We are pleased to announce that Hunters incorporating May, May & Merrimans have once again given a strong performance in the 2017 edition of Chambers and Partners UK, in a range of departments.

Five departments are highlighted: Agriculture & Rural Affairs, Family/Matrimonial, Private Client, Art and Cultural Property Law, and Contentious Trusts, with eight practitioners being specifically recommended.

Our Art and Cultural Property Department is ranked in Band 2, and is praised for its fine reputation of providing specialist heritage property advice to landed estates. Hetty Gleave, respectfully ranked in Band 3, “has made a strong practice in the art side and is very keen on dispute resolution.” A source adds: “She has a strong way of working and a good reputation in the area.” As a “very well versed, with quite a strong international client base on the art side,” Gregor Kleinknecht is recognised in Band 3 for his significant expertise on loan, title and attribution matters.

The Agriculture & Rural Affairs team are commended in Band 4 for their work, with Jonathan Godwin-Austen also being individually highlighted in Band 4, for London (Firms). Sources commend Jonathan, stating “he’s a thoroughly decent chap” and praise him for being “efficient and knowledgeable.” Additionally, Patricia Sykes is ranked in Band 2, in Northampton and Surrounds, and noted for her expertise as being “very good at capital tax and estate planning.”

The Family/Matrimonial Department is ranked in Band 3, and the team is celebrated by a client as “they are all very united and work in unison all the time. It doesn’t matter who you speak to, the messages will be transmitted as soon as possible and will always get back to you. You don’t feel alone”. Another source also added “they were wonderful to work with at a difficult time.” Henry Hood, who is a trained collaborative lawyer and accredited mediator, is ranked in Band 3. Henry is described as “a solicitor with enormous experience and gravitas” who “gives an enormous amount of thought to the tactical and strategic implications of decisions”. Hetty Gleave, ranked in Band 4, is respected for her expertise on private children law and the breakdown of relationships.

Private Client is ranked in Band 4 and is respected for their long history of estate and succession planning work, acting for a range of clients including established high-net-worth clientele. Sources comment: “They are a good traditional firm,” with substantial expertise. Joe Richardson who is highlighted in Band 3, is described as “extremely approachable, easy to get on with, and you also know he has a top-class brain. He knows everything there is to know about inheritance tax.”

The Contentious Trusts team is well-recognised in Band 4 for their impressive domestic and cross-border trust disputes on behalf of beneficiaries and trustees. Sources comment: “I genuinely think they are very good and efficient,” adding “they have been very charming and tactful.” Richard Kershaw, ranked in Band 4, is prominently known for being “very efficient and he handles clients brilliantly.” Additionally, “he comes highly recommended,” according to sources.

Find the firm’s full profile on the Chambers and Partners website here.