5 Stone Buildings is the ‘go-to set for complex trusts and estates work’ and ‘a superlative set of excellent lawyers whose expertise is beyond doubt’. Penelope Reed KC recently appeared before the Supreme Court in Guest v Guest, a Supreme Court case concerning what relief the courts should provide in proprietary estoppel claims. Turning to the set's juniors, Ruth Hughes represented the claimant in the Clitheroe v Bond litigation, a dispute between siblings raising complex issues of the correct test for testamentary capacity, and issues regarding testators' deluded beliefs, while Mathew Roper represented successful claimants who rescinded mis-sold trust products, which purported to protect family homes from care home fee means-testing but instead created capital gains tax problems. Rose Fetherstonhaugh is known for ‘cross-examining witnesses in a very effective matter.’
Private client: trusts and probate in
London Bar
5 Stone Buildings
Testimonials
‘Paul Jennings and Dan Coote are highly experienced and reliable clerks who provide great service.’
‘All of the clerks are responsive, well-organised and pragmatic. Paul Jennings is one of the best clerks to work with and always allows matters to run smoothly. Dan Coote is also excellent.’
‘5 Stone Buildings is a strong set. Each barrister is a capable lot across the board.’
‘5 Stone Buildings provides an excellent offering for contentious trusts and probate. Junior counsels’ work is invariable of the highest standard and is approachable.’
‘5 Stone Buildings is the stand-out set for traditional trusts and probate litigation. It has a strength in depth across its members. The juniors, in particular, are at the top of their game.’
Work highlights
Serle Court
Serle Court is the ‘go-to set for all high-value trusts work’ with ‘excellent strength in depth’ in complex trust and offshore disputes. Richard Wilson KC is ‘well known for finding solutions to complex problems’ and represented Tony Wang in the Wong v Grand View trusts litigation in the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council concerning Bermudian trusts storing wealth for the family that created the Formosa Plastics Corporation in Taiwan. John Machell KC ‘excels under pressure’ and has been instructed in the ITG v Glenalla Properties Limited dispute, a part of the Tchenguiz Discretionary Trust saga, with issues concerning how to deal with insolvent trusts. William Henderson represented the government in Re the Will of His late Royal Highness Prince Phillip, Duke of Edinburgh, a case concerning The Guardian’s opposition to the practice of sealing wills of members of the royal family, outside the usual principle that all wills are open to inspection. ‘Incredibly perceptive and intelligent’ James Weale recently acted for the defendant in Sofer v Swiss Independent Trustees Ltd, a fraud claim relating to assets worth $60m.
Testimonials
‘The clerks are extremely capable, friendly and efficient, particularly Nick Hockney and Dan Wheeler.’
‘The clerks provide excellent service. Nick Hockney, in particular, is responsive, personable and visible.’
‘Serle Court is the market leader for offshore trust litigation. Their members are invariable of the very highest standard.’
‘Serle is a great set. It has so much quality for silks and juniors in commercial litigation, civil fraud and trust litigation.’
‘Serle Court is a go-to set, which has a good number and depth of barristers at all levels of call.’
Work highlights
Wilberforce Chambers
Wilberforce Chambers is ‘a leading set on all matters relating to trusts’ and ‘a real powerhouse in private wealth work’. ‘Trusts expert’ Clare Stanley KC is ‘a persuasive advocate’; sherepresented Simon Halabi in the Halabi v Equity Trust case before the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council, an appeal from the Jersey courts concerning if trustees have priority over other creditors of an insolvent trust. In addition, Jonathan Davey KC represented HMRC in Levack v Bay Trust International test case concerning the doctrine of mistake, and trustees placing themselves at risk of mistakes as applied to tax structures, in this case one established by the practice of struck-off solicitor-turned-pornographer Paul Baxendale-Walker. Turning to the set’s juniors. Simon Atkinson represented the trustees in Goodrich v AB – a case concerning if provisions in a trust deed drawn up in 1990 should, in the light of subsequent legislation, should be interpreted as including stepchildren as children and civil partners as spouses.
