‘Wonderful set’ 5 Stone Buildings is considered by many a ‘go-to set for probate disputes’. The set offers a unique depth in the areas of contentious trust, contentious probate and family provision. ‘Brilliant tactician’ Henry Legge KC is known for his ‘extensive knowledge and forensic attitude’ and recently handled a case on the application of the Human Rights Act to the composition of the class of beneficiaries of a discretionary trust. Shan Warnock-Smith KC is ‘very approachable and easy to work with who handles the full range of trust matters’ and recently advised on obtaining guardianship and receivership orders in the Cayman Islands for a client who had lost capacity. Rose Fetherstonhaugh is also recommended.
Private client: trusts and probate in
London Bar5 Stone Buildings
Testimonials
Set
‘5 Stone Buildings is the nicest and most approachable set of chambers. It has fantastic barristers at all levels and are always flexible and accommodating. Its training seminars are useful and on a good range of topics.’
‘5 Stone Buildings is always pleasant to instruct. The expertise of the set is unrivalled in terms of TOLATA work.’
‘5 Stone Buildings is well known in the field of contentious probate and trust work and is the go-to chambers.’
‘5SB has a well-earned reputation for excellence in the area of trust and probate disputes, with both leading silks and junior barristers specialising in this field to a very high degree.’
‘5 Stone Buildings is a leading set in this field. They have good depth of experience at all levels.’
‘5SB have one of the best strength in depth for contentious probate of any set in the capital.’
Clerking
‘The clerks are helpful and provide speedy responses.’
‘The clerking team is simply first class. Paul Jennings and Dan Coote are faultless in providing the service and willingness to find solutions.’
‘Clerks are friendly and responsive and discuss fees sensibly.’
‘Clerks are fantastic, responsive and helpful.’
‘The clerks’ room always provide an excellent level of service.’
‘The clerks are very good – always responsive and will do their best to accommodate urgent instructions.’
Work highlights
Serle Court
Serle Court is ‘first rate set’ with a large number of ‘high-calibre advocates’, with a significant number of members of chambers, including Jonathan Adkin KC, involved in the Wang v Grand View saga in Bermuda. Other key contacts include rising stars Charlotte Beynon and Gregor Hogan. Elizabeth Jones KC is active in the “X Trusts” litigation in Bermuda, while John Machell KC ‘s recent work has included the Privy Council case Investec v Glenalla Properties, a matter from Guernsey stemming from the long-running Tchenguiz Discretionary Trust litigation. James Brightwell was appointed as a Chancery Master in January 2023.
Testimonials
Set
‘Serle Court is a go-to sets for a full range of trust and probate work for domestic and multi-jurisdictional matters.’
‘Serle Court is an outstanding all round set, particularly in relation to chancery work.’
‘Serle Court is the best chancery set in London. The experience from their most junior barrister to the senior silks is consistently excellent.’
‘Serle Court is a go-to set for international trust disputes. The quality of the barristers at all levels is excellent, and they are without exception accessible and knowledgeable.’
‘Serle Court is one of a go-to chambers for contentious trust and estate matters – they have a useful depth of expertise at different levels of call.’
‘Serle Court offers a range of the very best trust and estates counsel.’
Clerking
‘The clerks are very approachable and pragmatic.’
‘The clerks at Serle are helpful and efficient.’
‘The clerks are responsive and knowledgeable about the barristers’ work.’
‘The clerks are brilliant. They are fair and excellent communicators.’
‘Clerks service is generally excellent, responsive and commercial in approach.’
‘The clerks are very organised and easy and straightforward to deal with. They make every effort to guarantee availability of counsel and are sensible in discussions over quotations.’
Wilberforce Chambers
Wilberforce Chambers is ‘an eminent name when it comes to handling trusts and probate disputes’ and has ‘impressive strength in depth, from silks down to the most junior advocates’. Gilead Cooper KC is well known for his ‘fine intellect and persuasive manner’ and specialises in contentious property and trusts, Chancery and commercial litigation. Brian Green KC is ‘equally brilliant in contentious and non-contentious cases’ and is currently in Re HK Family Trust case, acting on behalf of a major bank in £450m proceedings concerning alleged breach of trust and consequential issues. Rising star Joseph Steadman is an ‘unbelievably bright junior’ whose trusts and probate practice encompasses various contexts, including commercial fraud, asset-tracing, divorce, and relationship breakdown.
