Hall Of Fame

Rising Stars

Firms To Watch: Personal tax, trusts and probate

Principal associate Paul Colman is the key contact in the wills, trusts and estates practice at Weightmans LLP in Leeds and the team specialises in advising business owners on succession planning including charitable and lifetime trusts. The team collaborates with the firm’s corporate and real estate teams, offering clients a holistic service.

Personal tax, trusts and probate in Yorkshire And The Humber

Wrigleys Solicitors LLP

Wrigleys Solicitors LLP‘s probate, tax and estate planning team is led by Julia Boyes, Lisa Eato and Lynne Bradey in Sheffield, and Andrew Wriglesworth and Marie-Louise Hamilton in Leeds. Hamilton also leads the firm’s trust management services, which works closely with the team. Cross-departmental collaboration is a hallmark of the firm, which provides a ‘complete in-house service’ for its farming and land-owning clients. Additionally, the team has expertise advising family business owners in relation to asset protection and succession planning, and working with injured, disabled and vulnerable clients; it also has a notable specialism regarding cross-border estate planning. Julia Boyes works with large, landed estates across the country and Suzannah Farnell joined the team in January 2023 from Veta Law.

Practice head(s):

Andrew Wriglesworth; Marie-Louise Hamilton; Jane Netting; Lisa Eato; Lynne Bradey


Other key lawyers:

Angus Hunter Smart; Julia Boyes; Julia Rangecroft; Suzannah Farnell


Testimonials

‘One of the region’s best private client practices.’

‘My connection with the team is Marie-Louise Hamilton who is a very impressive lawyer and team leader.’

‘Marie-Louise Hamilton is extremely competent, thorough and personable.’ 

‘Julia Boyes is the Trust partner I have worked with for many years. She has a formidable knowledge of all trust matters, including the tax treatment of trusts.’

‘Julia Boyes always provides sound, comprehensive advice and information that is practical and commercial.’

‘Wrigleys provide me with a complete in-house service for property, leasing, labour relations and succession planning.’

‘Wrigleys offer a depth of expertise in Farms and Estates which is virtually unmatched in the region.’

Work highlights


Addleshaw Goddard

Pervinder Kaur leads the private capital team at Addleshaw Goddard in Leeds and nationally. The team sits within the wider corporate offering at the firm, and acts for a number of owner-managed and family businesses, often advising on succession planning. It regularly advises clients on international interests, drawing on the firm’s offices across the world to provide advice on tax planning, residence and domicile issues and property structures. Yorke Eaton specialises in dealing with complex trust issues and legal director Laura Woffinden acts for young beneficiaries on planning, probate and trust matters.

Practice head(s):

Pervinder Kaur


Other key lawyers:

Laura Woffinden; Yorke Eaton; Katie Derry


Testimonials

‘Yorke Eaton is a very experienced Trustee and brings considerable sound advice on all Trustee matters and is excellent in dealing with complex issues.’

‘Yorke Eaton has experience of a number of business-related matters, which is beneficial in his role as Trustee.’

‘Pervinder Kaur is an extremely able and experienced Trustee and heads up the practice and also the Leeds Office.’

‘The private client team at Addleshaws is the stand-out practice in the region, acting for HNW and UHNW individuals.’

‘They are responsive, commercially astute and have an enviable client base of entrepreneurs and business owners. Their client service is second to none.’

‘Yorke Eaton and Pervinder Kaur are the stand-out partners. Yorke is unfailingly upbeat and a pleasure to work with. He is commercially astute and clients love him. He is able to combine complex technical advice with an approachable and friendly demeanour – a rare trick in this day and age!’

‘Yorke Eaton is knowledgeable and calm, a great person to have with you.’

‘Great personal touch from all members of the team.’

