Julia
Beer

Julia has a depth of experience in advising on Unfair Prejudice applications S994 and protecting the rights of minority shareholders. The fact that Julia is an acknowledged expert in this field is recognised by the fact that since 2012 she has been the contributor and author of the Unfair Prejudice Chapter in the leading text Gore Browne on Companies. Julia has worked with leading counsel defending extensive allegations of breaches of fiduciary duty against directors in two Cayman Island companies together with multi million pound allegations of breach of contract; fraud and conspiracy. She has presented off shore seminars in Cayman on the use and abuse of directors and shareholders powers post Eclairs v JSX Oil. Closer to home Julia regularly advises directors on fraud on a power particularly in circumstances where the directors have mixed motives and the practical realities/ parameters for shareholders of the codification of directors duties in s. 170 and s. 171 Companies Act 2006 and commercial reality.

Amey Infrastructure v Cumbria County Council [2016].

Worked as a team of 7 counsel in a high value construction contractual dispute in the preparation of the defence and £22 million counterclaim.

Sagicor General Insurance (Cayman) Ltd -v- Crawford Adjusters Ltd [2008] CILR 19 & 482

Led by Michael Todd QC in Cayman Grand Court representing loss adjuster and project management company defending claims of breach of directors duties; breaches of contract; fraud and conspiracy. Pleading Counterclaim for tort of Malicious prosecution for civil proceedings with eventual success in the Privy Council [2013] UKPC 17 NB did not represent client in PC hearing because of funding difficulties.

Julia also has considerable experience acting for companies, trustees and creditors in the Family Division in Financial Remedy proceedings. She frequently advises directors and shareholders of family businesses caught up in and intervening in matrimonial proceedings, typically on share division, income and voting rights; minority shareholdings and ownership of assets. She appears regularly in the Family Division and is comfortable with the procedure and FPR and is a member of FLBA. Julia is able to give and advocate a chancery analysis to any non – matrimonial asset in danger of being swept into a global pot. She has experience of dealing with farming partnerships and assets; third party minority shareholdings in family companies; advising trustees whether or not to submit to jurisdiction; championing the rights of the company and its creditors.

Weisz v Weisz [2019] EWHC 3101 (Fam)

Leading case on interim payments in a IPFDA 1975 Act claim.

K v A & Ors [2014] EWHC Fam Charles J (Enforcement)

K v A & Ors [2011] EWHC 1639 (Fam) Charles J

K v A & Ors [2012]EWHC 788(Fam) – Charles J

Acting unusually for the wife in a case with 7 interveners including the Official Receiver. Issues arising over the beneficial ownership of shares in one trading and two property holding companies; the dilution of the wife’s minority shareholding; breach of the director’s fiduciary duties; and freezing the companies’ assets.

F v F & Ors [2011] EWHC (Fam) – Mostyn J

Representing parent and subsidiary companies as intervener. Complex inter-company loan structures. Successfully defending the companies’ assets from allegations of sham and the wife’s claims that the companies’ assets were ‘property’ to which H was entitled to within the meaning of S24(1)(a) MCA 1973.

Julia frequently deals with issues of professional liability which arise after the death of the Deceased including: White v Jones issues and the duty owed to beneficiaries; failure by solicitors to execute a will expeditiously in circumstances when the Deceased is terminally ill; Failure to execute a will in contemplation of marriage. She also has a wealth of experience advising on loss incurred when the Golden Rule is not followed in the preparation of wills subject to a later challenge of invalidity on grounds of incapacity and failure to meet the Banks v Goodfellow test. Julia has acted for trustees who have relied upon negligent professional advice causing the trustees and therefore the trust to incur significant and unnecessary financial obligation and invest in overvalued property. She is experienced identifying actual loss: For example, the loss caused by solicitors applying for decree absolute thereby removing a widow’s pension entitlement prior to a pension sharing order taking effect – and the consequences of mitigation of financial provision through a 1975 Act claim.

Julia frequently advises on establishing implied trusts and proprietary estoppel particularly in claims arising against Real Property based upon promises, understanding and agreements during the Deceased’s lifetime. Claims arising in respect of real Property held by Company and trust structures.

K v K

Complex proprietary estoppel claim against (i) an Estate and (ii) P defending by way of her Attorneys. Claims against farming partnership assets. Cross border and jurisdictional issues.

 P v W & P Ltd [2013] (Fam) – Coleridge J

Representing Defendants in claims made over beneficial interest in shareholding of family company and the quasi family home under TOLATA 1996 arising out of a rectification argument. Issues included advising the company on share buy-back settlement proposals and tax consequences.

Liddle v Cree [2011] EWHC 3294 (Ch) – Briggs J

Claim to set aside the division of a farm and various land parcels following breakdown of farming partnership. Advancing claim of undue influence and abuse of the relationship of trust and confidence during the relationship. Satellite issues arising from the winding up of the farming partnership.

