The team at Michelmores LLP handles cross-border disputes concerning charity clients and high-net-worth claims related to beneficiaries in trust and inheritance claims involving international assets. Practice head Tony Cockayne acts for charities and high net worth individuals and has a mediation practice in this area. William Coon is well regarded for his work on estate and trust litigation for high-net-worth individuals alongside his focus on charity legacy disputes, while Jasmine Ivory has considerable expertise in legacy disputes and is noted for aiding clients in particularly sensitive disputes. Sarah O'Grady joined the practice in 2025 and has notable expertise in agricultural matters.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Tony Cockayne has built an excellent team around him. He is very experienced and has an unerring sense of how a case will develop and where a deal may lie. He is very strategic in his approach and is always looking for the other side’s pressure points.’
- ‘Great lawyers!’
- ‘Tony Cockayne - excellent lawyer and really easy to work.’
- ‘Genuine strength in depth and a formidable reputation, which is attracting top-flight work in this field.’
- ‘I recently worked with William Coon, who is bright, responsive and has good attention to detail. It is also clear that the team adopts a collaborative approach, liaising with each other about cases.’
- ‘Michelmores has excellent associates and partners across the board.’
Key clients
- Cancer Research UK
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.
Practice head
Tony Cockayne
Other key lawyers
William Coon; Jasmine Ivory; Sarah O'Grady