The busy team at Shakespeare Martineau LLP advises on various contentious trusts and probate matters, as well as charity-related work. National head of team Andrew Wilkinson is well-regarded. Legal director Alistair Spencer works across the firm’s Stratford-upon-Avon, Birmingham and Solihull offices, and frequently deals with complex estoppel matters, Inheritance Act claims and cases involving cross-border issues.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Andrew Wilkinson heads a fantastic team. Definitely the go-to firm for contentious probate and trusts work.’

  • ‘Andrew Wilkinson for his extensive experience and know-how.’

  • ‘Well-coordinated team with strength from associates through to partners. Knowledgeable of recent developments in contentious trusts work and always open to think outside the box. They provide first-class client care, particularly with vulnerable clients.’

  • 'Alistair Spencer is consistently a safe pair of hands. Excellent client care and robust with difficult opponents. He has a comprehensive knowledge of contentious trusts, and related areas such as proprietary estoppel.’
  • ‘Shakespeare Martineau provide eloquent and well-reasoned arguments whilst simultaneously being ferocious advocates. Andrew Wilkinson is rightly considered one of the best specialists in the contentious trusts and probate market.’

  • ‘Shakespeares is a leading firm in the Midlands, with strength in depth in a range of practice areas across several offices.’

  • ‘Alistair Spencer is incredibly knowledgeable and helpful.'

  • 'Alistair is understanding and his goal is to find a solution in every situation. His compassionate nature is one of the main reasons I feel comfortable to recommend him to clients.’

Key clients

  • Adam Scott

Work highlights

  • Acts for a farmer in a complex and bitterly fought will challenge and proprietary estoppel case.

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.

Andrew Wilkinson, Alistair Spencer