Led by Michael Cash, the contentious private client team at Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP handles complex, high-value trust, estate, and inheritance disputes. Cash is adept in both domestic and international trust and estate litigation, breach of trust claims, and claims under the Inheritance Act. Sarah Lee is an expert in financial abuse, TOLATA claims, professional negligence, and disputed wills, while Ruth Giddings has advised trustees, individuals, and charities on a wide range of private client issues. Charlotte Finley has expertise in the English and Jersey courts, and Sarah Sussman focuses on contentious and wealth management matters.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- We like the practical approach the team takes, so they focus on getting solutions, not on legal technicalities.
- We find Michael Cash to be excellent: a good combination of legal expertise and commercial know-how.
- This practice is attractive to clients as it provides a specialist offering from a team that can call on support from quality teams in other closely associated areas (private client, family law, etc.). The firm has a broad service offering. It has shown a willingness to invest in emerging areas of law (for example, crypto). From interactions with this firm, it is apparent that its partners and staff are knowledgeable and approachable. It appears to have a great culture.
- Sarah Sussman is particularly impressive and someone who is almost certainly destined for great things. She has a deep cross-jurisdictional understanding of the law and really thrives in high-stakes international trust disputes, especially when there is a Cayman angle.
- The team has strength in depth. Both Michael Cash and Sarah Lee are frequently brought in as independent trustees and administrators when relations between beneficiaries or between beneficiaries and former representatives have turned toxic and are astute at navigating through those stormy waters. There is very little that they have not seen before, and that vast experience and the calmness with which any crisis is dealt with are immensely reassuring to clients.
- Michael Cash and Sarah Lee are standout partners. Michael is charming and wise, but behind a laid-back style, there is a tenacious litigant. Sarah is extremely bright, a good communicator, and hones in on the most direct solution to any problem.
Key clients
- Administrator of Prince Abbasi Estate
- Savernake estate
Work highlights
Advised Savernake estate (The Earl of Cardigan's family estate in Wiltshire) on the well-publicised ongoing issues arising out of the trust.
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.
Practice head
Michael Cash
Other key lawyers
Sarah Lee; Ruth Giddings; Charlotte Finley; Sarah Sussman