Specialising in independent estate administration, Freeths LLP is well-equipped to handle claims under the Inheritance Act, contested court of protection work, and will challenges. The practice is also particularly active in the agriculture space, often advising on contentious farming estate work, notably proprietary estoppel. Mark Keeley oversees the team and has over two decades of experience in contentious trust and probate litigation, including trustee removal applications. Rachel Gaffney’s broad caseload encompasses financial abuse, undue influence, and welfare disputes. Robert Hill is particularly well-versed in claims under the Trusts of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act 1996, while Emma Fitzmaurice is praised as ‘a highly experienced associate who is hugely efficient.’ Emma Pottinger is another key team member. All of the individuals that have been mentioned are located in Nottingham.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Freeths is an extremely strong presence in the market: it is large enough to have all the expertise and resources which a dispute of this nature might have, whilst still retaining a very personal and tailored approach to each dispute.'
- ‘A sensible, commercial approach to work. They have great experience of contentious trusts and probate.’
- 'They have all the resources and expertise to deal with any kind of probate dispute. They are the pre-eminent firm in this area in both the West and East Midlands.'
- 'The fact that the team is so frequently brought in to fix a situation which has gone wrong - often to act for or as independent PRs or trustees - is an endorsement of their skill and consistent good judgment.’
- 'Mark Keeley is very smart, gets straight to the point but takes a practical view, and is sympathetic to the emotional nature of the dispute.'
- ‘Mark Keeley is an absolute star. A mediator who is hotly and deservedly in demand, he brings experience in the trickiest disputes. He is a go-to choice to act as a replacement PR or trustee. He heads up a strong team.'
- ‘Mark Keely is thoroughly excellent. He is so good at keeping calm and assisting in the resolution of private client disputes that he is a go-to mediator and routinely appointed by the Court as an independent administrator. This really speaks for itself.'
- 'Emma Fitzmaurice is a highly experienced associate who is hugely efficient but again very good at relating to clients.'
Key clients
- The Norman Gill Charitable Trust
Work highlights
- Advised the Norman Gill Charitable Trust on defending a testamentary capacity challenge to the final will of prominent Leicester businessman, Norman Gill.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Robert Hill
Freeths LLPEmma Fitzmaurice
Freeths LLPNext Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Rachel Gaffney
Freeths LLPPractice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Mark Keeley