Wansbroughs > Devizes, England > Firm Profile

Wansbroughs
NORTHGATE HOUSE
DEVIZES
SN10 1JX
England

Private client > Personal tax, trusts and probate Tier 2

‘Reliable, courteous, friendly, professional, knowledgeable’, the team at Wansbroughs is well placed to advise clients on trust matters, administration of complex estates, Court of Protection issues and inheritance saving reliefs. The practice is led by Alan Ciechan, who has over 40 years of experience in private client work, regularly advises owners of large landed estates, as well as various trustees on the use and formation of trusts. Other key figures include Anna Wensley Stock, who is well regarded for her 'commercial, efficient' practice.    

Practice head(s):

Alan Ciechan

Other key lawyers:

Anna Wensley Stock; Emily Anderson; Kathryn Smith Cowap; Thomas Britten; Beth Williams; Andrew Langbridge

Testimonials

‘They are able to handle complex and sometimes contentious probate cases, with efficiency and sensitivity. They also have experience of Court of Protection cases.’

‘Kathryn Smith Cowap has worked for us for several years. In all that time, she has been unfailingly helpful, responsive, good at explaining difficult concepts, approachable, courteous and highly professional.’

‘Reliable, courteous, friendly, professional, knowledgeable, wide range of services.’

‘All members of the team are not only experts in their field, but approachable and explain to clients complex legalities in an easy-to-understand form.’

‘Wansbroughs approach to private client advice is thorough and personable. Their strengths are their exceptional knowledge of tax planning and trusts and their ability to handle probate cases with sensitivity. The team work efficiently, updating with progress regularly. Their new website was launched last year, which is modern and appealing to clients and intermediaries, reflecting their extensive experience.’

‘Excellent and thriving private client department. Knowledge and expertise is excellent so you are in safe hands, including complex work coming out of London. Plenty of very good legal brains available. Internal support and training is better than I have seen in much larger firms.’

‘Wansbroughs provide an excellent service. Highly knowledgeable staff, attention to detail and an efficient prompt service.’

‘Anna Wensley Stock is fantastic – she’s commercial, efficient and makes even the most complex issues logical and easy to understand.’

Work highlights

Corporate and commercial > Corporate and commercial: Gloucestershire, Somerset and Wiltshire Tier 3

Praised as a ‘good regional player with London expertise’, Wansbroughs‘ corporate and commercial team enjoys a strong reputation in the market for its experience advising landed estates and associated businesses on a range of matters including transactions and restructurings. The ‘pragmatic and incisive’ William Ingram Hill leads the practice and is well versed in shareholder agreements, fundraisings, and corporate governance work. Emma Jewell often advises clients on commercial contracts, M&A, shareholders’ agreements, and TUPE arrangements.

Practice head(s):

William Ingram Hill

Other key lawyers:

Philip Wigg; Emma Jewell

Testimonials

‘Wansbroughs offer no nonsense legal and professional advice on various subjects.’

‘Their ability to understand the required balance between commercial objects and legal protection is invaluable.’

‘A mid-sized team with various partners and a variety of different specialisms – all offering a personal and attentive service.’

‘Very good regional player with London expertise, high quality commercial advice.’

‘William Ingram Hill – excellent commercial advice, pragmatic and incisive, delivered in a very cheerful and thoughtful manner.’

‘Philip Wigg is professional and very approachable. He has always been pragmatic and understands what our business is trying to achieve. He will offer clear, concise advice.’

‘Wansbroughs have managed to successfully incorporate the feel of a local practice with the capabilities of a national firm.’

‘Will Ingram Hill delivers a highly personable service.’

Real estate > Commercial property: Gloucestershire, Somerset and Wiltshire Tier 3

With specialisations in the healthcare, landed estates, renewables and development sectors, Wansbroughs handles a range of property work with major sale agreements for residential development land standing out as a recent area of activity. ‘Exceptional property lawyer' Neil Patterson leads the Devizes-based team; his land development expertise extends to options and promotions agreements. Jonathan Bruton frequently advises landed estates on property matters, including mining requirements, while Christopher Ware is handling a growing number of instructions related to pubs. Laura Ingram Hill left the firm in December 2022.

Practice head(s):

Neil Patterson

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘Jonathan Bruton has always given a first-class service over ten years working together. He is thorough, helpful, reliable and straightforward, which I really appreciate.’

‘The team always deal with us in a professional, pragmatic way. The advice offered is relevant, and we are always made to feel valued.’

‘Neil Patterson and Alasdair Fitzpatrick regularly deal with our property matters in a timely way and deliver on what they promise to a high standard.’

