Julian Reed

Call: 1991

"His attention to detail and calm manner make him a barrister of choice. His instructing solicitors would never want to be cross-examined by him; he will take the other side's witness by hand and lead them right where they do not want to go."

Legal 500 2024

"He has a natural manner with clients which makes him very approachable, and puts clients at ease in working with him. Julian has an eye for detail and makes succinct points. A barrister with a very good work ethic."

Legal 500 2023

"Julian provides detailed analysis of the background of disputes, and gives very thorough advice on the next steps. The balance of his thorough and detailed analysis of the case, and his approachable manner, gives him qualities that few barristers can readily offer."

Legal 500 2023

"He has a natural manner with clients which makes him very approachable, and puts clients at ease in working with him. Julian has an eye for detail and makes succinct points. A barrister with a very good work ethic."

Legal 500, 2022

"Julian provides detailed analysis of the background of disputes, and gives very thorough advice on the next steps. The balance of his thorough and detailed analysis of the case, and his approachable manner, gives him qualities that few barristers can readily offer."

Legal 500, 2022

Julian Reed practices in the areas of inheritance, wills and probate and the overlap with financial remedies.

His practice includes contentious probate matters, acting for both claimants and defendants (including executors) in cases involving the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependents) Act 1975. Administration of estates, including insolvent estates, also featured in this practice is dealing with the removal of awkward and recalcitrant Trustees and Executors. Claims concerning the validity of wills by reason of testator’s incapacity, the effects of undue influence, or the satisfaction of formal requirements.

He has a substantial financial provision practice dealing with businesses, farming disputes, companies and partnerships. He is regularly asked to advise and represent clients, particularly former cohabitees, on the existence and extent of beneficial interests in land whether under express, resulting or constructive trusts.

Julian has handled cases in Care Standards tribunals. The same includes Care Standards Appeal Tribunal – Puretruce Health Care Ltd v National Assembly for Wales [2005] EWCST 544 (EA-W) (5 September 2006). He also has experience in both private and public law Children Act applications.

His practice also involves personal injury and general common law work. Julian is qualified to accept instructions directly from members of the public through the Direct Access Scheme.

Expertise

Inheritance, Wills & Probate

Julian is regularly instructed in claims pursuant to the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975 and other contentious probate matters. Those claims include claims concerning the validity of wills, claims for rectification of wills, administration actions and applications to remove or replace executors and trustees. Julian has advised on disputes over the entitlement to take possession of a body and dispose of the same. He regularly advises on claims under the Trusts of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act 1996.

Cases

Folds Farm [2024] EWHC 12 (Ch)

Re Bala (deceased) Amnir and others v Bala and others; MN (a protected party by her litigation friend) v Bala and others [2023] EWHC 1054 (Ch)

Paul v Paul and others [2022] EWHC 1638 (Fam)

Whittacker v Hancock [2018] EWHC 3478 (Ch)

Wilson v Lassman [2017] EWHC 85 (Ch)

View more cases

Family Finance

Julian has a substantial financial provision practice dealing with businesses, farming disputes, companies and partnerships. He is regularly involved in disputes over third party ownership of properties and trusts.

Julian regularly advises on claims under the Trusts of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act 1996.

Cases

NW v BH [2024] EWFC 118

Court of Protection

Julian regularly appears in the Court of Protection and has handled cases in Care Standards tribunals.

Cases

JMH (by her litigation friend) v CFH and another [2020] EWCOP 63

Re: RGB [2013] EWHC B23

Care Standards Appeal Tribunal Puretruce Health Care Ltd v National Assembly for Wales [2005] EWCST 544

Professional Negligence

Julian has a wealth of experience in professional negligence, regularly dealing with complex cases where professional negligence intersects with inheritance, probate, and financial matters, including:

Inheritance, Wills & Probate

In the context of professional negligence, Julian is often involved in disputes concerning the validity of wills, the administration of estates, and the handling of trusts, especially when errors by professionals have resulted in financial or personal harm. He has represented clients in cases where mistakes made by legal professionals in the drafting or execution of a will, or in the administration of an estate, have caused significant losses to beneficiaries.

Key areas of expertise include:

Negligent drafting or invalid execution of wills
Professional errors in the administration of estates, leading to financial losses
Disputes regarding the interpretation of wills and the responsibilities of executors and trustees
Claims against solicitors or other professionals for failures in estate planning or advice

Financial Remedies

Julian has substantial experience dealing with cases where negligence has impacted financial remedies, particularly in divorce and inheritance disputes. He has a deep understanding of how professional errors can affect asset division, spousal maintenance, and other financial settlements, and work with clients to hold professionals to account for their mistakes.

Key areas of expertise include:

Claims for financial losses resulting from errors in estate planning or advice
Disputes over the division of family assets and wealth in divorce settlements due to negligent financial advice
Cases where professional negligence in handling a will or estate has affected financial claims or maintenance arrangements