Testimonials
Set
‘Wilberforce is excellent when it comes to its contentious trusts and probate practice.’
‘Wilberforce Chambers is a first rate set with a growing number of excellent barristers.’
‘The set is a fantastic and go-to set for Cayman.’
‘Wilberforce is very highly regarded particularly in relation to complex professional negligence claims with underlying fraud or trust issues.’
‘Wilberforce is a go-to chambers for complex, high value trusts work. The best in the business with fantastic barristers at all levels from junior to very senior KC.’
‘Wilberforce is an outstanding chancery set with strength in depth.’
Clerking
‘The clerks are excellent, in particular Fraser Geddes and Stewart Cameron.’
‘The clerks have always been very helpful.’
‘The clerks are responsive and work to build relationships.’
‘Clerks’ room efficient and helpful.’
‘The clerks are always up to speed on the matters counsel are handling, up to speed on availability and helpful.’
‘The clerks are all very knowledgeable about the barristers’ skills and experience, and are always willing to assist with providing quotes.’
Work highlights
XXIV Old Buildings
XXIV Old Buildings is an ‘excellent set, with first-rate counsel and great strength in depth’ and the ‘first port of call’ for many clients when it comes to complex trust related matters. Elspeth Talbot Rice KC is experienced at handling many complex and high-value Chancery pieces of litigation, particularly those with an international angle. David Brownbill KC has extensive expertise in trust law and focuses mainly on private client cases. ‘Brilliant orator’ Edward Cumming ‘is the absolute best when it comes to commercial Chancery work’ and has experience of cases which reach the final level of appeals.
Testimonials
Set
‘XXIV Old Buildings is a top class set, with excellent strength in depth.’
‘XXIV Old Buildings is a top quality set with ability across the board, good strength in depth and a user friendly approach.’
‘XXIV Old Buildings is an excellent set, with first-rate counsel, great strength in depth and a user-friendly approach.’
‘XXIV Old Buildings is an impressive and hard-hitting set, well-placed to advised on all manner of commercial trust disputes.’
‘XXIV Old Buildings is an excellent set for complex trust and commercial cases.’
Clerking
‘XXIV clerks are the most easy and straightforward clerks to deal with. They have good systems in place e.g. in agreeing the terms of a retainer.’
‘The clerks are great. James Ladbrook is particularly impressive.’
‘The clerks are marvellous and go beyond the call of duty to get answers in terms of fees, expertise and availability. They are very responsive and understanding.’
‘The clerks are very approachable and well organised.’
New Square Chambers
New Square Chambers is ‘a great set of chambers’ with a ‘good contentious probate offering’ and a deep bench of trust practitioners, both silks and juniors. Nicholas Le Poidevin KC is ‘held in high regard by his peers, clients, and judges’ and is well known for contentious trusts, will and estates practice. Lynton Tucker is ‘always very up to date with current trends in the field of trusts’ and recently advised on Hawksford Trustees Jersey Ltd v P Ltd, a matter relating to scope of the remedy for which could be granted for a mistake in the Jersey Court of Appeal. Mark Hubbard is described as ‘a clever junior’, while Aidan Briggs is ‘extremely bright, responsive and very personable’ and is currently handling The estate of Israel Perry, a complex case for which litigation is ongoing in three jurisdictions between beneficiaries and trustees.
Testimonials
Set
‘New Square Chambers is a broad set with an in depth knowledge of trust related issues.’
‘New Square Chambers is a very strong set with strong juniors.’
‘New Square Chambers is one of the top chambers for contentious trusts and probate work. It has a fantastic mix of barristers at all levels. Availability of counsel is very good, although mostly on the junior end because their more established barristers are in such high demand.’
‘New Square Chambers has fantastic collection of experienced private client practitioners.’
‘New Square Chambers is proactive and are stealing a march on some of the more traditional chancery sets with ease of interaction, willingness to provide added value and in speed of response.’
Clerking
‘Effective service by the clerk. Michelle Green is always available to assist.’
