Cleaver Fulton Rankin Ranked Band 1 for Private Wealth Law and Private Wealth Disputes in Northern Ireland by Chambers High Net Worth Guide 2026

Band 1 Rankings for Private Wealth Law and Private Wealth Disputes

Cleaver Fulton Rankin is proud to announce that it has been ranked Band 1 for both Private Wealth Law and Private Wealth Disputes in Northern Ireland in the Chambers High Net Worth Guide 2026. The rankings recognise the firm’s expertise in estate planning, trusts, probate, estate administration, inheritance tax planning and complex private wealth disputes.

The Chambers High Net Worth Guide is widely regarded as one of the leading independent legal directories, identifying the top lawyers and law firms advising high-net-worth individuals, families and trustees on complex private wealth matters.

These latest rankings reinforce Cleaver Fulton Rankin’s position as a market leader in private client services, reflecting the firm’s strength across estate planning, trusts, taxation, estate administration, contentious probate and private wealth disputes.

Recognised Expertise in Private Client and Wealth Disputes

The 2026 guide highlights the depth and breadth of the firm’s Private Client and Private Wealth Disputes teams, recognising Cleaver Fulton Rankin’s expertise in handling complex, high-value estate administration matters, trust advice and disputes, as well as contentious probate work.

Feedback gathered by Chambers noted the firm’s extensive experience in both contentious and non-contentious probate matters, deep understanding of charity and charity law issues, and the strength of its multidisciplinary approach. The guide also recognised the firm’s strong reputation within the Northern Ireland legal market and its active contribution to professional bodies, including STEP.

The rankings further acknowledge the firm’s ability to combine specialist expertise with a comprehensive service offering across private, commercial and tax-related matters, ensuring clients receive practical and strategic advice tailored to their circumstances.

Six Lawyers Ranked in Chambers High Net Worth Guide 2026

In addition to the firm’s Band 1 practice rankings, six Cleaver Fulton Rankin lawyers were recognised individually in this year’s guide:

Private Wealth Law

Michael Graham – Band 1
Timothy Rankin – Band 2
Brid McColgan – Band 3

Private Wealth Disputes

Jonathan Forrester – Band 1
Rachael Gamble – Up and Coming
Stuart Nevin – Up and Coming

New and Improved Individual Rankings

The latest results reflect the continued growth and strength of the firm’s private client offering, with Director, Brid McColgan achieving a new individual ranking, alongside improved rankings for both Directors, Rachael Gamble and Stuart Nevin, who have each been recognised as Up and Coming in the Private Wealth Disputes category.

Leading Advisers in Estate Planning, Trusts and Probate

The Chambers research highlighted the expertise of a number of the firm’s leading practitioners.

Managing Director, Jonathan Forrester was recognised for his work advising clients on trusts, probate litigation and dispute resolution. Michael Graham, Director & Head of Private Client, continues to be recognised as one of Northern Ireland’s most respected private wealth practitioners, with particular expertise in trusts, estate administration and succession planning.

The guide also acknowledged Director, Timothy Rankin’s experience in estate planning, taxation and trust matters, while Director, Brid McColgan was recognised for her work advising multi-generational families on estate planning, mental capacity matters and enduring powers of attorney.
Within the disputes team, Directors, Rachael Gamble and Stuart Nevin, were recognised for their growing reputations in handling complex private wealth and probate disputes.

Supporting High-Net-Worth Individuals, Families and Trustees

These rankings reflect Cleaver Fulton Rankin’s ongoing commitment to delivering exceptional legal advice to individuals, families, trustees, executors and family businesses across Northern Ireland and beyond.

The firm would like to thank its clients, professional contacts and peers for their continued trust and support, and congratulate all those recognised in this year’s Chambers High Net Worth Guide 2026.

For more information about Cleaver Fulton Rankin’s Private Client and Private Wealth Disputes services, please contact a member of the team.

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