Work highlights


Irwin Mitchell

The lifetime and estate planning team at Irwin Mitchell is led by Paula Myers, director of private client services, and Andrea Jones in the Leeds office, while Gillian Coverley leads the team in Sheffield. The team has experiencing of dealing with a range of clients, from business owners to old and vulnerable clients, along with landowners and those with agricultural interests. Notably, the team works closely with the firm's medical negligence department, and offers expertise regarding disabled person’s trusts and personal injury trusts. Senior Associate Hollie Marcham's ‘considered and objective’ approach is appreciated; Katherine Wainman is also recommended.

Practice head(s):

Paula James (Chichester); Paula Myers; Gillian Coverley (Sheffield); Andrea Jones


Other key lawyers:

Hollie Marcham; Katherine Wainman; Emma McCann


Testimonials

‘Gillian Coverley was excellent in her approach. She clearly has an in-depth knowledge and was expert at explaining the options to us.’

‘I have worked almost exclusively with Gillian Coverley. My first contact was some 15 years or so ago and I was pleased to find she was still available when I needed their help again recently. Extremely approachable and knowledgeable, she tailors the advice to your specific requirements rather than a quick fix off the shelf and thus inspires confidence.’

‘Primarily, I have dealt with Hollie Marcham, ably supported by the team around her. Despite clearly having a significant workload, she always returns calls/ emails in a reasonable time. Hollie is considered and objective in her thinking and a keen advocate of true multi-disciplinary working, to help ensure the best outcome for her clients. Always enthusiastic and personable. I have referred close family, friends and important clients to Hollie and the team and the feedback I get is positive.’

‘Hollie Marcham is very pragmatic. Andrea Jones is diligent and compassionate.’

‘Excellence across all teams and sectors our firm has worked with, we are consistently impressed.’

‘Attention to detail, communication, down to earth and straightforward. Well thought-through advice.’ 

‘Gillian Coverley and Emma McCann have been outstanding in our partnership. I have admired their professionalism and willingness to test/trial new approaches. They have always been happy to get involved with our promotion of charity fundraising through supporters leaving a gift in their will.’

‘Katherine Wainman has a real understanding and knowledge of complex Trusts and Estates, both domestically and cross-border. I have found her input to be of real value.’

Key clients

Age Co


Nationwide Building Society


Stroke Association


Macmillan Cancer Support


Apex Corporate Trustees (UK) Limited


Finders


Santander UK


Work highlights


  • Providing support to Santander regarding vulnerable customers, including advice and guidance on all aspects of private client law.
  • Advising Finders International UK on estate administration matters, which often involve complex intestacies.
  • Supporting Macmillan Cancer Support with will writing services to their vulnerable supporters who often have life-limiting cancer diagnoses.

Mills & Reeve LLP

Andrew Playle leads the private client team at Mills & Reeve LLP in Leeds and nationally. The team has extensive experience of acting for national and local business owners on issues, including family investment companies (FICs), from strategic estate planning and succession advice to structuring wealth ownership along with tax and trust advice. Additionally, the team provides ongoing advice to professional trustees regarding estate administration and trust administration. The ‘outstandingEllie Milner has particular expertise in advising on the incorporation of both offshore and onshore FICs.

Practice head(s):

Andrew Playle


Other key lawyers:

Ellie Milner; Rachel MacIntosh


Testimonials

‘We were recommended to use Mills and Reeve for their professional expertise in providing Private Client advice. We have been very pleased with their work on lasting power of attorney ( LPA) matters, trusts and wills.’

‘We have dealt almost exclusively with new partner Ellie Milner, who has been excellent in terms of knowledge and advice.’

‘Very knowledgeable and personable team.’

‘Ellie Milner has been outstanding.’

‘Highly competent and knowledgeable team led by a friendly and professional partner.’

‘Andrew Playle’s advice is clear and concise, and all queries are responded to promptly. He is sensitive to the family dynamics and includes all interested parties to the concepts and decisions in an engaging manner.’

‘The team is for me specifically what makes this firm unique. They clearly work well within their respective departments and with other departments to provide an all-round high level of competency and service, with the client first and foremost.’

‘Most of my dealings with Mills Reeve is via Ellie Milner. Ellie is, at all times, professional yet personable with an ability to ask what may be difficult and searching questions to really understand clients and their wider circumstances.’

