Bernadette Baker
Bernadette Baker joined Birketts in 2004 and leads our Private Wealth Disputes Team.
Bernadette advises individuals, trustees and fiduciaries on complex trust disputes and claims involving protectors. Bernadette also specialises in domestic and international succession disputes including challenges based on capacity, undue influence, fraud and forgery together with claims under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975 and proprietary estoppel disputes.
Bernadette is able to take on the role of Independent Administrator working closely with our Private Client Advisory Team and our Tax and Trusts Team.
Bernadette also advises on professional negligence claims arising out of succession disputes.
Bernadette is a recognised leader in her field with a proven track record of resolving complex disputes with compassion and sensitivity.
Recent work highlights
Secured a significant High Court victory for the Claimants in Leonard v Leonard [2024] EWHC 321 (ChD).
Acting for clients in complex Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975 dispute.
Acting for clients in a multi-jurisdictional will validity challenge.
Acting for beneficiaries in an application to remove executors.
Acting for a beneficiary of an offshore Trust challenging a proposed final distribution.
Advising the beneficiaries of several large trusts in the removal application of a trustee and a protector.
Experience & education
2004 joined Birketts
2004 qualified as a Solicitor
