The 'absolutely top-notch' team at Farrer & Co is best-known for its work on complex and high-value disputes with an international dimension. Jointly led by Toby Graham and Jeremy Gordon, the practice advises a broad spectrum of domestic and international UHNW clients, trust companies and fiduciaries. It is increasingly instructed to act as administrator for UHNW estates which are subject to litigation, and frequently advises on high-value capacity and protectorship matters. Another area of focus has been working on cases involving the overlap between charities law and trusts. Joanna Poole advises trustees and beneficiaries in onshore and offshore contentious matters, and Charlotte Fraser specialises in international trust, probate and succession disputes. Elizabeth Sainsbury is sought after for her work on complex multi-jurisdictional trust and probate cases. Henrietta Mason is highly regarded, along with Tom McPhail who frequently advises settlors, beneficiaries, trustees and protectors.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The contentious trusts team at Farrer is outstanding. They are involved in almost every high-profile or high-value case in this area. Whilst being capable of being as tough as is necessary in a fight, they also foster good working relationships with their peers that generates great outcomes for their clients.’
‘Charlotte Fraser is clever, tactically highly astute and a calm presence in any storm. She is rightly hugely respected by her peers. In my view she is outstandingly able.'
'Jeremy Gordon and Toby Graham are both highly experienced, clever litigators. They recruit highly intelligent and committed associates.'
‘Toby Graham has a unique level of knowledge and experience of trusts law and the world of trusts and trustees. He also has a laser focus on the needs and wishes of the client, and marshals large teams effectively to ensure those needs and wishes are pursued in the most effective way.'
‘Charlotte and Joanna are the two partners I work with and against most. Charlotte is a savvy negotiator and takes all the right points. Joanna is excellent with clients.’
‘Both Jeremy Gordon and Toby Graham are universally recognised as two of the top contentious trusts and probate litigators in England, and in the offshore trust jurisdictions.'
Work highlights
Acting in long running trusts, fraud and enforcement claims in relation to a failed joint venture which has seen litigation across 12 jurisdictions.
Acting in the administration of the Estate of the late Vladimir Scherbakov in the context of ongoing cross-border litigation over the succession to his estate and lifetime disputes. Assets are held in complex structures across a number of jurisdictions.
Lawyers
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Leading partners
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Next Generation Partners
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Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Practice head
Toby Graham; Jeremy Gordon
Other key lawyers
Charlotte Fraser; Joanna Poole; Henrietta Mason; Elizabeth Sainsbury; Tom McPhail; Melody Munro