Trusts | UK Bar

5 Stone Buildings is appreciated for the "the breadth of experience, approachability and no-nonsense approach to very complicated matters" exhibited by its members. The set advises on complex contentious and non-contentious trust matters, and has significant expertise in the handling of will trusts and deeds of variation, as well as specialist areas including strict settlements, entailed interests and perpetuities. Its team is active in several offshore jurisdictions such as the Channel Islands, the British Virgin Islands and the Cayman Islands. Recent work highlights include R v Mone and Barrowman, a case concerning £75m worth of Proceeds of Crime Act Final Restraint Orders.

Paul Jennings is the senior clerk.

Serle Court is well regarded for its leading expertise in contentious and non-contentious trusts matters, both in England and offshore. Instructing solicitors make particular note of the set's "extensive experience and deep talent at all levels of seniority." This is reflected in its broad practice which includes high-value trusts disputes, claims made under the Inheritance Act 1975 and allegations of fraud. Its barristers are also frequently active in high-profile trusts cases in a number of other jurisdictions including Bermuda, Guernsey and the Channel Islands. Recently, its members have appeared in several standout cases such as Lorenz v Caruana, a claim that assets left under a will were held on the terms of a secret trust.

Nicholas Hockney and Daniel Wheeler are the practice directors.

The substantial team based at Wilberforce Chambers is routinely praised for its ability to "understand trusts both from a legal sense and commercially speaking" and to "tailor advice in ways which allows clients to not only understand the legal position, but also how it applies to their specific situation." Its barristers have considerable experience of handling high-profile trusts matters including those pertaining to the administration of estates, trust issues in matrimonial proceedings and international disputes. Recent highlights include Wong v Grand View Private Trust Company Ltd and ors.

Nicholas Luckman is the practice director.

New Square Chambers has a deep bench with wide-ranging experience in matters relating to trusts, including the construction and rectification of documents, the taxation of trusts and the intersection between trusts, insolvency, company law and civil fraud. A source notes that the team's "well-rounded expertise... differentiates them from other similar chambers." Engagement with high-profile cases such as that concerning the liquidation of a major Isle of Man trust and corporate services provider, involving over 1,000 trusts and complex issues of trust, insolvency and asset recovery law, is indicative of the set's substantial knowledge.

Michelle Greene is the senior clerk.

Ten Old Square receives commendation for its "real strength and depth when it comes to all trust-related matters," with its barristers regularly interacting with high-stakes matters of a contentious and non-contentious nature, both onshore and offshore. Its expertise takes in everything from drafting trusts documents to trustee removal applications and disputes relating to breach of trust. Its members have recently handled an array of notable cases such as Mitchell v W T Fry Trustee Limited and others. This matter raised several prominent questions surrounding the scope for a beneficiary to bring derivative claims, and whether the ability to bring derivative claims is a viable defence to a claim for removal.

Keith Plowman is the senior clerk.

XXIV Old Buildings is well known for its trusts expertise and is regarded as an "excellent set of chambers." Instructing solicitors praise it for its "clear cut and decisive advice delivered in a personable, non-legalese manner." Members act on behalf of, and against, an array of clients including private individuals, corporations, charities, trust structures and UHNW families. They frequently receive instructions in matters concerning complex trust and investment structures. Recent highlights include Ambra & others v Fiman Limited and others, which involved a number of novel issues relating to contractual, directors’ and agents’ duties in the context of the provision of offshore corporate services.

Paul Horsfield is the senior clerk.