I’m a Partner Solicitor having qualified in 2012. I joined Wollens in 2022.

I deal predominantly with contentious probate and trusts litigation. I’m a member of the Association of Contentious Trust and Probate Specialists (ACTAPS) and I’m one of only a handful of lawyers in the South West with this accreditation.

I also specialise in sports litigation and sport related dispute resolution and am instructed by professional sports people, sports clubs and sport agents.

I gained valuable experience in the South East in both private practice and the public sector and I take a practical and sympathetic approach towards my clients, but I understand the need to navigate disputes in an efficient and proactive manner.

I consider myself to be adept at digesting complex legal problems providing practical and easy to understand advice. I’m an advocate of alternative dispute resolution believing it is a vital tool in resolving disputes amicably and proportionately. I’ve also litigated from County Court to the Court of Appeal, and I’ve worked closely with eminent KC’s.

My notable cases include:

Instructed by a defendant in a multi-million-pound probate/ trust dispute revolving around sham trusts and syphoned funds.
Instructed by a claimant company in High Court (Chancery Division) proceedings for a purported breach of a Sale and Purchase Agreement relating to deferred payments.
Instructed by a claimant in challenging the validity of a will in light of undue influence, pleading proprietary estopel in the alternative.
Instructed by defendant LLP for alleged breach of a Quistclose trust / investment agreement following a multi-million pound investment by an investor.
Instructed by a claimant in The Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975 litigation on behalf of an adult child, omitted from her mother’s will.
Instructed by a claimant seeking to rely on section 116 Senior Courts Act 1981 to pass over executors due to past/ historical conduct towards the claimant beneficiary.
Instructed by an individual claimant in respect of an urgent freezing injunction application in the High Court (King’s Bench Division) in aid of contemplative proceedings outside of the jurisdiction.
Instructed to deal with Rule K Football Associaiton Rules arbitration.
Instructed in High Court football agent ‘commission’ dispute.
Instructed by professional cyclist in a breach of contract claim.

I’ve been recognised in the Legal 500 as a Next Generation Lawyer.

Outside of work I enjoy all that the Devon countryside has to offer. I’m a keen amateur cyclist, and I enjoy cooking and spending time with my young family.

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Testimonials

Craig and Shirley at Wollen’s have supported us throughout a particularly tricky matter, where usual routes of communication were not possible. The advice that we were given was always very clear and concise and we found Wollen’s very responsive to any queries or concerns. They were conscious of the weighty emotional element involved but very mindful of removing the emotion from decision making processes, which made it easier to see the bigger picture. I would certainly recommend to friends or colleagues requiring legal support.

Craig Smith, the Team Leader, deserves special praise and recommendation. He is a highly focused and skilled solicitor expert in the field of dispute resolution. He is highly sensitive to his clients’ needs and dedicated to finding solutions.

A firm who delivers excellence in the field of Contentious Trusts and Probate not least through the excellence of Craig Smith.

Craig Smith – An excellent lawyer. He knows his cases inside out, is excellent with clients and delivers the results.

Craig Smith truly is a stand alone in his field. His approach towards those in opposition is forthright and robust, however, his Client care is calming and sensitive. His style is one of compassion and kindness with logic and realistic advice running alongside it. In essence, the Client can put total trust in Mr Smith that their best interests are going to be looked after, even if they cannot see a way forward for emotions, as such comes with contentious probate matters.

Mr Smith is exceptional at keeping his Client’s informed and seeking to reassure them on every matter — on question is too small or too large to trouble, Craig Smith.