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. Geoff has also been appointed as an expert witness in the High Court of England and Wales on matters relating to cross-border litigation.

Experience

• Acted for the successful party in a case where the beneficiaries were divided on which independent professional trustee should be appointed. Wong v Grand View Private Trust Company Limited
• Acting for the minors and unborn children in Inheritance Act proceedings, involving a successful application for non-party disclosure in the Family Division: AB v B & Anor
• Acted for the successful party in Grand View v Wong, where the Privy Council gave helpful guidance regarding the proper exercise of trustees’ powers
• 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

• “Geoff is fantastically bright and a master tactician.” Chambers High Net Worth
• “He is very good at creative problem-solving and just cutting through the noise to get to the right answer.” Chambers High Net Worth
• “Geoff Kertesz is brilliant. He brings great insight to cases and is so energetic.” Chambers High Net Worth

Career

Geoff joined Stewarts in 2020. He originally qualified in California 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

• STEP New York 2026: Prevention Is Better than Cure
• TL4 Contentious Trusts Circle Vevey 2026: Co-Chair
• ConTrA Private Client Summer School 2026: Introduction to Probate Disputes
• Trust & Estates Litigation Forum 2024: Letters of Wishes – Where Are We After Wong v Grand View?
• Is That Even Legal? Podcast 2022: Ninety-year secrecy of Prince Philip’s will explained

Personal

Geoff enjoys running, fishing, and gardening.