The ‘excellent’ team at Baker McKenzie is a powerhouse for the most complex, high-value and multi-jurisdictional disputes. This global practice excels in the most major international trust disputes. Practice head, Anthony Poulton, receives many plaudits for his ability to handle substantial cross-border cases.  Poulton is a recognised figure in the offshore world too. The team frequently works with key lawyers, private banks and trust companies, both nationally and internationally. Gemma Willingham also garners considerable praise for her substantial expertise in handling contentious issues relating to private wealth, succession and trusts. Yindi Gesinde plays a pivotal role in the department and is recognised for her specialist expertise in trust disputes. Senior associate Luke Richardson focuses on private-client wealth disputes, and regularly handles a myriad of complicated trusts disputes. He is also adept at handling a variety of cases centring on wealth controversy.

Boodle Hatfield LLP has a ‘very busy’ team, which is doing top-quality work on predominantly high-value, complex and international cases. ‘This truly impressive outfit‘ has niche expertise in disputes concerning the modern family, and is working on an increasing number of major trust ‘partition’ cases. Clients note that this practice ‘should be on the shortlist of any prospective client seeking a top flight London firm’. Head of department, Andrea Zavos. is highly regarded for her work in advising individuals, trustees and trust companies on a variety of complicated and high-value national and international disputes. Simon Rylatt handles a broad spread of contentious trusts and estate disputes for both onshore and offshore clients. Also recommended is Mark Lindley, who is skilled at resolving disputes regarding trusts, estates, tax and gifts, as well as cases relating to mental capacity. Senior associate, James Woods-Davison has a following among the international UHNW community acting for individuals, trusts and corporate structures. It recently added Nicola Bushby to its ranks from Irwin Mitchell.

Charles Russell Speechlys LLP is ‘involved in the big cases and is handling these big cases well’, under the able leadership of the ‘exceptional’ Graeme Kleiner, who has ‘almost legendary status.' The practice enjoyed a number of recent highlights, including the arrival of the ‘real powerhouse’ Ziva Robertson from McDermott Will & Emery UK LLP, and the promotion of Geneva-based Robert Avis to the partnership. The team has a stellar reputation both nationally and internationally. Its work spans the entire private wealth sector – it regularly works with its matrimonial team on some of the largest international divorce cases. Duncan Elson covers the full gamut of contentious trusts and estates work. Tamasin Perkins advises high-net-worth individuals, trustees and fiduciaries on many complex international trust and probate disputes. Areas of expertise include breach of trust claims, and claims involving protectors. Oliver Auld specialises in acting for private clients, and a wide range of people who are acting in a fiduciary capacity.

With Jeremy Kosky at the helm, Clifford Chance LLP ‘has an unparalleled level of experience in high value, complex and multi-jurisdictional trust disputes ranging from private client to private equity trust structures. It also has exceptional quality at all levels of seniority’. Kosky is someone who ‘wears his considerable intellect lightly but applies it in great measure to complex matters’. The practice has a vast array of experience in high-value and complex disputes involving multiple jurisdictions both onshore and offshore. In addition, it is skilled at handling many high profile and heavyweight claims relating to family trusts, inheritance battles and shareholders’ disputes involving family-owned companies. Maxine Mossman has extensive trust disputes experience both domestically and offshore. Senior associate, Nicole Buncher is regularly involved in significant disputes with particular expertise in onshore and offshore trust litigation. Laura Hasson, also a senior associate, is lauded for her work with a variety of clients including financial institutions, sovereign wealth funds, protectors and beneficiaries.

The ‘extremely experienced’ and ‘simply outstanding’ team at Farrer & Co is led by Toby Graham, Jeremy Gordon and Charlotte Fraser. It has many other ‘brilliant’ partners among them Joanna Poole, Elizabeth Sainsbury and Henrietta Mason. This first-class team, which has ‘real strength in depth’, is involved in many of the largest trust/estates disputes each year, often involving assets of several billion pounds. It regularly advises trustees and beneficiaries on the full range of onshore and offshore contentious matters. The practice continues to act in the big-ticket trust litigation, international succession disputes, and the restructuring of high-value trust structures. Increasingly, it is instructed to act as administrator of UHNW estates, which are the subject of litigation. It has also been busy acting in cases involving very high value capacity issues and court of protection work. Another highlight was Jennifer Ridgway joining the team from Michelmores LLP. Clients remark that ‘all of the associates, without exception, are excellent’. Tom McPhail and Joseph de Lacey receive particular praise for their work in this area.

