Ashfords LLP

UK law firm Ashfords has appointed partner Thomas Middlehurst to its trusts and estates team in London, strengthening the firm's high-net-worth offering in the capital. Thomas specialises in contentious trusts, probate and property ownership disputes. He acts for a broad range of clients including high-net-worth individuals, executors, trustees and charities. Thomas previously headed the private wealth disputes team at a top ranked law firm before joining Ashfords. He is ranked in Chambers High Net Worth Guide and named as a key lawyer in the Legal 500 and Doyles Guide for Private Wealth Disputes. Thomas is a full member of the Association of Contentious Trusts and Probate Specialists (ACTAPS), vice chair of National Association of Independent Administrators (NAIA), and a member of Contentious Trusts Association (ConTrA). Thomas said: 'I'm thrilled to join Ashfords' trusts and estates team and I look forward to working alongside my new colleagues to position Ashfords as a 'go-to' firm for trusts and estates matters in London.' Kerry Morgan-Gould, partner and head of trusts and estates said: 'It's a pleasure to welcome Thomas to our growing team at Ashfords, and we're excited to see his expertise further enhance our established private client offering in London. Thomas' arrival comes at a pivotal time following the Autumn Budget 2025, and his insight will be invaluable as we guide our clients through the current climate with confidence and clarity.' Ashfords' trusts and estates team supports clients on all aspects of setting up and managing trusts, from helping clients to choose the right type of trust, advising on the associated and often complex tax issues, to registration, trust administration and the resolution of any disputes that may arise. The team is ranked Band 1 for Charities: Legacy Disputes in the Chambers legal directory, demonstrating its extensive expertise in charity legacy management. The team works closely with major UK charities, often working alongside their in-house teams, providing estate administration support and valuable reputational guidance. For further information, please contact our trusts and estates team.

UK law firm Ashfords has appointed Deborah Rowntree as a partner in its London banking and finance team, specialising in real estate finance with a sector focus on healthcare. Deborah's arrival will complement both the firm's current healthcare and real estate finance offering. Our finance offering covers both bilateral and syndicated lending for both UK and cross border transactions. Our sector team advises a wide range of healthcare clients on finance and M&A transactions and on commercial, real estate, employment and regulatory matters. Deborah has extensive experience acting for lenders, real estate investors, operators, and developers on a variety of funding transactions. She regularly advises on acquisition finance, development funding, real estate investment, restructurings, general corporate financings, complex syndicated lending and re-financings. Deborah said: 'I'm excited to be joining Ashfords as part of our growing banking team which has a reputation for providing pragmatic and commercial advice. I'm also looking forward to continuing to focus on the healthcare sector and working alongside my colleagues to provide the full range of legal services required to support the many funding and investment opportunities in this vibrant sector.'  Rebecca Dury, partner and head of banking at Ashfords, said: We’re delighted to welcome Deborah to Ashfords. Deborah's knowledge of real estate finance and her healthcare specialism will strengthen our current offering - I look forward to watching the team grow and continue to achieve successful outcomes for our clients.' Ashfords’ banking and finance team works with a range of lenders and the businesses they finance, helping to negotiate and secure funding across the business lifecycle, to meet lender expectations and deliver what businesses need to succeed. The firm's healthcare and life sciences team guides operators and investors on strategic transactions and through complex regulations, managing workforce challenges, protecting assets, and resolving disputes. The banking team recently advised Lloyds Bank plc on a new £30 million revolving credit facility for a UK housebuilder and Fort Bovisand Developments Limited on their project to restore and develop the historic fort in Plymouth. Our healthcare team has most recently advised an international group on the strategic acquisition of a UK company specialising in disease models and advanced biomarker development. For further information, please contact our banking and finance team. Ashfords is a valued legal partner to a wide range of corporate, public sector and private clients across the UK and internationally, counted on by clients to get the right result - whether that’s delivering commercial objectives, protecting family assets, making investments or solving disputes. With four UK offices and an international network, we are able to draw on legal expertise in over 70 countries worldwide. Ashfords LLP is a limited liability partnership, registered in England and Wales. Ashfords LLP is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. Address, contact and partner details can be found at www.ashfords.co.uk. For more information Francesca Howie Campaigns & Content Manager, Ashfords LLP 01392 333619 [email protected]