Alison leads the contentious trust and estate team advising a range of clients (private individuals, trustees, other fiduciaries and beneficiaries) on succession, probate and trust disputes.

Many of the disputes have international and cross-border aspects involving jurisdictions such as Cyprus, Belgium, Russia, Canada and BVI. They range from domicile and administration disputes, to will challenges, breach of trust claims and applications for the removal of trustees and executors.  

Alison also has extensive experience in advising on claims under the Inheritance (Family and Dependants) Act 1975, applications to rectify or vary wills and professional negligence issues in relation to trusts and estates. 

Alison is ranked Tier 1 in the Private Client Global Elite Directory 2024.

As part of a larger team, Alison also acts in an advisory and risk management capacity in relation to asset protection or succession planning, particularly in a multi-generational family business context or in the context of divorce proceedings.

Alison also regularly acts in contentious administrations involving the Russell-Cooke Trust Company, where the trust company is appointed as independent administrator in circumstances involving beneficiary litigation or family disharmony. In particular Alison has experience in acting in the context of applications made following manslaughter convictions and the impact on inheritance: the Forfeiture Act 1982.

With experience in mediation as well as litigation, Alison is known to try and resolve disputes as quickly and cost efficiently wherever possible, but is also a tenacious litigator where she needs to be.

• Member of ACTAPS (Association of Contentious Trust and Probate Specialists)

• Member of STEP (Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners)

• Has an accredited mediator through CEDR (Centre for Effective Dispute Resolution)