‘The clerks are quick to respond, easy to deal with and work to your timescales.’
‘The clerks have always been very helpful and accommodating.’
‘The clerks are exceptional. They understand the commercial reality of fees, and always go out their way to assist. Michelle does a great job heading up the team and is supportive by the great service offer by Charlie and Nathan.’
‘The clerks are as a whole a very friendly and helpful group.’
Work highlights
Radcliffe Chambers
Radcliffe Chambers is ‘a helpful, well-organised and competitive chamber with an excellent strength of barristers at all levels of call’. Robert Pearce KC is ‘an exceptionally intelligent and thorough’ individual whose recent practice has involved a lot of work in offshore jurisdictions, as well as with the 'passionate and pragmatic' Daniel Burton representing the trustees in Attorney-General v Zedra, concerning the fate of the National Fund, a 1920s bequest by a member of the family which created Farrer & Co in order to pay off the United Kingdom's entire national debt, and if its £500m value should be used to pay off less than a four thousandth of the debt, or for some other purpose. Kate Selway KC is ‘incredibly well prepared with great attention to detail’ and is currently representing defendants in a probate fraud claim in the High Court. ‘Formidable advocate’ Thomas Dumont KC ‘exudes confidence and comes up with great strategies’. Rising star Matthew Mills is ‘a very capable and knowledge advocate’.
Testimonials
Set
‘The chambers is very well regarded set in contentious trusts and probate areas.’
‘Chambers is excellent and will always find a way to help – “go-to” chambers.’
‘A go-to chambers for all private client/ trust disputes matters.’
‘Radcliffe is very solid on contentious trusts and probate.’
‘Radcliffe has an impressive selection of contentious trusts and probate counsel.’
‘Radcliffe offers great value for money, with strength in depth and good availability of barristers.’
Clerking
‘The clerks’ room is a particularly strong feature of Radcliffe chambers. They are personable, knowledgeable and helpful.’
‘The Clerks have also always been helpful and provide prompt responses.’
‘The clerks’ room provides an excellent service and is always efficient and keen to assist.’
‘Clerks are efficient and personable – their approach is friendly and reasonable, even where some complication arises.’
‘Clerks are always attentive and respond promptly.’
‘Clerks are good and could build on this by offering more tailored options based upon the individual case requirements.’
Work highlights
Ten Old Square
Ten Old Square is an ‘excellent set for trust disputes’, with a ‘strong bench of highly rated and capable barristers, from silks to juniors’. Francis Barlow KC is a ‘very thoughtful and experienced’ barrister who advises and represents clients in the full spectrum of contentious and non- contentious Chancery matters. Simon Taube KC is well known for his ‘clear and strategically astute advice’ and recently handled Re Tchenguiz Discretionary Trust:Fort & Balchin v ITGL, a matter before a seven person panel of the Privy Council involving questions of insolvent trusts. Leading junior Georgia Bedworth is praised for her ‘meticulous attention to detail’, while rising star James Poole is recommended for his ‘clear and concise advice that is easy for clients to understand’. Eason Rajah KC, as was, was appointed to the High Court bench effective April 2023.
Testimonials
Set
‘Ten Old Square is a well respected set with strength-in-depth across their junior counsel.’
‘Ten Old Square is the “go-to” set for trust disputes. It a strong bench of capable barristers.’
‘Ten Old Square is a very well-reputed set and has a number of the best chancery barristers.’
‘Chambers is approachable and generally have counsel who are able to assist. It offers a yearly trust conference, which is always well attended.’
‘Ten Old Square is a very capable set in terms of domestic and international trusts.’
Clerking
‘The clerks are second to none. Keith Plowman and Fay Bennett particularly impress and are excellent dealing with queries and client relations.’
‘The clerks are helpful and responsive, Marc Schofield in particular.’
‘The clerks were very efficient and offered helpful advice when it came to selecting counsel.’
Work highlights
Maitland Chambers
Maitland Chambers is a ‘first-class chambers’, and the team members of the set are regularly involved in cases related to private clients, trusts and probate, both on and offshore. Christopher McCall KC is ‘extremely effective at coming up with commercial solutions for highly complicated matters’ and specialises in trust law. ‘Incredibly details-oriented’ Thomas Fletcher is the key junior of the team.
