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Agriculture and estates

The ‘extremely professional’ rural team at Birkett Long LLP continues to advise on sales and acquisitions of substantial and complex estates, both for individual clients and banks such as Clydesdale, HSBC and NatWest. ‘Efficient’ practice head David Wybar is recommended.

The team at Blake Lapthorn advises on the acquisition, partition and sale of estates worth up to £15m, and has been developing its strength in the renewable energy market. Team head Mark Charter is recommended.

The ‘specialist’ and ‘excellent’ team at Cripps Harries Hall LLP typically advises on the sale and purchase of estates worth up to £6m, and recently completed the purchase of a £1.6m equestrian estate. Practice head Sally Firby is ‘a leading light of the legal profession’.

The rural services group at Henmans LLP advised on the acquisition of the £23m 1,500-acre Kiddington Estate in 2010. It also acts for individuals and educational establishments. Iain Davis leads the team.

Highlights for Thomas Eggar LLP’s team in 2010 included sales, conversions and restructuring matters for estates including Knepp Castle, Shere Manor and Balcombe. Practice head Richard Venables Kyrke is ‘highly knowledgeable’ and ‘the ultimate professional’.

The team at Boodle Hatfield, under Sue Laing advises clients with significant landed estates on issues such as capital gains tax, succession planning and restructuring, and has recently won a number of substantial new clients.

Brachers’ ‘exceptional’ team is headed by the ‘extremely knowledgeable’ Sue Hart and Simon Palmer, and advises on all aspects of agricultural law. Clients include Hadlow College and William Barrows Charity.

Matthew Knight’s team at Knights is considered an ‘exceptional specialist’ in agricultural litigation, and in 2010 opposed a public right of way claim by the Ramblers’ Association on behalf of landholders and homeowners.

Charities

Blake Lapthorn advises major national and regional clients including the Northmoor Trust on specialist issues such as amalgamating trusts. Practice head Elizabeth Davis recently advised Pilgrim Homes on the acquisition of three care homes. Alison Talbot is ‘committed, responsible and very perceptive’.

The ‘knowledgeable’ team at Henmans LLP specialises in contentious probate and legacy administration, and also advises a number of national charities on property, employment and corporate matters. Angela Bowman’s team recently advised the RSPCA on the validity of a will involving German jurisdiction.

Peter Burnett’s team at IBB (Iliffes Booth Bennett) has recently taken on the ‘very knowledgeable’ Jo Coleman from Farrer & Co. The ‘modern and efficient’ team acts for clients such as Mercy International and the Teenage Cancer Trust, and advises on fundraising and the establishment of new charities.

Headed by Julian Chadwick, the team at Thomas Eggar LLP advises clients on the creation and registration of charities, governance matters and specialist religious law issues. Clients include St Barnabas Hospice and Chichester Cathedral.

The ‘excellent’ team at asb law LLP advises clients such as the RSPCA, and acts on the registration and creation of charitable trusts, funds and not-for-profit organisations. Practice head Margaret Craton has ‘detailed knowledge and understanding’.

Diane Gill’s ‘experienced’ team at B P Collins LLP shows ‘flair and persistence’ in advising on matters such as the changing of trustees, and sales of land. Key clients include Toc H and South Bucks Hospice.

Simon Palmer’s team at Brachers offers an ‘excellent, professional and client-friendly service’; it advises on the establishment and registration of charities, as well as governance issues. Clients include Realising Another World Foundation.

In 2010 Cripps Harries Hall LLP advised Abbeyfield Mid Sussex on its merger with Abbeyfield and on the charity deregistration of Sovereign Harbour Trust, which involved the creation of a subsidiary community interest company. Team head Peter Scott has ‘a wide range of knowledge and skills’.

Led by Jeremy Passmore, Thomson Snell & Passmore advises on the formation of charities, governance issues and guidance on Charity Commission requirements. Clients include Royal British Legion Industries.

Family: Thames Valley, Berks, Oxon, M4/M40

‘In a different league’, Manches LLP retains a pre-eminent family practice, noted for its ‘rapid, courteous and professional’ approach. The ‘outstanding’ Jane Mitchell advises high-net-worth clients on ancillary relief and child cases. Kerry Fretwell joined the Reading office from Blandy & Blandy LLP and is particularly experienced in cohabitation matters. ‘Brilliant in every way’, Alexandra Lewis provides ‘sound consideration in a crisis’. Senior associate Ruth James is ‘very supportive’.