Julia is frequently instructed in connection with multi-million pound estates and trusts. She regularly advises and represents clients in the High Court on cross border succession issues, particularly domicile. In 2017 she was called to the Bar in Northern Ireland to advise on domicile and jurisdiction. She has a specialist interest in advising/seeking vesting orders from the English court for property inherited by minors overseas pursuant to s. 53 Trustee Act 1925. She regularly advises on breach of trust issues; fraud on a power; executor and administrator removal and is very familiar with applications under the Variation of Trusts Act 1958. Julia has a depth of experience in structuring post death deeds of variation both in settlement to litigation and for tax purposes. Julia is co-author of 5th edition of Rossdale Probate and Administration of Estates and a member of STEP Central London.

As to Court of Protection work, Julia regularly advises on issues arising with P’s Property and Affairs. She has experience of enforcing security bonds against Deputies; the appointment, removal and control of Deputies. Julia frequently advises on the procedure for Attorneys and/or Deputies to engage in to be authorised to conduct litigation on behalf of P. Statutory wills and the attorney and deputy liability for gifts/monies received and applications for approval. Her expertise in this field is recognized by the fact that she has been an editor of the Court of Protection Law Reports for Property and Affairs since 2016.

Julia has extensive experience of statutory wills being used in circumstances where a legacy in an existing will has been adeemed usually by the sale of a property to meet care home fees. As an adjunct Julia is often engaged by parties seeking expertise in what amounts to preservation of property under Schedule 2 MCA 2005 of an adeemed gift after the death of P. And chancery Division proceedings after P’s death pursuing loss on behalf of the Estate because of the Deputy’s conduct – typically self dealing or sale at an undervalue. Julia also has experience of advising on statutory wills for conservative estate planning/ tax purposes in the best interests of P.

Richefond v Dillon [2023] EWHC 2796 Ch

Probate claim issued by Executors for grant in solemn form. Defended on grounds of want of knowledge and approval including allegations he was illiterate. Partial approval found. Costs judgment of note.

Naeema Spaul v Wahab & Others [2022]

Successful claim by widow to set aside inter-vivos trust settled by the Deceased purporting to settle personal and corporate property on trust with a value of circa 15 million.Successfully challenging constitution of trust & validity of trust documents. Complex estate extending to multiple corporate vehicles holding properties partially liquidated by receivers.

The British University in Dubai v Ebrahimi [2021] EWHC 757 (Ch) (26 March 2021)

Representing the British University in Dubai (BUD) in a successful claim to revoke a Grant of Probate and to pronounce against the validity of an alleged Will on grounds of Fraud and failure to comply with S9 Wills Act 1837. Holographic will and validity of attestation.  Secondary trial on Will executed and compliance issues with S1 Wills Act 1963.

Proles v Kohli [2021] EWHC 470 Fam

Representing the Deceased’s child in the Final Hearing of longstanding 1975 Act claim  to determine liability and quantum. Successfully obtained a full order for 50% of needs sought Indemnity costs order given.

Kohli v Proles [2019] EWHC 193 (Ch) (06 February 2019)

Proles v Kohli [2018] EWHC 767 (Ch) (17 April 2018)

Preliminary issue of domicile determined in Chancery Division successfully in favour of client after 4 day trial.

Vucicevic and another v Aleksic and others [2017] EWHC 2335 (Ch)

Successfully upholding the validity of a handwritten poorly drafted holographic Will in a £2.7 million Estate; representing the named principal charitable beneficiary the Serbian Orthodox Church. Issues: i) whether the testator intended to benefit the UK registered charity or the Montenegro branch of the Church. Tax considerations arising: ii) whether there was an intention to make an absolute gift or hold on trust and if so for what purpose. Construction arguments considering the use of precatory language and the use of external sources aiding the search for intention notably legal Serbian Opinion on the use of the English word “money”.

Kneel v Kneel [2017] EWHC Master Clark

Successfully removing a co-executor pursuant to S50 Administration of Justice Act 1985 Coexecutor refusing to cooperate in sale of Deceased’s home which she remained in occupation of; wind up the Estate; or correspond with the Estate’s solicitors such that co-executor could not comply with duties under S25 AEA 1925. ‘Welfare of the beneficiaries’ test made out. Satellite litigation to obtain occupation of the property.

V v V [2017] EWHC (Confidential) (Mr Daniel Alexander QC)

Confidential settlement after adjourned trial of 3 separate but inter related claims of family members and associated companies. Representing the class of unborn and remoter issue discretionary objects in a will trust. Satisfying the court that the variation was in the interests of the represented class in circumstances where unusually the entire original trust property of circa £7 million (shareholding in a family business) was being substituted.

Richefond v Dillon [2023] EWHC 2796 Ch

Probate claim issued by Executors for grant in solemn form. Defended on grounds of want of knowledge and approval including allegations he was illiterate. Partial approval found. Costs judgment of note.

Naeema Spaul v Wahab & Others [2022]

Successful claim by widow to set aside inter-vivos trust settled by the Deceased purporting to settle personal and corporate property on trust with a value of circa 15 million.Successfully challenging constitution of trust & validity of trust documents. Complex estate extending to multiple corporate vehicles holding properties partially liquidated by receivers.