Testimonials
Set
‘Maitland Chambers has a well-deserved reputation as a leading chancery set.’
‘Maitland have extraordinary strength in depth.’
Clerking
‘John Wiggs is very responsive and helpful.’
‘The clerks are generally very efficient and responsive.’
5 Stone Buildings
Testimonials
Set
‘5 Stone Buildings is the nicest and most approachable set of chambers. It has fantastic barristers at all levels and are always flexible and accommodating. Its training seminars are useful and on a good range of topics.’
‘5 Stone Buildings is always pleasant to instruct. The expertise of the set is unrivalled in terms of TOLATA work.’
‘5 Stone Buildings is well known in the field of contentious probate and trust work and is the go-to chambers.’
‘5SB has a well-earned reputation for excellence in the area of trust and probate disputes, with both leading silks and junior barristers specialising in this field to a very high degree.’
‘5 Stone Buildings is a leading set in this field. They have good depth of experience at all levels.’
‘5SB have one of the best strength in depth for contentious probate of any set in the capital.’
Clerking
‘The clerks are helpful and provide speedy responses.’
‘The clerking team is simply first class. Paul Jennings and Dan Coote are faultless in providing the service and willingness to find solutions.’
‘Clerks are friendly and responsive and discuss fees sensibly.’
‘Clerks are fantastic, responsive and helpful.’
‘The clerks’ room always provide an excellent level of service.’
‘The clerks are very good – always responsive and will do their best to accommodate urgent instructions.’
Work highlights
Serle Court
Serle Court is ‘first rate set’ with a large number of ‘high-calibre advocates’, with a significant number of members of chambers, including Jonathan Adkin KC, involved in the Wang v Grand View saga in Bermuda. Other key contacts include rising stars Charlotte Beynon and Gregor Hogan. Elizabeth Jones KC is active in the “X Trusts” litigation in Bermuda, while John Machell KC ‘s recent work has included the Privy Council case Investec v Glenalla Properties, a matter from Guernsey stemming from the long-running Tchenguiz Discretionary Trust litigation. James Brightwell was appointed as a Chancery Master in January 2023.
Testimonials
Set
‘Serle Court is a go-to sets for a full range of trust and probate work for domestic and multi-jurisdictional matters.’
‘Serle Court is an outstanding all round set, particularly in relation to chancery work.’
‘Serle Court is the best chancery set in London. The experience from their most junior barrister to the senior silks is consistently excellent.’
‘Serle Court is a go-to set for international trust disputes. The quality of the barristers at all levels is excellent, and they are without exception accessible and knowledgeable.’
‘Serle Court is one of a go-to chambers for contentious trust and estate matters – they have a useful depth of expertise at different levels of call.’
‘Serle Court offers a range of the very best trust and estates counsel.’
Clerking
‘The clerks are very approachable and pragmatic.’
‘The clerks at Serle are helpful and efficient.’
‘The clerks are responsive and knowledgeable about the barristers’ work.’
‘The clerks are brilliant. They are fair and excellent communicators.’
‘Clerks service is generally excellent, responsive and commercial in approach.’
‘The clerks are very organised and easy and straightforward to deal with. They make every effort to guarantee availability of counsel and are sensible in discussions over quotations.’
Wilberforce Chambers
Wilberforce Chambers is ‘an eminent name when it comes to handling trusts and probate disputes’ and has ‘impressive strength in depth, from silks down to the most junior advocates’. Gilead Cooper KC is well known for his ‘fine intellect and persuasive manner’ and specialises in contentious property and trusts, Chancery and commercial litigation. Brian Green KC is ‘equally brilliant in contentious and non-contentious cases’ and is currently in Re HK Family Trust case, acting on behalf of a major bank in £450m proceedings concerning alleged breach of trust and consequential issues. Rising star Joseph Steadman is an ‘unbelievably bright junior’ whose trusts and probate practice encompasses various contexts, including commercial fraud, asset-tracing, divorce, and relationship breakdown.
Testimonials
Set
‘Wilberforce is excellent when it comes to its contentious trusts and probate practice.’