Testimonials
‘Nicholas Luckman is an exceptional presence in the clerk’s room. He always ensures excellent advice is delivered to clients by the barristers, even at short notice and in challenging circumstances.’
‘Wilberforce Chambers clerks a professional, efficient and very smooth service under the leadership of Nicholas Luckman.’
‘Wilberforce Chambers is an excellent set with a wide range of chancery expertise, including in some very specialist areas such as pensions work.’
‘Wilberforce Chambers is a strong set, packed to the rafters with skilled barristers at all levels.’
‘Wilberforce Chambers is an excellent and go-to set, the range of expertise is very wide, and the private client briefings are excellent.’
Work highlights
XXIV Old Buildings
XXIV Old Buildings is a ‘well-known and reputable set with exceptional offering for contentious trust and estates work’. Elspeth Talbot Rice KC is a ‘robust and client-friendly advocate’ – she appeared in the Bermudian Wong v Grand View case before the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council regarding the powers of trustees, stemming from disagreements within the family of the founders of Formosa Plastics Corporation; before the same forum David Brownbill KC represented the claimants in Perry v Lopag, who seek to challenge the transfer of a Caymanian company into a Liechtenstein trust on the basis that the settlor made a mistake regarding the rights of the beneficiaries under Liechtenstein law, which changed in a way unfavourable to them. Edward Cumming KC represents the children of Monty Python star Terry Jones in a trust and probate dispute with his second wife. Turning to the set’s juniors, Owen Curry successfully represented a man who applied under the Relief From Forfeiture Act 1982 after admitting being convicted of the manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility of his wife. Adam Cloherty KC was appointed silk in 2023.
Testimonials
‘The clerks at XXIV Old Buildings are super, efficient and personable. James Ladbrook always goes out of his way to help.’
‘James Ladbrook goes above and beyond and is a thoroughly nice guy.’
‘XXIV Old Buildings is a top set with fantastic silks and juniors.’
‘XXIV Old Buildings is the supreme set for trust, commercial work and anything offshore, with excellent counsel at all levels.’
‘XXIV Old Buildings is an excellent set, sound ability throughout a deep bench, and consistently easy to deal with.’
Work highlights
New Square Chambers
New Square Chambers is ‘an excellent set’ for the full range of contentious and non-contentious trust work. Nicholas Le Poidevin KC is ‘always able to explain difficult issues simply and clearly’ and specialises in breach of trust disputes, reorganisation of trusts, and litigation, while Lynton Tucker is experienced in matters related to offshore trusts. Mark Hubbard is working with Manx advocates in the Re Montpelier (Trusts and Corporate) Sevices Limited (in liquidation) case in Douglas concerning the liquidation of a trusts services provider, having been granted a temporary advocates licence, while closer to home Aidan Briggs represented (through a litigation friend) the severely disabled daughter of Cecil Parkinson and his mistress in an Inheritance Act claim against the former home secretary's estate after maintenance payments stopped after his death.
Testimonials
‘New Square Chambers has a very good clerking team. Michelle Greene is excellent, and Cameron Grant is very responsive.’
‘Nathan Hitchman and Charlie Sherwood are always happy to help, approachable and understanding.’
‘New Square Chambers is an excellent set of chambers and go-to set for contentious trusts and estates work. Both senior and junior counsel are responsive, hardworking and thorough in their preparation.’
‘New Square Chambers is an excellent set that distinguishes itself by the high quality and range of barristers.’
‘New Square Chambers is a great set. All counsel are excellent.’
