Noted as housing a ‘superb team’ which is involved in ’some of the most high-profile cases’, Wilsons excels in dispute work within the charity sector. The firm counts a number of the largest national charities amongst its portfolio, whom it advises in contentious trust and probate matters as well as in trustee dispute cases. Charlotte Watts, who is hailed as an ‘excellent lawyer and a very tough litigator’, leads the Salisbury-based practice. Peter Jeffreys is another key name to note within the team who specialises in charity legacy issues, as is ’standout litigator’ James Aspden.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Superb team with a practice which competes with the top London firms. They have been involved in some of the most high-profile cases in this area in recent years.’

  • ‘James Aspden is an excellent lawyer with a great deal of experience. He is excellent with clients and fights very hard for them while also knowing when to settle.'

  • 'Charlotte Watts is also an excellent lawyer and a very tough litigator.'

  • ‘Wilsons has a well-deserved reputation for disputes involving charities. They combine commercial acumen with deep subject-matter expertise.’

  • ‘Partner James Aspden is a standout litigator who any charity trustee would be lucky to have in their corner.’

  • ‘Wilsons have the strongest charities client base in the country and regularly act for well-known charities in trusts and estate litigation. They are uniquely placed in the market both in terms of experience and expertise.’

  • ‘James Aspden is brilliant - academically-minded, but all across the detail.’

  • ‘Head and shoulders above the pack in understanding the needs of charities in both financial and PR terms. Advice is clear, concise and reflects the needs of the client.'

Key clients

  • RNLI
  • RSPCA
  • Macmillan Cancer Support
  • PDSA
  • Guide Dogs
  • Shelter
  • RNIB
  • Royal British Legion
  • St Christopher's Hospice
  • British Heart Foundation

Lawyers

Practice head

Charlotte Watts

Other key lawyers

Peter Jeffreys; James Aspden; Debbie Ashenhurst