Francis Barlow QC is a noted figure in traditional chancery circles both at home and abroad. He is highly respected for his expertise.
A deeply respected senior member of the Bar who is often trusted with exceptionally high-value matters at both the advisory and litigation stages, and is also recognised for his depth of knowledge in questions of jurisdiction and conflict of laws. A strong choice for those seeking advice on the setting up and interpretation of UK and offshore trusts, and an expert in the associated taxation aspects. He is also adept in contentious trust disputes, including applications for the variation of trusts. Barlow is a frequent contributor to various trust and succession textbooks.
Ranked in Tier 1 (Leading Silks) for Private Client: Trusts & Probate and Tier 3 (Leading Silks) for Offshore in Legal 500 2021.
Ranked in Band 1 for Chancery: Traditional for Chambers UK HNW 2021.
Ranked in Band 1 for Chancery: Traditional and for Trusts in Chambers UK Bar 2022.
Private Client: Contentious
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.
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 QC 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.