Contentious trusts and probate

Burges Salmon LLP

‘A leading force based in Bristol', Burges Salmon LLP's private wealth disputes team excels at handling complex contentious matters for high-net-worth individuals, and in particular standing out for its expertise in beneficiary-executor disputes over trust structures involving landed estates and offshore assets. The team acts for both beneficiaries and trustees in high-value professional negligence claims, trust structure challenges, and breach of agreement claims, and it is also highly capable of handling complex will challenges. Kevin Kennedy is increasingly involved in matters at the intersection of private wealth and natural capital and heads up the team together with Justin Briggs, a private wealth and pensions expert who chiefly handles trusts matters. Suzanne Padmore is also a key contact for trusts disputes. Caroline Emslie left the team in December 2023.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘Kevin Kennedy - down to earth, clear and informative delivery, with a sense of humour ’
‘A wonderful team led by the superb Kevin Kennedy. Very good at managing large teams on complex cases. ’
‘Kevin Kennedy is an incredibly thoughtful lawyer who is excellent at devising a clear strategy and executing it. ’
‘A leading force based in Bristol’
‘Kevin Kennedy - A genuine leader in his field. Superb. ’
‘Good combo of London and Bristol’
‘Justin Briggs is bright, efficient and trusted and liked by clients.’
‘Kevin Kennedy is excellent. Very focused and easy to work with.’

Work highlights

Advised a UK Landed Estate beneficiary on the winding up and resettlement of a complicated family trust structure.
Advised offshore trustees on claims raised by a beneficiary.
Advised a UK beneficiary on claims against a family member’s will and a challenge to lifetime transactions that prejudiced him.