Clarion offers support in all areas of contentious private client work, with strength working across complex multijurisdictional matters. The group sees a significant volume of work referred by prominent national firms, and is well regarded for its ‘regional as well as national presence’. Highly experienced practitioner Lynsey Harrison leads the team, acting on a broad range of issues including breach of trust actions, actions disputing the validity of wills, and matters of professional negligence. Key names in the department alongside Harrison include Nicholas Choiniere, who has experience managing disputes at the High Court and County Court, and Samantha Richardson, who focuses on cases involving financial abuse of the vulnerable.
Contentious trusts and probate in Yorkshire
Clarion
Responsables de la pratique:
Lynsey Harrison
Autres avocats clés:
Nicholas Choiniere; Samantha Richardson
Les références
‘Strong team with a regional as well as national presence. Truly specialist team with a friendly approach.’
‘Lynsey Harrison is hugely respected and great to work with. Nicholas Choiniere is a star of the future – intelligent, practical and very approachable.’
‘Clarion have a strong team of talented and likeable lawyers. They are our go-to team for referrals in the north of England.’
Principaux dossiers
Irwin Mitchell
Irwin Mitchell is supported by a network of offices across England, enabling comprehensive support for clients with a broad range of assets. The group is active in contentious matters relating to the validity of wills, professional negligence claims, and Court of Protection matters, in addition to a range of other mandates. Paula Myers, who is head of the national will, trust and estates disputes team, co-leads the Leeds offering alongside James Laycock. Laycock has specialist expertise in matters involving family businesses, including those in the agricultural sector. Laura Pang is experienced in disputes under the Inheritance Act 1975, and has niche expertise in contentious proceedings concerning the disposal of bodies. Richard Smaller and Ben Lyon are also key.
Responsables de la pratique:
Paula Myers; James Laycock
Autres avocats clés:
Laura Pang; Richard Smaller; Bethan Smith; Ben Lyon
Les références
‘A nationwide team, headed from Leeds, that brings in significant experience, knowledge, and profile from across the country at all levels of seniority.’
‘Paula Myers is one of the true ‘big beasts’ in this area – known by everyone and respected by other practitioners as a formidable opponent, but also well-liked by her clients, with whom she is excellent, bringing a personal and empathetic touch to complement her fierce fighting on their behalf.’
‘James Laycock is a real problem-solver. He knows the law like the back of his hand, so is able to very quickly identify and address the client’s issues. He is extremely personable and has a steely core.’
Taylor Emmet
Taylor Emmet, based in Sheffield, fields a rapidly growing team with broad contentious expertise, covering disputes relating to the validity of wills and inheritances, as well as a range of contentious trustee matters. Team lead Alex Watkinson is a full member of ACTAPS, and is praised by clients for his ‘exceptional knowledge of the law’. Komal Landa has broad experience in matters relating to will and trust disputes. The group has seen steady growth at the junior level, with the additions of Ellie Marshall and Ellen Martin in 2024, and Bailey Wright in 2025.
Responsables de la pratique:
Alex Watkinson
Autres avocats clés:
Komal Landa; Ellie Marshall; Ellen Martin; Bailey Wright
Les références
‘Alex Watkinson – Exceptional knowledge of the law, whilst also very personable. Gets on very well with clients.’
‘Taylor & Emmet LLP stands out for its clear legal advice and client-focused approach. The team are highly responsive and hard-working. They deliver seamless, results-driven solutions, making them a trusted choice.’
‘Alex Watkinson is highly knowledgeable and clearly articulates complex issues. His expertise and practical approach makes him a trusted specialist in his field.’
Principaux dossiers
Addleshaw Goddard
Addleshaw Goddard‘s high-profile team acts for a client base of high-net-worth individuals and families facing a range of contentious matters, including wills, trusts, and probate disputes. The offering is buoyed by the firm’s leading commercial disputes offering, as well as its well-regarded non-contentious private client department. Pervinder Kaur and the ‘extremely knowledgeable’ Yorke Eaton co-lead the team alongside Gareth Jones, whose practice includes commercial disputes as well as the full range of contentious trust and probate matters.