‘Wilberforce Chambers is a first rate set with a growing number of excellent barristers.’
‘The set is a fantastic and go-to set for Cayman.’
‘Wilberforce is very highly regarded particularly in relation to complex professional negligence claims with underlying fraud or trust issues.’
‘Wilberforce is a go-to chambers for complex, high value trusts work. The best in the business with fantastic barristers at all levels from junior to very senior KC.’
‘Wilberforce is an outstanding chancery set with strength in depth.’
Clerking
‘The clerks are excellent, in particular Fraser Geddes and Stewart Cameron.’
‘The clerks have always been very helpful.’
‘The clerks are responsive and work to build relationships.’
‘Clerks’ room efficient and helpful.’
‘The clerks are always up to speed on the matters counsel are handling, up to speed on availability and helpful.’
‘The clerks are all very knowledgeable about the barristers’ skills and experience, and are always willing to assist with providing quotes.’
Work highlights
XXIV Old Buildings
XXIV Old Buildings is an ‘excellent set, with first-rate counsel and great strength in depth’ and the ‘first port of call’ for many clients when it comes to complex trust related matters. Elspeth Talbot Rice KC is experienced at handling many complex and high-value Chancery pieces of litigation, particularly those with an international angle. David Brownbill KC has extensive expertise in trust law and focuses mainly on private client cases. ‘Brilliant orator’ Edward Cumming ‘is the absolute best when it comes to commercial Chancery work’ and has experience of cases which reach the final level of appeals.
Testimonials
Set
‘XXIV Old Buildings is a top class set, with excellent strength in depth.’
‘XXIV Old Buildings is a top quality set with ability across the board, good strength in depth and a user friendly approach.’
‘XXIV Old Buildings is an excellent set, with first-rate counsel, great strength in depth and a user-friendly approach.’
‘XXIV Old Buildings is an impressive and hard-hitting set, well-placed to advised on all manner of commercial trust disputes.’
‘XXIV Old Buildings is an excellent set for complex trust and commercial cases.’
Clerking
‘XXIV clerks are the most easy and straightforward clerks to deal with. They have good systems in place e.g. in agreeing the terms of a retainer.’
‘The clerks are great. James Ladbrook is particularly impressive.’
‘The clerks are marvellous and go beyond the call of duty to get answers in terms of fees, expertise and availability. They are very responsive and understanding.’
‘The clerks are very approachable and well organised.’
New Square Chambers
New Square Chambers is ‘a great set of chambers’ with a ‘good contentious probate offering’ and a deep bench of trust practitioners, both silks and juniors. Nicholas Le Poidevin KC is ‘held in high regard by his peers, clients, and judges’ and is well known for contentious trusts, will and estates practice. Lynton Tucker is ‘always very up to date with current trends in the field of trusts’ and recently advised on Hawksford Trustees Jersey Ltd v P Ltd, a matter relating to scope of the remedy for which could be granted for a mistake in the Jersey Court of Appeal. Mark Hubbard is described as ‘a clever junior’, while Aidan Briggs is ‘extremely bright, responsive and very personable’ and is currently handling The estate of Israel Perry, a complex case for which litigation is ongoing in three jurisdictions between beneficiaries and trustees.
Testimonials
Set
‘New Square Chambers is a broad set with an in depth knowledge of trust related issues.’
‘New Square Chambers is a very strong set with strong juniors.’
‘New Square Chambers is one of the top chambers for contentious trusts and probate work. It has a fantastic mix of barristers at all levels. Availability of counsel is very good, although mostly on the junior end because their more established barristers are in such high demand.’
‘New Square Chambers has fantastic collection of experienced private client practitioners.’
‘New Square Chambers is proactive and are stealing a march on some of the more traditional chancery sets with ease of interaction, willingness to provide added value and in speed of response.’
Clerking
‘Effective service by the clerk. Michelle Green is always available to assist.’
‘The clerks are quick to respond, easy to deal with and work to your timescales.’
‘The clerks have always been very helpful and accommodating.’
‘The clerks are exceptional. They understand the commercial reality of fees, and always go out their way to assist. Michelle does a great job heading up the team and is supportive by the great service offer by Charlie and Nathan.’
‘The clerks are as a whole a very friendly and helpful group.’
