A wide range of contentious and non-contentious trust matters fall within the strong remit of the private client and trusts team at Appleby. Its expertise extends across the establishment, administration, restructuring, and termination of a variety of trusts, including private, charitable, purpose, and commercial. Other areas of expertise for the department span advising on international estate planning for high-net-worth individuals and their families, trustee and beneficiary-related issues, and international wills. Sam Riihiluoma heads up the trusts dispute practice, which oversees high-value litigation and court approved restructurings. Vanessa Schrum co-heads the trusts group alongside Nicola Bruce, who joined the team from Collas Crill. Schrum is noted for her extensive expertise in assisting clients with non-contentious issues that often involve cross-jurisdictional matters, and Bruce has a particular interest in charitable and philanthropic trusts, as well as private family trusts. Counsel Caljonah Smith is notable for advising on wills, enduring powers of attorney, and heath care directives. Previous practice head Hannah Tildesley  joined Walkers in December 2023.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Key clients

  • The Estate of Hung Wen-Hsiung

Work highlights

  • Acting for the Estate of Hung Wen-Hsiung in proceedings concerning whether certain trusts were invalid and whether they were true trusts under Bermuda law.

Lawyers

Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Vanessa Schrum, Nicola Bruce, Sam Riihiluoma

Other key lawyers

Caljonah Smith