Blake Lapthorn has ‘high standards and levels of experience in family law’, with ‘proactive, approachable and effective’ partner Christine Plews singled out for her ‘shrewd and thorough advice’ delivered with ‘unflappable calm’. The team has experience in handling pre- and post-nuptial agreements.

A ‘very decent outfit’, Blandy & Blandy LLP is ‘client centred’ and ‘extremely knowledgeable’. ‘Cool under pressure’, Andrew Don has ‘vast experience’, and the ‘extremely professional’ Brenda Long has a ‘down-to-earth approach’. The team lost Kerry Fretwell to Manches LLP in 2010.

The ‘insightful and efficient’ Simon Craddock at Brethertons LLP has a ‘wealth of experience’ in international child abduction cases, and ‘practical knowledge of the Hague Convention’. The ‘exceptional team’ works ‘tirelessly to secure excellent outcomes for clients’.

‘Efficient and highly competent’, Henmans LLP handles high-value ancillary relief cases. The ‘professional, supportive and knowledgeable’ Rachael Oakes offers ‘robust and realistic advice’ and has experience in collaborative law.

Morgan Cole handles ancillary relief and offshore trust work with the ‘utmost professionalism’. Jenni Howard is ‘able to cut through to the essence of a case without sacrificing detail’.

The ‘utterly professional’ Thomas Eggar LLP handles work for high-net-worth individuals, and has experience in cross-border cases. Providing ‘top-dollar service’, Claire Hamilton-Russell has an ‘impeccable bedside manner’.

The ‘very approachable’ team at Clifton Ingram LLP provides ‘quick and effective responses’. It handles pre-nuptial agreements and has experience in cohabitation matters. Marilyn Young leads the team, supported by Kate Grant.

Darbys Solicitors LLP’s team is led by William Selby-Lowndes, who is a ‘calm and safe pair of hands’. Consultant Catherine Eddy has ‘excellent judgement’.

Field Seymour Parkes is ‘technically very strong and able to deliver services in a human way’. With ‘impressive knowledge’, Michelle Mann has a ‘very calming persona’. Susan Baker is recommended.

Theresa Horsey leads the team at Horsey Lightly, which has experience in matrimonial, cohabition and children cases. Lynn Wallis has collaborative law expertise.

Withy King LLP has a ‘high degree of knowledge’ and provides ‘really excellent service’. Simon Bassett is ‘very approachable’, and Mark Phillips is ‘very professional, accessible, courteous and kind’.

Family: Kent, Surrey, Sussex

‘At the top of the league’, Charles Russell LLP has two highly regarded family partners in Karen Wilsher and Margaret Tyson. Wilsher is well known for her expertise in ancillary relief and children cases, while Tyson is recommended for her matrimonial advice.

The ‘exceptionally strong’ Mundays LLP has a ‘leading family department’, which is handling increasing amounts of international work and high-value divorce cases. The ‘clever and knowledgeable’ Graham Coy leads the team, and Sarah Duckworth and Miranda Green are also recommended.

TWM Solicitors LLP handles the whole spectrum of family matters. ‘Outstanding’ department head Charmaine Hast specialises in divorce and abduction matters, and has strong international connections. She is ‘clever, articulate and dedicated – no client could ask for more’. Among the highly experienced team, Karin Walker and Alex Davies are also well regarded.

Clients have ‘every confidence’ in collaborative lawyer Vanda James who recently joined asb law LLP as practice head, from Warners Solicitors. The firm is ‘a cut above others’ in handling complex family cases.

Cripps Harries Hall LLP delivers an ‘unrivalled combination of client empathy, robustness and depth of knowledge’. Clients find Amanda Andrews and Kirstie Law ‘extremely helpful’.

Thomson Snell & Passmore’s family department has a strong international reach. ‘The professionalism of the team cannot be faulted and the advice is always second-to-none.’

The newly expanded family department at Barlow Robbins LLP is led by Judith Ball, who has a wealth of experience in resolving complex, high-value cases.

The ‘sharp and knowledgeable’ Stephen Smith became head of family at Brachers in 2010, which continues to embrace collaborative law. Mary Raymont is a trained mediator.

DMH Stallard LLP’s family group is now led by London-based Siobhan Lomasney, following the departure of Lynne Passmore to set up her own practice. Lomasney has expertise in matrimonial matters, while consultant Sarah-Jane Riddell joined Fitzhugh Gates in 2011.