‘The main strength of the practice’ at Forsters LLP ‘is the quality of the individuals who work in it. Those individuals are intelligent and focussed, have good judgment and know how to look after their clients and keep them abreast of developments in their case’. Led by Roberta Harvey, it has a strong track record of acting in the most high-value, complex and multijurisdictional disputes. Harvey has an excellent reputation for her work with high-net-worth individuals, family offices, trustees, protectors, executors and beneficiaries on a wide spectrum of contentious trusts and estate matters. Consultant Alison Meek accepts instructions from professional trustees and trust companies (both onshore and offshore), executors and beneficiaries. The practice garners praise for ‘combining a great partner team with some brilliant associates'. Emily Exton is highly recommended along with senior associate, Maryam Oghanna. Hannah Mantle was also recently promoted to the partnership.

Macfarlanes LLP is ‘incredibly strong from top to bottom. They have individuals at every level who are book smart and tactically switched on’. Led by the ‘brilliant and unflappable’ Charles Lloyd, it is a ‘go-to’ firm for high-value and complex disputes for high-net-worth families and individuals, trustees and family offices on all areas of contentious work. Its expertise covers disputes concerning some of the largest trusts and estates. These trusts and estates often have prominent businesses, other substantial property holdings, as well as large cash and investment portfolios. It also acts for individuals and institutions from around the world, and a number of its cases are resolved through multi-party Public Trustee v Cooper applications. Its ‘bench strength is superb' with 'a great pool of talent’. It has ‘individuals who are at the top of their game’ including the ‘superb’ Jonathan Arr and Elizabeth Doherty. Senior associate Jacob Ward is a ‘star of the future.'

With Rupert Ticehurst at the helm, Maurice Turnor Gardner LLP ‘s team has ‘incredibly intelligent strategists who work ferociously to serve their clients’ interests’. It has a global client base of UNHW families. The ‘nimble and commercial’ group of ‘stand-out lawyers who are real thought leaders in this space’, focuses on onshore and offshore trust and estate disputes. Ticehurst is recognised for his expertise across a wide range of cases from advising on freezing orders, to advising on the removal of trustees, protectors and executors.  Another core area of focus is handling claims relating to breaches of fiduciary duties. Simon Goldring is a skilled practitioner who has continued to act in a number of prominent trust cases recently. The practice is also praised for its ability to ‘leave no stone unturned’. Senior associate, Rosalind Hetherington, primarily concentrates on trust litigation.

Mishcon de Reya LLP has an excellent profile in the market – ‘news that they are on the other side of a case strikes fear. They have real expertise and experience and are very hardworking and capable of handling the biggest cases’. Under the joint leadership of Mark Keenan and Peter Steen, the team is flourishing. It specialises in complex intra-family and high-value domestic and international trust and succession disputes. These cases often involve elements of asset tracing and recovery in offshore jurisdictions. Other areas of expertise include handling breach of trust and proprietary estoppel claims. Jessica Medus is another key member of the department whose work often has an international element. Victoria Sara-Kennedy is now ‘of counsel’- she has a broad range of experience in advising on contentious trusts and estates. Emilia Piskorz has particular expertise in advising corporate and individual trustees, beneficiaries and those with an interest in an estate.

Headed by Richard Manyon, who is described as a ‘doyen of private client litigation’, Payne Hicks Beach LLP has a ‘dynamic and clever team who deals with very high-profile litigation with real experience and expertise in this area.’ Its roots lie in traditional chancery work and advising on disputes affecting some of the oldest and largest landed estates and domestic trusts. It has expanded into the international sphere and is now also a global contentious practice. Another core area of focus is advising on trusts in the context of divorce proceedings. Jessica Henson has a ‘very good reputation in the market’ for her work running the gamut of private wealth disputes. Rosamond McDowell is currently advising on several substantial pieces of trusts and estates litigation. Ane Vernon is an experienced litigator, while Emma Harris is a newly promoted partner. It also boasts an excellent stable of ‘meticulous and hardworking associates.’ Charlotte Henshall is a talented senior associate.

