Barristers

Constance McDonnell KC

Constance McDonnell KC

Serle Court, London

Position

Constance specialises in trusts and probate disputes.  She has appeared in a number of highly publicised cases, including Reeves v Drew (a probate dispute about the £100m estate of an illiterate testator). She has appeared twice in the UK Supreme Court: as Junior Counsel in the landmark case of Ilott v The Blue Cross and recently in Hirachand v Hirachand, concerning whether a CFA success fee can be recoverable as part of an award under the 1975 Act.  Constance also has an international practice.

Prior to taking Silk in 2019, Constance won the Chancery Junior of the Year award at the 2018 Chambers Bar Awards, and was recommended as a Star Individual in Chambers UK Bar Guide 2019 and High Net Worth Guide 2018.  Constance won the ‘Barrister of the Year’ Gold Award at the 2023 Citywealth Magic Circle Awards.

Career

Called in 2000 (Lincoln's Inn).

Memberships

Chancery Bar Association; STEP; ACTAPS.

Education

MA in Classics, Oriel College, Oxford.

Mentions

London Bar

Private wealth and probate

Leading silk2
Constance McDonnell KC  – Serle Court ‘Constance combines deep knowledge with an ability to get on with all client types and is a powerfully persuasive advocate. Her attention to detail is second-to-none, fully immerses herself in her cases and gives her all to every brief.’
The English Bar Offshore

Trusts and private wealth

Leading silk3
Constance McDonnell KC – Serle Court ‘Constance is determined and tenacious with opposing parties,and approachable and compassionate to her clients. She is calm and patient, persistent, and an excellent advocate.’