Rawlison Butler LLP reports an increase in complex Children Act work, for which senior associate Elizabeth Leah is recommended; she ‘always gives her best and is a true representative of what family solicitors should aspire to’.

Stevens & Bolton LLP advises a variety of clients, particularly high net-worth individuals. Caroline Gordon-Smith’s ‘commitment, support and personal attention is of the highest order’.

Thomas Eggar LLP often acts for high-net-worth clients in complex cases involving multimillion-pound assets, and also has a strong international client base. Jill Goldman retired in 2010.

Rayma Collins makes family issues ‘so much easier to deal with’ and is now head of family at Warners Solicitors, following the departure of Vanda James to asb law LLP.

Family: Hampshire

The ‘hugely experienced and able’ Coffin Mew LLP has ‘one of the strongest family teams in Hampshire’. Providing ‘first-class’ advice, Chris Upfield has a ‘cool head in a crisis’. Associates Sally Pike and Tina Day are ‘highly focused’ and ‘outstanding’.

Paris Smith LLP provides ‘excellent client service’ and represents high-net-worth individuals in ancillary relief cases. With expertise in inheritance matters, Huw Miles is ‘extremely good’, and Neil Davies and Frank Prior have ‘excellent knowledge’.

Simon Burge at Blake Lapthorn has ‘professionalism, patience and a sympathetic manner’.

Debra Emery at Moore Blatch LLP has expertise in handling high-value divorce cases. The team advised on a civil partnership case involving assets abroad in 2010.

At Trethowans LLP, the ‘highly intelligent, articulate and supportive’ Yvette Rooke is recommended.

Family: Beds, Bucks, Herts, Middx

Harvey Ingram Borneos is well known for its expertise in family law; the team includes three partners who specialise in ancillary relief, and maintains a key focus on childcare. Regional head Stephen Holmes is a trained family mediator.

Delivering ‘sensible and practical advice’, IBB (Iliffes Booth Bennett) now has a full ADR family practice. The ‘very empathetic and considerate’ Richard Phillips leads the department and has experience in handling mid to high-asset cases, often with international elements. Liz Fitzpatrick heads the childcare team.

SA Law LLP continues to specialise in ancillary relief and reports a significant increase in instructions from high net-worth individuals. Through developing relationships with Spanish law firms, the team is strengthening its international client base. Marilyn Bell and Keith Docking are recommended.

At B P Collins LLP, practice head Sue Andrews reaps praise for her ‘total commitment, compassion and professionalism’ combined with her ‘ability to make stressful situations palatable’.

Aileen Hartnett’s team at Taylor Walton LLP handles complex ancillary cases often involving a foreign dimension. Ben Twitchen joined the firm in 2010, and is recommended alongside Michael Howard.

Family: Essex

The ‘excellent’ team at Birkett Long LLP is headed by the ‘first-class’ Philip Hoddell, and advises in complex child care cases and high-net-worth divorces.

Melanie Wilson is the key contact in Birketts LLP’s Chelmsford team; she regularly handles cases valued in the region of £4m. Work highlights included advising on the drafting of a £5m pre-nuptial agreement.

Ellisons’ team is now headed by Nicola Coates following the departure of Jon Armstrong to set up his own firm. The team recently welcomed Stuart Connal to the Clacton office.

Nigel Humphreys’ ‘exceptional’ team at Fisher Jones Greenwood LLP ‘provides excellent service across the spectrum’, and is particularly skilled in relation to cross-border child cases and high-value disputes.

The team at Thompson Smith & Puxon, headed by Marcus Price, dealt with a number of high-value cases and a foreign jurisdiction child relocation case.

Personal tax, trusts and probate: Thames Valley, Berks, Oxon, M4/M40

‘One of the outstanding private client practices in the UK’, Boodle Hatfield has a client list ‘to die for’, advising high-net-worth individuals on landed estate and offshore trust matters. ‘Class act’ Sue Laing is ‘imaginative and pragmatic in her approach to solutions’. Natasha Hassall has an ‘exceptional brain’, and Fiona Graham has ‘in-depth technical knowledge’.

Blandy & Blandy LLP delivers ‘valuable and creative advice’, with experience in offshore trusts and assets. Graham Benwell heads the practice, which also features the ‘compassionate and approachable’ Jonathan Gater.

‘Very professional, knowledgeable and understanding’, Field Seymour Parkes has experience in estate planning work following business disposals. Consultant Robert Watsham and Sue Vandersteen are recommended.

