Chancery: Traditional

Radcliffe Chambers has a large group of respected traditional chancery practitioners. "This chambers is extremely well known and respected within this area of work and is experienced in dealing with extremely complicated and legally technical matters. Radcliffe has barristers available at every level of call," says an interviewee. They are particularly notable for their work on wills and probate matters, and continue to act in Clitheroe v Bond, a defining case on how to determine testamentary capacity following the Mental Capacity Act 2005.

"The clerks are great - they're very helpful and really good at finding right solution for you."

"John Clark leads a great clerking team. They are responsive and knowledgeable."

"The clerks are excellent. They are reassuring, responsive and clear."

Robert Pearce KC is a respected silk who has a substantial traditional chancery practice and is particularly noted for his handling of complex trust and charities cases. He is sought after by trustees, executors and private companies. "Robert Pearce is extremely cerebral and has an almost unparalleled knowledge and understanding of complex trusts matters." "He's probably one of the clearest advocates and is very persuasive in his arguments." "He produces very good quality paperwork and is a very effective negotiator."

Thomas Dumont KC has a highly respected traditional chancery practice and routinely handles complex and high-value trusts and estates disputes. He regularly appears in both the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court. "Thomas gives real confidence to solicitors and clients alike, and provides pragmatic, client-friendly advice." "He is able to see through the complexity to the aspects that really matter. He's charming, and always a complete pleasure to work with and to put before lay clients." "Thomas was brilliant at handling the technical and legal sides as well as the strategy and understanding the personalities involved."

Josh Lewison is a junior with a broad traditional chancery practice which encompasses both onshore and offshore work. He is noted for his handling of charitable trust matters, as well as cases relating to wills and estates. "Josh has been a great addition to the team. He can cut through the detail to see a clear strategy, is very good at client handling and always responds quickly." "Josh is an all-round great barrister. He's technically brilliant and goes above and beyond to do everything he can in a case. He sees things in a practical way for clients." "Josh is phenomenally bright but in a very attainable way. He grasps tricky, thorny technical points very well. I can't speak highly enough about him. He's very pragmatic and very responsive."

Keith Rowley KC has a much-respected traditional chancery practice and is recognised for his particular strength in matters with a pensions aspect. He also has a breadth of experience in trusts and professional negligence claims. "Keith Rowley has colossal experience of trusts and pensions matters, and it shows." "Keith has always been attentive and immensely supportive."

Piers Feltham is a highly regarded junior whose respected traditional chancery practice encompasses both contentious and non-contentious matters. He is particularly noted for his work with estates and professional negligence claims. "Piers is a fantastic advocate, both in the traditional chancery setting but also in the Court of Protection. He has great tactical nous, is well liked by clients and can cut to the chase." "Piers has excellent technical ability, is very personable and is user-friendly." "Piers is extremely responsive and always provides clear, unequivocal advice to clients. The speed at which Piers is able to grasp and opine on complex legal matters is equally impressive."

William Moffett is a much-liked junior who is praised highly for his handling of contentious trust and inheritance matters. He offers a particular depth of expertise in contested wills and is especially sought after by high net worth individuals. "He has a real eye for detail and for managing complex pieces of work." "Every piece of work you get from him is top drawer." "William is a good advocate and very responsive."

Daniel Burton's growing traditional chancery practice includes contested probate, estate administration and charities matters. "His advocacy was incredible. He is very good with clients and quickly comes to grips with all the key issues." "Dan gives straightforward, clear advice and is passionate about his work and clients." "Daniel is approachable, hugely knowledgeable and practical. Clients feel confident in his ability and he makes them feel at ease."

Edward Hicks handles contentious probate cases, matters relating to arguments over wills, and disputes as to the administration of estates and trusts. "Edward Hicks is amazing. His attention to detail is unsurpassable, and he is both a hard negotiator and warm and friendly with clients." "Ed is a formidable presence. His knowledge and attention to detail is incredible, and clients and instructing solicitors alike are reassured by his calm guidance." "Edward Hicks is simply excellent. His knowledge and attention to detail are second to none, and he leaves no stone unturned."