Work highlights


Raworths

The trusts, wills and estates team at Raworths in Harrogate is headed by Rachel Tunnicliffe, who is ‘a leader in her field’. The team advises on a range of issues, from the administration of high-value trusts to sensitive, often multi-jurisdictional probate cases involving vulnerable clients. Alison Walker brings twelve years’ corporate tax experience to her role in the private client team; Sam Jenner is also recommended.

Practice head(s):

Rachel Tunnicliffe


Other key lawyers:

Caroline Hedges; Peter Greswold; Sam Jenner; Alison Walker


Testimonials

‘Rachel Tunnicliffe ensures that all her clients feel very comfortable with the advice / work that is being undertaken for them, bringing it to life in language that they can understand and in a manner that gives them sufficient, unpressurised time to take decisions.’

‘Raworths are clear and concise in their approach. The partners and solicitors there have always given me clear advice and, if necessary, have suggested solutions to issues.’

‘Caroline Hedges provides a high-quality service, matters are dealt with quickly and efficiently. There is never a need to chase anything up.’

‘Good, solid Yorkshire-based private client lawyers. Very capable over a broad range of issues and a one-stop shop for most clients.’

‘Rachel Tunnicliffe is a fantastic partner who is well respected by her clients and peers. Sam Jenner is a rising star who is very capable and efficient.’

‘The team is good, I find them very efficient and cooperative. They are conscious about deadlines and they are flexible. I have been working with them for years and I have already recommended them before.’

‘Rachel Tunnicliffe is knowledgeable, proactive, responsive, personable and a pleasure to work with, as well as a leader in her field.’

‘The Raworths’ private client team provides an excellent service to business clients – they seem much more clued in to deals and transactions than you would usually find in private client lawyers. They are also extremely responsive and efficient.’

Work highlights


Andrew Jackson Solicitors LLP

Richard Hoare leads the tax and trusts team at Andrew Jackson Solicitors LLP in Hull. The team specialises in the creation and administration of lifetime and will trusts, alongside succession and lifetime planning for high-net-worth individuals. It has particular expertise regarding probate cases which involve complex, cross-border elements. The ‘exceptionalEdward Allen is recommended for his ‘wealth of knowledge and experience in the field’; associate Sally Price specialises in complex estate administration.

Practice head(s):

Richard Hoare


Other key lawyers:

Sally Price; Edward Allen


Testimonials

‘Edward Allen is so approachable and understanding- always there to listen, advise and act for us.’

‘Edward Allen has been incredibly efficient, and very clear in the options available.’

‘I worked with Sally Price who handled my late mother’s estate administration and found her to be helpful, efficient, tenacious (in dealing with both The Probate Office and HMRC) and was available to respond to my questions.’

‘Edward Allen has always been exceptional with my clients that I have recommended to him. He is also one to make a somewhat dry subject come to life. Clients warm to him really well and know that they are in good hands with his technical and practical knowledge.’

‘I have worked directly with Edward Allen, and he provided an excellent service with clear and practical communication. Ed has a wealth of knowledge and experience in the field and is very personable.’

‘Sally Price is very personable and able to connect well with people who are dealing with the stressful situation caused by the loss of a loved one.’

‘The team at Andrew Jackson are very personable in their approach and really take the time to get to know clients as individuals as well as the issues they are facing.’

‘Edward Allen has been described by his peers at rival firms as a very capable and technically brilliant solicitor. This fact alone fills me with extreme confidence in referring clients to Edward and to work alongside him. He embodies the personable qualities of Andrew Jackson and is a credit to their team.’

Work highlights


Clarion

Stephanie Parish and Gareth Marland lead the ‘swift and comprehensive’ private wealth team at Clarion in Leeds. The team sits within the single-site firm’s wider private client services offering, which provides clients with a holistic service through cross-departmental collaboration, notably with the corporate and commercial team. It advises on pre-sale inheritance tax / trusts planning, and assists families on complex lifetime affairs. In addition, the team is well equipped to handle probate cases including complex, high-value assets, specifically with regard to agricultural and farming family issues. Clare King leads the firm’s Court of Protection and personal injury trusts department.

