Expertise
Andrew advises on a wide range of contentious trust and probate matters with particular expertise in disputes concerning the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975, where he has acted for spouses, partners, both adult and minor children as well as dependants. He has also acted for and advised executors in relation to such claims.
Andrew is regularly asked to advise on issues regarding the validity of Wills including issues relating to testamentary capacity, lack of knowledge and approval, undue influence, fraud as well as lack of due execution and revocation.
He also has considerable experience in disputes relating to the administration of both trusts and estates where he has advised trustees, executors and beneficiaries on matters such as allegations of breach of trust, actions for an account and disclosure of trust documents. He has also acted in claims relating to the removal of personal representatives or trustees.
Andrew also undertakes Court of Protection work and has a particular interest in the professional negligence side of contentious trust and probate matters.
Recent Experience
- Acting for the successful claimants in the recent leading case regarding presumed undue influence: Hart and Samways v Burbidge [2013] 1628 (Ch).
- Acting for a major beneficiary of a farming partnership in respect of claims for rectification and construction of the terms of his deceased partner’s Will.
- Acting for the granddaughter of a patient of the Court of Protection in respect of a statutory Will application in respect of an estate worth over £3m.
- Advising clients in respect of a claim for proprietary estoppel over their entitlement to the deceased uncle’s interest in a substantial farm.
- Advising beneficiaries in relation to various claims arising in respect of their entitlement to their late mother’s estate which include a number of residential properties and a freehold public house.
Career History
Andrew joined Wedlake Bell LLP in November 2015 from Wilson Solicitors LLP where he was a partner. He is a full member of the Association of Contentious Trust and Probate Specialists (ACTAPS) and has been since 2006. He is listed in the Legal 500 (2015) where he is described as “thorough and commercial”. He is also recognised as a Prominent Figure in the field of contentious trusts in the Citywealth Leaders List for 2015.
Andrew has been widely quoted in national and regional newspapers on subjects such as the recent landmark ruling that DNA evidence should be used to settle disputes of hereditary titles in The Telegraph and The National.
Andrew qualified as a solicitor in 1992 and has a degree in Social Sciences from Hatfield Polytechnic.
"The contentious partner with whom I have worked recently is Andrew O’Keefe, who is extremely steady and whose low key approach belies the effectiveness of the way in which he runs matters."
— Legal 500, 2023
"This team has good experience and provides a consistently good service. Andrew O’Keefe works diligently for his clients, and is a formidable litigator."
— Legal 500, 2023
"Andrew O’Keeffe is experienced and dependable, and has deadly dangerous negotiation skills. Tom Klemme is his reliable and switched-on right-hand man."
— Legal 500, 2023
"This firm handles some very large trusts and this feeds into a strong and successful contentious team. Andrew O’Keefe and Caroline Miller are both great to work with."
— Legal 500, 2023
"Andrew O'Keeffe's contentious trust and probate practice includes acting for various parties in disputed inheritance cases regarding sizeable family estates. The breadth of his expertise is commended by a source: "Andrew covers a lot of bases, he is excellent with clients and provides a very good tactical overview." A barrister also remarks that a "particular strength of his is in keeping an eye on the commercial view of litigation."
— Chambers High Net Worth 2022
"Andrew O’Keeffe – an excellent litigator and tactician. Very personable and a great communicator with clients, calm under pressure, persistent and achieves great results for clients. "
— Legal 500, 2022
"Andrew O’Keeffe is an experienced partner with a well-tuned sense of judgement on the merits of cases and how to handle clients and opponents; definitely one to have on your side."
— Legal 500, 2022
"Andrew O’Keefe is a highly experienced litigator and is not phased by anything."
— Legal 500, 2022
"A strong private client firm with a number of high-value disputes. Andrew O’ Keeffe – very knowledgeable and solidly practicable."
— Legal 500, 2022
"Andrew O’Keeffe is very experienced, well respected and a brilliant tactician"
— Legal 500, 2021
"Andrew O’Keeffe is an able and tough litigator. He obtains great results for clients and is a master of strategy"
— Legal 500, 2021
"Andrew O'Keeffe of Wedlake Bell LLP leads the private client team at the firm. He advises on probate and trusts disputes and Court of Protection matters. A fellow solicitor enthuses: 'He is a very knowledgeable and experienced litigator' and another peer says he is 'really good on domestic probate work and Inheritance Act claims,' A barrister adds that 'he's excellent and has oodles of experence.'"
— HNW Chambers 2019
""He has a very good client manner and brings a very traditional and fair approach to this sort of work. He is a very practical adviser who is both persistent and tenacious.""
— Chambers HNW 2018
""He is always very measured and very calm in his approach to things. He provides a steady hand for clients." "
— Chambers HNW 2018
"Andrew O'Keeffe is ‘outstandingly intelligent and dynamic’."
— Legal 500, 2016
"Andrew O’Keeffe is ‘extremely experienced and a formidable opponent’"
— Legal 500, 2017
Insights
Managing a beneficiary: steps to take
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In Trust Summer 2019
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In Trust Winter 2018/2019
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Why make a will?
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Can my half-sister challenge our father’s will? – Financial Times
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Private: “How a common law partner can go against your will” – Andrew O’Keeffe and Jemma Goddard write for Spear’s Magazine
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“Was my father ‘coerced’ into rewriting his will?” – Andrew O’Keeffe responds to a reader’s question for The FT
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Private: Ministry of Justice Power of Attorney Fee Refund Scheme
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“Where there’s a Will, there’s a way” Partner, Andrew O’Keeffe, writes for Spear’s Magazine
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In Trust Summer 2018
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Ilott v The Blue Cross: a victory for testamentary freedom
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