We hope you are able to join us at our annual Probate and Court of Protection Conference where members of XXIV Old Buildings will explore the key topics in this arena.
The conference will start at 2pm (registration from 1.30pm) with a afternoon tea networking session.
Date: Wednesday 12th November 2025
Venue: David Lloyd George Room, The Law Society, 113 Chancery Lane, London, WC2A 1PL
Agenda
13.30 – 14.00
Registration and refreshments
14.00 – 14.10
Introduction from the Chair
Elizabeth Weaver
14.10 – 14.35
Infamy, Infamy, they’ve all got it in for me!
Sarah Bayliss and James Kane explore the court’s approach to insane delusion and want of knowledge and approval in probate claims.
14.35 – 15.00
Everything you wanted to know about Independent Administrators …
Elizabeth Weaver and Niamh Davis provide some practical guidance on the appointment and role of independent administrators and the issues they may face.
15.00 – 15.20
The construction of gifts to unincorporated charities
Owen Curry will discuss failure and other issues arising out of the recent case of Re Midworth [2025] EWHC 2255.
15.20 – 16.00
Afternoon Tea Networking Session
16.00 – 16.40
Juniors Debate – put up or shut up orders and sham trusts
Four top up-and-coming juniors, Alex Peplow, James Kane, Tim Koch and Kyle Bonnell battle it out in a series of debates on hot issues of law. Who will win?… You decide!
16.40 – 17.00
What’s in a name? Distinguishing between executorship and trusteeship in estate administration
It is common that a will appoints the same people to act as executors and will trustees.
But while the difference between the two offices may appear subtle, it can give rise to significant challenges in estate administration if the distinction is not properly observed. In this talk, Harry Samuels unpacks the law and gives practical tips on how to avoid the bear traps.
17.00 – 17.20
Devolution of property- partnership or estate asset?
Helen Galley discusses the interaction between probate and partnership assets on death and dissolution.
17:20 – 17:30
Q&A and closing remarks
17:30 – 21:00
Drinks reception
