Expertise

Geoff’s experience consists entirely of dealing with complex litigation relating to trusts and estates, often with an offshore element. He has experience with cases involving the UK, Bermuda, US, Channel Islands, Cayman Islands, British Virgin Islands and Hong Kong, among other jurisdictions. Geoff is equally at ease dealing with purely domestic matters.

Unusually for a litigator, Geoff acts as a trustee, which gives him a first-hand view of the issues facing trusts and trustees.

Experience

  • Acted for the successful party in Grand View v Wong, where the Privy Council gave helpful guidance regarding the proper exercise of trustees’ powers
  • Representing one of the parties in what is considered to be the largest (by value) claim in Bermudian legal history which went to trial for 19 weeks during 2021
  • Acting for the successful beneficiaries in AB v CD, an unusual case where trustees surrendered their discretion to an English court
  • Defending a proprietary estoppel claim relating to one of a handful of privately-owned villages in England
  • In the Cayman Islands, defending trustees against claims of breach of trust through material non-disclosure and successfully arguing that a beneficiary had forfeited her interest in the trust

Recognition

  • Chambers High Net Worth: “Geoff Kertesz is very good at wearing his extensive legal knowledge lightly, so that it is comprehensible to the lay client.”
  • Legal 500: “Often comes up with new ways to approach apparently intractable problems.”
  • Chambers High Net Worth: “Geoff is technically very capable and very sensible. He is extremely impressive.”

Career

Geoff joined Stewarts in 2020. He originally qualified in San Francisco and cross-qualified as an English solicitor in 2008. On relocating to London, he was at Withers and then at Bircham Dyson Bell, where he headed up the will and trust disputes team.

Accreditations and Memberships

  • The Association of Contentious Trusts and Probate Specialists (ACTAPS)
  • The Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP)
  • Trusts and Estates Section of the State Bar of California

Publications and Media

Personal

Geoff enjoys running, fishing, and gardening.

Geoff Kertesz's articles and news

See all

Recent Trust and Probate Litigation Articles and News

See all