Practice head(s):

Stephanie Parish; Gareth Marland; Clare King


Testimonials

‘The team has a nice blend and mix of experience and youth. They are all extremely personable, friendly and professional.’

‘Gareth Marland has a relaxed and easy way about him and is always prepared to think outside the box to deliver appropriate solutions for his clients. He has considerable technical expertise, which provides great reassurance.’

‘Gareth Marland stands out as an exceptional professional operating in the Leeds market, his service to clients is excellent, and he has a unique ability to make complex matters easier to digest.’

‘Gareth Marland is quick to respond to e-mails/phone calls. He is confident in meetings and able to explain complex legal issues in a manner that is understandable to clients. He is pragmatic in his approach to issues and is comfortable working collaboratively with financial advisors and accountants.’

‘Clarion has an experienced and highly regarded team for private client work.’

‘Gareth Marland is an experienced and personable lawyer who deals with high-value and complex work, and the whole team are a delight to work with.’

‘Always offering a swift and comprehensive service.’

‘Clare King is an excellent communicator. Down to earth and always willing to go the extra mile.’

Key clients

Estate of the late Mr J W Heselden OBE


Work highlights


Harrowells Solicitors

Harrowells Solicitors‘ private client department in York is led by Ed Ryder. The team has a particular specialism advising farming families on estate planning, trusts and tax planning objectives. In addition, it has expertise advising complex, high-value family trusts regarding wider wealth creation and succession. Clients benefit from the firm’s holistic service, with access to a wide range of private client expertise. The ‘excellentMonika Bone is lauded by clients for her skill in dealing with vulnerable clients; Philip Williams and Philip Nelson are also recommended.

Practice head(s):

Ed Ryder


Other key lawyers:

Monika Bone; Philip Williams; Philip Nelson


Testimonials

‘Philip Nelson is extremely approachable, and his explanations and advice always exceptionally clear. Not only was he able to advise on the administration of a large estate, he is also well versed to advise on the administration of the ongoing Trust under the Will. My contact with the firm was solely with Philip and I would highly recommend him.’

‘Our experience is of a very professional and personable practice. Everybody that we dealt with – from reception onwards – was friendly, welcoming and professional in their approach.’

‘They were always efficient, timely and helpful. They agreed timelines, costs etc. and kept to them. They usually delivered before agreed finishing times!’

Work highlights


Schofield Sweeney

Schofield Sweeney’s private wealth and succession team is led by Ashley Iredale in Huddersfield, John Feaster in Bradford, and Simon Glazebrook in Leeds. Its workload comprises trust and estate planning, advice regarding family investment companies, estate administration, and stamp duty land tax. The team also offers a fixed-cost trusts compliance service to support trustees.

Practice head(s):

Ashley Iredale; John Feaster; Simon Glazebrook


Other key lawyers:

Duncan Watson


Testimonials

‘Trustworthy, clear and far more able than the previous solicitors I was involved with in this complex case.’

‘They were excellent at maintaining contact over a protracted period, were effective in their communication, helped me understand the legal process and made me feel that they understood and supported my position.’

‘They left no stone unturned, and the outcome was better than I had previously imagined.’

‘We have used Schofield Sweeney for many years in all sectors and have always found them to be up to speed, knowledgeable, reliable and value for money.’

‘Efficient, conscientious, pleasant and on the ball.’

‘Complex and high-net-worth private client and trust work.’

‘Duncan Watson is approachable and easy to deal with but giving clear quality advice.’

‘Reasonable on costs. Simon Glazebrook is a font of knowledge and provides great client service.’

Work highlights


Wake Smith Solicitors Limited

Suzanne Porter leads the ‘excellent’ wills, trusts and probate team at Wake Smith Solicitors Limited in Sheffield. The team includes three Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP) members, and is experienced advising on personal injury trusts, Inheritance Act matters, and life interest trusts, often regarding agricultural and charitable concerns and with cross-border elements.