Responsables de la pratique:
Pervinder Kaur; Yorke Eaton; Gareth Jones
Les références
‘The team act with the utmost confidence and professionalism but without big ego and arrogance. The advice is first class and their knowledge and diplomacy in dealing with matters is outstanding.’
‘Yorke Eaton and his team are outstanding. Yorke is extremely knowledgeable, but always explains everything in non-legal jargon. There are no egos just exceptional service and the best advice. Yorke takes time to understand the issues and how to deal with them and his calm, reassuringly clever but never condescending attitude is very refreshing and puts you at ease.’
‘Strengths: the people – approachable, sensitive to the situation, good teamwork, a feeling of being in safe hands, reliable.’
IDR Law
IDR Law specialises in inheritance disputes, with experience handling will interpretation claims, Inheritance Act claims, and estate administration disputes, alongside numerous other matters. Martin Holdsworth leads the team, having founded the firm in 2017. The group includes Richard Thomas, who has ‘phenomenal legal knowledge’, and contentious probate expert Eleanor Stenson. Stephen Lawson joined the team from NJS Law in 2024.
Responsables de la pratique:
Martin Holdsworth
Autres avocats clés:
Richard Thomas; Stephen Lawson; Eleanor Stenson
Les références
‘I have predominantly dealt with Stephen Lawson. He is very responsive and helpful. He is exceptionally courteous at all times and very good at keeping one informed and collaborating.’
‘I have worked with Stephen Lawson on a number of matters. At all times, he exuded a decisiveness and confidence that put one very much at ease.’
‘In a high stress situation, Stephen Lawson remained the epitome of calm and had an assured touch that reassured my client and put her at ease. We were left in no doubt that we were in extremely capable hands.’
Principaux dossiers
Wake Smith Solicitors Limited
Wake Smith Solicitors Limited, based in Sheffield, is ‘knowledgeable, approachable and easy to work with’, and covers Inheritance Act claims, trustee disagreements, and disputes over will validity, in addition to a range of other mandates. John Breeze leads the department, and has a background in commercial and civil litigation, which supplements his private client practice. Rachel Valentine has over 30 years’ experience in the practice area.
Responsables de la pratique:
John Breeze
Autres avocats clés:
Rachel Valentine
Les références
‘John Breeze has specialised in this field for many years. He is extremely knowledgeable, clearly enjoys what he does, and works tirelessly for the benefit of his clients. He is also extremely friendly and great to work with.’
‘The practice has a reputation for the quality of its lawyers, who provide genuine expertise. In my short experience, the practice also provides a high standard of client care.’
‘I have been a longstanding client of John Breeze and I have always been impressed by his clear advice over the years; the advice has always been delivered without fuss and pomposity.’
Principaux dossiers
Freeths LLP
Freeths LLP has seen steady expansion in the region, growing its offering in Sheffield, while benefiting from the strength of its national team. The group is increasingly active for clients in the agricultural sector, with experience in disputes relating to farming estates. Mark Keeley heads up the team, and Carla Rist has a significant history of acting for high-net-worth clients.
Responsables de la pratique:
Mark Keeley
Autres avocats clés:
Carla Rist; James Wright
Les références
‘We were extremely satisfied with the service we received from this company. Our involvement was personal but an extremely stressful period. We were reassured knowing the company were extremely knowledgeable and efficient.’
‘A very strong team offering an excellent service within the contentious trust and probate field.’
‘Carla Rist enjoys a deservedly high reputation for delivering the service, as do others within her team.’
LCF Law
LCF Law‘s ‘knowledgeable team’ is active in advising clients in relation to trust disputes, Inheritance Act claims, and removal of executor claims, in addition to a range of other mandates. Ragan Montgomery leads the team, and covers Court of Protection matters and property litigation issues, in addition to wills, trusts, and inheritance disputes. Kelly Gilbert is a prominent team member, active on a range of contentious probate matters on behalf of executors, trustees, and beneficiaries.
