Specialists called in as cases of contested wills increases

The number of cases linked to contested wills is growing, as the tough economic climate makes people acutely aware of their financial rights.

A Yorkshire law firm which can trace its roots back to the 1880s is boosting its private client team in response to changes in the legal market.

Specialist lawyers have been recruited at Harrogate-based Barber Titleys, as part of a major re-positioning of the firm’s services.

Two new lawyers, Catherine Armitage and Kieran McIvor, have been hired to help Barber Titleys create one of the biggest wills, trusts and probate departments in North Yorkshire. The private client team now has 11 members, including partners Judith Long and Mark Jones.

At the same time, the practice is withdrawing from company and commercial work following the retirement of partner Martin Blackham, after 37 years. He will remain a consultant to the firm.

Barber Titleys’ re-positioning started last autumn with the appointment of senior solicitor, Simon Berger, who succeeded Mr Blackham in delivering the firm’s civil litigation work.

Mr Berger will also help to increase the amount of work linked to contested probate and trust matters.

The current practice was created in 1997 with the merger of two Harrogate firms, Barber Robinson, which was established in 1880, and Titley Paver-Crow and Fedden, which had been trading since 1883.

The firm dates from Harrogate’s heyday as an international spa and haven for wealthy West Yorkshire industrialists. Barber Titleys’ will, trusts and probate department, which works throughout the UK and overseas, has long-standing experience in dealing with agricultural estates and private charitable trusts, including those of the textile baron, Charles Sykes and his wife, Elsie.

This trust, which was started in the 1950s, is among the top 500 charitable trusts in the country.

Barber Titleys’ new focus on private client work complements the firm’s expertise in residential and commercial property.

Judith Long, the head of wills, trusts and probate, said: “Martin Blackham is a hugely experienced corporate lawyer and we did not feel we could replace him.

“Focusing on our already well established and respected wills, trusts and probate department, builds on our main strengths and sets us apart, particularly at a time when there is less corporate activity and the economic climate is making people very aware of their assets and finances, and how best to protect them.

“There is a very large number of wills being contested, perhaps more than ever before.”

Wider trends in the legal market have also led Barber Titleys to re-focus its energy on private client work.

Traditional law firms are facing an unprecedented level of competition.

Banks and supermarkets are starting to draw up wills, Ms Long said.

Ms Long believes that wills cannot be drawn up quickly over the phone, but need a detailed approach so that the right advice can be given to clients.

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