Work highlights
Radcliffe Chambers
Radcliffe Chambers is ‘a helpful, well-organised and competitive chamber with an excellent strength of barristers at all levels of call’. Robert Pearce KC is ‘an exceptionally intelligent and thorough’ individual whose recent practice has involved a lot of work in offshore jurisdictions, as well as with the 'passionate and pragmatic' Daniel Burton representing the trustees in Attorney-General v Zedra, concerning the fate of the National Fund, a 1920s bequest by a member of the family which created Farrer & Co in order to pay off the United Kingdom's entire national debt, and if its £500m value should be used to pay off less than a four thousandth of the debt, or for some other purpose. Kate Selway KC is ‘incredibly well prepared with great attention to detail’ and is currently representing defendants in a probate fraud claim in the High Court. ‘Formidable advocate’ Thomas Dumont KC ‘exudes confidence and comes up with great strategies’. Rising star Matthew Mills is ‘a very capable and knowledge advocate’.
Testimonials
Set
‘The chambers is very well regarded set in contentious trusts and probate areas.’
‘Chambers is excellent and will always find a way to help – “go-to” chambers.’
‘A go-to chambers for all private client/ trust disputes matters.’
‘Radcliffe is very solid on contentious trusts and probate.’
‘Radcliffe has an impressive selection of contentious trusts and probate counsel.’
‘Radcliffe offers great value for money, with strength in depth and good availability of barristers.’
Clerking
‘The clerks’ room is a particularly strong feature of Radcliffe chambers. They are personable, knowledgeable and helpful.’
‘The Clerks have also always been helpful and provide prompt responses.’
‘The clerks’ room provides an excellent service and is always efficient and keen to assist.’
‘Clerks are efficient and personable – their approach is friendly and reasonable, even where some complication arises.’
‘Clerks are always attentive and respond promptly.’
‘Clerks are good and could build on this by offering more tailored options based upon the individual case requirements.’
Work highlights
Ten Old Square
Ten Old Square is an ‘excellent set for trust disputes’, with a ‘strong bench of highly rated and capable barristers, from silks to juniors’. Francis Barlow KC is a ‘very thoughtful and experienced’ barrister who advises and represents clients in the full spectrum of contentious and non- contentious Chancery matters. Simon Taube KC is well known for his ‘clear and strategically astute advice’ and recently handled Re Tchenguiz Discretionary Trust:Fort & Balchin v ITGL, a matter before a seven person panel of the Privy Council involving questions of insolvent trusts. Leading junior Georgia Bedworth is praised for her ‘meticulous attention to detail’, while rising star James Poole is recommended for his ‘clear and concise advice that is easy for clients to understand’. Eason Rajah KC, as was, was appointed to the High Court bench effective April 2023.
Testimonials
Set
‘Ten Old Square is a well respected set with strength-in-depth across their junior counsel.’
‘Ten Old Square is the “go-to” set for trust disputes. It a strong bench of capable barristers.’
‘Ten Old Square is a very well-reputed set and has a number of the best chancery barristers.’
‘Chambers is approachable and generally have counsel who are able to assist. It offers a yearly trust conference, which is always well attended.’
‘Ten Old Square is a very capable set in terms of domestic and international trusts.’
Clerking
‘The clerks are second to none. Keith Plowman and Fay Bennett particularly impress and are excellent dealing with queries and client relations.’
‘The clerks are helpful and responsive, Marc Schofield in particular.’
‘The clerks were very efficient and offered helpful advice when it came to selecting counsel.’
Work highlights
Maitland Chambers
Maitland Chambers is a ‘first-class chambers’, and the team members of the set are regularly involved in cases related to private clients, trusts and probate, both on and offshore. Christopher McCall KC is ‘extremely effective at coming up with commercial solutions for highly complicated matters’ and specialises in trust law. ‘Incredibly details-oriented’ Thomas Fletcher is the key junior of the team.
Testimonials
Set
‘Maitland Chambers has a well-deserved reputation as a leading chancery set.’
‘Maitland have extraordinary strength in depth.’
Clerking
‘John Wiggs is very responsive and helpful.’
‘The clerks are generally very efficient and responsive.’