Chancery: Traditional Department

Radcliffe Chambers has a large group of respected traditional chancery practitioners. "They are a pleasure to work with," says an interviewee, who adds: "They've got a really down-to-earth group of barristers." They are particularly notable for their work on wills and probate matters, and Radcliffe is described by a source as "a real leading set for Inheritance Act claims."

Sources praise highly the clerking operation at Radcliffe. "The set has excellent service and brilliant clerking - they have a brilliant understanding of the solicitor-barrister relationship," comments a source. Another says: "Their administrative team works really well, and clerks are friendly and nice." The team is led by joint senior clerks Keith Nagle and John Clark, and the set's chief executive is Fiona Fitzgerald.

Charles Holbech "is very, very good. He goes the extra mile on difficult cases," says a source. An interviewee comments: "He's absolutely brilliant. He gives the client confidence in the case and really helps them through it." His practice includes advising clients on contentious and non-contentious trusts and estates matters and related tax issues.

Daniel Burton is building a strong reputation at the chancery Bar advising on contentious probate and trusts matters. "He's able to judge the capabilities of clients and tailor his demeanour appropriately. He's calm and sympathetic throughout," says one source. A fellow junior says that Burton has a "good manner, and raises good and sensible points," and that he "does a good job for his clients."

Edward Hicks assists with disputes concerning trusts and estate administration, trusts of land and Inheritance Act claims. "His knowledge is incredible, he's always helpful and always proactive," says a source. "He is meticulous, with a strong attention to detail and a good balance in conference between providing fine legal detail and translating things so the client understands," comments an interviewee.

Francesca Quint is a respected traditional chancery practitioner who is known widely for her expertise in charities work. She is highly sought after for the most complex non-profit issues, primarily in an advisory capacity.

Josh Lewison is a respected traditional chancery barrister who handles onshore and offshore work. "He has good attention to detail. I like his commerciality, and he's able to identify the key points for the client," comments an interviewee. Another commentator says that "he's very responsive, and he often goes above and beyond what he's asked to do, providing further insight to his views."

Justin Holmes is "bright and good with clients, reasonable and collaborative," says a source, and another says: "He's very good in conference with the client, and very hard-working and diligent." His contentious probate and trusts work is complemented by his acknowledged expertise in Court of Protection cases. "He's so good on Court of Protection crossover work," according to an interviewee, who also says that "his knowledge is second to none."

Kate Selway QC is "excellent - very thorough, clever and practical," according to an interviewee, while another comments: "She's very good at guiding the clients through quite complex issues, and has a balanced approach to claims." Selway advises on trusts, Inheritance Act claims, contested probate and estate administration matters.

Katherine McQuail has a strong reputation in this market, particularly for Inheritance Act claims probate and trusts matters. "She was just brilliant - delightful to deal with, and gave me a run for my money," comments a fellow barrister. Another interviewee says: "She's very clear, straight-talking, down to earth and reliable. She's very easy to work with, and turns things around very quickly."

Keith Rowley QC is a respected traditional chancery practitioner, with a particular depth of experience in pensions matters, in addition to trusts disputes and professional negligence claims.

Marcus Flavin is praised for his "sensible and commercial approach" and "clever and sharp mind" by sources. "He is really good at partnering with you and is a real part of the team. He's good at suggesting alternative solutions, and extremely helpful," explains an interviewee. Flavin's practice includes advising on probate and estate administration, trusts and Inheritance Act claims.

Nathan Wells has a respected private client practice advising on matters concerning wills, trusts and probate. He also handles real property cases and has been called to the Northern Irish Bar.  "He's very professional and has a nice manner about him," says an interviewee, and another describes him as "very helpful, thorough and knowledgeable."

Oliver Hilton is "a very technical and conscientious lawyer," according to an interviewee, and another reports: "Oliver is your details man, with a hawk-eye for detail. He really does leave no stone unturned." "He's extremely popular because he really is a great team player - he will suggest things and get on with them, and will make sure you feel looked after," says one source. Hilton regularly advises clients on probate and trusts matters.

Peter Crampin QC has a formidable depth of experience in traditional chancery matters. He is particularly respected for his work on charities cases and has been involved in numerous matters abroad.

Piers Feltham is a deeply respected junior who frequently handles complex and high-value chancery cases, and is well known for his expertise in estoppel matters. "He is outstanding on anything estoppel-related," says an interviewee, who adds: "He can see the solution and drive that way. He's very bright and knows everything there is to know about estoppel." Another source states: "He's very easy to deal with, very responsive and very intelligent. His written work is amazing, and his technical ability is excellent. He's very user-friendly."

Robert Pearce QC "is a very, very good lawyer," says a commentator, adding: "He is terribly conscientious - you know that he will think about everything. He has always made the effort to make things easy for the client to understand." He is well known for handling major contentious trust matters and charities cases.

Roger Mullis is "very personable and very approachable," according to a source. He assists with a wide array of traditional chancery matters, including trusts and probate disputes, estate administrations and real property cases.

Rising star Sophia Rogers is described by a source as "very approachable and easy to come to with questions," and another interviewee says: "She's very helpful and very sensible. She's always so thorough." Her broad traditional chancery practice includes advising on wills, trusts and probate, and she also has experience of offshore work.

Thomas Dumont QC is a well-respected traditional chancery silk who regularly handles complex and high-value trusts and estates disputes. "What I like about Thomas is that he is tremendously easy-going and a charming person," says an interviewee, adding: "What I appreciate and rate about him is that beneath that charming exterior, he is always on it - he has a complete command of his material."