Cleaver Fulton Rankin’s Private Client team is recognised as a leading practice in Chambers

Cleaver Fulton Rankin’s Private Client team has been consistently ranked as a leading practice in Chambers UK Legal Directory. Following the announcement of legal rankings in the High Net Worth (HNW) Guide for 2021, the team have been recognised as a Band 1 practice in Private Wealth Law. This ranking further demonstrates the team’s excellence across Private Client matters, including client service, technical legal ability, professional conduct, commercial awareness, diligence and commitment.

The team, led by Director, Michael Graham, is one of the largest specialist Private Client departments in Northern Ireland. The team have been described by clients in the guide, as “very competent, knowledgeable and professional.” In relation to the team’s probate and trusts disputes’ expertise, clients have noted that “this part of the firm takes a very sensible and logical approach to resolution,” adding “they ensure that the case is built logically and has a strong ground of success before taking final instruction from the client.”

The HNW Guide provides a comprehensive view of the legal marketplace, ranking the best in practice lawyers and law firms in the international private wealth market. The guide covers a wealth of expertise across accounting firms, banks, wealth managers and fiduciaries, providing an in-depth analysis of the legal market. The research process involves conducting interviews with thousands of lawyers and clients, whilst assessing the sophistication of work, bench strength of the team and quality of client feedback and market commentary.

In relation to individual lawyer rankings, Director, Michael Graham consistently excels in the rankings, with a Band 1 recognition, followed by Director, Timothy Rankin being recognised as ‘up and coming’. Managing Director, Jonathan Forrester, leading the team’s contentious Probates and Trusts Disputes’ team, is the leading lawyer recognised in Northern Ireland in Private Wealth Disputes with a Band 1 ranking.

Highlights from client recommendations include:

Director, Michael Graham is recognised as a “well-known practitioner in the private client world,” noting that he is “proficient, responsive and empathetic with clients.” “He is one of those people that has the ability to pick out information on the hoof whenever he is asked.”

Clients note, Managing Director, Jonathan Forrester “is factual and very straightforward with clients, and has the understanding of subjective details which works very well for clients.”

In addition, Director, Timothy Rankin’s expertise in personal legal matters is recognised by clients, noting that he is “very suited to this practice area,” adding: “He enjoys it and is very good at what he does.”

The Private Client department at Cleaver Fulton Rankin specialise in wills, inheritance tax and estate planning. The team also advise on the administration of trusts and estates, nursing care issues, mental capacity issues, enduring powers of attorney, controllership and matters involving the Office of Care and Protection. In addition, the department also has family and matrimonial and residential conveyancing expertise.

If you require any advice or guidance regarding a personal legal matter, please contact our Private Client team.