Mark Keeley > Freeths LLP > Nottingham, England > Lawyer Profile

Mark Keeley – Freeths LLP 

Specialising in contested trust and estate-related disputes, Mark Keeley of Freeths LLP is ‘probably the pre-eminent mediator in the area of wills and probate disputes. He has a stellar reputation, and is very bright and so gets to the heart of the legal issues extremely quickly’. Mediating approximately six cases every month, Keeley is sought out to mediate high-value, complex disputes that frequently involve multiple parties and high-profile litigants. His appointments also often comprise challenging offshore structures and tax issues.

Mark Keeley – Freeths LLP 

Specialising in contested trust and estate-related disputes, Mark Keeley of Freeths LLP is ‘probably the pre-eminent mediator in the area of wills and probate disputes. He has a stellar reputation, and is very bright and so gets to the heart of the legal issues extremely quickly’. Mediating approximately six cases every month, Keeley is sought out to mediate high-value, complex disputes that frequently involve multiple parties and high-profile litigants. His appointments also often comprise challenging offshore structures and tax issues.

The Nottingham-based team at Freeths LLP is frequently engaged in high-value litigation, claims under the Inheritance Act, and matters involving cross-border elements. Practice head Mark Keeley leads the private client dispute resolution team and specialises in complex trust and probate disputes; he is primarily involved in cases involving high-value estates. Rachel Gaffney is skilled at handling contractual matters such as breaches of contract, settlement agreements and granting probate. Robert Hill specialises in private wealth disputes, while Emma Fitzmaurice frequently assists on matters involving estoppel claims, partnership disputes and tax issues. Specialising in contentious trusts and probate work, Emma Pottinger assists with settlement disputes involving family loan and pension issues.

Led by Rahul Kotecha regionally and Mark Keeley nationally from Nottingham, Freeths LLP‘s trusts, estates and tax practice spans the firm’s tax and estate planning, trust administration, probate, and wills teams. The group’s client roster encompasses vulnerable individuals, owner-managed businesses, high-net-worth clients and independent administrators, and the practice has increased its cross-border work. Kotecha is a key contact for international estates, while Marie Cooper handles estate administration and grant work.

Freeths LLP has seen steady expansion in the region, growing its offering in Sheffield, while benefiting from the strength of its national team. The group is increasingly active for clients in the agricultural sector, with experience in disputes relating to farming estates. Mark Keeley heads up the team, and Carla Rist has a significant history of acting for high-net-worth clients.

Under the leadership of Mark Keeley, the team at Freeths LLP is known for handling high-value Inheritance Act claims, will disputes, removal applications and Court of Protection work. The group often handles matters which involve cross-border elements. Max Orbach is another key contact at the firm with extensive experience in handling complex cases, with particular expertise acting for executors and trustees.