Work highlights
Radcliffe Chambers
Radcliffe Chambers is a ‘great set for contentious trusts and estates work’ with a ‘huge strength in depth and a range of counsel’. Robert Pearce KC represented the trustees in Attorney General v Zedra Fiduciary Services (UK) Ltd, a matter related to deciding the use of The National Fund, which was set up in 1928 with the aim of repaying the national debt off in full, a goal which became impossible – the court found the fund should be used to partially repay the national debt now. In Fraser v Khawaja, Oliver Hilton represented the attorney of the deceased intestate beneficiaries in a challenge to a will which was made in favour of an unknown person with no witnesses. Rising star Matthew Mills is an ‘impressive advocate’ who is currently representing the beneficiary of a matrimonial home in Re Ivor Percy James, a dispute over a codicil to a will shifting the testator’s interest in his matrimonial home from his grandchildren to his second wife. Other key members of the team include ‘immensely thorough advocate’ Piers Feltham and Daniel Burton, who is ‘always very helpful, responsive, and conscientious’.
Testimonials
‘John Clarke is excellent and gets things done.’
‘Radcliffe Chambers has an excellent clerk team, John Clarke, in particular, always goes out of his way to assist.’
‘Radcliffe Chambers is an excellent set with great depth of experience and expertise.’
‘Radcliffe Chambers provides a first-class full-service set packed with consistently good performers across the board.’
‘Radcliffe Chambers offer an excellent range of counsel for contentious trusts and estates work – from juniors up to heavy-hitting silks.’
Work highlights
Ten Old Square
Ten Old Square is described as a ‘very good set’ with ‘professional and approachable counsel who provide high-quality advice’. Richard Dew represented a firm of solicitors in Gorbachev v Guriev, in which a Russian billionaire saught disclosure of a document held by the firm concerning advice given to two trusts of which the claimant is a beneficiary. James MacDougald represented the trust services prodiver in Velutini Perez v Equiom Trust Corp (UK) Ltd, in which a settlor directed the trustees to revoke a trust despite the trustees’ concern about the claimant’s capacity. Eason Rajah KC, as was, is now a High Court judge.
Testimonials
‘Keith Plowman is helpful and responds quickly.’
‘Marc Schofield is brilliant, so responsive and easy to talk to. He knows his barristers well.’
‘Ten Old Square offers a range of leading experts in the field and is always happy to help match counsel to the client’s needs.’
‘Ten Old Square is a go-to set for chancery work. It has tremendous strength and depth of expertise, excellent availability of counsel and can always be relied upon to deliver work within agreed time-frames.’
‘Ten Old Square has fantastic expertise in all traditional chancery areas.’
Work highlights
5 Stone Buildings
Testimonials
‘Paul Jennings and Dan Coote are highly experienced and reliable clerks who provide great service.’
‘All of the clerks are responsive, well-organised and pragmatic. Paul Jennings is one of the best clerks to work with and always allows matters to run smoothly. Dan Coote is also excellent.’
‘5 Stone Buildings is a strong set. Each barrister is a capable lot across the board.’
‘5 Stone Buildings provides an excellent offering for contentious trusts and probate. Junior counsels’ work is invariable of the highest standard and is approachable.’
‘5 Stone Buildings is the stand-out set for traditional trusts and probate litigation. It has a strength in depth across its members. The juniors, in particular, are at the top of their game.’
Work highlights
Serle Court
Serle Court is the ‘go-to set for all high-value trusts work’ with ‘excellent strength in depth’ in complex trust and offshore disputes. Richard Wilson KC is ‘well known for finding solutions to complex problems’ and represented Tony Wang in the Wong v Grand View trusts litigation in the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council concerning Bermudian trusts storing wealth for the family that created the Formosa Plastics Corporation in Taiwan. John Machell KC ‘excels under pressure’ and has been instructed in the ITG v Glenalla Properties Limited dispute, a part of the Tchenguiz Discretionary Trust saga, with issues concerning how to deal with insolvent trusts. William Henderson represented the government in Re the Will of His late Royal Highness Prince Phillip, Duke of Edinburgh, a case concerning The Guardian’s opposition to the practice of sealing wills of members of the royal family, outside the usual principle that all wills are open to inspection. ‘Incredibly perceptive and intelligent’ James Weale recently acted for the defendant in Sofer v Swiss Independent Trustees Ltd, a fraud claim relating to assets worth $60m.