Spearheaded by James Price, Stewarts Law LLP has ‘a genuine personal touch and really tough fighters’ who are ‘unrelenting in the pursuit of the client’s cause’. It is known, both domestically and internationally, for its expertise in complex, large-scale and often high-profile trust, probate and capacity disputes both in England and other major jurisdictions. Geoff Kertesz is another leading member of the group who is frequently instructed in substantial trust and probate disputes in the UK, and in other countries such as Bermuda, BVI and the Cayman Islands. Emma Holland has a keen focus on probate disputes where there are conflicts of private international law, as well as disputes about capacity. Marcus Parker is another key figure. Senior associate, Jemma Goddard is adept at handling a broad range of trust related actions, as well as assisting in the resolution of estate related disputes. Luca Del Panta is also well-regarded.

At Taylor Wessing LLP, head of department, Emma Jordan ‘blends excellent strategic instincts and big-picture thinking with an impressive grasp of forensic detail’.  The practice is ‘one of the giants in this area’ and ‘consists of individuals with market-leading expertise and experience’.  Jordan is both an English barrister and a Jersey Advocate. Kirstie McGuigan is sought after for her work that spans both contentious and advisory matters. Caroline Tayler has a strong reputation in the market for her trusts advice arising from divorce proceedings. The group is also recognised for its civil fraud work, its experience in asset tracing, and for its recovery advice in the context of offshore trusts and structures. In addition,  the team has carved out considerable expertise in advising on insolvent trusts, and has been building its specialism in trusts arbitrations. This team is highly recommended for its work on international private wealth disputes, and frequently deals with high-value issues of capacity.

Withers LLP ’has a great team across all levels. The partners that we work with are excellent and the associates/senior associates are top notch.' Led by Suzanne Todd, the ‘knowledgeable and hardworking’ team ‘gets brilliant results for clients’ in the context of international trust disputes, UK and international succession disputes, as well as elder law/court of protection issues. It also garners considerable praise for its expertise in charity legacy disputes, and for its international expertise. Paul Hewitt has an ‘exceptional reputation’ for his particular interest in representing families with connections to the sub-continent. Senior Counsel Dawn Goodman has a wealth of experience in trust and succession disputes. Steven Kempster has a substantial offshore trusts practice, and also handles cases relating to charities. Stephen Richards advises clients both in the UK and internationally on disputes concerning inheritance and trusts, and often directs litigation in multiple jurisdictions. Natasha Stourton, Sarah Aughwane and Alice Tomlin are among the other key names to note.

Headed by Richard Norridge, Herbert Smith Freehills LLP has a dedicated private wealth practice that comprises senior disputes, advisory and transactional lawyers. Clients include institutional clients, trustees, their insurers, beneficiaries, family offices and wealthy individuals. Norridge’s practice and client base is international and spans the leading onshore and offshore jurisdictions. Nick Clayton is another name to note from the specialist tax disputes and investigations unit. The group typically advises on complex actions pursuing or defending trustees, and on third-party claims by or against trustees. It has also acted in the arbitration of trust disputes. William Turner was recently promoted to ‘of counsel’ and is a solicitor advocate. He specialises in both contentious and non-contentious private client work.

The team at Howard Kennedy LLP ‘is at the very top of its game’. Led by Naomi O’Higgins, it has ‘decisive team players’ who focus exclusively on trusts and estates disputes, and court of protection work. O’Higgins’ ‘commitment to getting the very best for her clients is impressive‘. The group advises clients on numerous complex, high-value and often high-profile wealth disputes. Many of the group’s cases have significant cross-border elements. Monika Byrska is recognised for her considerable experience in international and offshore disputes. The ‘reassuring and calm’ Emily Mailer receives a steady flow of instructions on substantial cases, frequently with an international component. In addition, Mailer regularly acts as an independent administrator and court appointed trustee. Senior associate, Tom Deely, has extensive experience in multi-jurisdictional trusts and estates disputes for high-net-worth clients.

‘The team at Kingsley Napley LLP is extremely strong, full of focus and drive and committed to delivering a first-rate client service. They are led by the absolutely brilliant Ryan Mowat’. The group is recommended for its skill at handling high-net-worth private client litigation matters, combined with the firm’s expertise in fraud and media-related disputes. In addition, it is sought after for its experience in high value ‘trusts and divorce’ cases and works closely with its family team and its court of protection practice. Many of the trust disputes involve multiple jurisdictions, and allegations of breach of trust and fraud; its contentious estate disputes practice is thriving. It is ‘truly exceptional from top to bottom’ with some very able associates, including Katherine Pymont; Kate Salter and Anna Metadjer. Laura Phillips is now a legal director.

Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP has an ‘abundance of wonderful people’, with Michael Cash at the helm. It acts for high-net-worth individuals, families, trusts and estates. Cash specialises in domestic and international trust and estate litigation, and breach of trust actions. Other core areas of expertise include advising on contentious applications to the Court of Protection and claims under the Inheritance Act. Sarah Lee is another known name in the market for her work on a variety of trust and estate claims. Lee also covers other areas such as advising on the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 in the context of trust and estate funds. In addition, the team is skilled at handling financial abuse and TOLATA claims.

The  ‘closely-knit team’ at Russell-Cooke LLP  ‘works very hard and draws on a significant wealth of experience to represent their clients in disputes of significant value and complexity’. The ‘very canny’ Alison Regan heads the ‘refreshingly modern and diverse firm’, which has ‘exceptional trust and probate practitioners’. It advises in all areas of trust and estate litigation, and is increasingly known for its cross-border and international work involving issues of foreign assets, domicile and residence. Gareth Ledsham has significant experience of dealing with complex and high-value cross-jurisdictional estate disputes. Senior associate, Andrew Morgan is another important member of the practice.

‘This is a supremely impressive team’ at Stephenson Harwood, comments one client. ‘They are led from the top by very strong, hands-on leaders and the strength and depth amongst the juniors is superb’. Jenny McKeown ‘has become the Grande Dame of the contentious private client world.' It predominantly acts for ultra-high-net-worth entrepreneurs and business owners and their families, as well as trustees from around the globe. Its focus is on the most complex and high-value trust and family disputes, and the team has continued to expand its focus into the Asian market. The group also excels in advising domestic dynastic families. Helena Berman had another strong year advising on various substantial contentious trusts disputes. Peter Gillis is also a key figure.

David Wedgwood heads the ‘extremely collaborative' department at Anthony Gold Solicitors LLP, which has a strong reputation for its work in private wealth disputes. It has been busy advising on an array of matters from property ownership disputes and professional negligence claims, to dealing with numerous cross-jurisdictional and high-value cases. It is consistently instructed by HNW individuals. The team is also skilled at assisting vulnerable clients who may have mental health issues. Wedgewood is respected for his Court of Protection expertise. Beth Holden is another name to note.

Led by Justin Briggs and Kevin Kennedy, the team at Burges Salmon LLP, 'combines great technical knowledge of the law with commercial insight’. It is ‘able to go toe to toe with the top private client teams and often come out on top’. The group continues to act in some of the largest and most challenging contentious trusts and probate matters in the country. It has an enviable client base of wealthy individuals (including some aristocratic families), landed estates and high-net-worth international figures. Sian Edmunds has left the firm for an inhouse position.

Claire-Marie Cornford and Paula Myers co-lead the practice at Irwin Mitchell, which advises on a broad range of private wealth disputes for high-net-worth clients. It frequently advises on contentious trust claims, disputed wills and on specialised Court of Protection applications and disputes. Clients include successful entrepreneurs and businesspeople, landed gentry, farmers, charities, trustees and individuals. There have been some recent changes to the team at a senior level. Sangita Manek joined the team from Blaser Mills Law while Nicola Bushby is now at Boodle Hatfield LLP.

Nicholas Holland  and Simon Gibb now co-head the practice at McDermott Will & Emery UK LLP, which focuses primarily on clients with estates in excess of £500m as well as ultra-high-net-worth billionaires. Its clientele features some of the world’s wealthiest individuals, families, trustees and privately held businesses. It works on many complex cases across various jurisdictions involving disputes and court proceedings, as well as estate administrations and trust structuring matters. It also boasts significant transatlantic private client capabilities. Ziva Robertson has left the firm and is now at Charles Russell Speechlys LLP. Andrew Vergunst has also left the firm.

Osbornes has a ‘strong private client department’ and ‘the firm seems to be going from strength to strength’. Practice head, Jan Atkinson , is best known for her court appointments as the independent administrator of disputed estates. The nimble team acts for a broad range of high-net-worth individuals and families on a variety of complex estate and trust litigation. Other key clients include trustees, personal representatives and charities. Elspeth Neilson is adept at handling complex estate administrations where there are assets in other jurisdictions. Senior associate, Katie De Swarte, also acts in contentious Court of Protection cases.

Stevens & Bolton LLP fields ‘probably the best team outside of London.’ Practice head, James Lister ‘has been effective in growing the team and the reputation.’ The practice is seeing an increasing number of appointments to act as independent trustee, executor and administrator. These appointments are routinely for complex multi-million-pound estates that are facing several disputes and are frequently as a result of an executor removal application. Managing associate Jack Bailey specialises in private wealth disputes across the UK, which often involve international and offshore elements.

