Stevens & Bolton LLP’s broad caseload encompasses disputes surrounding the validity of wills, the recovery of assets, and trust disputes. With expertise in the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975, James Lister leads the team from Guildford and is a key port of call for corporate trustees. Jack Bailey contests applications for statutory wills, while Hayley Robinson, Susie Foden, and Ellie Sullivan are other key team members, and Alexa Payet joined the team in June 2026.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- The whole team at Stevens & Bolton contentious trusts and probate is extremely strong. They're dynamic and at the forefront of their practice area.
- James Lister is highly regarded and well-known in this practice area. He has a wealth of experience. Jack Bailey is a brilliant lawyer. He is clever and thoughtful in his advice to clients, and is sensible and pragmatic in his approach. He works very hard to get efficient resolutions for clients. He also has a calming and patient manner, which helps put clients at ease. Hayley Robinson is one to watch! She is very bright, hardworking, and has excellent judgment.
- Hayley Robinson is a brilliant associate to watch. Jack Bailey is a commercially astute and intelligent partner who is going places. James Lister is fantastically impressive: he is very intelligent, has built up a stellar team, and is empathetic and understanding of clients' needs to boot.
- Ellie Sullivan handled complex and demanding document management with remarkable efficiency and precision. She quickly brought order to challenging material, demonstrating strong organizational skills and attention to detail. Her calm, capable approach and clear judgment inspire confidence well beyond her years, making her a highly reliable and impressive member of the team. Jack Bailey brings a cheerful, pragmatic approach to every matter, making him a pleasure to work with. He is open-minded and willing to explore a range of dispute resolution strategies, tailoring his approach to achieve the best outcome. His positive attitude and practical judgment are consistently valued by clients and colleagues alike.
- James Lister: James is one of the most impressive solicitors in the field, with a seemingly limitless capacity for managing complex inheritance disputes. He is a fine example to the team he leads so well. Jack Bailey: Jack is deservedly acquiring an increasingly heavyweight practice. His tough but pragmatic style is well-suited to unlocking complex and emotionally fraught inheritance disputes. Hayley Robinson: Hayley is a real asset to the team, whether running cases herself or assisting the partners. She is diligent and conscientious in her approach to clients and opponents.
- James Lister is outstanding, as well as being extremely easy to work with.
Lawyers
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.
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
James Lister
Other key lawyers
Jack Bailey; Hayley Robinson; Susie Foden; Ellie Sullivan; Alexa Payet