Responsables de la pratique:
Ragan Montgomery
Autres avocats clés:
Kelly Gilbert; Liam O’Neill; Catherine Scholfield
Les références
‘Strong team local to Bradford and Leeds with a property lit specialism too.’
‘Ragan Montgomery and Liam O’Neill are both excellent.’
‘A good team with some good experts in this field. Often used when conflict work comes in. Managed by the wonderful Ragan Montgomery.’
Ramsdens Solicitors LLP
Ramsdens Solicitors LLP fields a growing team, noted by clients for being ‘extremely knowledgeable‘ of trust and probate matters. Liam Brooke leads the department following his recruitment from Shoosmiths LLP in June 2024. Brooke covers matters relating to the Inheritance Act 1975 and disputes relating to the validity of wills, in addition to other issues. Katie Whitehead is praised as ‘sympathetic, patient, and professional’.
Responsables de la pratique:
Liam Brooke
Autres avocats clés:
Nick Armitage; Steven Murgatroyd; Katie Whitehead
Les références
‘The team are probate specialists as opposed to just providing a general service. They are extremely knowledgeable and provided me with confidence to engage with them for my specific probate related requirements.’
‘Steven Murgatroyd’s knowledge and expertise was evident from the outset and provided me with the confidence to instruct him to deal with my case. He was able to explain how he would deal with my situation step by step and once instructed provided an extremely smooth, efficient and prompt service.’
‘Steven Murgatroyd took on my case at a very emotionally draining and intimidating time. Steven immediately had a good understanding of the issues involved in complex family relationships. His calmness, experience, and common sense were able to allay my worries and soothe my anger and irritation.’
Principaux dossiers
Schofield Sweeney
Schofield Sweeney combines ‘deep expertise with a client-centric approach’, with experience acting for high-net-worth clients, and matters involving multijurisdictional issues. Nazia Nawaz leads the team, bringing to bear over 25 years’ experience in probate litigation, and will, trust and estate disputes. Chloe Lamont frequently works closely with Nawaz.
Responsables de la pratique:
Nazia Nawaz
Autres avocats clés:
Chloe Lamont
Les références
‘Nazia Nawaz was professional, diligent and empathic, when dealing with a sensitive issue, such as probate. Throughout the process she was helpful, reliable and respectful.’
‘Stands out as a premier legal practice, combining deep expertise with a client-centric approach. Their team of highly skilled solicitors offers comprehensive legal services, ensuring that clients receive tailored advice and effective representation.’
‘What sets Schofield Sweeney apart is their unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation. Nazia Nawaz prioritises clear communication, strategic problem-solving, and personalised service, ensuring clients feel supported at every stage of their legal journey.’
Principaux dossiers
Weightmans
Weightmans‘ team is active nationwide, with offices in Manchester, Liverpool, and Leicester, in addition to Leeds, and includes a significant body of STEP-qualified lawyers. The group is led by Matthew Morton, who is the national head, and covers issues involving will validity claims, proprietary estoppel, and Inheritance Act claims, among other issues. Tracey Leathley is also a key name, and has a broad litigation background.
Responsables de la pratique:
Matthew Morton
Autres avocats clés:
Tracey Leathley
Les références
‘Large firm with strength in depth.’
‘Matthew Morton is excellent. Professional, easy to work with and good with clients.’
‘All members of the team are friendly, pragmatic, and extremely live to the sensitive subject matter they are dealing with, which can be a rarity amongst litigators.’
Andrew Jackson Solicitors LLP
Andrew Jackson Solicitors LLP, based in Hull, acts for executors, trustees, and beneficiaries in relation to a range of contentious mandates, with a particular emphasis on probate disputes. Hugh Smith leads the team, and has a broad disputes practice. Contentious probate specialist Nicola White is praised for her ‘pragmatic, sensible approach’.