‘Neil Patterson is an exceptional property lawyer. His attention to detail on residential property promotional agreements and sales is strong. He deals with them using common sense.’

Private client > Family Tier 4

Wansbroughs advises clients on a range of family law matters, with all members of the team well versed in private law children work in particular. The team is jointly chaired by Naomi Owen - who has over 20 years of experience in family law and covers all aspects of care work, including complex non-accidental injury matters - and Jeremy Tier is noted for his focus on the resolution of high-net-worth financial disputes.    

Practice head(s):

Naomi Owen; Jeremy Tier

Other key lawyers:

Matthew Roberts; Anne Goodenough

Testimonials

‘Naomi Owen has been very attentive and supportive in what has been a challenging case. She has always carried out my instructions and used a very good barrister to represent me in all hearings. There has been a lot of email communication with between the parties and I have been copied into everything so I always know what is happening.’

‘The team are welcoming and have good legal knowledge and experience.’

‘Naomi is approachable and has good people skills. She is able to talk through any concerns that I have and give appropriate advice.’

‘Very knowledgeable, understanding, empathetic to your situation. Good response times when either you call or email very accommodating with appointments.’

‘This practice places the client at the centre and heart of their service. You are listened to and responded to immediately. All partners in the firm from the staff accepting your phone call to the people representing you in court place you at the centre.’

‘Naomi Owen is without doubt the most knowledgeable, caring and professional person I have had the pleasure to work with. She responds immediately to any concern, she is professionally reassuring; you know you can trust her comments, support and advice completely as she is honest, fair and exceedingly knowledgeable. I have valued her in the most incredibly difficult and challenging times to be at my side.’

‘Very established and conscientious team.’

‘Anne was in my opinion, absolutely outstanding. Helping me to understand the process, what will happen, could happen and her presence within the court. Always remained professional and very knowledgeable.’

Work highlights

Wansbroughs, a leading law firm in central Wiltshire, is a modern commercial practice with a national footprint. Wansbroughs has developed a strong client base and established a reputation for conducting work more commonly associated with much larger practices. The  firm was first established in 1882 and has grown rapidly over the years. It now has around 100 staff including  18 partners. The firm’s head office is in Devizes, Wiltshire with a further satellite office in London.

The firm:  offers a wide range of legal services to private clients and businesses. Wansbroughs has developed a strong client base and offers a wide range of tailored legal services.  The firm has a highly collegial environment with a fresh approach to client care and service levels.

Types of work undertaken:  the firm provides services to a wide range of organisations in a variety of sectors dealing with regional, national and international businesses, and high-net-worth individuals.

Private client: complex wills, trusts, tax and probate matters and high-end residential conveyancing are specialities of the private client teams, with recognised expertise in estate planning for large landed estates and agricultural clients, literary estates and business owners.

Corporate and commercial: this specialist team provides full support on the formation and reorganisation of all business structures (in particular Partnerships and SMEs), acquisitions and sales, and the running of a business, including advice and representation in connection with all aspects of contentious and non-contentious employment matters and civil disputes.

Dispute resolution: the team is well-known for their strength and expertise. Our lawyers act for a wide range of individuals and businesses on often complex disputes. Where possible the team promotes negotiation or mediation to resolve issues early on and to minimise the costs to the client.

Commercial property: the team has in-depth expertise in a wide range of areas and can assist with all commercial property requirements including sales, purchases, landlord and tenant matters, agricultural property matters and development work.

Residential property: the team deals with a very broad range of matters, from leasehold flats to landed estates; from city-based landlord and tenant work to rural property issues.

Family: the firm has an experienced team of specialist family lawyers including a collaborative law practitioner, children panel members and agricultural family finance specialists. The team are well equipped to deal with all private family law matters such as financial remedy work, complex children matters and cohabitation disputes. Our lawyers regularly act for high-net-worth clients and provide expert advice relating to complex asset structures. The team also boast a highly respected public law team that represent parents, relatives and children’s guardians in cases involving complex issues, non-accidental injuries, international and jurisdiction elements and child exploitation.

Recruitment: Wansbroughs welcomed eight new trainee solicitors to the firm in 2023, taking the total number of trainees currently at the firm to 14. The firm offers both ‘Periods of Recognised Training’ and ‘Qualifying Work Experience’ placements, both of which are available as two-year programmes, usually commencing in September each year. Further details are available on the website.

