Our Lawyers
from the Private Wealth Disputes Team at Birketts
Our Lawyers
Dispute a Will is owned and operated by Birketts LLP.
Our team are specialists in dealing with Contested Probate and Inheritance Act claims. Dispute a Will understand the needs of our clients and appreciate the sensitive situation you find yourself in.
The reality is that whilst a claim is brought against an estate it will become a dispute between family members and/or other competing beneficiaries. It will therefore add to your burden at an extremely difficult time when you or others are trying to come to terms with the loss of a loved one.
Our aim is therefore to support you in an effort to make the claim process as straightforward as possible.
Partner and head of the team Bernadette Baker is recommended and named as a ‘Leading Partner’ by Legal 500 [UK 2025] whilst Partner, Kate Harris is named as a ‘Leading Associate’. Bernadette is ranked in Band 1 by Chambers High Net Worth [UK 2024], whilst Kate is named as ‘Up and Coming’. Between them they have almost thirty years of experience in contentious trusts and probate and have the expert knowledge to guide you through your matter. Bernadette and Kate are members of ACTAPS (the Association of Contentious Trust and Probate Specialists).
Contact us
Please contact a member of our team on 01473 406386 or at disputeawill@birketts.co.uk
Bernadette Baker
Partner, Head of Private Wealth Disputes
Bernadette is head of Birketts’ Private Wealth Disputes Team. She has over 20 years’ experience and is a full member of the Association of Contentious Trusts and Probate Specialists. Bernadette is recognised as a leader in her field by both the Legal 500 and Chambers.
Bernadette advises a range of clients (private individuals, beneficiaries, trustees, executors, deputies, attorneys and charities) often involving international and cross border issues. She is experienced in disputes involving the administration of estates, will validity claims, issues of construction and rectification of wills and deeds, proprietary estoppel, claims under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975 and professional negligence claims involving estate planning, trust and succession issues. Bernadette advises beneficiaries, trustees and other fiduciaries on trust disputes both onshore and offshore.
Chambers High Net Worth [UK 2024] describes Bernadette as “experienced, competent and knowledgeable as a lawyer” and “technical and commercial”. Bernadette is also named as a ‘Leading Partner’ by Legal 500 [UK 2025]. Clients note “Bernadette Baker – very sensible and assured. Gets right to the heart of the issue.”
Kate Harris
Partner
Kate is a Partner in Birketts’ Private Wealth Disputes Team. She is a full member of the Association of Contentious Trust and Probate Specialists (ACTAPS) and of ConTrA, the Contentious Trusts Association, and is recognised as a Leading Associate by Legal 500 [UK 2025] with clients saying “Kate Harris is a sensible and thoughtful lawyer with a calm and constructive approach to litigation. She communicates well and inspires trust and confidence in those she works with.” Kate is ranked and named by Chambers High Net Worth as ‘Up and Coming’ [UK 2024]. In this edition, a client notes “Kate Harris has shown dedication and expertise in her knowledge. She always responds very quickly. She listens and is empathetic to my situation.”
Kate acts for a variety of clients advising private individuals, trustees, executors, administrators and beneficiaries in relation to a broad range of inheritance, estate and trust disputes. Kate’s experience covers will validity claims, estate, trust administration disputes, claims under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975, proprietary estoppel claims and applications for the rectification or construction of a will or trust document where the wording or meaning of the document is not clear. Kate can also advise in relation to professional negligence claims arising from estate and trust matters.
Kate is an advocate of mediation and other forms of alternative dispute resolution and is committed to seeking a resolution of disputes in the most practical and cost-effective way possible. She also recognises that Court proceedings can be unavoidable in certain circumstances and will guide and support clients through this process.
Amanda Smallcombe
Partner
Amanda is a Partner in the Private Wealth Disputes Team based in our Chelmsford office.
Amanda has been a specialist in this field for over 26 years and is a long standing member of ACTAPS (the Association of Contested Trust and Probate Specialists). For several years running, her experience in dealing with high value and complex disputes has been recognised. Amanda is a Leading Individual in the Legal 500 where she was described in the 2024 edition as“ the complete private client litigation solicitor” and in the 2023 Edition of Chambers High Net Worth she is described as “ knowledgeable, tenacious and just excellent”.
As well as advising executors/administrators and beneficiaries in relation to disputes about the validity of wills, claims under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act, promises made but not kept and in relation to the administration of estates, Amanda also advises trustees and beneficiaries in disputes concerning trusts as well as attorneys, deputies and other family members on disputes in the Court of Protection. Working closely with our International Private Client Team, Amanda regularly advises clients who are not based in the UK and also in relation to cross border estates including those with assets in off shore jurisdictions.
Amanda’s reported cases included Wrangle v Brunt [2020] EWCH 1784 (Ch), Clitheroe v Bond [2022] EWHC 2203 (Ch) and James v Scudamore [2023]EWCH 391 (Ch). However, where possible Amanda works to resolve disputes out side of court by negotiation including mediation to save costs and preserve family relations.
Amanda presents webinars and seminars, has appeared on the BBC Inside Out program and has been interviewed by both The Guardian and The Times newspapers.
Sharon Bell
Legal Director
Sharon is a Legal Director in Birketts’ Private Wealth Disputes Team. She is a full member of the Association of Contentious Trust and Probate Specialists (ACTAPS). Sharon has over 15 years’ experience in this area of law having qualified in 2006.
