Contentious trusts and probate

Payne Hicks Beach LLP

Payne Hicks Beach LLP fields an ‘uniformly excellent team with some of the best talent’. The ’super smart’ Richard Manyon heads the department, which has its roots in traditional chancery work, advising on disputes affecting some of the oldest and largest landed estates. Its reputation has now grown in the international sphere, and it regularly handles the most challenging multi-jurisdictional and domestic trust and estate disputes. The group is skilled at advising on issues involving complex structures, family governance, and allegations of breach of trust or duty in relation to tax. Another core area of focus is working with its family department to advise on an array of trust matters in the context of divorce proceedings. The ‘tactically astute’ Jessica Henson also has a very busy practice advising on the full spectrum of high-value wealth disputes. Ane Vernon is another experienced litigator, and Charlotte Henshall is also highly regarded. Clementine Dowley has particular expertise in matters involving complex corporate structures, company law issues, and cross-border elements.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘PHB has a first-rate contentious trust and probate team. They are knowledgeable, fast to react and have very good litigation instincts. They also have excellent resources within the firm to call on when needed, where issues of tax, family law or company issues arise.’
‘Richard Manyon is superb. He is very clever but always has a practical solution in mind and works tirelessly to achieve it. Jessica Henson is equally determined, pragmatic and knowledgeable.'
'The team has some excellent associates. Rosie Sells is fantastic with an amazing eye for the crucial detail, and she is bright and very responsive. Charlotte Henshall is also a standout member of the team; she manages complex dynamic situations with calm and expertise.’
‘This is one of the smaller teams in this area but nevertheless is capable of taking on large value, complex contentious private client work. There is a high degree of partner involvement and the associates are impressively hard working and devoted to the cause.’
‘Richard Manyon and Jessica Henson are both extremely intelligent and personable. They are each leading practitioners in the contentious trust and probate sphere; clients can be reassured that they will deliver well-thought through strategies and legal product.'
‘Richard Manyon and Jessica Henson make a great team. They are an impressive double act and they're building a great team around them. Emily Stoneham and Clementine Dowley are both very impressive.’
‘Jessica Henson is one of the most impressive contentious trusts partners in London. She is a fierce advocate for her clients' interests, a true pleasure to work with due to her responsiveness and reassuring manner, and her knowledge of the law and intellect are exceptional.’
‘Richard Manyon is the unquestioned leader and driving force behind the team. He's very smart but equally enjoys rolling his sleeves up and fighting his client's corner. A tough adversary but a very pleasant person to work with.'