goes from strength to strength' and 'it is brilliantly led by Jenny McKeown', who is ‘unflappable’. The group predominantly advises ultra-high-net-worth entrepreneurs and business owners, as well as their families and trustees from around the world. The practice has continued to expand into the Asian market, with a number of the department’s most significant matters being connected with the region. It ‘stands out due to its comprehensive expertise and global reach‘ say clients, and for its work with domestic dynastic families. Helena Berman enjoyed another strong year advising on several significant contentious trusts disputes. Peter Gillis routinely leads cases with large international teams on his own.

Anthony Gold Solicitors LLP 'has a strong team of litigators who put client care at the forefront of every case'. The team is also lauded for its ability to ‘manage a case effectively and work extremely hard to achieve the client’s objectives’. Led by David Wedgwood, the group has been busy advising on a range of cross-jurisdictional cases, high-value estates, and various appeals. Beth Holden is a key member of the practice and Tom Dickinson, who was promoted to the partnership in April 2024, has a busy caseload and he regularly undertakes work on behalf  of the Official Solicitor. Kimberley McGhie is also well-regarded.

At Burges Salmon LLP, Kevin Kennedy has a proven track record of advising on complex contentious trust matters, as well as matters involving landed estates and high-net-worth individuals. Justin Briggs, who co-heads the department with Kennedy, holds the STEP Advanced Certificate in Trusts Disputes. Briggs handles high-stakes and challenging private trusts matters. Michael Ward acts in an array of private wealth disputes for high-net-worth clients, and these disputes often involve family businesses run as companies and/or partnerships, frequently with shareholdings held both personally and via trust structures.

Spearheaded by Claire-Marie Cornford, the national team at Irwin Mitchell carries out a broad range of high-value and complex litigation for a wide variety of clients. These clients include individuals, entrepreneurs, professionals, banks, executors, trustees, charities, and beneficiaries. The group receives a steady flow of instructions on various contested issues, such as statutory wills and Court of Protection cases. It is well-equipped to handle multi-jurisdictional disputes. Sangita Manek is a key individual in the practice who has a special interest in cohabitee disputes relating to the ownership of property.

McDermott Will & Emery UK LLP‘s expertise covers the entire array of contentious trusts and tax issues. Its clients range from high and ultra-high-net-worth individuals and families to institutional trustees, beneficiaries, protectors, and enforcers. The practice has a particular focus on clients with estates in excess of £500m and billionaires. Its transatlantic private client capabilities are also noteworthy.

Mills & Reeve LLP fields a ‘high-quality, national team with a well-established and well-deserved reputation’. Its London private client group has a partly international focus, working on complex and valuable estates, which often involve beneficiaries and other parties who are resident outside the UK. The group works with a number of charities on cases involving contested legacies. David Catchpole, Simon Pedley, and Lucy Howard are at the helm, along with Lucinda Brown who joined the firm from BDB Pitmans in September 2023.

Osbornes has a ‘practice which is big enough to take on substantial cases and small enough to retain a personal touch’. It acts for a wide range of high-net-worth individuals, families, and trust companies in complex estate and trust litigation. The ‘calm and experienced’ Jan Atkinson is at the helm of the team, which also is also home to Katie de Swarte, who was promoted to the partnership in June 2023, and Elspeth Neilson, who is also highly regarded.

‘The team’s approach’ at Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP ‘shows an ability to think ahead and consider the underlying needs of the client’. Michael Cash leads the practice, which frequently handles cross-border cases. The group excels in attempting to resolve conflicts within a family before any litigation proceedings begin. Its client base includes high-net-worth individuals, families, trusts, and estates. Sarah Lee is a qualified mediator who handles a wide range of issues. Other areas of focus for the team span advising on contentious Court of Protection claims and financial abuse actions, as well as international and domestic trust and estate cases. Sarah Arnold left the firm in April 2024 and is now at Russell-Cooke LLP.