Led by the ‘extremely experienced' Michelle Rose, the team at VWV is a ‘stable team’, which has ‘been together for a long time.’ It has an established national reputation for its work on various complex trusts and probate disputes, and its specialist legacy protection team continues to flourish along with its court of protection offering. Rose and Fiona Lawrence receive regular referrals to be appointed as independent administrators and trustees in various complex, high-value and deadlocked estates and trusts.

The private client disputes team at Wedlake Bell LLP, advises on the full range of contentious issues facing HNW individuals in the UK and abroad. Under the leadership of Caroline Miller (who has a ‘very good reputation in the market’). It has handled matters over the past year with a collective value of over £506.8m. Clients include wealthy individuals, families, executors, trustees and beneficiaries. Andrew O’Keeffe has particular expertise in disputes concerning the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975. Oliver Embley and Ann Stanyer are both recommended.

Lucinda Brown heads the practice at BDB Pitmans, which is adept at handling national and international work, and cases with an offshore element. It has considerable strength in the third sector (charities and not-for-profit), as well as owner-managed businesses and the landed estate sector. The group frequently advises on Variation of Trusts Act applications, cross-border contentious court of protection matters, as well as will validity disputes. John Darnton is another name to note.

Paul Levy now heads the department at Druces LLP, which has seen a significant increase in disputes over the mental capacity of testators when making wills or lifetime gifts. Both Helen Freely and Matthew Duncan act as professional deputies. This multi-disciplinary team draws on the strength of its private wealth and dispute resolution colleagues to help clients such as entrepreneurial families/individuals and City professionals. Various team members have also been appointed to act as independent executors/administrators for a number of contested estates.

Catherine Naylor heads the offering at Gowling WLG in London. The team also draws on the firm’s other private wealth practitioners in Singapore and Canada, primarily. It focuses on all aspects of trust litigation which often necessitates managing and coordinating complex cross-border disputes. The practice remains busy advising on claims by and against professional trustees and fiduciaries. James Sidwell and Jason Freedman are other names to note.

The specialist team at Hunters Law LLP, covers the full range of contentious trusts and probate issues, as well as intra-family and property disputes. It also regularly provides cross-border advice to its wealthy clients on the implications of multijurisdictional disputes. Clients include trustees, beneficiaries, landed estate clients and City professionals. Practice head Richard Kershaw specialises in family law, and the contentious issues that can arise from generational trust and Inheritance Act disputes. David Draisey regularly represents claimants and defendants in high stakes trusts and probate cases.

Sara Chisholm-Batten leads a busy, cross-departmental team at Michelmores LLP, which is particularly known for its involvement in high-value and complex domestic and international trust estate disputes. Its client base includes professional trustees and high-net-worth individuals. In addition, it is well-regarded for its work on matters involving conflict of laws, and has an interesting caseload of high-value and complex offshore trusts work. Jennifer Ridgway is now at Farrer & Co.

Mills & Reeve LLP has an ‘experienced specialist team that forms part of a high quality full service firm with a national reach’. It is ably led by Norwich-based David Catchpole , Manchester/Leeds-based Simon Pedley, and Lucy Howard who is at the Birmingham office. It is skilled at handling a diverse range of complex and high-value disputes spanning actions involving trustees and executors, and issues over the validity of wills. It also acts for a number of charities in a range of contested legacy disputes.

Under the leadership of Henry Hickman, Sinclair Gibson LLP acts for many clients ranging from successful professionals to landed families, entrepreneurs and ultra-high-net-worth individuals. It is recommended for its work on onshore and offshore trust and probate disputes. The group has been busy in other areas such as acting in professional negligence claims for private clients, as well as acting in court of protection proceedings on behalf of the incapacitated. Lucy Gibson is another key member of the department.

Jonathan Shankland and Nigel West co-lead the department at Weightmans LLP, which acts for executors, administrators, beneficiaries and dependants on various high-value trusts and probate disputes, both in the UK and overseas. Other core areas of expertise include advising on claims for reasonable financial provision under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975. Arshoo Singh departed for Warners Solicitors in September 2023.

The ‘client focussed’ team at Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP ‘puts client care at the forefront of all that it does.’ Neil Long is a key member of the department. The agile group works across its various offices throughout the country. It advises individuals, charities and trustees, (both individual and corporate trustees in the UK and offshore), as well as insurance companies on the full range of contentious private client matters. Will Ford is another name to note at the London office.