Nigel works in the mainstream of traditional Chancery Bar work, specialities including trust and real property advisory work and litigation; contentious and non contentious probate and estate administration; drafting trusts wills and ancillary documents; mortgage advisory work and litigation, drafting and advising in relation to large scale commercial and residential property schemes; family provision and Court of Protection work.

His practice also encompasses commercial litigation; deceit and breach of warranty claims; and professional negligence.

Property & Land

Problems and disputes that involve the Law of Real Property, sale of land, land registration, restrictive covenants, rights of way and other easements, adverse possession, mortgages – have been a central part of his practice since 1977. He has wide experience in litigation involving commercial and residential property, for example disputes between landlord and tenant, vendor and purchaser, and neighbouring owners. Areas of specialist advice and drafting include freehold and leasehold conveyancing schemes and Housing Association work.

He deals with disputes arising from out of valuation provisions in sales of large scale residential property development land, in arbitration and litigation.

Trusts, wills and probate & claims against estates

A particular speciality is drafting and advising on settlements and will trusts. Offshore trust work has included successful litigation in England arising from foreign trusts governed by English law.

He tends to act for very high-net worth individuals introduced by niche firms of solicitors and tax consultants. He acts for high-profile clients where confidentiality and expertise are expected and required. His clients and cases have taken him off-shore to places such as Switzerland, Guernsey and Bermuda.

His advisory and Court work includes disputes between and trustees and beneficiaries – for example the removal of trustees and claims for breach of trust; Court applications sanctioning compromises on behalf of minors; transactions not authorised by the trust instrument; dealing with trustee investment powers and trustee charges.

Drafting wills, advising on the construction of wills, and contested probate matters has always been a substantial part of his practice. His specialist knowledge of equity and trusts is essential for dealing with claims against estates, which are often highly litigious.

Family provision claims

He has long experience in advising on and litigating family provision claims.

Court of protection

He advises on Court of Protection matters and is experienced in applications to the Court of Protection.