Last Updated on 13th October 2026
We have been promoted in The Legal 500 rankings for inheritance disputes.
We are delighted to announce that Slee Blackwell Solicitors, the law firm that operates this specialist Inheritance Disputes website, has been promoted in The Legal 500 rankings for Contentious Trusts and Probate for 2027.
The recognition is particularly important to us because inheritance disputes and contentious probate are not simply one part of a broad private client offering. They are a core specialism of our practice, and we have a large team of lawyers dealing with inheritance and trust disputes on a daily basis.
The Legal 500’s latest assessment recognises us for our “high-volume caseload, broad expertise and strong track record in recovering significant sums for clients,” across contentious probate and trust disputes.
For anyone looking for a solicitor to deal with a contested will, inheritance dispute or contentious probate claim, we believe that independent recognition of this kind is important. Clients understandably want to know that the solicitor they instruct has genuine experience of handling these specialist cases.
A leading inheritance dispute practice
The Legal 500 highlights the breadth of Slee Blackwell’s contentious trusts and probate work, including cases involving residential and agricultural property, business interests, trusts and offshore structures. It also specifically notes the team’s cross-border capabilities.
We advise on inheritance disputes throughout England and Wales, including:
- challenges to the validity of wills;
- claims under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975;
- disputes involving executors and personal representatives;
- proprietary estoppel claims, including farming and family property disputes;
- trust and beneficial ownership disputes;
- professional negligence arising from the preparation of wills; and
- the defence of inheritance and probate claims.
Proven experience in complex inheritance disputes
The 2027 Legal 500 ranking also highlights some of the team’s significant recent work, including a multi-million-pound beneficial interest claim won at trial, with ancillary matters subsequently settled at mediation.
That is an important aspect of our offering. While many inheritance disputes can and should be resolved through negotiation or mediation, clients need solicitors who also have experience of taking difficult cases through litigation and trial when necessary.
Naomi Ireson named as a Legal 500 Leading Partner
The new 2027 Legal 500 rankings also recognise Naomi Ireson individually as a ‘Leading Partner’.
Legal 500 describes Leading Partners as the strongest partners in their field, and endorsed by peers and clients. The publication’s editorial commentary particularly highlights Naomi Ireson’s trial experience in proprietary estoppel and trust claims.
Specialist contentious probate solicitors
Inheritance disputes are a specialist area of law, requiring particular legal expertise. Cases frequently involve difficult questions concerning the validity and interpretation of wills, testamentary capacity, undue influence, financial provision, trusts, property ownership and promises made during a person’s lifetime.
Our approach has therefore been to develop a team focused specifically on inheritance and probate disputes rather than treating contentious probate as an occasional extension of general litigation or private client work.
This Inheritance Disputes website was established in 2007, making it one of the longest-established specialist online resources dedicated to inheritance disputes and contentious probate in the UK.
Looking for a specialist inheritance dispute solicitor?
If you are involved in a dispute over a will, probate, an estate or a trust, you can speak to one of our specialist inheritance dispute solicitors.
We act for clients throughout England and Wales and also regularly help people based overseas who are involved in disputes concerning estates in this jurisdiction.
We offer a free initial case assessment, and a range of funding arrangements is available in appropriate cases, including No Win, No Fee.
Call us on 0333 888 0407 or contact our specialist inheritance dispute team online.
FAQs
Is Slee Blackwell recommended by The Legal 500 for inheritance disputes?
Yes. Slee Blackwell Solicitors is ranked in for Contentious Trusts and Probate by The Legal 500. The Legal 500 recognises the firm’s high-volume caseload, broad expertise and track record of recovering significant sums for clients.
Who leads the Inheritance Disputes team?
Naomi Ireson and Lee Dawkins are identified by The Legal 500 as practice heads of the Inheritance Disputes team. Naomi Ireson is also ranked individually as a Leading Partner.
Does Slee Blackwell specialise in contentious probate?
Yes. Slee Blackwell Solicitors operate the specialist Inheritance Disputes service, whose lawyers focus on inheritance disputes and contentious trusts and probate matters. Its work includes will disputes, Inheritance Act claims, executor disputes, proprietary estoppel and trust disputes.
Does the inheritance dispute team deal with cases nationwide?
Yes. The specialist service states that it handles inheritance disputes throughout England and Wales, as well as assisting overseas clients involved in disputes concerning UK estates.