The Bar - London Bar
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Private client: trusts and probate

Serle Court

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Serle Court is the ‘go-to set for all high-value trusts work’ with ’excellent strength in depth’ in complex trust and offshore disputes. Richard Wilson KC is ‘well known for finding solutions to complex problems’ and represented Tony Wang in the Wong v Grand View trusts litigation in the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council concerning Bermudian trusts storing wealth for the family that created the Formosa Plastics Corporation in Taiwan. John Machell KC ’excels under pressure’ and has been instructed in the ITG v Glenalla Properties Limited dispute, a part of the Tchenguiz Discretionary Trust saga, with issues concerning how to deal with insolvent trusts. William Henderson represented the government in Re the Will of His late Royal Highness Prince Phillip, Duke of Edinburgh, a case concerning The Guardian’s opposition to the practice of sealing wills of members of the royal family, outside the usual principle that all wills are open to inspection. ‘Incredibly perceptive and intelligent’ James Weale recently acted for the defendant in Sofer v Swiss Independent Trustees Ltd, a fraud claim relating to assets worth $60m.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • 'The clerks are extremely capable, friendly and efficient, particularly Nick Hockney and Dan Wheeler.'
  • 'The clerks provide excellent service. Nick Hockney, in particular, is responsive, personable and visible.'
  • 'Serle Court is the market leader for offshore trust litigation. Their members are invariable of the very highest standard.'
  • 'Serle is a great set. It has so much quality for silks and juniors in commercial litigation, civil fraud and trust litigation.'
  • 'Serle Court is a go-to set, which has a good number and depth of barristers at all levels of call.'

Silks

Leading Silks
KCs at the very top of their field, with a long-established record of market-defining cases, and widespread endorsement from clients and peers. All silks appointed in the last two rounds are listed further below.
1
Jonathan Adkin KC
Serle Court
‘Jonathan has a superlative ability to get to the heart of a case and identify good points and jettison bad ones. He analyses complex issues incisively and persuasively. He provides clear advice on complex legal issues and is an excellent tactician.’
1
Richard Wilson KC
Serle Court
'Richard is the all-around superstar of a barrister. He is very affable, with internal and external clients being drawn to his warm personality.'
2
John Machell KC
Serle Court
‘John is a heavyweight in the trust litigation world. He is vastly knowledgeable and immediately grasps the key legal and commercial issues. His drafting and advocacy skills are also excellent.’
2
Constance McDonnell KC
Serle Court
‘Constance is a first choice for high-value estate claims. She has a fantastic judgement, is aggressive when needed, and is one to have on your side. She strikes fear into the hearts of opponents and can win unwinnable cases.’
2022 Silks
KCs at the very top of their field, with a long-established record of market-defining cases, and widespread endorsement from clients and peers. All silks appointed in the last two rounds are listed further below.

Juniors

Leading Juniors
Leading juniors are those with significant experience of key cases, strong market recognition from both peers and clients, and are seen as future candidates for silk.
1
William Henderson
Serle Court
‘William is technically superb. He is an excellent advocate. He brings the complete package to any case, however complex. He can draft the trust documents, direct the strategy, see the bigger picture and represent the client in court.’
1
James Weale
Serle Court
‘James is a first-choice barrister in contentious trusts matters. He is incredibly smart and able to grasp very complex issues immediately. His advocacy is outstanding, and his style of advocacy demonstrates a deep understanding of the subject matter, the facts and the legal arguments, and he is impassioned in making his submissions.’
3
Emma Hargreaves
Serle Court
‘Emma is extremely hardworking and has an excellent memory and attention to detail. She is a good tactical thinker, very enthusiastic and pleasant.’
4
Oliver Jones
Serle Court
‘Oliver is an absolute gem. He is very skilful in all areas, a good technician, thorough, and highly persuasive in the written and spoken word.’
4
Amy Proferes
Serle Court
'Amy's main strengths are clarity of thought which translates into very clear and persuasive drafting, and speed of turnaround.'
4
Charlotte Beynon
Serle Court
‘Charlotte is incredibly intelligent. She has great self-confidence without being arrogant and is always prepared to speak up and give her views.’
Leading Juniors
Rising stars at the Bar are defined as barristers between four and eight years’ call who are seen as up-and-coming members of the Bar in their respective practice areas by clients and peers alike. They will already be instructed in high-profile, complex, and high-value contentious and non-contentious matters, working with and opposite more experienced leading counsel.
1
William Henderson
Serle Court
‘William is technically superb. He is an excellent advocate. He brings the complete package to any case, however complex. He can draft the trust documents, direct the strategy, see the bigger picture and represent the client in court.’
1
James Weale
Serle Court
‘James is a first-choice barrister in contentious trusts matters. He is incredibly smart and able to grasp very complex issues immediately. His advocacy is outstanding, and his style of advocacy demonstrates a deep understanding of the subject matter, the facts and the legal arguments, and he is impassioned in making his submissions.’
3
Emma Hargreaves
Serle Court
‘Emma is extremely hardworking and has an excellent memory and attention to detail. She is a good tactical thinker, very enthusiastic and pleasant.’
4
Oliver Jones
Serle Court
‘Oliver is an absolute gem. He is very skilful in all areas, a good technician, thorough, and highly persuasive in the written and spoken word.’
4
Amy Proferes
Serle Court
'Amy's main strengths are clarity of thought which translates into very clear and persuasive drafting, and speed of turnaround.'
4
Charlotte Beynon
Serle Court
‘Charlotte is incredibly intelligent. She has great self-confidence without being arrogant and is always prepared to speak up and give her views.’

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