Brodies LLP has a comprehensive contentious trusts and probate offering, allowing the firm to advise on the full gamut of matters. The team’s wide-ranging expertise includes, inter alia, disputes over the validity of wills, cohabitants’ claims on death and actions to prove the tenor of wills. The practice group is co-led by experienced partners Mark Stewart, who specialises in handling matters relating to estate, succession and tax planning, and Richard Pike, who excels in inheritance, trusts and landed estates disputes. Angela McCulloch is a name to note for winding up complex estates, while Alan Barr covers the full range of trust and tax issues. James Reekie stands out for his work in challenging the actions of executors and trustees, as well as acting in contentious confirmation applications.
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Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- Richard Pike - a voice of measured calm in often turbulent dispute waters. First-rate.
- We work with Richard Pike and his team as our "go-to" contacts for Scots law advice. They are a first-class outfit - responsive, knowledgeable, and excellent.
- Richard Pike is an excellent lawyer. He is responsive, knowledgeable, and a trusted partner for any disputes we have that have a cross-border (England/Scotland) element.
- What makes Brodies unique is that they have expertise in both Scots Law and English Law. They have become a valuable partner for us in any trust and probate disputes that have a cross-border (England/Scotland) element.
- Strong depth in both Scottish and English private client contentious matters.
- Richard Pike is excellent. One of the very few contentious specialists working North and South of the Border. Strong technical skills and a formidable advocate for his clients.
- Richard Pike is an experienced, savvy litigator. He is supported by a great team of juniors.
- Angela McCulloch is excellent and a pleasure to work with. Nick Marshall has cross-border expertise and an excellent reputation. Alan Barr has an impressive profile and is friendly and down to earth while also being very knowledgeable.
- Brodies is known for being a leading firm in private client work and has high-quality lawyers who are very technically able and commercially astute. They are also personable and easy to deal with.
- Clear expertise with the subject matter, but also sensitivity to the matters being addressed and emotional intelligence.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
James Reekie
Practice head
Mark Stewart; Richard Pike
Other key lawyers
Angela McCulloch; Alan Barr; James Reekie