Ranked in 1 Practice Areas
2

Band 2

Charities: Legacy Disputes

UK-wide

1 Years Ranked

Ranked in Guides

About

Provided by James Aspden

UK

Practice Areas

James is a partner in our Will & Trust Disputes team, and specialises in resolving trust and probate disputes.

Career

James read Law at Somerville College, Oxford then trained at Sharpe Pritchard in London. He joined Henmans on qualification in 2002, and moved to Wilsons in June 2004.

Industry Sector Expertise

James' work ranges from claims concerning the validity and effect of wills, claims under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975, undue influence and equitable claims, to actions by or against trustees of landed estates and international trust disputes. He regularly acts for clients in mediation and other forms of alternative dispute resolution.

Work Highlights

Recent highlights

- Ilott v Blue Cross and others – James represented the successful charity appellants in this seminal case. This is the first and only decision by the Supreme Court regarding claims under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975, and as such is the leading legal authority.

- Rubin v Eurofinance – James acted for the successful intervenor in this Supreme Court decision concerning the enforcement at common law of foreign bankruptcy orders.

- A dispute concerning a landed estate in Oxfordshire, concerning unfulfilled promises, alleged breaches of duty by trustees and a range of technical problems that needed to be resolved. This was resolved on confidential terms.

- A collection of several claims against solicitors for failing to include provisions designed to capture future development value, when selling land – all settled on confidential terms.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Chambers Guide to the Legal Profession

Charities: Legacy Disputes - UK-wide

2
Band 2
Individual Editorial

James Aspden is highly experienced in matters involving contested probate and trusts. He is regularly sought to manage cases involving cross border issues.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

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