Sharon advises on all types of inheritance disputes including cross border domicile issues, Will validity and trusts law, executor/beneficiary disputes and Inheritance (Provision for Family & Dependants) Act 1975 claims. Sharon also deals with proprietary/promissory estoppel cases, Will construction and rectification issues.
Sharon has dealt with cases of a contested nature involving the disposal of gifts during lifetime and contested Court of Protection matters.
Sharon advises both Claimant’s and Defendants in this area of litigation, so clients are always prepared for what is coming from the other side.
Sharon is empathetic and compassionate during the litigation process as this is usually a stressful time for clients and their families. Sharon is an advocate for ADR with 100% success rate dealing with cases at mediation.
Jenny Howe
Senior Associate
Jenny is a Senior Associate in Birketts’ Private Wealth Disputes Team, handling the full range of cases across this specialist field. Jenny acts for executor, trustee and beneficiary clients in disputes and the avoidance of disputes.
Jenny advises regularly on bringing and defending claims for financial provision from an estate, challenging and defending the validity of wills on grounds of lack of capacity and undue influence, and the myriad of issues which can arise in estate and trust administration.
Jenny’s practice also takes in the availability of remedies such as the interpretation and rectification of wills and trust documents, as well as professional negligence claims in the context of the preparation of testamentary and trust documents and estate administration. Jenny is a full member of ACTAPS (the Association of Contentious Trust and Probate Specialists).
Katherine (Katie) Emerson
Senior Associate
Recognised as a ‘Leading Associate’ by Legal 500 [UK 2025] for contentious trusts and probate work, Katie has over 10 years’ experience resolving a range of private wealth disputes. Clients praise her compassionate, steady-handed approach, and her knowledge and efficiency.
Katie specialises in resolving complex inheritance, estate, and trust disputes, including claims relating to the validity, construction, and rectification of wills and trusts; the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975; the removal/ replacement of executors/trustees; and proprietary estoppel. She acts for a variety of clients including trustees, executors, and beneficiaries.
Known for her sensitive and pragmatic approach, Katie is able to guide her clients through emotionally charged situations and help them resolve conflicts at the earliest stage possible – often avoiding the need for court proceedings altogether. She is an advocate for alternative dispute resolution, including mediation.
Katie also offers proactive advice in situations where disputes look imminent, but a claim has not yet been articulated. By intervening early, she helps clients avoid a fully-fledged dispute and preserve family relationships.
Before relocating to Suffolk, Katie spent six years at a leading London private client firm as a member of their highly regarded trust, estate, and inheritance disputes team.
Rachel Leech
Associate
Rachel is an Associate solicitor with over 6 years of experience dealing with Contentious Trust and Probate matters. Rachel is a full member of ACTAPS (Association of Contentious Trust and Probate Specialists) and ConTrA (Contentious Trust Association).
Rachel has been recognised in the Legal 500 and praised for being “a most impressive solicitor. She is wise beyond her years and is certainly one to watch. I have worked with Rachel on complex contentious probate litigation and have always been impressed by the control she displays over her cases and her insight” as well as “talented, meticulous, very bright, caring.
Rachel has experience acting for disappointed beneficiaries, executors, trustees and charities in a wide range of matters including claims regarding the validity of wills; acting for claimants and defendants of claims under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975; proprietary estoppel claims; and disputes with executors or trustees.
Rachel settles most matters without the need for Court proceedings but has taken matters to trial, most notably the cases of Clitheroe v Bond [2020] EWHC 1185 (Ch) and Wrangle v Brunt [2021] 1 WLUK 332 , which both concerned challenges to the validity of wills.
Anna Lambert
Solicitor
Anna is a Solicitor at Birketts LLP, based in Ipswich. She specialises in private wealth disputes, including Inheritance Act claims, will validity disputes, and issues arising from estate and trust administration. Anna is dedicated to providing practical and cost-effective advice to her clients. She understands the unique stress and pressures that can arise in these types of disputes, particular when they involve family relationships, and focuses on resolving issues efficiently and using alternative dispute resolution methods when appropriate. Anna is also experienced in handling court proceedings and cases that proceed to trial, including a 10 day trial at the High Court in the case of Leonard v Leonard [2024] EWHC 321 (ChD)
Anna qualified as a Solicitor in March 2024 and gained experience in a broad range of legal areas during her training, including family law, commercial litigation, and real estate. She is currently undertaking the Association of Contentious Trust and Probate Specialists (ACTAPS) course and is a member of the Contentious Trusts Association (ConTrA).
Ben Green
Solicitor
Ben is a Solicitor in Birketts’ Private Wealth Disputes Team, qualifying into the team in 2024 after successfully completing his training at Birketts. Ben is currently undertaking the Association of Contentious Trust and Probate Specialist (ACTAPS) course with the view to becoming a full member.
Ben advises on a range of contentious trust and probate matters, including will challenges on the grounds of lack of capacity, undue influence, and fraudulent calumny, disputes involving the administration of estates, issues of construction and rectification of wills and deeds, and proprietary estoppel, claims under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975. Ben has experience acting for both claimants and defendants in will dispute cases.
Ben is an advocate of mediation and other forms of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) and is committed to seeking a resolution of disputes in the most practical and cost-effective way possible.