Testimonials
‘The clerks are extremely capable, friendly and efficient, particularly Nick Hockney and Dan Wheeler.’
‘The clerks provide excellent service. Nick Hockney, in particular, is responsive, personable and visible.’
‘Serle Court is the market leader for offshore trust litigation. Their members are invariable of the very highest standard.’
‘Serle is a great set. It has so much quality for silks and juniors in commercial litigation, civil fraud and trust litigation.’
‘Serle Court is a go-to set, which has a good number and depth of barristers at all levels of call.’
Work highlights
Wilberforce Chambers
Wilberforce Chambers is ‘a leading set on all matters relating to trusts’ and ‘a real powerhouse in private wealth work’. ‘Trusts expert’ Clare Stanley KC is ‘a persuasive advocate’; sherepresented Simon Halabi in the Halabi v Equity Trust case before the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council, an appeal from the Jersey courts concerning if trustees have priority over other creditors of an insolvent trust. In addition, Jonathan Davey KC represented HMRC in Levack v Bay Trust International test case concerning the doctrine of mistake, and trustees placing themselves at risk of mistakes as applied to tax structures, in this case one established by the practice of struck-off solicitor-turned-pornographer Paul Baxendale-Walker. Turning to the set’s juniors. Simon Atkinson represented the trustees in Goodrich v AB – a case concerning if provisions in a trust deed drawn up in 1990 should, in the light of subsequent legislation, should be interpreted as including stepchildren as children and civil partners as spouses.
Testimonials
‘Nicholas Luckman is an exceptional presence in the clerk’s room. He always ensures excellent advice is delivered to clients by the barristers, even at short notice and in challenging circumstances.’
‘Wilberforce Chambers clerks a professional, efficient and very smooth service under the leadership of Nicholas Luckman.’
‘Wilberforce Chambers is an excellent set with a wide range of chancery expertise, including in some very specialist areas such as pensions work.’
‘Wilberforce Chambers is a strong set, packed to the rafters with skilled barristers at all levels.’
‘Wilberforce Chambers is an excellent and go-to set, the range of expertise is very wide, and the private client briefings are excellent.’
Work highlights
XXIV Old Buildings
XXIV Old Buildings is a ‘well-known and reputable set with exceptional offering for contentious trust and estates work’. Elspeth Talbot Rice KC is a ‘robust and client-friendly advocate’ – she appeared in the Bermudian Wong v Grand View case before the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council regarding the powers of trustees, stemming from disagreements within the family of the founders of Formosa Plastics Corporation; before the same forum David Brownbill KC represented the claimants in Perry v Lopag, who seek to challenge the transfer of a Caymanian company into a Liechtenstein trust on the basis that the settlor made a mistake regarding the rights of the beneficiaries under Liechtenstein law, which changed in a way unfavourable to them. Edward Cumming KC represents the children of Monty Python star Terry Jones in a trust and probate dispute with his second wife. Turning to the set’s juniors, Owen Curry successfully represented a man who applied under the Relief From Forfeiture Act 1982 after admitting being convicted of the manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility of his wife. Adam Cloherty KC was appointed silk in 2023.
Testimonials
‘The clerks at XXIV Old Buildings are super, efficient and personable. James Ladbrook always goes out of his way to help.’
‘James Ladbrook goes above and beyond and is a thoroughly nice guy.’
‘XXIV Old Buildings is a top set with fantastic silks and juniors.’
‘XXIV Old Buildings is the supreme set for trust, commercial work and anything offshore, with excellent counsel at all levels.’
‘XXIV Old Buildings is an excellent set, sound ability throughout a deep bench, and consistently easy to deal with.’
