Adam Stewart-Wallace’s practice spans a number of Chambers’ key practice areas. He is experienced in gaining successful outcomes for clients in contentious matters, both in court and by way of settlement. He appears regularly in the high court and county court.
Adam is happy working independently or as a led junior. He regularly guides clients from the first advice to the conclusion of the case and is a reassuring presence throughout.
Before coming to the Bar, Adam lectured for the Philosophy Faculty at the University of Cambridge and Heythrop College, University of London.
For the 2022/2023 season, he will also be the manager of the Trumpington FC under 8s Dragons football team.
Private Client
Wills and Probate
Adam has advised and acted in many cases involving the substantial validity of wills. He has represented clients in numerous disputes regarding allegations of lack of testamentary capacity, want of knowledge and approval, undue influence and fraudulent calumny.
He has also advised on formal validity in complex cases involving the determination of whether putatively testamentary documents in fact constitute a will, and whether a will has been revoked by destruction. He also advises on matters of interpretation and claims for rectification.
He is also experienced in advising on and drafting non-contentious and interlocutory claims and applications, including citations and subpoenas.
In addition to the above, Adam regularly advises on claims related to executors and administrators specifically, including actions for devastavit; claims for account; removal/replacement actions; disclosure obligations; and Cobden-Ramsay orders.
Adam is a contributing member of the Lexis Nexis Private Client Expert Panel and has recently written on Hudman v Morris [2021] EWHC 1400 (Ch), recording a short podcast on the same here, as well as Beasant v Royal Commonwealth Society for the Blind [2022] EWHC 1319 (Ch), Barrett v Hammond & Ors [2020] EWHC 3585 (Ch) and Goodwin v Avison & Ors [2021] EWHC 2356 (Ch).
Other contentious private client
Adam has experience advising and acting in 1975 Act claims; determinations of beneficial interests in property under express, resulting and common intention constructive trusts; validity of inter vivos gifts; validity of trust instruments in light of alleged unconscionable bargain; proprietary estoppel; and Donatio Mortis Causa.
Trust disputes
Adam has advised and acted in regard to numerous trust disputes. These have included issues of removal/replacement of trustees; breach of trust by way of devastavit; failure to disclose; construction/interpretation of trust deeds; and sham trusts.
Adam has written for Lexis Nexis Private Client Expert panel on the case of Webb v Webb [2020] UKPC 22.
Qualifications
- BPTC, City University (2018)
- Exhibition Scholar, Inner Temple (2018)
- GDL, BPP (2016)
- PhD in Philosophy, University of Cambridge (2010)
- AHRC Doctoral Award (2007)
- MPhil in Philosophy, University of Cambridge (2006)
- BA (Hons) in Philosophy, University of Cambridge (2001)
- Churchill Scholar, Churchill College, University of Cambridge (2000-2001)
Associations & Memberships
- Member of the Chancery Bar Association
- Member of Association of Partnership Practitioners
- Member of Court of Protection Bar Association
Publications
- Inferred intentions and want of knowledge and approval
- LexisNexis Case Analysis Private Client Expert Panel
Adam Stewart-Wallace is a self-employed, independent barrister whose practice is regulated by the Bar Standards Board [Bar Council Ref 70689]. He is fully insured with the Bar Mutual Indemnity Fund [BMIF Ref 2360/121] to provide legal services, please refer to the BMIF website for full details of the world-wide cover provided. He is registered for UK VAT under the reference 336466387
