#SerleShare: Key Takeaways from Leonard v Leonard [2024] EWHC 321 (ChD)

In this article, Constance McDonnell KC and George Vare consider the recent case of Leonard v Leonard, in which they acted for the successful claimants (assisted by Anneliese Mondschein). Mrs Justice Joanna Smith DBE upheld the Claimants’ claims that their father, Dr Leonard, neither had capacity to execute his purported final will in October 2015, nor knew and approved of its contents. The issue of liability for the costs of the litigation will be determined in April 2024.

Please click here to read the judgment.

Related Barristers

Constance McDonnell KC

Call: 2000
Silk: 2019

George Vare

Call: 2020

Since joining chambers in 2024 on the successful completion of pupillage, Anneliese has enjoyed acting led and as sole counsel in matters both domestic and offshore. She has a particular interest in matters involving trusts, private clients, contracts and commercial arrangements, matrimonial finance, intellectual property, and art and cultural property.

Anneliese is identified as a ‘Rising Star’ in the Legal 500, and as ‘Up and Coming’ in Chambers & Partners’ High Net Worth Guide and UK Bar directories.

Well-publicised matters in which Anneliese has been involved include the Jersey Heritage Trust’s claim against artist Christopher Levine (led by Stephanie Wickenden, for the claimant), Ant and Dec’s successful application for a Norwich Pharmacal order against a respondent art dealer (led by Harry Martin, for the applicants), a trademark dispute arising out of a “Dragon’s Den” invention (led by Michael Edenborough), and the will validity dispute Leonard v Leonard [2024] EWHC 321(ChD) (as a pupil).

Prior to joining Chambers, Anneliese was a fine art specialist at international auction houses. She holds an MBA alongside her legal and undergraduate qualifications and is bilingual in French.