After thirty years of practicing in the legal world Richard Roberts, the co-owner of the firm, is a highly knowledgeable and respected solicitor. His life experiences make him extremely well placed to write about many of the legal issues facing our firm, our clients, the wider legal profession and the increasing private client industry.

Richard is frequently asked to write and present lectures to professional organisations, law firms, colleges and universities on a variety of topical legal issues.

He was a member of the Law Society’s Wills and Equity Committee for nine years, the last three (2011-2014) as its Chair. The Committee regularly responded to Consultation Papers on all aspects of wills, probate, charity law, trusts, and associated taxation, as well as writing the Law Society Practice Notes relevant to these areas of law.

Richard frequently lectures to professional and lay groups alike, and since 1st June, 2012 has been an Honorary Fellow in the School of Law at the University of Durham, where again he lectures from time to time. Richard also writes for professional and special interest magazines, has appeared on Radio 4 and BBC television.

Below are a selection of news articles. The majority were written by Richard and first published in “PS, the magazine of the Law Society’s Private Client Section”, others feature Richard’s opinion or comment and others are articles that Richard has written for organisations such as STEP.

Catering for LGBT clients

UK Advisors need to be sensitive when dealing with lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender clients, explains Richard Roberts, but they must not shy away from asking difficult questions.

Orientation Aid

Richard Roberts explains the specific issues faced by clients from the lesbian and gay community, and offers practitioners some advice on how to look after the unique needs of this particular group.

Up with the Larke

Receiving a Larke v Nugus letter relating to a challenge to a will can be daunting, but responding to such letters quickly and efficiently can help make the process simpler for everyone. Andrew Kidd and Richard Roberts explain.

Forensic Detail

Richard Roberts and Stephen Lewis explain how forensic accountants can help solicitors to resolve estates disputes, and outline what factors should be considered when deciding whether to instruct this type of expert.

Trust Litigation

Justin Roberts, Litigation Solicitor and Richard Roberts, Director of Gedye & Sons look at the rise in Trust Litigation and the potential pitfalls facing both the solicitors and trustees involved.

How to choose a Financial Adviser

The Law Society recently took the unprecented step of urging the profession not to follow the Solicitors Regulation Authority’s new rules on recommending Financial Advisers to clients warning that it could expose Solicitors to negligence claims.

In the line of fire

Solicitors will often find themselves stuck in the middle of complex estate disputes, trying to help their clients avoid the expense and upset of going to court. Richard Roberts explains how appointing an independent administrator can help.