Freeths LLP

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

• The team is a very well-established regional specialist in contentious trusts and probate. Mark Keeley has a deservedly strong reputation both as a mediator and as a replacement representative (PR and trustee). He brings that wealth of experience, and his ability to pour oil on troubled waters, to bear in the trickiest disputes. He heads up a strong team both in the East Midlands office and in the West Midlands. Max Orbach is an extremely good lawyer: thorough, pragmatic, and with great communication skills. He really gets stuck into the detail of a case and thinks of new angles of approach.
• The person I have worked with most is Mark Keeley. He is extremely able and one of the cleverest contentious probate lawyers I have come across. His knowledge is vast, and his experience as a very successful mediator makes him particularly valuable in understanding the way through difficult cases and working out the likely approach of his opponents. Emma Fitzmaurice is also excellent and highly skilled technically. She always has a detailed grasp of the case. Max Orbach is also a very smart and reflective lawyer who brings a balanced and measured analysis to all cases. They are an excellent team.
• Nicola Heslop and Max Orbach have always been available to meet our needs. They act in a proactive manner but also respond, usually by return, to any queries we have. Compared to two other legal firms we have used, Freeths LLP is exceptionally proactive and timely with their work. They are transparent with costs and have been helpful in mitigating costs where possible. They appear very knowledgeable in their field regarding Trusts and contentious resolution. Calm and reassuring in their approach to us, communicating by team calls, email, and phone where appropriate. The Freeths team has been extremely supportive and reassuring to us as clients during a protracted period.
• The team stands out for its intellectual rigor, credibility, and ability to manage complex matters calmly and effectively. Clients benefit from clear advice and a pragmatic approach.
• Mark Keeley is a nationally respected mediator and go-to for many. Rachel Gaffney is a thoroughly engaging lawyer who blends legal expertise with practical application and a willingness to work with opponents to resolve issues. Emma Fitzmaurice and Emma Pottinger are clear in their advice and open to working with others. Max Orbach is always available and provides consistent and robust advice.
• The Freeths team has one of the best profiles in this area of work. The team is incredibly knowledgeable and very good at what they do.
• I have used Mark Keeley as a mediator, and he has a well-known reputation. However, I know and am impressed by Max Orbach too, who I think is thoughtful and intelligent, as well as coming across as a good and trustworthy person.
• Max Orbach is a strong technical lawyer and easy to get along with. I find him reliable and a very safe pair of hands.

Work highlights

Lawyers

Leading associates

Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.

Max Orbach