The powerhouse private wealth disputes team at Payne Hicks Beach LLP continues to cover the full spectrum of contentious trusts and estates work. Co-head Richard Manyon is a skilled litigator, well-known for handling complex, high-value international disputes and advising ultra-high-net-worth clients across major onshore and offshore jurisdictions. Co-leader Jessica Henson is adept in complex multi-jurisdictional trust, estate, and shareholder disputes for high-value clients. Rosamond McDowell is active in both contentious and non-contentious issues, Robert Brodrick has significant contentious trusts expertise, particularly in trust variation and rectification matters, and Dominic Crossley has been key in shareholder and partnership disputes. Clementine Dowley is knowledgeable in trust, corporate, and fraud-related matters, including asset tracing and inheritance disputes, while Charlotte Henshall advises high-net-worth clients on cross-border trust disputes and substantial Inheritance Act claims. Sean Knight and Rosie Sells are also key contributors to the practice.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- The team is utterly dedicated to securing the best outcome for the client. Their litigation knowledge and strategizing is the best I have seen. They also have very good experience in contentious disputes and therefore know exactly what evidence is required to achieve the best outcome, and they will leave no stone unturned in getting that for the client. The acid test - as a senior silk working in the field, I instructed the team on my own behalf, and they are the only firm I recommend to other potential clients.
- Really strong team punching above its weight in terms of its size and the cases they are working on. Impressive stuff.
- Clementine Dowley is a star. She is brilliant and friendly but not afraid to be firm when required. I would trust her with anything. Matthew Franks is quickly becoming a brilliant associate. He is a lawyer with a hugely important future ahead of him. Technically precise but also imaginative, his work is fantastic.
- Probably the best and most approachable team in the area today.
- Richard Manyon is a force of nature - well-liked and respected in the field.
- Richard Manyon is superb; he is very clever but always has a practical solution in mind and works tirelessly to achieve it. Jessica Henson is equally determined, pragmatic, and knowledgeable. The team also has some excellent associates: Rosie Sells is fantastic; she has an amazing eye for the crucial detail and is bright and very responsive. Charlotte Henshall is also a standout member of the team; she manages complex dynamic situations with calm and expertise.
- PHB has a first-rate contentious trust and probate team: they are knowledgeable, fast to react, and have very good litigation instincts. They also have excellent resources within the firm to call on when needed, where issues of tax, family law, or company issues arise.
- Richard Manyon is a fearless litigator who will never back away from a challenge. Jessica Henson is likewise unflappable and will press any half-decent case to get the best result for the client. Together, they have assembled an excellent, fast-growing team, with Clementine Dowley deservedly joining the partnership and Sean Knight surely destined for great things. Rachel Anderson-Deas, Sophia Smout, and Hannah Lindo round out an impressive roster.
- Jess Henson is an impressive practitioner — clear-thinking, technically strong, and thoroughly prepared. She inspires confidence in clients and counsel alike. She is a pleasure to work with.
- The team at PHB is now firmly established in the top tier and has been involved in some of the biggest cases in London and overseas.
Key clients
- Lonsdale Family Trustees
- Estate of Reeves
Work highlights
Advised on international trustee removal proceedings involving multi-billion dollar trust structure with month long trial in June 2026.
Advised on powerholder capacity issues involving a multi-billion dollar trust structure with a trial in November 2026.
Advised on a complex multi-billion dollar trusts and divorce matter.
Lawyers
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Leading associates
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Practice head
Richard Manyon; Jessica Henson
Other key lawyers
Rosamond McDowell; Robert Brodrick; Dominic Crossley; Clementine Dowley; Charlotte Henshall; Sean Knight; Rosie Sells