Contentious trusts and probate

Howard Kennedy LLP

‘There are no weak links at Howard Kennedy LLP’ and the team is praised as ‘one of the best teams in the sector’. Under the ’fantastic’ leadership of Naomi O’Higgins, the ‘strong team with pots of really good lawyers’ boasts a wealth of experience in advising wealthy clients on complex and high-value disputes. In addition, the group is skilled at looking at various forms of alternative dispute resolution. A large proportion of its work includes elements of international succession, as well as offshore assets and trusts. The ’super efficient’ Emily Mailer plays a pivotal role in the department, and Monika Byrska has a high-net-worth international client base. Tom Deely has moved to Russell-Cooke LLP.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘Naomi O'Higgins is a very experienced litigator. She really fights for and empathises with her clients. She is all over the detail and doesn't hesitate to get stuck in, but never forgets to think about her clients' best interests.'
‘Monika Byrska's affable manner endears her to clients and disarms her opponents, while her fierce intellect and steely determination out-manoeuvers her opponents towards her client's objectives.'
‘Howard Kennedy has a very strong contentious trust and estates team, headed up by the fantastic Naomi O’Higgins. They have huge experience in the wide range of issues which arise in these disputes, from multi-jurisdictional aspects to tax implications.'
‘Naomi O’Higgins has a very clear-sighted and focused approach to any dispute; she hones in on the key aspects and prioritises what will best deliver the clients’ objectives.'
'Naomi O’Higgins has built a great team around her with the recruitment of the excellent Monica Byrska. At associate level, Brendan Udokoro is a great asset: he is hard-working, utterly reliable and has a cool head under pressure. ’
‘Emily Mailer is a class act.’
‘Naomi O'Higgins is a great head of team, with some fantastic work. A shrewd operator, but approachable too. Monika Byrska is a great addition to the team as a partner; she really knows her stuff. Emily Mailer is very knowledgeable, experienced, and has a great rapport with her clients.’

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