National law firm Shoosmiths continues to expand its expertise in contentious trusts and probate with the recruitment of Angela Bowman, who will be based at the firm's Thames Valley office.
A partner with her previous firm, Freeths (formerly Henmans), Angela will head up Shoosmiths' specialist contentious trusts and probate team in the South of England.
Her previous experience includes handling probate actions where the mental capacity of the deceased is in dispute, want of knowledge and approval claims, undue influence claims, applications under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975, bringing and defending claims for an interest in property and removing executors and trustees who are not properly fulfilling their obligations.
She has also acted for a large number of national charities, including Cancer Research UK, RSPCA, British Heart Foundation, Dogs Trust, Macmillan Cancer Support and Save the Children.
Angela won the Association of Contentious Trusts and Probate Specialists (ACTAPS) 'Solicitor of the Year' Award in 2013 and was named an 'elite leading lawyer' by the Legal 500 directory in 2017. Aside from ACTAPS, Angela has also been a member of the Institute of Legacy Management (ILM) and has also delivered frequent training to national and local charities.
Angela said:
"It's remarkable how many people in the Thames Valley and beyond know someone who has concerns regarding a Will or need help themselves with a dispute involving a Will or Trust. I'm really looking forward to assisting many more clients, and to working with a well-regarded team and a firm with such an evident commitment to a first-class client experience."
Adam Draper, the partner and head of the firm's contentious probate team in Manchester, commented:
"I am delighted Angela has joined our contentious trusts and probate team. Her substantial expertise in dealing with a wide range of wills and trust disputes will increase the client base for contested probate in the Thames Valley and the South; and will also considerably enhance Shoosmiths' growing national reputation and strengthen the private client practice group's position and service offering."