James Woods-Davison

As the UK approaches a £5.5 trillion intergenerational wealth transfer, what does this really mean for families beyond financial planning? In Mayfair Times, Partners Hayden Bailey and Nicola Bushby reflect on the long-term nature of this shift and why, in practice, “the challenge is never just legal” when managing succession and disputes.

Does retaining control really mean minority shareholders won’t change the way a business is run? In Accountancy Today, Private Wealth Senior Associate, James Woods‑Davison outlines five common misconceptions and explains how legal protections, governance, and dispute risks often challenge assumptions around control, confidentiality, and financial exposure once minority shareholders are introduced following the April 2026 BPR changes.

This Friday, Private Wealth Disputes Senior Associate, James Woods-Davison will be speaking at the TL4 & ConTrA Private Client Summer School in Cambridge. James will join Joanne Morse of Summit Trust International to lead a session on “Value-Driven Investing”. With its mix of expert-led sessions, practical workshops and informal networking, the event offers an invaluable opportunity for junior practitioners to develop their technical expertise and broaden their practice.

In eprivateclient, Partner, Nicola Bushby explores the Law Commission’s Modernising Wills report, highlighting key proposals for reforming the law of wills, such as recognising electronic wills and adopting the test for capacity in lieu of the common law test. While progress is clear, concerns remain, especially around the rule revoking wills upon marriage.