Wedlake Bell

Andrew O'Keeffe

Andrew advises on a wide range of contentious trust and probate matters with particular expertise in disputes concerning the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975, where he has acted for spouses, partners, both adult and minor children as well as dependants. He has also acted for and advised executors in relation to such claims. Andrew is regularly asked to advise on issues regarding the validity of Wills including issues relating to testamentary capacity, lack of knowledge and approval, undue influence, fraud as well as lack of due execution and revocation. He also has considerable experience in disputes relating to the administration of both trusts and estates where he has advised trustees, executors and beneficiaries on matters such as allegations of breach of trust, actions for an account and disclosure of trust documents. He has also acted in claims relating to the removal of personal representatives or trustees. Andrew also undertakes Court of Protection work and has a particular interest in the professional negligence side of contentious trust and probate matters.

Oliver Embley

Oliver specialises in tax planning for high net worth UK domiciled and resident individuals with particular expertise in planning with residential property. He advises on Inheritance Tax, Capital Gains Tax, preparing Wills and administering high value and complex estates. Oliver’s practice also covers contentious trusts and probate work including bringing and defending claims under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975 (”the ’75 Act”), mental capacity claims, and claims for and against trustees. Oliver is listed in the Citywealth Future Leaders List and was named Citywealth’s Lawyer of the Year, Senior/Managing Associate in 2020. In 2021 Oliver was named a ‘next generation Partner’ by the Legal 500 and he won Partner of the Year at the Citywealth Future Leaders Awards (Silver).

Caroline Miller

Caroline leads the Private Client team which includes the On-shore, Off-shore and Disputes teams as well as a dedicated Arts & Luxury practice. Her contentious work includes dealing with disputes arising from either a Will or Trust as well as claims under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975 (“1975 Act claims”), Variation of Trust Applications, and the removal of personal representative applications. Caroline advises Executors, Trustees, beneficiaries and professionals on their duties, obligations and rights with regards to Wills and Trusts. In addition to this, Caroline also advises on a wide range of non-contentious private client matters, including wealth protection, estate planning, trust and estate administration, and the preparation of Lasting Powers of Attorney, as well as applications to the Court of Protection. Caroline acts as both trustee for her trust clients and executor for her deceased clients.