Private Client Global Elite 2020-21

We are delighted to announce that Dominic Dowley QC, Richard Wilson QC, Dakis Hagen QC and Emma Hargreaves have all been selected for the Private Client Global Elite Directory 2021 Directory in conjunction with Legal Week International.

All three silks have been involved in the most ground-breaking landmark trusts cases in recent years both on and offshore, including the Fiona Trust Litigation, Barker v Baxendale Walker, Dawson-Damer v Taylor Wessing and Wong v Grand View Private Trust Company & Others.

Called to the bar in 1983, Dominic Dowley QC started his career as a barrister at a commercial set in One Hare Court. Following the merger in 2000 which created leading commercial chancery set Serle Court, his practice expanded to include trust litigation.

Emma Hargreaves who appears in the 'Ones to Watch' category is recognised for her ongoing work in relation to two separate claims underway in Bermuda (believed to be the largest trust dispute ever in that jurisdiction). One of the claims (Wong & Anor v Grand View Private Trust Company Ltd), concerning powers to add beneficiaries, is now on its way up to the Privy Council and the other (Wong v Grand View Private Trust Company Ltd & Ors), concerning statutory non-charitable purpose trusts, is set for a three month trial at the beginning of 2021.

If you would like to read each barrister's profile and Q&A please follow the links below:

We particularly like Dakis' advise for rising stars/new lawyers:

Humility is how you maintain your standards; never be arrogant about your skill; never (if you are in litigation) underestimate your opponent. Remember this is an area of law where personal interaction matters.

The Global Elite Directory is the list of the world's most respected lawyers advising UHNW clients, all of whom have been recommended by their peers in the industry.

Launched in 2017, the Private Client Global Elite serves as a highly respected global directory of the world’s top private client and trust and estates litigation talent, as well as rising stars within the industry. Each year, they recieve over 6,000 nominations, which is narrowed down to just 250.

To view the Global Elite Directory 2021 please click here.

Related Barristers

Dominic Dowley KC

Call: 1983
Silk: 2002

Described by The Legal 500 as “one of the stars of his generation”, Richard Wilson KC specialises in litigation, drafting and advisory work across traditional and commercial chancery. His practice focuses on trusts and probate, both contentious and non-contentious, related company and partnership law, claims under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975, tax, professional negligence and civil fraud.

Richard has acted in many of the most significant and high-value cases in these areas in recent years. He is currently involved in several disputes concerning the estates of ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs) in England and overseas.

His practice frequently involves offshore matters and private international law. He has appeared before the Privy Council, the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal of Gibraltar, the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal of Bermuda, the Supreme Court of The Bahamas, the Grand Court of the Cayman Islands, and the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court and Court of Appeal. He has also provided expert evidence on English law before the Royal Courts of Jersey and Guernsey.

Richard regularly acts in disputes across all the principal offshore jurisdictions. A significant proportion of his practice involves international clients, particularly those based in Asia, including Hong Kong.