Chancery: Traditional

Ten Old Square remains a premier set for handling trusts, probate and estates matters. The bench strength at the set is highlighted as a particular asset, with one interviewee commenting: "They have a strong set of barristers who between them are able to advise on the full range of chancery matters." An impressed source echoes this, saying: "They are truly a specialist set in this sort of work, and my go-to for high-value or complicated trust or probate litigation. Within that team they certainly have breadth of knowledge." Barristers at the set have been involved in several high-profile matters recently, including the Del-Curto v Del-Curto matter, an international matter concerning whether Italian forced estate succession rights could be enforced in England.

"The clerks were exceedingly helpful and responsive."

"The clerks will be incredibly flexible and work around you to get you the barrister you want."

"Keith Plowman is the senior clerk at Ten Old Square."

Richard Dew is a notable junior with a comprehensive traditional chancery practice which includes high-value probate and trusts matters. He is primarily instructed in contentious matters. "He's very sensible and really gives good, practical advice." "He is incredibly efficient and is always on the ball." "He is hugely experienced. He's able to look at issues and get to the nub of them, and see where the likely points and issues are going to be and how to deal with them."

Simon Taube KC is a respected silk who is regularly sought after for the most complex trust disputes both domestically and overseas, within a wider practice which covers all areas of traditional chancery. He is frequently trusted with the highest-value work. "He's a pleasure to work with, very nice and a safe pair of hands. He's pragmatic, inspires confidence, and the clients like him." "He's well respected and excellent with strategy." "Simon was a pleasure to work with. He's solution-focused and pragmatic."

Georgia Bedworth is a highly respected junior whose practice is primarily focused on trusts and estates matters. She is often instructed in both contentious and non-contentious matters, and is a particularly fine choice of counsel for matters with a substantial real property aspect. "She has encyclopaedic knowledge and thinks at the speed of light." "She has an exceptional eye for detail while also being very user-friendly, with both instructing solicitors and clients. Her knowledge of wills and probate chancery matters is second to none." "She has a brain the size of a planet and is very good at picking up obscure points that can turn a case around. Her memory is fantastic and she has good attention to detail."

Susannah Meadway is a well-known senior junior who is recognised for her exceptional expertise when handling non-contentious, technical trust questions. She has a well-respected general traditional chancery practice. "She is extremely able and solutions-focused. She is technically brilliant, an excellent communicator and adds value for the clients. She can be relied upon to deliver within the time frames agreed." "Susannah is very user-friendly, technically able, and offers excellent client service and turnaround times." "She is a go-to for complex trust advice and variation work. Her advice is prompt and you feel confident that she will find a solution. She is approachable, responsive and excellent value for money."

James MacDougald is a rising star in the traditional chancery market who is regularly instructed in trusts, wills, probate and Inheritance Act claims. He has a growing offshore and cross-border practice. "James is quick to respond, unfailingly helpful, has in-depth knowledge of private client tax and is a pleasure to work with. He impresses clients with his manner and knowledge." "James is a really safe, trusted pair of hands. He's unflappable, deals with our matters in very timely fashion and is incredibly user-friendly." "James is technically excellent, and the advocacy as well was very good."

Robert Arnfield is a noted junior with a wide-ranging traditional chancery practice encompassing everything from contentious wills and trusts to inheritance claims and estates work. "Robert is great to deal with. He's friendly and approachable. He has good ideas and flexibility of thought and approach. He always inspires confidence in his advice." "Robert's service is second to none. He is very pleasant to deal with, very efficient, and his costs are fair. The advice provided is always clear, well laid out and accessible for my clients."

James Poole is a rising star who often handles disputes that fuse probate, trust and property law. "James is incredibly good with clients, gives very clear and straightforward advice, and is incredibly easy to work with." "I can't speak highly enough of him. He knows his stuff. The manner and calmness that he's got, and his way of putting clients at ease and giving them confidence, takes a lot of stress away from them."

Philip Jenkins is an experienced traditional chancery practitioner who is often instructed to advise on wills, trusts and estates matters. He is regularly trusted with high-value and high-profile cases. "Philip is an empathetic adviser who is unafraid to be robust in negotiation and advice." "He's very knowledgeable and gets to grips with facts very quickly." "Philip is super intelligent and able to assist in all manner of issues. He is excellent at managing clients and their expectations."