Sinclair Gibson LLP has a ‘strong private client litigation team’ which ‘works closely with the private client department’. Henry Hickman leads the offering, which acts for clients ranging from successful professionals and landed estates, to entrepreneurs and ultra-high-net-worth individuals. It is best known for its work on onshore and offshore trust and probate disputes for private clients and professional trustees. It covers a myriad of other complicated matters spanning professional negligence claims to Court of Protection proceedings. Lucy Gibson is another key figure, along with Amy Williams who was promoted to the partnership in July 2023.

James Lister heads ‘a young, ambitious and motivated team of high-quality lawyers’ at Stevens & Bolton LLP. It advises a wide range of clients, from private individuals to corporate trustees. Areas of focus for the group span advising on claims in multiple jurisdictions, as well as handling trust and property disputes in a matrimonial context. Other areas of expertise include advising on professional negligence claims against former advisors. Jack Bailey was promoted to the partnership in April 2024.

VWV provides a ‘personal service’ under the excellent leadership of Michelle Rose. Five of its team are members of the Association of Contentious Trusts and Probate Specialists. It also has a specialist legacy protection team. This team works alongside its charities department to advise a whole host of national charities, higher education institutions, and universities on protecting any legacies which are due to them. In addition, its contentious Court of Protection work continues to grow. Rose and Fiona Lawrence are often appointed as independent administrators and trustees in complex, high-value deadlocked estates and trusts from across the country.

The private wealth disputes team at Wedlake Bell LLP advises on the full range of contentious issues facing high-net-worth individuals in the UK and abroad. Clients include wealthy individuals, families, executors, trustees, and beneficiaries. Under the able leadership of Caroline Miller, the team acts for some of the largest onshore trusts. Clients seek their advice on matters as diverse as Court of Protection claims and cross-border matters, as well as inheritance claims. Andrew O’Keeffe is a well-known name in the market, and Oliver Embley is also recommended.

The ‘extremely responsive and highly client-focused’ team at Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP is skilled at handling contested high-value and complex trusts, estates, wills, and tax matters. It has expertise in both domestic and offshore cases, and has considerable US and UK experience. The group works across its various offices throughout the country. Practice head Neil Long has been praised as an ‘excellent strategic thinker' and advises individuals, families, charities, and trustees on a diverse range of complicated issues. Will Ford is another important contact.

Paul Levy is at the helm at Druces LLP. It continues to win new instructions on a range of inheritance and will disputes and Court of Protection matters, as well as breach of trust and proprietary estoppel claims. The multi-disciplinary team draws on the strength of its private wealth and dispute resolution colleagues to advise on a range of issues, such as contested applications for the removal of executors. It also regularly advises on other matters, including difficult estate claims over predatory marriages. Helen Freely is another important contact.

Catherine Naylor heads the practice in London at Gowling WLG. Naylor is adept at handling multi-jurisdictional cases. The practice draws on the expertise of the firm’s other private wealth practitioners in Singapore and Canada to handle an array of cases with a cross-border dimension. It focuses on all aspects of trust litigation and most of its clients are internationally based. James Sidwell has extensive experience in contentious trusts cases, and Andrew Witts is another key practitioner.

The team at Michelmores LLP ‘goes from strength to strength’ under the leadership of Tony Cockayne. In January 2024, Natasha McKeever and Alexa Payet joined the practice from Bolt Burdon. The team is perceived as a ‘safe pair of hands’  for high-value and complex domestic and international trusts and estates disputes. It works with private individuals and leading national charities on a range of significant wills and trusts cases. In addition, it frequently takes on independent trustee or administrator roles against a highly contested background.

Jonathan Shankland and Nigel West co-head the department at Weightmans LLP, which acts for parties who are involved in probate and trust litigation, including executors, administrators, beneficiaries, and dependants. Its work is often high-value and complex, both in the UK and overseas. Core areas of focus include advising on claims for reasonable financial provision under the Inheritance Act, as well as on applications to remove or substitute personal representatives.