Wilberforce Chambers is a go-to set for offshore contentious trust mandates, and is praised for having some of the ‘leading barristers in the world for international trusts work’. It is home to the reputable Brian Green KC and Robert Ham KC, who regularly handles traditional private client work, as well as cases involving elements of tax and pension schemes. Clare Stanley KC frequently appears before the courts of the Channel Islands, Cayman, and the BVI regarding trust cases. She acted for the claimant in Halabi v Equity Trust (Jersey) Ltd, which is now a leading case regarding the proper distribution of assets when dealing with an insolvent offshore trust. Gilead Cooper KC is particularly skilled in contentious property and trusts matters. Turning to the juniors at the set, Anna Littler is a key name to note, as is Elizabeth Houghton, who represents clients in novel Chancery matters that often have an international element.
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Position
Robert has a litigation and advisory practice, largely related to trust law. It covers not only traditional private client work, and associated tax law, but also pension schemes together with professional negligence in those fields.
He enjoys devising complex transactions and drafting the documents to give effect to them, as well as sorting out the legal effect of complex transactions for which others were responsible.
Career
Called 1973; KC 1994; deputy High Court judge; bencher of the Middle Temple; was co-author of ‘Tolley’s Pensions Handbook’ 1st edition 1992, 2nd edition 1995; editor ’Settlements’ (Halsbury’s Laws); various articles and notes on trust law and pensions in ‘British Pension Lawyer’ and ’Trust Law International’.
Memberships
Association of Pension Lawyers; Chancery Bar Association; Commercial Bar Association; International Tax Planning Association; STEP.
Education
Wadham College, Oxford (BCL; BA).
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Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'All the clerks are friendly (including to junior instructing lawyers), polite and very eager to help. It is very easy to liaise with Stewart Cameron in particular on any instructions, conferences and general access to counsels.'
- 'Nicholas Luckman is incredibly friendly and knowledgeable.'
- 'Nicholas Luckman may be the best in the business.'
- 'Andrew Barnes is brilliant and is very personable.'
- 'Very professional and easy to deal with. Nicholas Luckman and Andrew Barnes know the market very well.'