Leading expert in inheritance disputes gains specialist accreditation

News
20/07/2018

The UK’s leading body for lawyers specialising in disputed estates and trusts has recognised a Cornish lawyer for his expertise in the field.


James Burrows, senior associate in the Inheritance and Trust Disputes team at Stephens Scown LLP has gained membership of the Association of Contentious Trust and Probate Specialists (ACTAPS).


ACTAPS provides a forum for contentious probate specialists to exchange experience, know-how and an appreciation of the law in this specialist area. Its membership includes the leading practitioners from across the UK. Membership is based on strict criteria and is scrutinised by the central ACTAPS committee.


James Burrows comments:

“Our Inheritance and Trust Disputes team is busier than ever as more people realise that it is possible to challenge a Will. Being a member of ACTAPS means that I will be able to share the latest knowledge in this complex field with my clients in Cornwall.”


Stephens Scown’s managing partner Robert Camp adds:

“James’s membership of this prestigious organisation is another demonstration of his knowledge and expertise. When someone is dealing with a dispute, it can be among the most stressful periods of their life, so they need to know that they have someone on their side who is a real expert.”


Independent guide to the legal profession Legal 500 gives Stephens Scown’s Inheritance and Trust Disputes team top tier ranking, saying:

“It is amongst the very best in the South West and compares favourably with similar national teams.”
It goes on to say:
“The team’s strength lies in the real specialist knowledge and strength in depth which it uses to good effect to get great results.” The guide also praises James Burrows as “a very sharp analyst and skilled litigator”.


James joins colleagues Davina Haydon, Charisse Crawford, Hayley Bundey and Phil Gregory who are also members of ACTAPS.


The team recently acted for Lucy Habberfield in a high profile dispute over the inheritance of her family farm in Somerset which gained national press coverage. Lucy was awarded in excess of £1 million at the High Court.


Stephens Scown has over 290 staff, including more than 50 partners, across its offices in Exeter, Truro and St Austell. The firm has been listed for four consecutive years in the Sunday Times 100 Best Companies to Work For list. For more information visit www.stephens-scown.co.uk