Private Client; Trusts and Probate, Private Client: Personal Tax, Commercial Litigation

Barrister in general Chancery/commercial practice. Particular expertise in relation to trusts, wills and probate, estate administration, family provision, disputes over land, charities and insolvency along with related litigation, taxation (in particular inheritance tax, capital gains tax and stamp duty land tax) and professional negligence.

Called 1996. Contentious Private Client & Capital TaxesA v B [2016] EWHC 340 (Ch): Variation of Trusts Act 1958 application to extend perpetuity period. Case raised issues of confidentiality and offers guidance on the temporary exclusion of beneficiaries; DC v AC [2016] EWHC 477 (Ch): Variation of Trusts Act 1958 application to extend perpetuity period. Observations on impact on existing life interest for Inheritance Tax purposes; Re A Settlements (2016): Providing UK tax advice on effect of Jersey variation of trust application to rectify settlement deeds; Re R Settlements (2016): Advice and drafting concerning availability of Agricultural and Business Property Relief for substantial landed estate largely held through settlements. Re: T (2016): Rectification of Deed of Appointment to correct identity of fund liable for Inheritance Tax. Rectification granted by a Master under the extended jurisdiction now available to Masters in the Chancery Division. HMRC had refused to accept construction advanced by executors.

Non-Contentious Private ClientDavidson v Seelig (2016): Acting for a protector of a substantial family trust in claim by beneficiaries to set aside deed of appointment. Re G deceased (2016): Acting for family members in dispute over the sale of a portrait of sufficient national and artistic interest to attract conditional exemption for Inheritance Tax. To be heard in late 2016 or early 2017. Re W (2016): Challenge to will on grounds of undue influence. Acting for Defendants. Currently proceeding to trial. Re C Settlement (2016): Acting for trustees seeking to administer settlement made under Children Act 1989. Numerous issues including obtaining possession of family home and enforcement of covenants.

Commercial ChanceryRe G Ltd (2016): Acting for shareholders exercising options under a shareholder agreement put in place following a company purchase. Dispute over valuation methods resolved by expert determination. Re H Limited (2016): Partition of family owned investment company and resolution of directors’ dispute negotiated through mediation. Re E (2016): Dispute over construction and extent of tax indemnity relating to sums received by a professional footballer from an Employee Benefit Trust. Resolved by expert determination.

Chancery Bar Association; Professional Negligence Bar Association; STEP

William Hulme’s Grammar School, Manchester; Christ Church, Oxford.