Led by Michelle Rose, VWV’s contentious trusts and estates team is widely regarded as a go-to practice for complex disputes involving family conflict and sensitive, high-value estates. A distinctive feature of the practice is its specialist legacy protection offering, working closely with the firm’s charities team to advise major national charities, higher education institutions and independent schools on protecting and defending legacies. The group has also seen significant growth in contentious Court of Protection work, particularly in high-value property and financial affairs disputes, with Vicky Ward a key name in this area. Fiona Lawrence is also noted for advising both claimants and defendants in Inheritance Act claims.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- VWV has a really excellent contentious trusts and estate team with vast experience in probate and trusts disputes.
- Vicky Ward is an excellent senior associate. She is calm, pragmatic, and really thorough.
- The team has vast strength in CTP work. Supportive and human.
- Fiona Lawrence can quickly grasp the most complex, high-value, and messy disputes. There is no one who will fight a client's corner better while still providing sage advice and ensuring a positive settled outcome is pursued at every stage.
- VWV is the dominant force in contentious trusts and probate in the South West.
- Michelle Rose is a class act and a delight to work with. Fiona Lawrence is strong, thorough, diligent, and clever.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Fiona Lawrence
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Vicky Ward
Practice head
Michelle Rose
Other key lawyers
Fiona Lawrence; Vicky Ward; Kate Ward; Georgina Howe