Private client
Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP’s private wealth team advises HNW clients on the full range of domestic and international issues (with a focus on US/UK matters), operating across the firm’s London, Newcastle and Leeds offices. Neil Long advises individuals, families, charities and trustees on matters such as the validity of wills and trust documents, undue influence and other matters, such as mental capacity. Will Ford works with UK and international individuals and families, as well as trustees, family offices and financial institutions. Rosie Taylor is also recommended.
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Profile
Work Department
Private wealth.
Position
Neil is an experienced private client lawyer, with a particular specialism in trust and estate disputes. Neil advises individuals, families, charities and trustees on the validity of wills and trusts; the conduct of executors and trustees; the rights of beneficiaries; and all related issues such as mental capacity, undue influence, construction and interpretation of wills and trusts; and claims for financial provision under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975. He has extensive experience of negotiation, mediation and litigation, having conducted cases in the Family and Chancery Divisions of the High Court, the Court of Appeal and the Court of Protection. Neil also has a strong non-contentious practice advising clients on wills and inheritance tax. Neil regularly acts as executor, trustee and deputy (particularly as an independent professional in disputed cases).
Career
Qualified Legal Executive (TLT, Bristol) 2002; qualified solicitor (GRM Law, London) 2006; joined Finers Stephens Innocent, London 2007; partner, Finers Stephens Innocent/Howard Kennedy 2013; partner, Bond Dickinson, London 2015; partner, Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP on combination 2017.
Memberships
Association of Contentious Trust and Probate Specialists (ACTAPS); Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP), President of The Association of Corporate Trustees (TACT) and Chair of TACT's Private Trusts Committee.
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Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘This firm is on the up and is one to watch in London especially, it has a very well established base in Newcastle where it has been the top firm for decades.’
‘Neil Long leads the team and is a great guy, splits his time between disputes and non contentious. Will Ford - also great - technically excellent on the international front.'