Henmans LLP’s ‘pragmatic’ team handles offshore work and Court of Protection cases. Nigel Roots is ‘excellent at keeping it simple’, and Jane Maitland ‘seeks solutions to problems’. Paul Thompson and litigator Sarah Foster are recommended.

Manches LLP’s team expanded significantly in 2010, with practice head Anna Burnside joining from Thomas Eggar LLP, and two further recruitments at associate level. It is ‘exceptionally helpful, knowledgeable and considerate’. Tom Gilman is ‘capable and diplomatic’.

Thomas Eggar LLP delivers ‘high levels of service’ and a ‘great depth of knowledge’. Sarah Phillips is an ‘excellent listener’. Julian Chadwick is also recommended.

The ‘very well-informed’ James Antoniou heads up the practice at Blake Lapthorn. The team delivers ‘knowledgeable, helpful and competitively priced advice’, and remains sole legal adviser for the online wills service of Which? Legal Service.

Boyes Turner fields a ‘small but highly professional and knowledgeable team’. Caroline Wallis advises high-net-worth and elderly clients, and associate Ruth Meyer has expertise in Court of Protection cases. Both are ‘very hardworking, knowledgeable and empathetic’.

At Clarkslegal LLP, ‘very professional’ associate Simon Berry assists high-net-worth individuals on tax and probate matters, and also advises on major estates and assets abroad. Nick Morgan left to become a sole practitioner in 2010.

The ‘knowledgeable’ Clifton Ingram LLP goes ‘beyond the call of duty’, particularly in contentious matters. Peter McGeown is ‘a real class act’, and Ian Martin ‘takes pains to explain issues in jargon-free language’. Stephanie Rose has a ‘truly service-orientated approach’.

Darbys Solicitors LLP impresses with its ‘sensitive approach’. The ‘very thorough’ team recruited legal executive Amanda Beegoo in 2010. Rebecca Kashti is ‘prompt and efficient’, and associates Katharine Allred and Graeme Hall are also recommended.

Providing ‘high-quality advice’, Morgan Cole provides advice to several sizeable trusts. Associate James Greig is ‘ethical, knowledgeable and responsive’.

With over 45 years’ experience, David Endicott at Spratt Endicott advises clients with ‘tact and diplomacy’, and his ‘subject knowledge is second to none’.

Personal tax, trusts and probate: Kent, Surrey, Sussex

Clients praise the ‘excellent service’ at Cripps Harries Hall LLP, which delivers ‘clear, prompt and carefully thought-out advice’. With subgroups handling trust management, estates, tax services and contentious trusts and probate, the department is able to support clients across the spectrum of private client work. Anne Lewis, Peter Scott and practice head Simon Leney are recommended.

The ‘impressive’ team at Penningtons Solicitors LLP advises high-net-worth individuals, and is at the forefront of cutting-edge tax planning. Laura Dadswell developed a family limited partnership structure as an alternative to a trust, which has attracted interest from private banks and family offices in recent years.

Stevens & Bolton LLP has seen a significant increase in instructions from wealth management divisions of London banks. The ‘extremely knowledgeable’ Stuart Skeffington leads the 14-strong team, having taken over from the ‘dependable and well-connected’ Nick Acomb in 2010.

Thomas Eggar LLP advises high-net-worth individuals and families, in the UK and internationally, on the whole spectrum of tax, trust and probate matters, including contentious probate. The ‘creative and approachable’ James Quarmby is recommended, as is Patricia Woolgar, who is well known for her advice to elderly clients.

The eight-partner department at Thomson Snell & Passmore is led by Jeremy Passmore, who is well known for his work in the area of estate planning. Simon Brown is also recommended, for his expertise in offshore aspects of trust and tax planning, while Eddie Fardell and Martin Terrell are highly regarded for Court of Protection work.

asb law LLP is well known for its capabilities in handling Court of Protection issues and elderly client matters. Glen Miles is ‘client focused, practical and pragmatic’.

Adams & Remers delivers a ‘consistently high level of service’, and provides a full personal tax compliance and tax return service as well as handling trust administration.

Barlow Robbins LLP offers a broad range of private client services, and works closely with the firm’s litigation department for contentious probate work. Tim Adams shows ‘great understanding and respects families’ needs and feelings’.

The ‘very professional, helpful and sympathetic’ team at Charles Russell LLP is recognised for its abilities in niche areas such as contentious probate and Court of Protection matters.

