James Lister > Stevens & Bolton LLP > Guildford, England > Lawyer Profile

Praised by clients for its ‘well-judged and commercially-minded’ approach, Stevens & Bolton LLP regularly assists individuals and corporate trustee companies with claims and disputes concerning the management and administration of trusts or estates, asset recovery, and professional negligence claims against former advisers. ‘First-class lawyer’ James Lister heads the practice and is a key contact for high-net-worth individuals, while Jack Bailey handles claims for breach of trust, frequently appearing before the Court of Protection. Ellie Sullivan and Hayley Robinson routinely advise on will validity and Inheritance Act 1975 claims.

The pensions team at Stevens & Bolton LLP, led by Andy Williams, advises on a range of contentious and non-contentious matters, with specific industry expertise in the manufacturing, energy, professional services, and private client sectors. Key types of work include corporate support, employer and trustee advice, scheme governance and funding, and transactional support regarding complex pension arrangements. Williams is noted for his particular expertise advising on reorganisations, TUPE transfers and has experience in the Employment Tribunal and High Court on a range of contentious matters. James Lister brings valuable experience as a trusts litigator. The practice is based in Guildford.

James Lister heads ‘a young, ambitious and motivated team of high-quality lawyers’ at Stevens & Bolton LLP. It advises a wide range of clients, from private individuals to corporate trustees. Areas of focus for the group span advising on claims in multiple jurisdictions, as well as handling trust and property disputes in a matrimonial context. Other areas of expertise include advising on professional negligence claims against former advisors. Jack Bailey was promoted to the partnership in April 2024.