Francis Barlow KC has now retired from practice.
Please contact our Senior Clerk if you require any further information.
Practice Areas
He acts in prominent UK and Offshore trusts matters and is regarded as “approachable, exceedingly knowledgeable and wise” by Legal 500.
Recent Cases:
- Shergill & Ors v Khaira & Ors [2017] EWHC 769 (Ch): Dispute over trusteeship of Sikh temple
- Bathurst & Anor v Bathurst & Ors (Rev 1) [2016] EWHC 3033 (Ch): Variation of trusts application
- V v T [2014] EWHC 3432 (Ch): Settlement Variation of trusts.
- Re Q Trust [2010] Bda LR 26, [2011] WTLR 735: Sup Ct of Bermuda, appeared as amicus curiae to argue that a trust was not invalid as an illusory trust.
- Kershaw v Micklethwaite [2010] WTLR 413: Removal of executors; jurisdiction.
- Re Z Trust [2009] CILR 593 (Grand Court of Cayman Islands): Trusts: jurisdiction to confer administrative powers.
- Wyndham v Egremont [2009] WTLR 1473: Variation of trusts; extension of trust period; capital gains tax.
- Breakspear v Ackland [2009] Ch 32: Settlement; disclosure of letter of wishes; exercise of dispositive powers; conflict of interest.
- Thomas & Agnes Carvel Foundation v Carvel [2008] Ch 395: Will: jurisdiction to remove executrix; devastavit.
Private Client: Non-Contentious
Francis specialises in trust and succession disputes, as well as estates administration.
Chambers UK 2016 report that Francis ” is hugely experienced and an immensely reassuring presence. He is the first person to turn to if you need to resolve a particularly difficult or sensitive problem related to trusts, wills or estates. He will take his time and come up with a solution, often an ingenious one.”
Recent Cases:
- Sieff v Fox [2005] 1 WLR 3811: Rule in Hastings-Bass and mistake.
- Mitchell v Halliwell [2005] EWHC 937: Removal of executors; devastavit.
- Re DWS [2001] Ch 568, CA: Murder, forfeiture and intestacy.
- Corbett v Newey [1998] Ch 57, CA: Conditional wills.
- Re K [1985] Ch 85, CA: Manslaughter, succession and relief from forfeiture.
Francis acts in the full range of capital taxes matters as they relate to trusts and individuals.
Recommendations
Qualifications
- MA, Christ Church, Oxford (1966)
Associations & Memberships
- ACTAPS
- Chancery Bar Association
- Charity Law Association
- STEP
Publications
- Consultant editor of Williams on Wills
- Contributor to the first and second editions of Thomas and Hudson’s Law of Trusts, the third edition of International Succession (Garb and Wood) and to International Trust Disputes (Collins, Kempster, McMillan and Meek)
- Member of the “Group of Experts” appointed by the EU Commission to consider proposals for the harmonisation of the laws of succession of Member States
Speaking Engagements
Francis is frequently invited to chair national and international trusts and private client events and has addressed audiences for:
- IBC Private Client
- STEP Bermuda
- STEP Jersey
- STEP Guernsey
- The Chancery Bar Association
Awards
Winner of the Legal 500 2014 ‘Silk of the Year’ award for Private Client: Trusts & Probate.
Francis Barlow KC is a self-employed, independent barrister whose practice is governed by the Code of Conduct of the Bar of England and Wales. He is regulated by The Bar Standards Board [Bar Ref 10382] and is fully insured with the Bar Mutual Indemnity Fund [BMIF Ref 2360/032] to provide legal services, please refer to the BMIF website for full details of the world-wide cover provided. He is registered for VAT under the reference 232227694.