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Biography

I am the lead Partner for the Will, Trust and Estate Disputes team in London.

I specialise in private client disputes and litigation, specifically those concerning trust, estate and succession disputes. My clients include private individuals, trustees, executors, administrators, protectors and beneficiaries.

I deal with all manner of disputes both in the UK and internationally, including claims under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975, will disputes, and claims in respect of beneficial interests in property.

I was named in Citywealth's list of Top 10 Powerwomen Trust Litigators 2020 and Top 100 Trust Litigators and Polymaths in May 2020. I'm also ranked in Legal Week's Private Client Global Elite Directory as 'One to Watch'.

Notable Cases

Earl Bathurst (Deceased) [2018] EWHC 21 (Ch); [2017] WTLR 1207

A dispute concerning the estate of the 8th Earl Bathurst and the ability of his widow to use and enjoy valuable chattels.

A.H. Baldwin and Sons Ltd & Others v. His Excellency Sheik Saud Bin Mohammed Bin Al-Thani [2012] EWHC 3156 (QB)

Acting for an auction house and obtaining a worldwide asset-freezing injunction against Sheikh Saud Al-Thani, a member of the royal family of Qatar and one of the world's most prolific collectors of art and antiquities.

Wilson v. Dodd [2012] EWHC 3727 (Ch)

Obtaining judgment for an American investor who was induced to invest in an English business due to a fraudulent misrepresentation.

Singellos v Singellos [2010] EWHC 2353 (Ch) (The Times, 22 December 2010)

A multi-jurisdictional contentious probate dispute which extended a 19th Century legal principle relating to the necessary mental capacity to execute a will (Parker v Felgate) to documents executed to effect lifetime transfers to offshore companies.

Walbrook Trustees (Jersey) Ltd & Ors v Fattal [2007] EWHC 2808 [2008] EWHC 991 [2008] EWHC Civ 427

Strike out of a claim against professional trustees for abuse of process.

Testimonials

"Calculated, clever, calmness and awe inspiring in her ability to navigate tough cases." - Citywealth Leaderslist 2020

"Claire-Marie Cornford is clever, experienced and runs the team with enormous energy... [she] is exceptionally talented and experienced. Fantastic and personal service. An extremely safe pair of hands.... An experienced and very impressive lawyer, client focused and tactically astute." - Legal 500, 2019

Claire-Marie has "a calm manner that helps to diffuse the most difficult of situations" - Legal 500, 2016

"Claire-Marie is a specialist in family trusts. She is 'a very safe pair of hands' and provides 'useful input on strategic decisions'." – Legal 500, 2014

What Inspired You To Get Into Law?

I was drawn to law by a desire to help others.

What Is The Most Rewarding Aspect Of Your Role?

Developing a strong personal bond with my clients and supporting them through the litigation process.

What Do You Do Away From The Office?

I enjoy yoga, gardening, sport and driving fast cars.

Read My Comments On The Latest News

22/05/2020
Two Irwin Mitchell Partners Included In Citywealth Top Trust Litigators List

“I’m thrilled to have been recognised alongside Paula and my other talented peers as a top trust litigator by Citywealth and as one of Citywealth’s Top 10 Powerwomen Trust Litigators for 2020. We’ve worked hard to build up the team in the London office as well as provide the very best service to our domestic and global clients at all times, especially during this difficult period, so it’s incredibly gratifying to have this recognised. “Our inclusion is a testament to all of the above as well as our standing in the market, both as individuals and as a firm, and I’m delighted to have been listed.”
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15/05/2019
New Will, Trust And Estate Disputes Associate For Irwin Mitchell’s London Office

“We are all delighted that Kate has joined the team. Her property litigation background combined with her experience in contentious trust and probate matters will be a huge asset to our work. “Kate’s links with the East Anglia private client market and Irwin Mitchell’s office in Cambridge are also something we’re looking forward to developing to widen our national reach and reach a new client base. “Our London team is steadily growing in size, experience and excellence; we intend to become one of the best litigation teams in London and Kate’s appointment helps us with our journey. “Kate’s arrival will strengthen both the London and national teams.”
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22/02/2019
High Court Rules Wife Who Accompanied Husband To Dignitas Can Inherit His Estate

“Having to come to terms with the fact that a loved one has a terminal illness and wants to plan to end their own life is something nobody ever wants to go through. At a time when families are dealing with all the range of emotions following their death, they then have to deal with the potential for criminal charges and the real possibility that they might not be able to inherit from them due to the provisions of the forfeiture rule. Accordingly, it’s important to plan not just for the person who wants to end their life but the people left behind. “This is an area of law which has been considered in the Supreme Court and is on the radar of politicians to review the laws around assisted dying to bring them into the 21st century. Therefore, the recent judgment from the High Court provides helpful guidance for families who finding themselves in this very sad position. Each family’s circumstances will be different but this case highlights the need to take sound independent legal advice in order to protect the person wishing to end their life and those family members who may be considered to be criminally liable for encouraging or assisting the suicide (or attempted suicide) of their loved one. “If you or a loved one are considering the possibility of an accompanied suicide at Dignitas or elsewhere, it is important to devise a well-considered plan not only from a medical perspective but also from legal perspective in order to protect those who you would wish to avoid any criminal culpability and to inherit your estate.”
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07/08/2018
Irwin Mitchell Private Wealth Partner Listed in Legal Week's Private Client Global Elite 2018

“I am thrilled to have been recognised by my peers and selected for the Private Client Global Elite’s ‘Ones to Watch’ list. “The listing is a testament to the quality of work the team attracts and that Irwin Mitchell Private Wealth is competing on a global level. Individuals and businesses across the world will know that Irwin Mitchell Private Wealth can be trusted as a leader in the private client world. “Legal Week is a highly regarded publication and I would like to thank them for recognising me in this way.”
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Claire-Marie Cornford

Biography

Notable Cases

Testimonials

What Inspired You To Get Into Law?

What Is The Most Rewarding Aspect Of Your Role?

What Do You Do Away From The Office?

Read My Comments On The Latest News

Two Irwin Mitchell Partners Included In Citywealth Top Trust Litigators List

New Will, Trust And Estate Disputes Associate For Irwin Mitchell’s London Office

High Court Rules Wife Who Accompanied Husband To Dignitas Can Inherit His Estate

Irwin Mitchell Private Wealth Partner Listed in Legal Week's Private Client Global Elite 2018

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Request A Callback