The Fine Art of Probate: Recent Episodes
Collyer Bristow LLP
In this series The Fine Art of Probate, members of law firm Collyer Bristow are joined by a variety of guests to discuss a range of topics in the realm of probate, all relating to aspects of Art and Culture. Disclaimer: This content is provided for general information only and does not constitute legal or other professional advice. Appropriate legal or other professional opinion should be taken before taking or omitting to take any action in respect of any specific problem. Collyer Bristow LLP accepts no liability for any loss or damage which may arise from reliance on information contained in this material.
In this episode, Robin Henry, Head of Dispute Resolution at Collyer Bristow, sits down with Senior Associate Nichola Leach to unpack the modern landscape of commercial disputes. They explore how in-house counsel can manage risk, protect business interests, and resolve disputes strategically, often without going to court.
With practical examples and sharp insight, Robin and Nichola discuss early-stage intervention, the rise of mediation and arbitration, and why a proactive approach to disputes can offer significant cost and reputational benefits.
This is a must-listen for legal teams navigating commercial risk or looking to build stronger relationships with their litigation advisors.
What You’ll Learn:
- How early engagement can de-escalate potential litigation
- The strategic role of mediation and ADR in commercial disputes
- Common pitfalls businesses face when disputes arise
- How in-house and external counsel can collaborate most effectively
- Why a cost-benefit mindset matters in dispute resolution
Duration: 16 minutes
Topic: Secret commissions, fiduciary duties, and recent case law updates
In this episode Collyer Bristow's Head of Commercial Disputes, Robin Henry and Associate, Commercial Disputes, Abbie Coleman discuss secret commissions, a crucial issue in financial services and brokerage arrangements. They explore the legal obligations of agents, fiduciary duties, and the impact of recent court rulings on businesses and consumers.
Key discussion points include:
✅ What qualifies as a secret commission?
✅ The difference between fully secret vs. half-secret commissions
✅ The implications of the landmark Wood v Commercial First Business Ltd (2021)
✅ How the Johnson, Wrench & Hopcraft (2024) cases affect the motor finance sector
✅ Legal remedies available for undisclosed commissions
Whether you're a financial professional, legal expert, or consumer interested in fair financial practices, this episode unpacks the latest legal developments in secret commissions and their broader implications.
🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms.
💡 Need expert advice? Contact our Commercial Disputes team at Collyer Bristow for guidance on secret commissions and fiduciary obligations.
SecretCommissions #FinancialLaw #LegalPodcast #CommercialDisputes #CollyerBristow
Private Wealth Partner James Cook is joined by Lila Kanner, Acting Director of Development and Miriam Thiede, Senior Development Manager of The Courtauld Institute of Art. Together they discuss the details of charitable gifts and legacies, looking in particular at how The Courtauld navigates these processes and looking at the types of charitable gifts individuals often choose to leave upon their deaths.
You can view more on legacies at The Courtauld here.
Or get in touch with Miriam and Lila via: legacies@courtauld.ac.uk
Private Wealth Partner Samara Dutton is joined by Barrister Marilyn Kennedy- McGregor to discuss the secret trust of the artist Lucian Freud. Together they also look at why private clients might use a secret trust, and how they can be properly administered
In this episode, Private Wealth Partner James Cook is joined by Harvey Cammell, Deputy Chairman of Bonhams UK and Global Director of Valuations, Trusts & Estates. Together they discuss the process of art valuations in relation to probate.
In our latest episode of The Fine Art of Probate, Collyer Bristow Private Wealth Partner James Cook is joined by Charles Cochrane of Cochrane Adams Fine Art. Together they discuss the increasingly popular Acceptance in Lieu scheme.