Duncan Lewis Wills and Probate Team in the Running for Top Honour (27 September 2022)

We are thrilled to reveal that Wills and Probate Team has been shortlisted for the Solicitor Firm of the Year award (South).

The small and prodigious team lines up against some of the best teams in the south of England at the Wills and Probate awards 2022 in October.

The shortlisting is a well-deserved acknowledgement of the care, knowledge, experience and attention to detail of the team led by director Caroline Roche.

Widely recognised by their peers, not just in the prestigious Legal 500 and Chambers guides, but by fellow wills and probate teams across the country, the, team has, until now, still largely going unsung.

This recognition is extra special, as according to the judges, there were a record number of entries this year, and the standard of submissions was described as “exceptional.”

Able to access a vast well of knowledge and experience, the team advises sensitively and astutely at all stages of the probate process, in executor’s duties and the administration of estates.

The team specialises in all matters relating to wills and estate administration including; drafting and editing wills; probate and contentious probate; intestacy; powers of attorney; property law; and international wills.

Caroline, an ACTAPS member, uses her 10 years PQE, to advise and guide trainees and experienced solicitors off ages in the handling of delicate cases with complex issues. She has experience in all aspects of wills and probate law, and employment law, notably in handling settlement (compromise) agreements - a transferable skill when dealing with disagreements over wills and probate.

Caroline handles contentious probate claims including those made under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependents) Act 1975, claims for equitable relief under proprietary estoppel, constructive and resulting trusts, and TOLATA claims. Her knowledge extends to will and trust disputes, disputes surrounding the value of assets, and dealing with matters that arise though difficult executors.

The Legal 500 guide note her skills and “being a firm and guiding hand on the team. She brings in depth expertise and experience; she is practical, outcome-focused and fights hard for her clients both in negotiating settlements and in proceedings. She has a particular skill in claims under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975, achieving excellent outcomes for clients.”

Congratulations to the team on making the shortlist and we would like to wish them the best of luck on the night.