Wake Smith launches new Will, Trust and Inheritance Disputes team
Pictured are Rachel Valentine and John Breeze
Sheffield-based law firm Wake Smith Solicitors has announced the launch of a new Will, Trust and Inheritance Disputes department.
Experienced litigator and contentious probate solicitor John Breeze will head up the team, which has been created to formalise the support offered to individuals and professionals on disputes around inheritance, wills and trusts.
John, who was named “outstanding” and a Rising Star in the 2023 Legal 500 Contentious Trusts and Probate category for the fourth year running, has worked at South Yorkshire law firms since 2005 and will be joined at Wake Smith by his teammate of almost a decade, experienced paralegal Rachel Valentine.
The announcement is the latest in a series of strategic appointments strengthening Wake Smith’s legal offering and comes as the firm celebrates its 220th year in business.
The main bulk of the team’s workload will involve high-value Inheritance Act claims, will validity challenges, financial abuse and contentious attorney matters, and professional negligence claims against solicitors. In addition, the team will advise and act on complex claims arising from the administration of estates and trusts.
John Breeze, director and Head of Will, Trust and Inheritance Disputes, said: “There are only a small number of established firms which attract this type of work, and this will be a niche department specialising in disputes.
“This is an exciting challenge for us. We want to resolve disputes and represent clients sensibly, at what is often a very sensitive and emotional time around a bereavement, and to push our reputation, and standing, as experts in this growing sector.
“I have always had a high regard for Wake Smith as a long standing law firm with its roots firmly in the city. This is a forward thinking move by the company.”
John is a member of the Association of Contentious Trust and Probate Specialists (ACTAPS) and the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP). Rachel has a background in family law and more than ten years’ experience in contentious trusts and probate.
Liz Shaw, head of Litigation at Wake Smith Solicitors said: “This move is part of exciting expansion plans for the firm. The new team will complement Wake Smith’s already strong, and growing, private client department, and also align with its very capable litigation team.”