Jonathan Shankland and Nigel West co-head the department at Weightmans LLP, which acts for parties who are involved in probate and trust litigation, including executors, administrators, beneficiaries, and dependants. Its work is often high-value and complex, both in the UK and overseas. Core areas of focus include advising on claims for reasonable financial provision under the Inheritance Act, as well as on applications to remove or substitute personal representatives.
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘All the practitioners we worked with were attentive. Communication was excellent and timely. Explanations of some very technical trust law was excellent and clear.'
‘The team at Weightmans has some excellent litigators.’
‘I have worked with Nigel West over the last few years on a number of very complex and sensitive matters. He is a brilliant strategist and thinks creatively to win cases.'
‘Good knowledge of contentious trusts and probate, including 1975 Act disputes.’
‘Oliver Haddock had a good feel for the issues raised by the litigation. Previously I have worked with Nigel West on difficult contested 1975 Act claims. Nigel has a good understanding of this sort of work and provided clear and pragmatic advice to the clients.'
‘Extremely helpful all-round practice. I am dealing with Nigel West and find him to be very competent.’
‘I find working with Nigel West easy as he is always available and considerate. Competent and very professional with his advice.’
‘Jonathan Shankland’s judgement and ability to make connections with clients accounts for his huge following. He is not phased by clients, their idiosyncrasies, demands or their wealth. He goes above what is required to find solutions.'
Work highlights
- Acting for a client in one of the leading cases on fiduciary duties to reach the Court of Appeal in recent years and the forefront of the law on this topic.
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Jonathan Shankland, Nigel West