
The Cleaver Fulton Rankin private client department is well-equipped to handle estate administration matters covering inheritance, corporate and property law. Practice head Michael Graham is a go-to for high-net-worth individuals and has significant expertise in trust administration. Graham is also noted for his experience dealing with vulnerable adults. Timothy Rankin is a key client contact for both The Esme Mitchell Trust and The Blackburn Trust and regularly advises individual clients with their inheritance tax planning. Brid McColgan, who was promoted to director in November 2024, specialises in the property aspects of complex estate administration mandates.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Billing & efficiency
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘I use CFR for private client work and have always found them to be experts in their field. They respond extremely quickly to any queries and clients and have a very experienced private client team. ’
- ‘The individuals I deal with on a regular basis are Tim Rankin, Michael Graham and Melissa Ruddock. All are very pleasant to deal with and very helpful.’
Key clients
- The Esme Mitchell Trust
- The Blackburn Trust
Work highlights
Administered the Esme Mitchell Trust with investments worth over £9,300,000.00.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.

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.
Brid McColgan

Timothy Rankin
Practice head
Michael Graham
Other key lawyers
Brid McColgan; Timothy Rankin; Melissa Ruddock

