Freeths LLP has a ‘well-regarded contentious trusts and probate team both in the East and West Midlands’. Spearheaded by the ’thoroughly excellent’ Mark Keeley, the group acts in a variety of high-value and complex disputes, and is well-placed to handle cases with an international element. Managing associate Max Orbach is another key member of the practice. The group often advises on substantial claims under the Inheritance Act, as well as many other matters such as contested Court of Protection cases and removal applications.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘The wonderful Mark Keeley leads an exceptional team. Max Orbach stands out.’

  • ‘Freeths is an extremely strong presence in the market: it is large enough to have all the expertise and resources which a dispute of this nature might have, whilst still retaining a very personal and tailored approach to each dispute.' 

  • ‘Mark Keeley is an absolute star. A mediator who is deservedly hotly in demand, he brings that wealth of experience to bear in the resolution of the trickiest disputes.' 

  • 'Max Orbach is an extremely good lawyer: thorough, pragmatic and with great communication skills. He really gets stuck into the detail of a case and thinks of new angles of approach.’
  • ‘Freeths continue to go from strength to strength. Mark Keely, Max Orbach.’

  • ‘I have worked mainly with Mark Keeley who seems now to bestride the contentious probate marketplace like a colossus. Very smart, gets straight to the point but takes a practical view and is sympathetic to the emotional nature of the dispute. Max Orbach is a cerebral and reflective litigator.’

  • ‘Max Orbach is very good. He is bright and very knowledgeable and has good strategic thinking. His cases are beautifully prepared and his clients get excellent value for money.’

  • 'Max Orbach (managing associate) is a brilliant private client lawyer and a pleasure to work with. I have worked with him in complex trust proceedings which involved top-tier solicitors and counsel and he was in his element.’

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.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Mark Keeley

Other key lawyers

Max Orbach