Simon is a dispute resolution partner specialising in company and commercial disputes, as well as charity disputes and regulation, and contested trusts and estates for high-net-worth individuals, trustees, beneficiaries and charities. His recent work includes: representing the successful claimant in the Kennedy v Kennedy case (an equitable mistake claim to overturn a transaction giving rise to a substantial tax liability); acting in Bhullar v Bhullar (a significant decision in a complicated derivate action); representing the successful applicants in Parris v (1) Ajayi (2) SHC Clemsfold Group (3) SHC Rapkyns Group (a claim in malicious falsehood); acting for the administrators of a substantial estate in a variety of related disputes including directions applications, account proceedings, an insolvency validation order application, various other insolvency proceedings, and an application to remove the administrators.
England - North West • Private client
Mills & Reeve LLP
Acting for high profile cases for a mix of high-net worth clients, Mills & Reeve LLP remain a market-leading firm advising on contentious private wealth matters. Steered by the highly experienced Simon Pedley, the ‘exceptionally strong firm’ act on a range of mandates, including large dispute multi-jurisdictional estates, undue influence and lack of capacity claims, as well as allegations of impropriety and breach of duty. Pedley, one of ‘the best in his field’, leverages his significant experience in litigation to competently address disputes wills, estates and trusts, while the ’excellent’ Ben Reeves has far-reaching expertise that is especially concentrated on the interpretation of wills, as well as undue influence and lack of capacity claims.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Mills and Reeve are a rare commodity in that they have a specialist team dealing with contentious Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependents) Act 1975 claims. They are excellent; they work as a well-oiled team and offer first rate advice. Their strengths are: first rate legal knowledge, huge experience in the area, great teamwork to provide cost-effective advice and leadership of a national group of fellow professionals specialising in the field.'
‘Simon Pedley is, in my view, the best in his field nationally. His legal and technical knowledge is fantastic but his tactical and negotiating skills are exceptional. He has a very calm demeanour, but this is coupled with a backbone of steel. His drafting, client contact and attention to detail are exceptional. I could not recommend him more highly.’
‘Strength and depth in terms of subject knowledge in core traditional Chancery areas. Highly specialised in all private client areas, combining high levels of technical knowledge with good litigious instincts.’
‘Ben Reeves is an excellent lawyer who is a very good litigator but also very good with clients. He never takes bad points. Simon Pedly has an enormous amount of experience.’
‘Act for a wide range of clients, from individuals to major charities. Provide a seamless service and are accessible from offices nationwide.’
- 'Simon Pedley is a pleasure to work with. He is extremely bright and is always looking for practical solutions to his clients' problems.’
‘Simon Pedley and Ben Reeves are excellent. Technically able, commercial and very pleasant to deal with. I would happily recommend them.’
‘I consider Mills & Reeve to be an exceptionally strong firm when dealing with trusts and probate (contentious or not) and associated tax issues. I work regularly with fee earners at all levels across multiple offices and am impressed with the uniformly high standards. My impression is that Mills & Reeve is a supportive and collegiate place to work and that feeds through into the provision of legal services in a highly effective, but calm, measured and practical way.’
Key clients
- Zedra UK
- Peter Christian Velarde
Work highlights
- Acted in the well reported, highly technical and difficult Equiom v Velarde claim, a substantial will interpretation claim on a highly valuable estate.
- Acting for the widow of a deceased businessman in 1975 Act proceedings in a £7M claim relating to a £15M estate, involving multiple jurisdictions.
- Continuing to act for the administrator of the highly contentious £13M estate.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
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Rising stars
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Simon Pedley