Department Name Email Telephone
Chairman Alan Ciechan
Managing Partner Oliver Price
Private Client Alan Ciechan
Corporate & Commercial William Ingram Hill
Dispute Resolution Oliver Price
Commercial Property Neil Patterson
Residential Property Matthew Life
Family Naomi Owen
Photo Name Position Profile
Sarah Alexander photo Sarah Alexander Sarah is a Partner specialising in all types of residential property work.
Emily Anderson photo Emily Anderson Emily is a Partner with a great deal of experience in administering…
Tom Britten photo Tom Britten Tom is a Managing Associate in the Wills, Tax, Trusts and Probate…
Jonathan Bruton photo Jonathan Bruton Jonathan is a Partner with a broad experience of all aspects of…
Alan Ciechan photo Alan Ciechan Alan is Chairman and Partner with over 40 years’ experience advising on…
Lucy Ingram photo Lucy Ingram Lucy Ingram is a Managing Associate in our Commercial Property team, assisting…
William Ingram Hill photo William Ingram Hill William is a Partner and is the head of our Corporate and…
Andrew Jenkins photo Andrew Jenkins Andrew is a Partner with the Private Client team advising on wills…
Emma Jewell photo Emma Jewell Emma is a Managing Associate and advises on a wide range of…
Andrew Langbridge photo Andrew Langbridge Andrew is a Solicitor in our Wills, Tax, Trusts and Probate team.
Sarah Lawton photo Sarah Lawton Sarah is an Associate Solicitor and advises clients on a broad range…
Matthew Life photo Matthew Life Matt is a Partner specialising in all types of residential property work.
Naomi Owen photo Naomi Owen Naomi is a Partner leading the Family Team and specialising in public…
Neil Patterson photo Neil Patterson Neil is a Partner specialising in many areas of expertise including commercial…
Tim Prees photo Tim Prees Tim is a Partner specialising in personal dispute resolution and employment law.
Oliver Price photo Oliver Price Oliver is Managing Partner specialising in real estate litigation with work in…
Matthew Roberts photo Matthew Roberts Matthew is an Associate Solicitor in our Family team and is well…
Kathryn Smith Cowap photo Kathryn Smith Cowap Kathryn is a Partner advising clients in relation to the preparation of…
Josh Taylor photo Josh Taylor Josh is a Partner in our Commercial team and advises both businesses…
Jeremy Tier photo Jeremy Tier Jeremy is Head of Divorce and Financial Matters and Partner in the…
Jennifer Vooght photo Jennifer Vooght Jennifer is a Partner advising clients on a broad range of matters…
Christopher Ware photo Christopher Ware Christopher is a Partner in our Commercial Property team, assisting clients on…
Anna Wensley Stock photo Anna Wensley Stock Anna is a Partner with many years’ experience in dealing with estate…
Philip Wigg photo Philip Wigg Philip is a Partner in the Corporate and Commercial Team, specialising in…
Beth Williams photo Beth Williams Beth is an Associate Solicitor in our Private Client team and advises…
Number of UK Partners : 18
Number of UK Managing Associates : 3
Number of UK Associate Solicitors : 5
Number of other UK Solicitors : 11
Number of other UK Fee-Earners : 7
English

We recognise the value of a diverse workforce, and people are encouraged to introduce fresh ideas and contribute to the success of the Firm.

Wansbroughs is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of society and does not discriminate on the grounds of race, religion or belief, ethnic or national origin, disability, age, citizenship, marital, domestic or civil partnership status, sexual orientation or gender identity.

Our values influence and underpin much of what we do and our service offering to our clients. These values reflect our philosophy, our attitude and our pride in who we are and the clients for whom we work.

We recognise that the environment in which we work is constantly changing. Using a continuous forward planning process, we look for ways of enhancing and improving how we do things. Professional and skill development ensures that our capabilities remain high.


“I have always found their level of service to be of the highest standard.”


“They are without doubt the most efficient firm we have dealt with.”


“First class service from start to finish. Not only incredibly supportive throughout the whole court case but whenever I’ve needed them for advice they have been there for me. Such a personal centred approach with outstanding professionalism. A++ service can’t fault a single thing. Thank you again.”


“Excellent service whenever we’ve required commercial legal advice and assistance. We’ve used Wansbroughs for over 6 years now and cannot recommend them highly enough.”


‘We have worked with Wansbroughs for many years as a firm and over that time the team have been consistently friendly and very good to work with as a professional partner. Their willingness makes them stand out. They have a wealth of knowledge and all departments seem to be the best in their field, their advice is second to none.’


‘A good local company with an excellent reputation. They have a wide range of experts in all legal areas to cater for my client’s needs. It is a ‘welcoming environment’ for clients who are usually very nervous with all things legal.’