Led by commercial and residential property litigator Daniel SternSlater Heelis in Manchester handles a broad range of contentious probate claims, and the group has particular experience with contentious Court of Protection proceedings and safeguarding issues. John Gorner is a civil litigator with broad experience in contentious trusts and probate, and he has particular expertise representing protected parties and children. Daniel Wise, who has extensive experience in litigation and dispute resolution and commercial litigator, and Veronica Howle, whose ‘legal expertise is superb' with a particular interest in contentious probate, are also key contacts.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘The client service was nothing but impressive. All aspects of the administration were dealt with impeccably. The team was highly organised.’

  • ‘Veronica Howley's legal expertise is superb. She delivered great value by identifying my reasons for using her services and delivering the best possible outcome for my case. She had from the beginning a clear understanding of my needs as a client. She showed a great deal of empathy and was therefore able to serve me as a client to a deeper level.'

  • ‘Slater Heelis were unique in the speed that John Gorner gained a deep understanding of my case, which was an extremely complex case. The firm communicated with me and between themselves in an efficient manner, thus putting me at ease.'

  • ‘John Gorner took a complex case, understood it, and advised on the legalities. Veronica Howley picked up the case in the late stages and understood every minute detail.’

  • ‘Veronica Howley is very knowledgeable and experienced.’

  • ‘The communication is exceptional. The compassion and kindness Veronica Howley and John Gorner have shown is amazing and very appreciated. The overall help and understanding has been exceptional.’

  • ‘Slater Heelis have a wide litigation practice base and a large team. They have a keen eye on the commercial viability of litigation, which enables them to put the clients' interests first.’

  • ‘I have been impressed with John Gorner's common sense approach and his expertise.’

Key clients

  • William Francis Charnley
  • Victoria Hannah Acton
  • Jane Bytheway and Andrew Albert Matthews
  • Leslie William Clark
  • Sarah Bagshaw
  • Louise Dormer
  • Venetia Clare Davies

Work highlights

  • Advising a client on a complex will and Court of Protection matter involving safeguarding issues.

Lawyers

Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Daniel Stern

Other key lawyers

John Gorner, Daniel Wise, Veronica Howley