Christopher Noel > DWF > Manchester, England > Lawyer Profile

DWF is especially strong on advising business owners and high-net-worth families and trusts on private wealth and estate planning, particularly matters involving an international element or complex tax planning issues relating to overseas assets and trusts. Other areas of expertise include will preparation and tax planning vehicles such as FICs. Based in Manchester, Christopher Noel leads the North West team and specialises in wealth protection, trust formation and administration, as well as tax planning. Nicole Chadwick was promoted to associate in January 2022 and covers complex estate planning for high-net-worth families.

DWF is especially strong advising trustee companies, charitable trusts, and private banks regarding complex trust and probate disputes with a cross-border element. The team also is involved in trust disputes involving allegations of fraudulent activities by trustees. Daniel Williams was promoted to partner in February 2022 and is a key contact regarding contentious trust and probate matters. Christopher Noel focuses on advising high-net-worth individuals and family trusts on complex estate and trust disputes, while the Liverpool-based Chris King specialises in trust and probate disputes, as well as disputes concerning professional negligence and overseas trusts. Senior associate Paul Maddock is also noted for his work on probate disputes.

With a core client base of business owners, entrepreneurs, high net worth families and trusts, the team at DWF regularly handles high value and multi-jurisdictional matters, frequently alongside corporate colleagues. The Newcastle-based practice’s expertise extends from capital tax and pre-sale planning, over the preparation of wills, trusts and Lasting Powers of Attorney to estate and trust administration. Leading the practice together with Christopher Noel is Jon Gould , a practitioner who is ‘technically exceptional’. He is ably supported by associate Laura Murphy.