UK Top 50 law firm, Birketts, has announced that it has expanded its Bristol team with three new appointments in June 2025.
They are:
- Barny Croft, Partner, Private Wealth Disputes
- Stephanie Kingdon, Partner, Property Disputes
- Lucia Mills, Legal Director, Property Disputes
Barny brings with him substantial experience and expertise in the field of private wealth disputes, having built a distinguished career advising clients on complex contentious probate, trust disputes and related matters.
Joining from Ashfords’ Wills & Inheritance Disputes Team, Barny strengthens Birketts’ Private Wealth Disputes Team and also significantly enhances the firm’s presence in the Bristol market.
Bernadette Baker, Head of the Private Wealth Disputes Team, commented: “We are thrilled to welcome Barny to Birketts. His extensive experience and dedication have been recognised in the Chambers & Partners and in the Legal 500, and his expertise will be instrumental in driving forward our strategic goals and providing our clients with the highest level of service.
“Barny’s arrival marks an exciting new chapter for our team, and we look forward to the positive impact he will undoubtedly have. His arrival underscores our commitment to attracting top talent and delivering exceptional outcomes for our clients.”
Meanwhile, Birketts is delighted that Stephanie has joined its Property Disputes Team.
Stephanie is a leading lawyer in her field, with particular knowledge of the retail, infrastructure, energy and renewables sectors. She has gained substantial experience from major national firms and will add further depth and expertise to the practice. Stephanie joins former long-term colleague and Property Disputes Partner Patrick Wetherall, who was appointed to the Bristol partnership in April.
Richard Eaton, Head of Property Disputes said: “I am absolutely delighted to welcome first Patrick, and now Stephanie, to the team in Bristol. They are among the leading property disputes specialists in the region, with national reputations; they will be a formidable combination and will be looking to build the team with further key hires. Their decision to join Birketts is a testament to the growth and investment of Birketts in the South West and helps establish one of the largest property disputes departments in the country.
Lucia is a welcome addition to Birketts’ dedicated Home Ownership Disputes Team, which specialises in resolving disputes under the Trusts of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act 1996 (‘TOLATA’).
The team helps clients to resolve disputes through channels such as negotiation and mediation. Where a dispute cannot be resolved though these means, it can assist with taking the matter right through the court system.
Lucia’s TOLATA expertise has been widely recognised, with the 2023 Legal 500 guide noting that she has “an excellent breadth of knowledge as regards disputes over beneficial interests in property due to her TOLATA specialism”.
While the team serves clients across England and Wales, Lucia will be based in the firm’s Bristol office to drive its offering and build its reputation in the West.
Laura Tanguay, Partner and Head of Home Ownership Disputes at Birketts, said:“With a growing number of TOLATA cases arising, more unmarried couples are turning to us for help in resolving their property disputes. Lucia is joining us at an exciting time as we continue to expand our reach and we are very pleased to welcome her to Birketts. I’m sure she will be a valuable addition to the team and play an integral part in our ongoing success.”
The arrival of Barny and Stephanie follows the recently announced appointments of Patrick Wetherall and Damocles Merry, bringing the total number of partners to ten in Birketts’ Bristol office.
Key Contacts