Practice head(s):

Suzanne Porter


Other key lawyers:

Stephanie Chung; Colleen Dooney


Testimonials

‘I have found the private client team at Wake Smith particularly helpful and at a time when other firms are concentrating more on commercial matters it is good to know that Wake Smith has a team which is growing and deals most efficiently with all aspects of private client work including Wills Trusts Probate Court of Protection and tax matters.’

‘The person I have dealt with most over the last year is director Colleen Dooney. She is knowledgeable, personable, empathetic, and efficient, and has dealt with all matters which I have referred to her extremely well. She also has a team around her who show the same qualities.’

‘Suzanne Porter leads a highly knowledgeable team of solicitors and associates. They are all technically excellent and more than anything, they all have the client’s interests at heart.’

Work highlights


Berwins

The team at Berwins is led by associate director Liam O’Neill, with support from director Julie Jewers across both Harrogate and York. The team has expertise in estate planning for high-net-worth clients, including inheritance tax planning and estate administration, and planning for beneficiaries, as well as benefitting from access to the firm’s contentious probate team.

Practice head(s):

Liam O’Neill


Other key lawyers:

Julie Jewers


Testimonials

‘Really good-quality legal.’

‘Liam O’Neill l is an excellent lawyer, very personable and a pleasure to work with.’

‘Great knowledge, very helpful, and good delivery.’

Work highlights


Ward Hadaway LLP

The private client team at Ward Hadaway LLP is led by Andrew Evans and Vivienne Wild in Leeds, with support from Andrew Facer in Newcastle. It advises clients including individuals, family businesses owners and fund owners on a range of issues from inheritance tax planning to trust creation and administration, alongside wills and LPA matters. Wild specialises in advising ultra-high-net-worth entrepreneurs and business owners regarding their estates and succession planning, with notable experience regarding cross-border estates. Evans has particular expertise regarding trusts with complex family structures, clients find his experience ‘invaluable when dealing with sensitive estate issues’.

Practice head(s):

Andrew Facer (Newcastle); Andrew Evans


Other key lawyers:

Vivienne Wild


Testimonials

‘Extremely professional and friendly service. Fully transparent when it comes to the fees.’

‘Have a lovely manner, putting clients at ease. Offer an extremely professional service.’

‘In my experience, the strengths of the Ward Hadaway team have been the ability to give complex advice in a manner that is understandable to our mutual clients. They have worked with other professional advisers to deliver a holistic service to the client. The service is efficient but still personal.’

‘I have primarily been working with Vivienne Wild, who has stood above her competitors in the way she has delivered complex advice around tax and estate planning to clients. By holding face to face meetings and involving the client’s other professional advisers, she has made sure that the legal advice she is giving ties in with the client’s wider financial planning strategy.’

‘The team offers a level-headed approach to many complicated trust and estate issues: they are transparent on fees and offer excellent value for money; good partner contact is very helpful too, with access at all times.’

‘Andrew Evans does not get flustered and his experience is invaluable when dealing with sensitive estate issues; he considers issues from all angles and is not afraid to let trustees know the full risks of the actions they are considering; a very sound private client lawyer to have on your side at all times.’

‘Vivienne Wild is my main point of contact. She is experienced and knowledgeable.’

‘Andrew Evans has always provided the highest levels of advice and in a calm and pleasant manner, which puts clients at ease. This has made him very approachable and well received by clients, which has led to many referrals from this, together with his vast knowledge of the subject area.’

Work highlights


Wilkin Chapman LLP

The personal tax, trusts and probate offering from Wilkin Chapman LLP is led by Lesley Archer. It carries out a range of estate and trust administration work, and places particular emphasis on family succession, asset protection, tax mitigation and mental capacity work. Working closely with the firm’s agricultural and corporate departments, the team is well placed to carry out work for farmers and business owners.

