‘Ashfords deserves its reputation as one of the top firms in this area of work. Whilst they are based in the South West, their work is national, and they more than match the top London-based firms in respect of their know-how and approach to cases.’

‘Their particular strengths lie in their ability to find pragmatic and effective solutions to issues facing their clients.’

‘Barny Croft is a real heavy-hitter with an excellent knowledge of the law, and the tactical acumen to achieve excellent results for his clients.’

‘I felt our case to be in exceptionally capable and intelligent hands- and this was borne out by the end results.’

‘Robert Horsey was extremely personable, has great speed agility and good humour handling very complex and fussy details.’

‘Ashfords made defending against a contested Will a smooth and relatively easy process and we would highly recommend the firm to anyone who needs one.’

‘I have worked with Barny Croft on numerous matters over the years and have always found him to be robust, assertive, communicative, consistent, unafraid to issue proceedings as and when necessary.’

‘This team is incredibly effective – the different members’ strengths complement each other and they work brilliantly well together. Absolutely first class.’

Caroline Emslie: a senior associate with great experience and attention to detail.’

‘Caroline Emslie – a star in the making.’

‘Kevin Kennedy is very thorough, pragmatic and very easy to work with.’

‘Justin Briggs is a very capable partner who is on top of the detail whilst not getting bogged down in it, and who leads a very capable team of associates.’

Caroline Emslie – an absolute superstar whose recent promotion was very well deserved. She is brilliant on the detail, great with clients and with counsel, and a delight to work with. She is without doubt going to be a leading partner in the private client world.’

‘Justin Briggs is incredibly insightful and provides sound strategic oversight to the team.’

‘Caroline Emslie is an exceptional associate with really excellent judgement.’

‘The probate, contentious and property teams are extremely professional in their approach to their clients.’

‘The teams work closely and are able to provide a seamless approach.’

‘A well led and effective team which gives us considerable confidence.’

‘Emma Facey puts the client first and responds well to suggestions for improvements.’

‘Lucy Gill – a pragmatic and solutions based individual’

‘Lucy Gill has an in depth understanding of the sector and ‘gets’ what is required to keep her clients on board.’

‘Alexander Rogers was very dedicated to our case and always made herself available to speak to us directly on the phone or in person.’

‘The team goes above and beyond in understanding clients needs & trying to propose practical solutions.’

‘One of the top players in contentious trusts and probate in the West of England who have captured the market in farming disputes.’

‘Esther Woolford is a star individual. Dedicated and hard working, responsive and goes all out for her clients.’

‘An excellent all-round agriculture team with deep knowledge of estoppels, testamentary promises and specialist agricultural knowledge.’

‘Esther Woolford is a standout partner, bringing a cool head to complex agricultural disputes.’

‘The firm provides an integrated service for all aspects of trust and probate disputes, being able to pull in expertise from its own property and tax teams. The lawyers have a wealth of knowledge and experience in trust and probate disputes.’

‘Standout partners: Bonita Walters, Sarah O’Grady and Esther Woolford. All three show legal skill, dedication to their clients and a focus on achieving their clients’ objectives.’

‘Sarah O’Grady is very approachable. She knows her stuff legally and offers excellent advice with no pretence. Emma Ironside is super helpful and friendly.’

‘The team are very skilled legally and real high flyers; they are also really nice people, very friendly and approachable.’

‘Lauren Day and the team have been extremely supportive throughout and are always on hand to answer any questions and reassure us.’

‘Lauren Day has been extremely supportive and professional throughout the case.’

‘Lauren Day impressed with her rapid processing of a substantial case history and with her technical knowledge and pragmatic approach to dealing with contentious probate.’

‘Victoria Riddleston is professional and inspires confidence.’

‘Good collaboration between team members, sharing different areas of expertise to achieve the best result for clients.’

‘Excellent communication and understanding of the complexities of our case.’

‘Victoria Riddleston – one of the most capable young lawyers in this area of law, very affable but determined when needed. Highly recommended.’

‘Lauren Day – an excellent lawyer with a good commercial sense of the cases she handles, clients feel, rightly, that they are in very safe hands.’

‘I have been very impressed how well this team works together.’

‘They are passionate about providing the best advice to their clients whilst being realistic about their case.’

‘I have found them to be meticulous, responsive and effective in the diverse matters in which they have acted for me.’

‘I have found Emily Prout to be proactive and insightful in her responses to my queries, as well as meticulous and comprehensive in her advice and communications.’

‘Emily Prout provides a balanced sounding board and reassuring presence.’

‘They are technically strong and specialise in this practice area which is a differentiator in some of their geographies.’

‘ I have always found Emily Prout to be thoroughly on top of the detail, technically strong, fair and pragmatic.’

‘Wards LLP have shown expert knowledge in their area and a willingness to resolve the matters at hand.’

‘At every stage of the process, Wards have identified the issues and clearly explained them in “easy to understand” terms, exhibiting their expert knowledge and showing they clearly understand their clients.’

‘They have given honest, sound advice, provided solutions to problems which have arisen and managed our expectations along the way.’

‘Each individual we have dealt with at Wards has shown great sensitivity towards our situation and dealt with us accordingly.’

‘We are extremely satisfied with the service we have received and continue to receive from Wards; We would happily recommend, with confidence, Wards solicitors to anyone who was seeking legal advice.’

‘Lucia Mills has an excellent breadth of knowledge as regards disputes over beneficial interests in property due to her TOLATA specialism.’

‘Incredibly efficient and cost effective. Keen on developing specialisms and instructing counsel who are also specialists.’

‘The team are all very professional and efficient when dealing with my questions and concerns.’

‘The individual we consult seems to be be very knowledgeable, experienced, positive and professional in her approach.’

‘Blanchards’ multi-disciplinary set-up means that there are specialists available for whatever the case may throw at you.’

‘Lucy Mignot stands head and shoulders above any solicitor I have used in the past. Readily available and responsive.’

‘The empathy shown within their Court of Protection team is exceptional, together with great understanding of the processes required to ensure the protected party receives all the requisite care they require.’

‘Competent, depth of legal knowledge and professional in inter-party correspondence.’

‘Lucy Mignot is always professional and positive about reaching solutions to resolve dispute but also robust in defence of her client.’