Wansbroughs > Devizes, England > Firm Profile
Wansbroughs Offices

NORTHGATE HOUSE
DEVIZES
SN10 1JX
England
Wansbroughs > The Legal 500 Rankings
Private client > Personal tax, trusts and probate Tier 2
Wansbroughs’ Devizes-based private client team stands out for its advice on the creation, registration, and administration of trusts involving cross-border assets, landed estates, and businesses, and the team also handles a wide range of inheritance and capital gains tax mitigation matters, as well as Court of Protection work. The team is jointly led by Alan Ciechan, who chiefly advises trustees and the owners of landed estates on tax-efficient trust and corporate structuring, and Anna Wensley Stock, who is well versed in estate administration and trusteeship matters. For mental capacity matters, Thomas Britten is also highly recommended.Practice head(s):
Alan Ciechan; Anna Wensley Stock
Other key lawyers:
Andrew Jenkins; Emily Anderson; Kathryn Smith Cowap; Jennifer Vooght; Thomas Britten; Beth Williams
Testimonials
‘Anna Wensley Stock is meticulous in detail and outstanding on every level. We value her knowledge and dedication to the work she does with us in terms of our various trusts, wills, probate, LPAs, etc. She is very much on the ball to advise us, and the next generation, of any upcoming business we and they need to address.’
‘Thomas Britten made us welcome and always treated us with respect and kindness.’
‘Thomas Britten is an excellent communicator who has always got time for you. He is extremely polite and has an extensive knowledge of this area of the law, so he is ideally suited to this position.’
‘The team were very helpful, friendly and they described everything in great detail. Thomas Britten made life a lot easier for the family, he explained things in great detail which was very comforting in such a difficult situation.’
‘Beth Williams is a delight to deal with. Professional, charming, polite, knowledgeable and unfailingly helpful. Nothing is too much trouble and she gives as much of her time as is needed. I feel I can turn to her with any queries, however trivial. I have the utmost trust in her advice.’
‘Thomas Britten is a thorough, efficient and approachable young solicitor who dealt with a complex trust case for me and advised on my will.’
‘Kathryn Smith Cowap is efficient, approachable, considerate and highly professional.’
‘Emily Anderson is a technically excellent solicitor, as well as being highly personable and very well liked by clients. She is my go-to lawyer for personal tax, trust and probate work.’
Work highlights
Corporate and commercial > Corporate and commercial: Gloucestershire, Somerset and Wiltshire Tier 3
Wansbroughs‘ corporate and commercial team continues to diversify its portfolio, supplementing the firm’s historically strong focus on landed estates and agriculture with a broad-range of clients including those active in tech, renewable energy, and manufacturing. Practice head William Ingram-Hill has noted experience across matters such as cross-border M&A, corporate restructuring, and commercial contracts.Practice head(s):
William Ingram-Hill
Other key lawyers:
Philip Wigg; Emma Jewell; Katen Patel
Testimonials
‘We have used Wansbroughs for many years on different commercial services and you can always rely on them to be very pragmatic and professional and always listen to our business needs.’
‘I have worked with Philip Wigg on various matters and he is always professional and friendly but also tries to find the best outcome for our business. I would highly recommend Wansbroughs for all business-related legal services.’
‘The team seems to punch above its weight, its ambition is palpable and my key contact, Emma Jewell, is an extremely likable, commercial and highly motivated person.’
‘They take a keen interest in understanding our business and as a result our requirements and tailoring their offering to suit. They are personable and always proactive and operate as an effective resource to the business.’
‘They are helpful and local, yet specialist and informed. I have always been able to get through to a person who can assist.’
‘Philip Wigg was well informed, gave good advice, but also allowed us to make our own decisions. I have been impressed with the service.’
‘The team at Wansbroughs have really made an impact in the local professional market, proactively building their network and engaging on both a firm and personal level.’
‘Wansbroughs have been fantastic to work with on several deals now. Their internal departments work seamlessly together and they show great flexibility in their work practices.’
Dispute resolution > Commercial litigation: Gloucestershire, Somerset and Wiltshire Tier 3
With demonstrable experience in the real estate, renewables and healthcare sectors, the Devizes-based practice at Wansbroughs is well-placed to handle real estate litigation, in addition to contentious probate mandates, personal injury claims, contractual disputes and data protection cases. ‘Excellent litigator’ and managing partner Oliver Price leads the team and is noted for his expertise in real estate litigation, while Josh Taylor is praised as ‘a leading light in the dispute resolution team, particularly in respect of property-related disputes’. Tim Prees, who spearheads the private client disputes practice, is another key contact in the group.Practice head(s):
Oliver Price
Other key lawyers:
Josh Taylor; Tim Prees; Jenna Humphries
Testimonials
‘They are pragmatic, professional and always listen to our business needs.’
‘Oliver Price is always professional, friendly and tries to find the best outcome for our business.’
‘Oliver Price is an excellent litigator, with deep experience and understanding. Always takes the call and instills confidence.’
‘They are always available and responsive. Often issues flare up unexpectedly and having the knowledge that such valuable, accurate advice is close to hand is reassuring.’
‘Josh Taylor is a standout partner. He has a wonderful manner with clients and an astute legal mind. Josh has the confidence to conduct cases, including advocacy, with little support.’
‘Jenna Humphries leaves no stone unturned and is efficient in her work. She has a great deal of empathy for her clients and can give realistic advice.’
‘Wansbroughs offers a fantastic blend of top level personal service with modern innovative flairs smartly incorporated in their offering. This results in a firm that provides a service clients will find works for them when they need it.’
