Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP‘s private wealth disputes team acts for individuals, charities, individual and corporate trustees, and insurance companies on the full range of contentious private client matters, including professional negligence work related to the private client industry. In Newcastle, managing associate Joe Kelley specialises in contentious trusts and probate, and ’is someone to watch in this space’. A recent addition to the team is Kerry McFarlane, whose practice covers the full range of issues related to disputed trusts and estates.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘The team stands out for having a depth and breadth of expertise within its team and people who are excellent at all levels.’
‘I am very impressed by Kerry McFarlane - Kerry is meticulous, incredibly hardworking and responsive - she is a pleasure to work with. Joe Kelley, managing associate, is sensible, reassuring and is great on strategy.’
‘Joe Kelley is very good, a sound legal brain and has a lovely nature with clients.’
‘The team is really pro-active and responsive. They anticipate issues likely to arise, both legal and strategic, and can get out on the front foot for the client. An excellent outfit.’
‘Joe Kelley is technically very able. He is a skilful and dedicated lawyer.’
- 'Joe Kelley is someone to watch in this space. He is smart, responsive and all over the detail. He is also a tough opponent.’
‘Joe Kelley & Kerry McFarlane stand out. Joe is a very approachable lawyer - exceptional quality, modern approach and second to none work ethic. Kerry has recently joined the firm but she is clearly destined for big things.’
Work highlights
- Acted for a landed family in Cumbria in the defence of a c£10m proprietary estoppel claim.
- Acted for Womble Bond Dickinson (Trust Corporation) Limited in a successful application to remove co-trustees and the subsequent administration of a contentious will trust holding high-value agricultural assets.
- Assisted a private individual in a charity trustee dispute.
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.