Trust & Estates Litigation Forum 2026

Serle Court is pleased to sponsor the Private Client Global Elite's Trust & Estates Litigation Forum 2026, which will take place from 4 to 6 February 2026 in Auchterarder, Scotland.

Spanning keynote addresses, panel debates, and interactive sessions, this year’s programme brings together leading litigators to examine the most pressing issues in trust and estate litigation. From global case developments to strategic client challenges, explore what’s shaping the field's future.

Dakis Hagen KC will co-chair the conference with Charles Lloyd from Harbottle & Lewis and Tina Wüstemann from Bär & Karrer, and will also deliver the opening remarks. 

In addition to his role as co-chair, Dakis will also participate in a fireside chat with Lord Briggs of Westbourne, Justice of the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom. 

Richard Wilson KC will also be in attendance and speaking on a panel on Wednesday, 4th February from 3:10 – 3: 50 PM. Richard will be joined by Jenny McKeown (Stephenson Harwood), Keith Robinson (Carey Olsen) and Martyn Carré (Julius Baer). The panel wil be discussing "Trustee Decision-Making: Navigating Uncertainty After Dawson-Damer". This session explores the implications of the Privy Council’s decision in Dawson-Damer, which introduces new uncertainty around what constitutes adequate deliberation by trustees. The session will also examine how the decision intersects with blessing applications, judicial oversight, and the legal status of non-decisions in trust law, as seen in cases like W Trust. We will address the growing pressure on trustees to reach the “right” decision rather than exercising independent discretion, and the emerging tax implications of using variation applications to reverse previously irrevocable exclusions of beneficiaries.

Tim Collingwood KC and James Weale will also be in attendance.

For further information, and to read the agenda in full, please click here.