Responsables de la pratique:
Hugh Smith
Autres avocats clés:
Nicola White; Sarah Pether
Les références
‘I felt confident that I would be kept informed throughout a very difficult situation. It was a completely foreign experience and upsetting at times, but I felt supported throughout.’
‘Nicola White was our solicitor, and she was fully engaged throughout. I felt that I could talk to Nicola, and she had an immediate grasp of the situation. She had a pragmatic, sensible approach.’
‘Nicola White has been extremely proactive and responsive in dealing with my situation. Both have made themselves available at short notice and have been very clear and helpful with their advice.’
Bell & Buxton
Bell & Buxton has a long-established reputation in the practice area, and receives clients from across the country. Robert Johnson, who leads the team, maintains a broad contentious practice, covering matters relating to wills and disputes, as well as Court of Protection matters. Dax Keeling contributes broader contentious expertise.
Responsables de la pratique:
Robert Johnson
Autres avocats clés:
Dax Keeling; Adam Jenkins
Les références
‘Bell & Buxton provide an excellent level of service to clients in wills and probate. The team’s long experience enables them to give thorough early advice, exploring all relevant points, enabling early settlement where possible.’
‘Rob Johnson has an excellent knowledge of the law and procedure and a work ethic that is second to none.’
‘A small team but knowledgeable and very committed to achieving the best outcomes for their clients.’
Principaux dossiers
- Acted for the disinherited Claimants in a farm estate. This matter has recently settled via negotiations shortly following a early Neutral Evaluation hearing conducted by the Court.
- Acted for disinherited adult child in relation to the validity of her father’s deathbed will, drafted online using FreeWills.co.uk by the deceased’s other daughter.
- Acted in complex proceedings for a disinherited beneficiary, involving various applications, including a section 116 Supreme Courts Act application, an Inheritance Act claim, and a Professional Negligence claim against the firm responsible for preparing the invalid will.
Gosschalks
Gosschalks fields a sizeable contentious probate team, with experience in matters relating to breaches of trust, negligent drafting of wills, and proprietary estoppel, in addition to a range of other issues. Paul Mounce and Ben Marsden jointly lead the team, which is based in Hull. Mounce benefits from a history of work in non-contentious private client matters, while Marsden is a specialist in disputes, particularly contentious probate claims.
Responsables de la pratique:
Paul Mounce; Ben Marsden
Autres avocats clés:
Allanah Hutchinson
Les références
‘They go above and beyond for their clients to offer a very bespoke service.’
‘They take their time to match their clients’ wishes with what they want/need.’
‘An excellent team and they show great expertise, understanding, and professionalism in respect of my case. Communication is outstanding. I could not ask for a better service from Gosschalks and would highly recommend them.’
Harrowells Solicitors
Harrowells Solicitors is particularly active in the agricultural sector, representing farmers and landowners in contentious probate matters. The team is led by Simon Black, who has a broad disputes practice, covering commercial litigation in addition to private client matters.
Responsables de la pratique:
Simon Black
Les références
‘Harrowells have diverse expertise all under one roof. They are professional, approachable, knowledgeable and provide an excellent service.’
‘Simon Black in particular is excellent. He is friendly, provides excellent advice, responds quickly and explains matters clearly. His legal knowledge is excellent. I would highly recommend him and Harrowells as a firm, I can not fault him or Harrowells in any way at all.’
‘Attention to detail, thoroughness in approach.’
Principaux dossiers
McCormicks
McCormicks advises prominent families and business people on a range of complex disputes, with experience handling multijurisdictional mandates. Elaine Lightfoot leads the team, and has experience in contentious matters relating to wills and trusts. Alongside Lightfoot in Harrogate is David Birks, who heads up the broader litigation team.
Responsables de la pratique:
Elaine Lightfoot
Autres avocats clés:
David Birks; Stephen Hopwood