Department profile
Wedlake Bell LLP

Private Wealth Disputes

High Net Worth Guide 2025 : London (Firms)


Wedlake Bell LLP

Rankings

About

Provided by Wedlake Bell LLP

We have significant experience in advising on a wide range of UK and cross-border disputes concerning estates, trusts and vulnerable clients. We also recognise that disputes can be stressful for those involved and so we always aim for an expedient conclusion, using alternative dispute resolution methods, such as mediation, wherever possible.

Our particular expertise includes:

Estate Disputes

  • claims under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975.
  • challenges to the validity of a Will including those relating to a lack of testamentary capacity and undue influence.
  • applications for the removal of executors.
  • disputes regarding the deceased’s personal possessions or the ownership of a deceased’s ashes.

Trust Disputes

  • advising trustees and beneficiaries in relation to trust assets and the administration of the trust, such as seeking disclosure of financial or other information.
  • applications for the removal of a trustee.
  • applications to vary the terms of a trust.
  • proprietary estoppel and constructive trust claims.

Vulnerable client disputes

  • advising on and preparing a wide range of applications to the Court of Protection in respect of incapacitated individuals including: the appointment of a deputy for property and affairs; making a statutory Will or gift; and the appointment or discharge of a trustee.
  • dealing with the Office of the Public Guardian in cases of suspected financial abuse by an attorney.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Private Wealth Disputes - London (Firms)

Band 3

Band 3


What the Team is Known For
Wedlake Bell advises clients across domestic and international contentious trusts and probate disputes. Its lawyers are well placed to provide specialist litigation advice on issues relating to asset recovery and breach of duty claims.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • They are really smart, switched-on lawyers and lovely, down-to-earth people too. Wedlake Bell’s partners combine a high net worth client base with a real-life, unstuffy perspective.

    Private Wealth Disputes respondentHigh Net Worth
  • I have a lot of time for them. They have managed to pull in an astonishing amount of quality work and have great depth of clients that keep coming back. The associate retention is also excellent.

    Private Wealth Disputes respondentHigh Net Worth
  • I was very impressed with the team and their calmness. I found them really accommodating and willing to fit in with my availability too.

    Private Wealth Disputes respondentHigh Net Worth

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Band 4Andrew O'Keeffe
    Band 4Andrew O'Keeffe

    Andrew O'Keeffe

    Andrew O'Keeffe's contentious trust and probate practice includes acting for various parties in disputed inheritance cases regarding sizeable family estates.
    • His USP is really pragmatism. He is good at narrowing in on objectives and tries to find the angle on what the goal is.

      Private Wealth Disputes respondentHigh Net Worth
    • Andrew O'Keefe is an outstanding but unpretentious lawyer.

      Private Wealth Disputes respondentHigh Net Worth
    • He is extremely tenacious but also very down to earth about dealing with things.

      Private Wealth Disputes respondentHigh Net Worth
  • Band 4Caroline Miller
    Band 4Caroline Miller

    Caroline Miller

    Caroline Miller's practice combines contentious and non-contentious private wealth matters. She leads the private client disputes team at Wedlake Bell.

    • Caroline focuses on client service, and encourages the same in her team. She is able to apply her in-depth knowledge to client circumstances in a way that they can feel supported by pragmatic advice.

      Private Wealth Disputes respondentHigh Net Worth
    • Caroline Miller is poised, perceptive and tactical.

      Private Wealth Disputes respondentHigh Net Worth
    • She is a good technical trusts lawyer.

      Private Wealth Disputes respondentHigh Net Worth

Ranked Individuals at Wedlake Bell LLP (2)

London (Firms)

Members

Provided by Wedlake Bell LLP

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