Barry is a partner in our award-winning Wills, trusts and probate team.

He advises on all aspects of Wills, probate, tax planning and estate administration, care for the elderly and Lasting Powers of Attorney together with charity and trust matters.

Barry is an approachable and efficient lawyer who can support his clients’ needs.

Expertise

Barry’s client base includes a variety of private clients and high net worth individuals based locally in Hertfordshire and in London. Barry also acts on cross border estates and regularly advises clients with cross border assets. He regularly visits professional clients at their offices in London.

His experience in the administration of estates ranges from small estates through to large complex estates with multi-national elements. He has experience in drafting deeds of variations and assisting executors with their responsibilities.

Barry advises clients who are making a Will for the first time in addition to assisting clients who regularly review their Wills in conjunction with their estate planning.

He has experience of drafting lifetime trusts, including discretionary trusts and declarations of trust and registering enduring powers of attorney, lasting powers of attorney and Court of Protection applications.

Barry also assists on charitable trust matters including the amendment of Charity Commission Schemes.

Barry regularly presents at seminars to clients and referrers on Wills, tax planning and elderly client matters for local banks and schools.

Barry joined Debenhams Ottaway in 2013, qualifying as a solicitor in 2016. Barry became a senior lawyer in November 2020, and was promoted to a partner in May 2023.

Barry previously served as a Special Constable with the Metropolitan Police Special Constabulary before joining Debenhams Ottaway. Barry is a past Chairperson of the Hertfordshire Junior Lawyers.

In Touch

Barry is a member of the:

  • Association of Lifetime Lawyers, fully accredited member, 2022
  • Hertfordshire Law Society
  • Private Client Section of The Law Society

Barry is also a Dementia Friend.

  • I have been very impressed with Rachel Hyndman and Barry Griffin, who provide excellent service, high quality advice and value for money for my clients.

    The Legal 500 UK 2023

  • We felt that we were in ‘safe hands’ with someone who understood our requirements.

    Mr and Mrs Chasney

  • During what has been an extremely difficult period, Barry has been business like and warm.  He has dealt with very sensitive matters calmly and helpfully and I would have no hesitation in recommending his work.

    Reverend Caroline Brownlie

  • Barry was best aspect for me. Helpful, always answered emails quickly and explained everything clearly.

    Helen Bassill

  • Barry is an excellent solicitor and by far my most positive experience of Debenhams Ottaway has been through my dealings with him. He was enduringly kind and polite, while also efficient and highly professional. He kept me informed at every stage of the process and was always open to my questions and keen to ensure my understanding.

     

    Dr Nolan

  • I am indebted to Barry for the kindness and understanding he has shown through a somewhat traumatic episode.

    Jean Watson

  • The extent to which Barry and his team took time to give full explanations of each step of the process of winding up my husband’s estate and the readiness with which they responded to queries.

    Client

  • Very responsive, personal service. Excellent through all forms of communication and in person.

     

    Client

  • Barry was excellent in explaining best options in terms of our wills and the implications of inheritance issues as well as powers of attorney.

    Client

  • Barry was by far the biggest selling point; he was knowledgeable, his communication skills was excellent and he kept me advised of how the process was going at every stage. He was open in his advice and took the time to explain inheritance tax and other elements I would otherwise not have considered. All costs were transparent and honestly presented. I couldn’t have asked for more.

    Simon Rice

  • Clear and understandable advice provided. Barry provided some excellent assistance, pointing out a number of areas / opportunities we were not aware of.

    Tony Burnell

  • Barry was very personable and pleasant to deal with. He answered my questions clearly and appeared to work well with my US lawyer.

    Glenys Wilson

  • Barry was very understanding and patient. It can be very daunting and complicated but he explained the very steps clearly.

    Ian Graham

  • This is the third time that I have asked a local firm to review / prepare a will for me but Barry was the first lawyer who took the time properly to investigate and understand my assets – and to make appropriate recommendations.

    Simon Clarke

Barry Griffin's news