Clarke Willmott LLP's contentious probate offering is closely aligned with the firm’s agricultural litigation capabilities, enabling the team to represent a large number of farming clients in disputes involving agricultural estates. The firm routinely handles high-value proprietary estoppel and Inheritance Act claims in this space, and it is also well versed in dealing with disputes between trustees and beneficiaries, including over the administration of landed estates. Bristol-based lawyer Bonita Walters has a strong reputation for handling trust claims and succession disputes and co-heads the team with Esther Woolford in Taunton, who stands out for her expertise in agricultural claims.
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Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Polly Ridgway is tactical, pragmatic and committed to her clients and her case management is superb.
- 'Esther Woolford heads an impressive team and her breath of knowledge in Contentious trusts and probate is excellent.’
‘The firm is a great choice for probate and trusts disputes, with appropriate subject-matter expertise coupled with a well-judged and efficient approach.’
‘I would highlight the excellent work of senior associate Emma Ironside - Emma handles the procedural and substantive complexities of estate disputes with admirable clarity and precision. I have been impressed by her measured approach. ’
‘Clarke Willmott have an excellent spread of fee earners covering all areas of contentious probate, particularly with an agricultural element.’
‘Rob Mullen - does everything and does it well. Really efficient, thoughtful and has thought about things from every angle.'
'Esther Woolford - super knowledgeable, hard working and friendly.'
'Bonita Walters - savvy, straightforward and pragmatic.'
'Emily Jenkins - one to watch. Very organised, thoughtful and on it.
‘Bonita Walters - partner who heads up the contentious trust and probate work, a brilliant lawyer who takes a no nonsense approach which secures great results for her clients.'
Work highlights
- Acted for a client in a £3.3m proprietary estoppel case which received a Supreme Court ruling.
- Acted for two clients in a high-profile successful High Court case establishing a precedent for claims for want of knowledge and approval.
- Advised an estate on various trust and estoppel claims brought by two sons of the deceased.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Bonita Walters; Esther Woolford
Other key lawyers
Polly Ridgway; Emma Ironside; Emily Jenkins; Robert Mullen