The British University in Dubai v Ebrahimi [2021] EWHC 757 (Ch) (26 March 2021)

Representing the British University in Dubai (BUD) in a successful claim to revoke a Grant of Probate and to pronounce against the validity of an alleged Will on grounds of Fraud and failure to comply with S9 Wills Act 1837. Holographic will and validity of attestation.  Secondary trial on Will executed and compliance issues with S1 Wills Act 1963.

Proles v Kohli [2021] EWHC 470 Fam

Representing the Deceased’s child in the Final Hearing of longstanding 1975 Act claim  to determine liability and quantum. Successfully obtained a full order for 50% of needs sought Indemnity costs order given.

Kohli v Proles [2019] EWHC 193 (Ch) (06 February 2019)

Proles v Kohli [2018] EWHC 767 (Ch) (17 April 2018)

Preliminary issue of domicile determined in Chancery Division successfully in favour of client after 4 day trial.

Vucicevic and another v Aleksic and others [2017] EWHC 2335 (Ch)

Successfully upholding the validity of a handwritten poorly drafted holographic Will in a £2.7 million Estate; representing the named principal charitable beneficiary the Serbian Orthodox Church. Issues:  i) whether the testator intended to benefit the UK registered charity or the Montenegro branch of the Church. Tax considerations arising: ii) whether there was an intention to make an absolute gift or hold on trust and if so for what purpose. Construction arguments considering the use of precatory language and the use of external sources aiding the search for intention notably legal Serbian Opinion on the use of the English word “money”.

Proles v Kohli Deceased [2018] EWHC – Judgment awaited 

Seeking to establish as a preliminary issue in a 5 day trial that the Deceased had acquired the UK as his Domicile of Choice at the date of death. Representing the Deceased’s 4 year old child wishing to bring a claim for reasonable financial provision against his Estate under the 1975 Act. Resisting further late argument that the Deceased had (even if established) legally abandoned any Domicile of Choice. £2.5 million international Estate with complex financial and corporate structuring. Opposing factual matrix presented by Indian family and wife on behalf of Estate. Asserting extensive English financial footprint; intention and residence.

Kneel v Kneel [2017] EWHC Master Clark

Successfully removing a co-executor pursuant to S50 Administration of Justice Act 1985 Co-executor refusing to cooperate in sale of Deceased’s home which she remained in occupation of;  wind up the Estate; or correspond with the Estate’s solicitors such that co-executor could not comply with duties under S25 AEA 1925. ‘Welfare of the beneficiaries’ test made out. Satellite litigation to obtain occupation of the property

V v V [2017] EWHC (Confidential) Mr D Alexander QC sitting as Deputy High Court Judge  

Confidential settlement after adjourned trial of 3 separate but inter related claims of family members and associated companies. Representing the class of unborn and remoter issue discretionary objects in a will trust. Satisfying the court that the variation was in the interests of the represented class in circumstances where unusually the entire original trust property of circa £7 million (shareholding in a family business) was being substituted.

K v A & Ors [2014] EWHC Fam Charles J (Enforcement)

K v A & Ors [2011] EWHC 1639 (Fam) Charles J

K v A & Ors [2012]EWHC 788(Fam) – Charles J

Acting unusually for the wife in a case with 7 interveners including the Official Receiver.  Issues arising over the beneficial ownership of shares in one trading and two property holding companies; the dilution of the wife’s minority shareholding; breach of the director’s fiduciary duties; and freezing the companies’ assets.

P v W & P Ltd [2013] (Fam) – Coleridge J

Representing Defendants in claims made over beneficial interest in shareholding of family company and the quasi family home under TOLATA 1996 arising out of a rectification argument. Issues included advising the company on share buy-back settlement proposals and tax consequences.

F v F & Ors [2011] EWHC (Fam) – Mostyn J

Representing parent and subsidiary companies as intervener. Complex inter-company loan structures. Successfully defending the companies’ assets from allegations of sham and the wife’s claims that the companies’ assets were ‘property’ to which H was entitled to within the meaning of S24(1)(a) MCA 1973.

Liddle v Cree [2011] EWHC 3294 (Ch) – Briggs J

Claim to set aside the division of a farm and various land parcels following breakdown of farming partnership. Advancing claim of undue influence and abuse of the relationship of trust and confidence during the relationship. Satellite issues arising from the winding up of the farming partnership.

Sagicor General Insurance (Cayman) Ltd -v- Crawford Adjusters Ltd [2008] CILR 19 & 482

Led by Michael Todd QC in Cayman Grand Court representing loss adjuster and project management company defending claims of breach of directors duties; breaches of contract; fraud and conspiracy. Pleading Counterclaim for tort of Malicious prosecution for civil proceedings with eventual success in the Privy Council [2013] UKPC 17 NB did not represent client in PC hearing because of funding difficulties.