Renowned for its comprehensive private wealth offering, and also capitalising on its expertise in key complementary areas including property, litigation, and regulatory matters, Hugh James remains a popular choice for rural clients across a broad spectrum of contentious and non-contentious needs. Team head Matthew Evans has substantial experience handling agriculture-related inheritance disputes, including heavily litigated proprietary estoppel cases. Planning expert Alex Madden, who joined in July 2024 from Thrings LLP, is also a key member of the team and has vast experience in handling farming and land diversification work.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The team provides a Rolls Royce service.’
‘An experienced and skilled team with breadth and depth of knowledge.’
‘Sarah O'Grady is a very good contentious probate lawyer, with particular expertise in inheritance act disputes.’
'Roman Kubiak - A titan in this field, who is at the top of his game.'
'Roman Kubiak leads the team with dedication and commitment. He is a very good lawyer who understands complicated legal arguments and is able to deploy them to the greatest effect for his clients.'
Key clients
- High Street Bank Trust Corporation
- M&J Gaymer
Work highlights
Acted for the executor of an estate involving a family fishing business, overseeing valuations, liaising on employment matters, and supporting the business's eventual wind-up.
Instructed in a High Court challenge under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, successfully securing a settlement and planning permission for the conversion of an agricultural building to commercial use after an appeal and redetermination process.
Provided estate planning advice to the shareholders of an agricultural business, including the preparation of new wills with discretionary trusts for business assets, a new shareholder agreement, and strategies to mitigate IHT liabilities.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Matthew Evans
Other key lawyers
Alex Madden; Catrin Wigley; Samantha Roberts; Richard Pike; Martin Jones; Sarah O’Grady; Roman Kubiak