Our Lawyers

  • Hayley Bundey

    Hayley is a member of ACTAPS (the Association of Contentious Trust and Probate Specialists) and has specialised in contested will disputes throughout her career.

    She has particular experience with complex challenges to the validity of Wills which include numerous allegations not only challenging the deceased’s last Will (on grounds such as lack of capacity, undue influence and want of knowledge and approval) but also challenging lifetime gifts and transfers of property (on grounds of undue influence, lack of capacity and fraud) as well as beneficial interest claims (such as resulting and constructive trusts, estoppel and TOLATA claims) where the issues of influence and vulnerability of the deceased can often lead to various complex and meritorious claims being pursued together following their death.

    Hayley has an excellent track record for settling even the most entrenched cases and for getting the answers for her clients that they often struggle to get during their loved one’s lifetime due to them being excluded from contact with them during those last vulnerable years. She is passionate about this area of law and ensuring that justice is done for those who didn’t have the strength to stand up to pressure, influence or lack of understanding in their final years. She has a very high success rate at settling such claims but is also not afraid to fight for her clients all the way to trial and is familiar with the unique tactics necessary to prepare such complex cases for multi-day trials.

    Hayley is happy to provide a free case assessment to discuss how she can help and is often happy to act on a No Win No Fee basis.

  • Christopher Holten
    chris-holten-1
    Christopher Holten has specialised in contested Will claims, inheritance disputes and contentious probate law since qualifying as a solicitor in 2014. He is experienced in all aspects of contentious probate law and has a particular interest in dealing with disputes where the validity of a Will is challenged on the grounds of testamentary capacity, having trained at a firm which specialised in all aspects of mental capacity law. Christopher is popular with clients, who appreciate his sympathetic approach. He is always happy to consider No Win - No Fee funding and will provide a free assessment of any potential case. You can email Christoper about contesting a will or any other aspect of contested probate at [email protected]
  • Naomi Ireson
    naomi-ireson-1

    Naomi Ireson is a specialist in contested will disputes.

    The independent guide to the legal profession, The Legal 500,  described Naomi as ‘knowledgeable, experienced and thorough’ and noted for her ‘exemplary’ attention to detail.

    Naomi has a particular interest in beneficial interest claims arising on the basis of a resulting trust, constructive trust or estoppel as well as related TOLATA proceedings, having been victorious in the reported Court of Appeal case of Ely v Robson, 2016 EWCA Civ 774.

    She is frequently instructed in claims under the Inheritance Act 1975 and challenges to the validity of Wills, acting on behalf of claimants as well as defending such claims.

    Naomi is a firm advocate of Alternative Dispute Resolution, particularly mediation, and has an exceptional record of success in resolving the most difficult and protracted will disputes.

    She is happy to act on a No Win, No Fee basis and will assess potential claims free of charge.

  • Lee Dawkins
    lee-dawkins-1
    Lee qualified as a solicitor in 1990 and has been a litigation partner with Slee Blackwell Solicitors for over 30 years. He specialises in Inheritance Act claims and executor disputes. Lee is also a member of the Professional Negligence Lawyers Association and deals with claims against solicitors and other will writers for negligence in relation to will preparation and estate administartion.