Osbornes has a ‘practice which is big enough to take on substantial cases and small enough to retain a personal touch’. It acts for a wide range of high-net-worth individuals, families, and trust companies in complex estate and trust litigation. The ’calm and experienced’ Jan Atkinson is at the helm of the team, which also is also home to Katie de Swarte, who was promoted to the partnership in June 2023, and Elspeth Neilson, who is also highly regarded.
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘An ambitious team who work hard for their clients. Katie de Swarte is a hard working and ambitious lawyer.’
‘The focal point is very much Jan Atkinson, who has a wealth of experience and expertise in this area. She attracts superb clients and she deals with them brilliantly. She is supported by strong associates.’
‘A well-established contentious trusts and probate team. Katie de Swarte is very good with clients and committed to helping them achieve their objectives.’
‘Jan Atkinson heads up the team and is a respected senior lawyer. Elspeth Neilson is excellent. She develops trusting client relationships based on good advice.'
‘Excellent team doing high-end work. Would always consider for referral and conflict work. I would recommend Katie de Swarte, who is easy to deal with and a knowledgeable, formidable opponent.’
‘Katie de Swarte and I have been opponents on matters and we refer conflict work to each other. Katie is professional, capable and I know and trust her to look after clients I refer to her.'
‘Jan Atkinson is a top-class contentious probate lawyer. Always on top of the detail and pleasant with opponents and peers alike, she is much sought-after for referrals work.’
‘Katie de Swarte and Elspeth Neilson are first-rate lawyers. Elspeth has a wealth of experience in acting as an independent administrator.’
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Jan Atkinson