Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP’s contentious trusts and probate team advises a broad range of clients in the UK and internationally, including individuals, families, trustees, charities, financial institutions, attorneys, and defendant insurer practices. The team is adept at handling the full lifecycle of disputes, from preventative advice to litigation in complex, high-value matters involving trusts, estates, wills, and tax. Joe Kelley leads from Newcastle, bringing specialist expertise in high-value private wealth disputes; Kelley is particularly experienced in acting for trustees (both onshore and offshore), beneficiaries, charities, HNWIs, and insurers.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Speed and depth of analysis of complex facts, understanding of procedural rules and clarity of written and oral communication.’
‘A well-established leading firm that specialises in private client work and disputes. Has a leading reputation and is in the premier league for this sort of work. A true national firm with a book of clients that would be the envy of many. Quietly confident about its expertise and impact, and one that we would trust with our conflicts and referrals.'
‘Joe Kelley is a fantastic hire for the firm and a truly excellent technician and first-class lawyer. He is a cut above when it comes to this work. His attention to detail is brilliant, and he knows his stuff!'
‘The sheer quality of their work is outstanding. You get a rare combination of common sense, technical excellence and clarity of communication, and they fight their client's corner without unnecessary grandstanding.’
‘Joe Kelley is a robust, unflappable and highly experienced litigator.'
‘Womble Bond Dickinson is a firm with a strong national presence whilst remaining loyal to its roots in the North East. The quality of their work is excellent, and they have high court lawyers across the board.’
Work highlights
Acting for the sole independent trustee of three family trusts, which are subject to long-running and complicated High Court and Court of Appeal litigation regarding complex areas of partnership and trust law.
Acted for a HNWI in charity litigation, which focuses on the court's powers to appoint a receiver over a charity, and sets out the correct approach for analysing breaches of a charity's election rules and procedures.
Acted for a HNWI in litigation concerning whether the technical formalities of execution under the Wills Act 1837 have been followed.
Lawyers
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
Joe Kelley