Practice head(s):

Lesley Archer


Other key lawyers:

Laura Fahy


Testimonials

‘Laura Fahy was excellent dealing with my many probate issues over the years. Complications from deputyship issues and variation of wills were dealt with efficiently, and Laura always made the process easy and kept me up to date at each stage.’

‘Very reliable and punctual and very professional.’

‘Polite, professional and knowledgeable.’

Work highlights


  • Dealing with an estate in excess of £7m including cross-border assets, which involved a successful claim for reduced rate of inheritance tax.
  • Giving detailed and complex domicile and tax planning advice to an individual who was resident in Portugal with both Portuguese and UK assets.
  • Dealing with a complex application to the Probate Registry for an order under S.166 Senior Courts Act 1981 passing over a person entitled to apply for a Grant of Representation.

Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP

Susan Maxey leads the private wealth group at Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP, working across the firm’s Newcastle and Leeds bases. The team offers clients integrated US/UK advice under one roof, and focuses on business succession planning and wealth structuring. Working collaboratively with the firm’s specialist trust and probate disputes department, the team is well placed to deal with complex estate administration work.

Practice head(s):

Susan Maxey


Other key lawyers:

Fiona McLaughlin; Nicholas Payne; Erika Sinclair; Stephanie Antrobus


Work highlights


Blacks Solicitors LLP

The wills and probate team at Blacks Solicitors LLP in Leeds is led by Nick Rhodes. It has particular expertise in advising vulnerable clients, taking a holistic approach to issues from estate planning to wealth preservation, with notable Court of Protection experience. Associate Annie Beaumont provides an ‘outstanding service’, and is experienced in supporting clients experiencing mental health challenges.

Practice head(s):

Nick Rhodes


Other key lawyers:

Annie Beaumont


Testimonials

‘Exceptional all-round approach. Consistently high service across all departments in my experience.’

‘Annie Beaumont provided outstanding service in respect of advice and delivery of work in relation to creating multiple wills and trusts. Very knowledgeable, approachable and patient throughout the process. Following completion, seamless referral to another department at Blacks for linked work.’

‘Nick Rhodes, is quick and responsive and very adaptable to suit client needs.’

‘A strong team that put the client at the heart of every project. Nick leads the team from the front and ensures that clients are looked after from the very start.’

‘Nick Rhodes has looked after a handful of my clients, and they have been delighted with the service.’

‘The individuals I work with provide an exceptional service to the client. They get to know the client so well and act as a trusted advisor. Commitment to support is excellent.’

‘Professional, knowledgeable, reasonable charging and deal with matters swiftly and efficiently.’

‘Well-resourced team that can deal with things in a very timely manner.’

Work highlights


Emsleys Solicitors Limited

Elizabeth Webb leads the wills and probate team at Emsleys Solicitors Limited in Leeds. The team advises primarily on wills, with additional expertise regarding last powers of attorney and Court of Protection matters. It has extensive experience dealing with complex intestate probate cases.

Practice head(s):

Elizabeth Webb


Other key lawyers:

Joanne Pitchfork; Poppy Walker


Testimonials

‘As with many things in life, it is easy enough to find “reasonable” people and service, but very rare to find exceptional people who you can fully trust to deliver for you time and again. The reason that I have used Emsleys is because of the capability, advice, service and good humour of Elizabeth Webb. She has a rare combination of cheerfulness and gritty assertiveness which helps ensure she can provide me and my family the best outcomes with the minimum of fuss. She is supported by colleagues who make everything smooth-going.’

‘I’ve used Emsleys numerous times and find that their integrity, knowledge, transparency, and willingness to work with me on my needs is exactly as promised.’

‘Very knowledgeable and professional in their dealings with clients. Most importantly they can explain legal matters at a level which the client can understand.’

Work highlights


Graysons Solicitors

Graysons Solicitors‘ private client team is led by Laura Cowan in Sheffield. It advises on a range of issues from wills to Court of Protection work, with particular expertise supporting vulnerable clients. In addition, the team deals with estate and trust administration. Former practice head Anne Rogers departed the firm in August 2022 for Best Solicitors.

