Paul is particularly recognised for his contentious trusts and probate practice, advising clients on a wide range of complex estate and inheritance disputes. His experience includes claims under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975, disputes concerning the validity of Wills, undue influence and mental capacity claims, proprietary estoppel disputes, executor and trustee removal applications, Court of Protection proceedings and contentious estate administrations. He acts for beneficiaries, executors, trustees and independent administrators in some of the most sensitive and high-value family disputes.
Paul’s distinctive strength lies in bridging advisory and contentious work. His extensive experience in trusts and probate disputes provides unique insight into the issues that can turn well-intentioned estate planning into costly litigation. He applies this litigation-informed perspective when advising clients on Wills, trusts and succession planning, helping to create structures that are robust, practical and designed to withstand future challenge.
His thought leadership is also recognised through his contribution to the 14th edition of Parry and Kerridge: The Law of Succession, one of the leading texts on succession law in England and Wales, for which he co-authored the chapter on The Taxation of Estates.
Contentious Trusts & Probate
- Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975 claims
- Undue influence and mental capacity claims
- Validity, construction and rectification of Wills
- Proprietary estoppel and constructive trust claims
- Removal of executors and trustees
- Applications to compel estate accounts
- Directions applications for executors and trustees
- Disputes arising during estate administration
- Court of Protection matters, including removal of attorneys, Statutory Will applications and lifetime gift applications
Paul Levy has been individually ranked Band 4 for Private Wealth Disputes in Chambers High Net Worth 2026, recognising his expertise in complex trust and probate disputes.
Non-Contentious Estate Planning & Tax
Paul’s contentious expertise directly informs his advisory practice, enabling him to identify and address potential areas of dispute before they arise. He advises clients on:
- Complex Wills and succession planning
- Trust structuring and administration
- Inheritance tax mitigation strategies
- Asset protection planning
- Structuring for vulnerable beneficiaries
He has particular expertise in establishing trusts to hold assets qualifying for Business Property Relief (BPR), enabling trading company shares or business interests to pass into trust in a tax-efficient manner while allowing the settlor to retain meaningful control over voting rights, dividend policy and trust governance.
Reported Cases
- Brinner v Brinner [2026] EWHC 1462 (Ch) Advising on a removal of executor claim.
- Eade v Hogg [2021] EWHC 1057 (Ch) – Representing the widow in a Will construction and rectification claim.
- F v R [2022] EWCOP 49 – Acting for the Applicant deputy in a Court of Protection best interests decision concerning the settlement of an inheritance into a Disabled Person’s Trust to preserve means-tested benefits.
Professional Memberships
- Member, STEP (Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners)
- Student Member, ACTAPS (Association of Contentious Trusts and Probate Specialists)
Client Testimonials
“[Paul Levy] demonstrated an extremely wide knowledge showing a quite exceptional understanding of his field of law… Over the years, I have had no hesitation in recommending him to friends, family and former professional colleagues.”
Legal 500
Paul Levy was named a 2027 ‘Next Generation Partner’ by Legal 500, and also previously in 2026.
“I have worked with Paul Levy for a number of years and have always found him to be highly proactive and resourceful with our mutual clients…”
“Paul Levy is a young partner carving out an impressive reputation in this area: he has excellent instincts, detailed legal knowledge, and a strategic mindset.”