Accomplished at handling claims under the Inheritance Act, trust disputes, and validity of will issues, the contentious trusts and probate team at Shakespeare Martineau LLP is headed by Andrew Wilkinson. Alistair Spencer is a key name in the West Midlands for the practice, advising clients on estoppel and Inheritance Act claims, and executor and trustee disputes. Tamsin Walker is another name to note in the Birmingham office. Walker takes on matters that arise from the administration of trusts and estates, as well as challenges to the validity of wills and professional negligence claims.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- A brilliant team at all levels.
- Andrew Wilkinson is a titan. Tamsin Walker is excellent.
- Anna Morris (Partner) is flawlessly well-informed, intelligent, strategic, professional, focused, empathetic, and a powerful advocate against sometimes formidable opposition.
- The practice gives clear and unambiguous advice, and their billing has been transparent and easy to understand. It was important to minimize the costs, wherever practical, on the matter they have handled for me, and at each step, I have trusted that this need has been balanced with their desire to provide sound and thorough advice.
- Each of the individuals I have encountered at SM has been honest, straightforward, and pragmatic. Responses are quick, and I have never been left waiting.
- They communicate clearly and promptly, and are always approachable, polite, and patient in their interactions.
- The team is efficient, supportive, and communicates clearly and professionally.
- The Shakespeare Martineau team is technically brilliant, emotionally intelligent, and tenacious.
- The team combines technical knowledge with a clear focus on outcomes rather than processes. It delivers clear, pragmatic advice on complex matters.
- Tamsin Walker is distinctive for her ability to balance technical strength with commercial realism. Her calm authority, responsiveness, and willingness to take ownership of difficult decisions are highly valued.
Work highlights
Advising a client in relation to a claim brought against him by his sisters for breach of his fiduciary duties as a managing agent for the family property portfolio, repayment of loans alleged to have been made to him, breach of fiduciary duty as a co-administrator of his late mother’s estate and failure to distribute in accordance with the intestacy rules.
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.
Practice head
Andrew Wilkinson
Other key lawyers
Alistair Spencer; Tamsin Walker