Professional background
Alongside my work for clients, I am a frequent contributor to academic journals such as Trusts & Trustees, Private Client Business, and Trusts and Estates Law & Tax Journal, and co-wrote the chapter on Costs in International Trust Disputes.
Awards & recognition
Legal 500 2023
Joseph De Lacey is a very forceful and hardworking litigator.
Chambers HNW 2023
I think that Joseph is very strong. He is a senior associate and he is on his way up. He is very good.
Chambers HNW 2023
He is all over the documents and makes very thoughtful comments.
Authored pieces
Tax & Structuring
Insight
Missing wills, testamentary capacity, and probate disputes — lessons from Burgess v Whittle
22.10.2025
How long can a probate dispute really last? One could be forgiven for thinking that a few years might be all you need. But a recent judgment in Burgess v Whittle and another [2025] EWHC 2633 (Ch) has shone light on the vast periods that can be spent fighting over family estates — in this case, a full eight years.
Lawyers I've worked with
What others say…
Joseph De Lacey is a very forceful and hardworking litigator.
I think that Joseph is very strong. He is a senior associate and he is on his way up. He is very good.
He is all over the documents and makes very thoughtful comments.