Background

Piers practises independently, having previously been a member of general common law Chambers in Leeds for 25 years. He combines a sharp analysis of complex cases with an informal and approachable style, working closely with solicitors to achieve the best results for their clients. Piers advises on a range of commercial and private disputes, with a focus on property, trusts and probate. He is available to be instructed on a direct access basis where that serves the best interests of his clients.

Areas of Practice

Property

Advising and representing clients in respect of a range of property related matters, including landlord and tenant disputes, rights of way, easements, restrictive covenants and boundaries.

Notable cases include Gaia Ventures Ltd v Abbeygate Helical (Leisure Plaza) Ltd [2019] EWCA Civ 823 concerning a “reasonable endeavours” obligation in a development contract.

Trusts

Contentious work includes advising on the interpretation of trusts, claims for breach of trust and issues relating to co-ownership of property. Non-contentious work includes drafting of trust deeds and settlement agreements.

Probate and inheritance

Advising on the interpretation and validity of wills and claims under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975.

Notable cases include Burgess v Hawes [2013] EWCA Civ 94 concerning testamentary capacity and want of knowledge and approval.

Memberships and door tenancy

Member of the North Eastern Circuit and Inner Temple. Door tenant at Spire Barristers, Leeds.

Education

Hull University (LLB).

Interests

Long distance cycling, gardening and amateur theatre.

Price structure

Work will generally be charged on an hourly basis at a rate of £250 plus VAT per hour, but a fixed fee will be agreed for court hearings and may be arranged for other work if appropriate. Piers is registered for VAT and all fee quotes and estimates will be exclusive of VAT unless otherwise stated.

Clients may request a quotation or fee estimate at no charge prior to any work being commenced. Quotations or fee estimates will be provided if sufficient information is available and, where appropriate, Piers will indicate what factors might affect the level of fees and the likely time for completing any instructions.

Client care

Feedback from clients is welcome and Piers will always respond to comments, criticisms or requests for clarification in a timely and approachable manner either by telephone or in writing. Whilst Piers will endeavour to deal personally with any issues arising from his work, clients may contact Spire Barristers via clerks@spirebarristers.co.uk if they wish to have any complaint dealt with independently.

Any client may complain to the Legal Ombudsman if they are unhappy with a final response to their complaint from Piers or Spire Barristers or if their complaint has not been dealt with within eight weeks. The Ombudsman can be contacted at:

Legal Ombudsman
PO Box 6806
Wolverhampton
WV1 9WJ
Telephone number: 0300 555 0333

Email: enquiries@legalombudsman.org.uk.

More information about the Legal Ombudsman is available here.

Any complaint to the Legal Ombudsman must be made either within six years of the
barrister’s actions/failure to act, or no later than three years after a client should reasonably have known that there were grounds to complain. A complaint to the Legal Ombudsman must be made within six months of receiving the barrister’s final response to the complaint.

Decision data from the Ombudsman can be obtained on this link which indicates all of the ombudsman’s decision in the previous 12 months, showing whether Ombudsman required the provider to give the consumer a remedy.:

Piers Hill is a barrister in private practice and is regulated by the Bar Standards Board. The Barristers Register for the BSB can be found by following the link below, which shows who has a current practising certificate and whether a barrister has any disciplinary findings, which are published on the Barristers’ Register in accordance with BSB policy.

Piers Hill is registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office and his privacy policy can be accessed here.