‘Josh Taylor is a leading light in the dispute resolution team, particularly in respect of property-related disputes. His advice is always tailored and transparent.’
Real estate > Commercial property: Gloucestershire, Somerset and Wiltshire Tier 3
Led by land development expert Neil Patterson, Wansbroughs’ commercial property team counts the healthcare and renewable sectors and acting for landed estates among its areas of expertise. Based in Devizes, the practice advises developers, corporations, landowners, and high-net-worth individuals. Alongside Patterson, agriculture and landed estate expert Jonathan Bruton and Christopher Ware, who specialises in acquisitions, disposals and development mandates, are also key names.Practice head(s):
Neil Patterson
Other key lawyers:
Jonathan Bruton; Christopher Ware; Lucy Ingram; Lauren Johnson
Testimonials
‘Great team with far reaching experience across all of the areas of advice where we have asked for their input. Always found them rapid to respond.’
‘Jonathan Bruton has an extremely thorough understanding of Commercial Property – ask him a question and he’s probably answered it for someone else already.’
‘Very clear and effective advice while always being available to speak. Would definitely recommend.’
‘The Team was most accessible in dealing with a variety of property transactions requiring specialist knowledge and considerable patience. Always reassuring when obstacles appeared.’
‘Christopher Ware (and his team) remained positive throughout managing a major property transaction. Always able to deal with unexpected obstacles to reach a satisfactory conclusion.’
‘It’s been a pleasure working with Wansbroughs on several deals. Their internal departments work seamlessly with each other, and they consistently meet our expectations. They are flexible in their work methods and get things done in a straightforward and sensible manner.’
‘We have used Wansbroughs for many years on different commercial services and always found them to be very pragmatic and professional and always listen to our business needs. They always communicate with us in a way that we would understand and try to find a solution to a problem.’
‘Lauren Johnson has been particularly helpful with steering us through our lease. It is a complicated project which has required a lot of patience from her. She has been patient with us where necessary and worked hard to negotiate the best lease. She has gone above and beyond with the support and guidance given. She is very professional and very proactive in the case.’
Private client > Family Tier 5
Wansbroughs > Firm Profile
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.
Main Contacts
Department | Name | Telephone | |
---|---|---|---|
Private Client | Alan Ciechan | ||
Dispute Resolution | Oliver Price | ||
Private Client | Anna Wensley Stock | ||
Chair | William Ingram Hill | ||
Commercial Property | Jonathan Bruton | ||
Commercial Property | Neil Patterson | ||
Residential Property | Matthew Life | ||
Family | Naomi Owen |
Lawyer Profiles
Photo | Name | Position | Profile |
---|---|---|---|
![]() |
Sarah Alexander | Sarah is a Partner specialising in all types of residential property work. | View Profile |
![]() |
Emily Anderson | Emily is a Partner with a great deal of experience in administering… | View Profile |
![]() |
Tom Britten | Tom is a Partner in the Wills, Tax, Trusts and Probate team… | View Profile |
![]() |
Jonathan Bruton | Jonathan is a Partner with a broad experience of all aspects of… | View Profile |
![]() |
Alan Ciechan | Alan is the Partner leading our Agriculture & Landed Estates team. He… | View Profile |
![]() |
Lucy Ingram | Lucy Ingram is a Managing Associate in our Commercial Property team, assisting… | View Profile |
![]() |
William Ingram Hill | William is a Partner and is the head of our Corporate and… | View Profile |
![]() |
Andrew Jenkins | Andrew is a Partner in the Agriculture & Landed Estates team and… | View Profile |
![]() |
Emma Jewell | Emma is a Partner and advises on a wide range of Corporate… | View Profile |
![]() |
Matthew Life | Matt is a Co-Managing Partner specialising in all types of residential property… | View Profile |
![]() |
Naomi Owen | Naomi is a Partner leading the Family Team and specialising in public… | View Profile |
![]() |
Neil Patterson | Neil is a Partner specialising in many areas of expertise including commercial… | View Profile |
![]() |
Tim Prees | Tim is a Partner specialising in personal dispute resolution and employment law. | View Profile |
![]() |
Oliver Price | Oliver is a Partner specialising in real estate litigation with work in… | View Profile |
![]() |
Matthew Roberts | Matthew is an Associate Solicitor in our Family team and is well… | View Profile |
![]() |
Kathryn Smith Cowap | Kathryn is a Partner advising clients in relation to the preparation of… | View Profile |
![]() |
Josh Taylor | Josh is a Partner in our Commercial team and advises both businesses… | View Profile |
![]() |
Jennifer Vooght | Jennifer is a Partner in the Agriculture & Landed Estates team advising… | View Profile |
![]() |
Christopher Ware | Christopher is a Partner in our Commercial Property team, assisting clients on… | View Profile |
![]() |
Anna Wensley Stock | Anna is Co-Managing Partner with many years’ experience in dealing with estate… | View Profile |
![]() |
Philip Wigg | Until December 2024, Philip was a Partner in our Corporate & Commercial… | View Profile |
![]() |
Beth Williams | Beth is an Associate Solicitor in our Private Client team and advises… | View Profile |
Staff Figures
Number of UK Partners : 19 Number of UK Managing Associates : 2 Number of UK Associate Solicitors : 5 Number of other UK Solicitors : 11 Number of other UK Fee-Earners : 7Languages
EnglishDiversity
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.
Client Testimonials
“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.’
- Private client > Personal tax, trusts and probate