Francesca Quint focuses her practice in the field of charities law. Her practice is primarily advisory, and she is frequently trusted with the most complex and high-profile charities matters. "She's a great technical guru and knows a lot about charity work."

Justin Holmes has a broad traditional chancery practice focusing primarily on contentious matters, including disputes relating to wills, estates and beneficiary duties. "He is very calm and to the point. He has a good way of managing clients and their expectations. He is one of my top choices for a counsel." "Justin is my go-to barrister for this sort of work. He is responsive and approachable." "He is quick, knowledgeable, personable and practical, with exceptional advocacy skills."

Kate Selway KC is particularly commended for her expertise in tax-related traditional chancery cases but is also frequently instructed on Inheritance Act, trusts and probate matters. "Kate is brilliant, very approachable and a great team player." "Kate is a true expert in her fields of the law and conducts herself with the utmost professionalism. She is very organised and delivers her advice or advocacy to the most exceptional standards." "Kate quickly determines the optimal strategic approach. She's personable and great with clients."

Matthew Mills has a broad chancery practice encompassing wills, trusts and estates, charities, property and commercial matters. "Matthew is a very polished junior with a very easy manner and the ability to produce high-quality work to tight deadlines." "Matthew is great in court and especially in conferences with clients, breaking down complex issues into palatable, easy-to-understand chunks of information." "Matthew is an exceptionally talented advocate. He was responsive, helpful, empathetic and technically accurate."

Oliver Hilton has a busy traditional chancery practice that takes in complex trusts and succession matters. He is instructed both onshore and offshore. "Oliver consistently demonstrates strong attention to detail and is able to advise in a pragmatic, logical manner." "Oliver is superb. I have instructed him on several occasions over the years and he has always been remarkable." "Oliver Hilton is an excellent claimant advocate. He is trial-ready from day one and is thinking of the outcome for the client at all stages of his instruction."

Sophia Rogers has a broad traditional chancery practice that includes advising on wills, trusts and probate. She also has experience of offshore work. "Sophia offers a good level of service and is extremely bright."

Charles Holbech is an established junior who has a diverse private client practice and is frequently instructed on both contentious and non-contentious matters. He is particularly noted for his technical knowledge of tax matters. "Charles is technically superb and able to unwind complicated trust issues so that we and the clients can understand them." "Charles Holbech has been quick and expert in dealing with our instructions to him." "His written work was very good - it was very thorough - and moreover, he was very collaborative and very user-friendly."

Jonathan Edwards has built a strong reputation for his chancery practice, particularly in contested probate and proprietary estoppel matters. "I have been extremely impressed with the speed at which he provides clear and commercially-minded advice on complex legal matters." "Jonathan is a clear, calm and measured advocate with the ability to make strong and cutting submissions without the need to exaggerate or be flamboyant." "Jonathan is excellent counsel. He gets to grips with complex or unusual matters quickly and effectively."

Marcus Flavin acts on both contentious and non-contentious traditional chancery matters. He is regularly instructed both onshore and offshore, and has particular expertise in advising on probate and estate administration, trusts and Inheritance Act claims. "Marcus is excellent at quickly turning work around and is always pragmatic and practical in his advice. He's good with lay clients and ever reliable. He's a real star." "Marcus is great - detailed, quick and efficient." "Marcus turned this piece of work around so quickly for me and has been extremely responsive to any further queries that I or my client has raised."

Nathan Wells is a well-established junior who has a wide-ranging traditional chancery practice. He is a particularly fine choice of counsel for matters with a Northern Irish aspect to them, as he has also been called to the Northern Irish Bar. He is regularly instructed in cases concerning trusts, wills, probate and estate administration. "My client adored him."

Roger Mullis is frequently sought out for his expertise in contentious probate matters and cases involving the administration of estates, trusts, wills and real property. "Roger was brought in for urgent and complex advice, which he delivered with aplomb." "He has a strong command of strategy and detail. His knowledge of the law is second to none. I can't speak highly enough of him."