At Mundays LLP, Mehboob Dharamsi is ‘approachable and knowledgeable, with the ability to explain intricate matters clearly’. The team is adept at handling both contentious and advisory matters.

The ‘excellent’ TWM Solicitors LLP handles a range of tax, trust and probate instructions. Contentious probate work, led by Guy Perkins, remains a key strength for the firm.

Personal tax, trusts and probate: Hampshire

The ‘friendly, approachable, sensitive and knowledgeable’ team at Blake Lapthorn advises on estate administration, trust management, and French property matters. Practice head Rachel Brooks handles mental capacity and Court of Protection cases. Senior associate Catherine Paget is an ‘adept negotiator’.

Clarke Willmott LLP’s ‘first-rate’ practice continues to build a strong reputation and client base. Jessica Wiltshire is ‘absolutely brilliant’ and has an ‘an excellent approach in every way’. The firm is appointed to the panel of wealth management group St James’s Place.

Paris Smith LLP’s ‘excellent’ team handles tax planning, trusts and estate planning work. David Bird and Crispin Jameson have longstanding experience in the arena.

The ‘top-drawer’ team at Penningtons Solicitors LLP advises on estate planning, cross-border tax cases, and onshore and offshore trust structures. ‘A problem solver by nature’, Michael Cash has ‘excellent knowledge and steel nerves’; and Julie Burton is ‘extremely efficient and dependable’. The group has recently handled several contested Court of Protection applications.

At Coffin Mew LLP, the ‘highly professional and responsive’ team is recommended for wealth management, trust work and shareholders’ agreements, and advises various high-net-worth individuals. Malcolm Gibbs is vastly experienced, along with the recommended Roger Hancock.

David Charlesworth joined Moore Blatch LLP in 2010 from Michelmores LLP, replacing Helen Starkie, who left to start her own firm. The team advises on Court of Protection and personal injury trusts work, and is able to ‘explain complex issues in a non-technical way’.

Thomas Eggar LLP offers an ‘excellent service’, and advises high-net-worth individuals on tax and trust matters. Anthony Nixon leads the team with support from the firm’s regional offices.

Personal tax, trusts and probate: Beds, Bucks, Herts, Middx

‘One of the best firms outside London’, B P Collins LLP handles a range of private client work, with expertise in trust administration, domicile and residency. Matthew Brandis was recently promoted to practice head, after Jane Northway left in December 2010.

The sizeable team at Debenhams Ottaway solicitors handles all aspects of personal wealth management, and also has expertise in deputyship work. Client recommend Susan Glenholme for her ‘terrific work ethic and excellent client management skills’.

IBB (Iliffes Booth Bennett)’s pre-eminent private client department is highly regarded in the South East for its Court of Protection work. The team is led by Jacqueline Almond, who ‘exceeds all expectations’ and ‘goes out of her way to assist clients’.

Taylor Walton LLP has a strong position in the market, reporting significant client gains and an increase in instructions relating to the creation of lifetime and will trusts. Alison Voyce has ‘a personable manner that fills clients with complete confidence’.

Personal tax, trusts and probate: Essex

Birkett Long LLP’s ‘professional, caring and knowledgeable’ team is headed by the ‘outstanding’ Claire Read and Bruce Ballard, and advises on matters ranging from simple wills to complex tax planning.

The ‘high-calibre’ team at Birketts LLP regularly advises high-net-worth individuals and families, and in 2010 advised on the administration of a £5m estate. Practice head Tim Galloway is ‘excellent’.

The ‘excellent’ three-partner team at Palmers advises on complex instructions relating to contentious probate, Inheritance Act claims and residential care issues. Chris Mowat is ‘personable and approachable’.

Tim Logan’s ‘friendly and sensitive’ team at Ellisons advises clients on contentious probate, pilot trusts, mirror wills and personal taxation.

In 2010 Kate Wombwell’s team at Fisher Jones Greenwood LLP dealt with wills and inheritance tax planning and cases as an intervening agent.

Thompson Smith & Puxon’s team, headed by David Welham, deals with a range of issues, including wills, powers of attorney and the administration of estates.

The team at Tolhurst Fisher is headed by Mark Francis and is experienced in tax planning and trusts.

Wortley Byers has an ‘approachable, friendly and efficient’ team, headed by Warren Hawkings, and advises on matters including elderly client issues, and contentious probate.

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Legal Developments in the UK

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