Practice head(s):

Laura Cowan


Other key lawyers:

Katie Birch; Ellie Bowater


Testimonials

‘Excellent personal service, always contactable. Do what they say they will do on time.’

‘Ellie Bowater is very approachable, polite, and knowledgeable. Did exactly as promised.’

‘Laura Cowan, Head of Private Client at Graysons Solicitors in Sheffield, has provided us with an exceptionally high standard of client care and support through the probate process for my late father’s estate.’

Work highlights


  • Helped a client who had lost capacity to organise finances and care.
  • Acting as professional attorney in an LPA and executor in a will for a man with substantial assets.
  • Prepared a will and trust for a couple, protecting their assets for two children who both have autism.

LCF Law

Neil Shaw leads the personal law team at LCF Law in Bradford, providing ‘efficient, straightforward and timely advice’ to clients on issues including Sharia wills, cross-border estates and personal injury trusts. The team also has experience regarding the Court of Protection, and are able to provide crossover support with the firm’s contentious probate department.

Practice head(s):

Neil Shaw


Other key lawyers:

Ann Christian; Amjed Zaman; Hana Gwyn


Testimonials

‘LCF are very professional and have a very good reputation in West Yorkshire. They are open with fees and send regular updates to clients so that there are no surprises. They are also personable and so build great trusting relationships with clients.’

‘LCF provide efficient, straightforward and timely advice.’

‘I feel secure in the knowledge that the team guide me through any complex matters and that I am making the best judgements when I require legal advice.’

Work highlights


McCormicks

Peter McCormick and Elaine Lightfoot co-head the private client team at McCormicks in Harrogate. The team focuses on estate planning and administration, alongside Court of Protection matters, and advising trustees and settlors. It has particular expertise regarding charitable trusts and the administration of complex estates.

Practice head(s):

Peter McCormick; Elaine Lightfoot


Other key lawyers:

Victoria Sly; David Birks


Key clients

The Estate of the late John Herbert Strutt


The Premier League


Work highlights


  • Advising on the estate of the late John Herbert Strutt and the associated charities with regards, in particular to, the future development and/or sale of various properties comprised within the residuary estate.
  • Advising the Premier League in respect of structures to protect young players from financial predators.

Ramsdens Solicitors LLP

The Huddersfield-based private client offering at Ramsdens Solicitors LLP is led by Veronica Mullins, a panel deputy. The team advises on all aspects of wills, trusts, estates and tax planning, and care and capacity matters. It includes a specialised intestacy practice, with experience identifying and escalating potential creditor fraud.

Practice head(s):

Veronica Mullins


Other key lawyers:

Michael Robinson; Natalie Lang


Testimonials

‘From my experiences and knowledge of Ramsdens, they provide a much more personal service than other legal firms with the simple example that they are willing to jump in the car and meet clients in person whereas other Leeds-based firms will only do an initial consultation by phone.’

‘My interactions with the firm mainly involve deputyship or trust cases, and they are exceptional at both.’

‘They are the first firm I refer to clients for wills and power of attorney needs.’

Work highlights


Ridley & Hall

Thomas Grice leads the wills and probate team at Ridley & Hall in Huddersfield. The team specialises in estate administration and contentious probate work which involves elder financial abuse and missing people, and is also well placed to advise clients whose family structures involve adoption or kinship care. More widely, the team covers a range of private client work including will-writing, estate planning and operation, trust administration and lasting powers of attorney. Former practice head Lynsey Bashforth departed the team in December 2022.

Practice head(s):

Thomas Grice


Other key lawyers:

Hannah Pedley


Testimonials

‘Our instructions are from the team are always clear and concise, demonstrating the efficiency of both their face-to-face and electronic communications.’

‘The team are always on hand to deal with any follow-up queries that may arise, and the clients give positive feedback on the service provided by Ridley & Hall.’

‘Continued professionalism and excellent delivery of services.’

Work highlights