Constance McDonnell KC
About
Provided by Constance McDonnell KC
Practice Areas
Traditional Chancery and Trusts, specialising in contentious trusts and probate, Inheritance Act claims, claims relating to the administration of trusts and estates, removal of trustees and personal representatives, undue influence, related professional negligence and proprietary estoppel. Constance also appears in the Court of Protection (property and affairs).
She has appeared in a number of highly publicised cases, including Reeves v Drew [2022] EWHC 159 (Ch) (a dispute about the validity of a will made by a wealthy illiterate testator), Hirachand v Hirachand [2022] 2 WLR 1162 (in which the Court of Appeal confirmed the ground-breaking principle that a CFA success fee can be regarded as part of a claimant’s needs for the purposes of a claim under the Inheritance Act), and Ingham v Wardman [2022] CA Bda 7 Civ (in which the Bermuda Court of Appeal criticised Executors for taking a non-neutral position, and ordered indemnity costs against them).
Prior to taking Silk in 2019, Constance was Junior Counsel for the Respondent in the landmark 1975 Act case of Ilott v The Blue Cross in the Supreme Court.
Career
Called in 2000 (Lincoln's Inn).
Professional Memberships
Chancery Bar Association, STEP, ACTAPS (Committee member).
Chambers Review
UK Bar
Constance McDonnell KC
Constance McDonnell KC is highly respected in the traditional chancery market for her handling of the most high-profile matters, including the notable Ilott case. She focuses on probate and contentious trusts, and also handles the administration of estates.
Constance McDonnell KC
Constance McDonnell KC is highly regarded for her work on probate and contentious trusts and probate. When in the Court of Protection she is frequently involved in cases concerning lifetime gifts, statutory wills and enduring powers of attorney. She is further able to advise on the sale of assets for clients who lack capacity.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"I am not sure if there are enough superlatives for her, she just always gets it right. She just knows the law inside out and is practical in her approach. Her advocacy is spot on."
"She is a formidable advocate."
"I am not sure if there are enough superlatives for her, she just always gets it right. She just knows the law inside out and is practical in her approach. Her advocacy is spot on."
"She is a formidable advocate."
Discover other Barristers at
Serle Court
Silks (KC)
All Circuits
London (Bar)