Work highlights
New Square Chambers
New Square Chambers is ‘an excellent set’ for the full range of contentious and non-contentious trust work. Nicholas Le Poidevin KC is ‘always able to explain difficult issues simply and clearly’ and specialises in breach of trust disputes, reorganisation of trusts, and litigation, while Lynton Tucker is experienced in matters related to offshore trusts. Mark Hubbard is working with Manx advocates in the Re Montpelier (Trusts and Corporate) Sevices Limited (in liquidation) case in Douglas concerning the liquidation of a trusts services provider, having been granted a temporary advocates licence, while closer to home Aidan Briggs represented (through a litigation friend) the severely disabled daughter of Cecil Parkinson and his mistress in an Inheritance Act claim against the former home secretary's estate after maintenance payments stopped after his death.
Testimonials
‘New Square Chambers has a very good clerking team. Michelle Greene is excellent, and Cameron Grant is very responsive.’
‘Nathan Hitchman and Charlie Sherwood are always happy to help, approachable and understanding.’
‘New Square Chambers is an excellent set of chambers and go-to set for contentious trusts and estates work. Both senior and junior counsel are responsive, hardworking and thorough in their preparation.’
‘New Square Chambers is an excellent set that distinguishes itself by the high quality and range of barristers.’
‘New Square Chambers is a great set. All counsel are excellent.’
Work highlights
Radcliffe Chambers
Radcliffe Chambers is a ‘great set for contentious trusts and estates work’ with a ‘huge strength in depth and a range of counsel’. Robert Pearce KC represented the trustees in Attorney General v Zedra Fiduciary Services (UK) Ltd, a matter related to deciding the use of The National Fund, which was set up in 1928 with the aim of repaying the national debt off in full, a goal which became impossible – the court found the fund should be used to partially repay the national debt now. In Fraser v Khawaja, Oliver Hilton represented the attorney of the deceased intestate beneficiaries in a challenge to a will which was made in favour of an unknown person with no witnesses. Rising star Matthew Mills is an ‘impressive advocate’ who is currently representing the beneficiary of a matrimonial home in Re Ivor Percy James, a dispute over a codicil to a will shifting the testator’s interest in his matrimonial home from his grandchildren to his second wife. Other key members of the team include ‘immensely thorough advocate’ Piers Feltham and Daniel Burton, who is ‘always very helpful, responsive, and conscientious’.
Testimonials
‘John Clarke is excellent and gets things done.’
‘Radcliffe Chambers has an excellent clerk team, John Clarke, in particular, always goes out of his way to assist.’
‘Radcliffe Chambers is an excellent set with great depth of experience and expertise.’
‘Radcliffe Chambers provides a first-class full-service set packed with consistently good performers across the board.’
‘Radcliffe Chambers offer an excellent range of counsel for contentious trusts and estates work – from juniors up to heavy-hitting silks.’
Work highlights
Ten Old Square
Ten Old Square is described as a ‘very good set’ with ‘professional and approachable counsel who provide high-quality advice’. Richard Dew represented a firm of solicitors in Gorbachev v Guriev, in which a Russian billionaire saught disclosure of a document held by the firm concerning advice given to two trusts of which the claimant is a beneficiary. James MacDougald represented the trust services prodiver in Velutini Perez v Equiom Trust Corp (UK) Ltd, in which a settlor directed the trustees to revoke a trust despite the trustees’ concern about the claimant’s capacity. Eason Rajah KC, as was, is now a High Court judge.
Testimonials
‘Keith Plowman is helpful and responds quickly.’
‘Marc Schofield is brilliant, so responsive and easy to talk to. He knows his barristers well.’
‘Ten Old Square offers a range of leading experts in the field and is always happy to help match counsel to the client’s needs.’
‘Ten Old Square is a go-to set for chancery work. It has tremendous strength and depth of expertise, excellent availability of counsel and can always be relied upon to deliver work within agreed time-frames.’
‘Ten Old Square has fantastic expertise in all traditional chancery areas.’