The ‘specialist in-depth knowledge of trusts’ at Birketts LLP’s private wealth disputes group makes it an ideal choice for cases concerning trustee or executor responsibilities, inheritance act claims, the validity of a will, and matters of mental incapacity caused by dementia. Contentious Court of Protection matters and TOLATA claims are also dealt with by other specialist teams in the firm. Bernadette Baker at the Norwich office leads the department, while in Cambridge, Kate Harris has extensive experience advising individuals, executors, trustees, and charities on a wide range of contentious trusts and probate matters. At a more junior level, Katie Emerson, who joined from Ashtons Legal in June 2024, is a key figure.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The Birketts team has specialist in-depth knowledge of trusts and their many complexities and considerable experience in navigating through and providing solutions in this area. They are focussed, on-point and give no-nonsense advice. They are to be highly recommended.’
‘Bernadette Baker gives clear and straightforward advice about the risks involved with litigation and solutions to problems. Bernadette does not waste time going round in circles as I have noted other lawyers have a tendency to do.’
‘The Birketts team is superb.’
‘Partners Bernadette Baker and Kate Harris are approachable, empathetic and exactly the sort of lawyers you want to be working with.’
‘The team were amazing at handling a very difficult, emotive and contentious issue with sensitivity, expertise and discretion. They were happy to liaise directly with the other side to try to reduce costs and work out where the issues were. This meant that we were able to get a resolution eventually.’
‘Anna Lambert and Bernadette Baker were exceptional and worked really well together. Anna handled the day-to-day work and Bernadette was able to offer her experience and knowledge to get the job done as best as she could with my interests at heart.’
Work highlights
Represented the claimants, the Leonard children, in the case of Leonard v Leonard [2024] EWHC 321 (ChD).
Represented the claimant in the case of Allan v Allan [2025] EWHC 67 (Ch). involving a partnership dispute between two brothers.
Acted in case of Lane v Lane [2024] EWHC 275 (Ch), involving the estate of Monica Lane, with Lorna Spear appointed as the administrator pursuant to section 50 of the Administration of Justice Act 1985.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Kate Harris
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Katie Emerson
Practice head
Bernadette Baker
Other key lawyers
Kate Harris; Katie Emerson; Anna Lambert