‘Mr Islam was able to present a very complicated set of facts in a clear and persuasive manner in advocating the claimant’s claim at a recent hearing. This demonstrated his thorough preparation prior to the hearing with the preparation of the appropriate written submissions. A very committed advocate in the cause of his client and I would thoroughly recommend him to you.’
Faizal Essat FCILEX
Consultant Chartered Legal Executive
Chartered Legal Executive Advocate
Summerfield Browne Solicitors
24 September 2021
“I instructed Carl as a direct access client in my capacity as Executor of my mother’s Will, whose drafting appeared to conflict with her known intentions. Carl’s detailed analysis of the will file provided by her solicitors identified significant procedural errors and omissions in the most recent updating of her will, showing how a critical clause had been removed without instruction. Carl was able to identify relevant precedent and articulate compelling arguments that led to a successful application for rectification, resulting in re-insertion of the wrongly-removed clause to achieve my mother’s original intent.
As a direct access client, instructing Carl without a solicitor and without legal knowledge on my own part, I was extremely reliant on his expertise and guidance through each step of the process. Carl’s case management and communication is exemplary. He set out a process in defined stages to research, prepare, and present the case, with defined times and costs for each stage; every deadline was met, and costs were precisely as agreed. I was kept fully informed throughout development of the case, and given enough information to understand the choices and decisions I needed to make. Carl’s enthusiasm for the law is evident, as are the depth of his knowledge, and his skills as an advocate.
I am pleased to recommend Carl without hesitation.”
Paul Clark, Toronto, Canada, June 2016.
“Carl Islam is a hostage to detail and preparation. His preparation for a mediation day is meticulous. In addition to thorough research of the relevant law and cases, he can prepare a Statement of Options, Litigation Risk Analysis, Commercial Analysis, and a Proposed Settlement Methodology. These documents simplify the issues and provide a basis for opposing parties to evaluate the merits of their cases, and consider their options. This speeds up negotiations in a mediation. Carl has a wealth of experience, and is conscientious and knowledgeable in his areas of expertise. In my personal opinion, whilst capable of arguing his client’s case Carl also has a practical no-nonsense approach that sits well with mediation.”
Kay Hewitt, Solicitor.
“I have referred clients to Carl Islam in respect of Trust matters, safe in the knowledge that he has a thorough grasp of the law as it affects my clients’ transactions and is especially capable of appreciating my clients’ needs.”
Chris Smith – Palmer Smith Tax Services – Leicester
“I have worked with Carl on a number of client cases and innovative planning for clients, trusts and businesses for many years. He is an original thinker in the fields of trusts law and estate planning,and his planning for clients is superb. Carl is able to meld the practical with the theoretical in coming up with solutions for saving and mitigating inheritance and other taxes, and is highly thought of in the legal community.”
Tony Granger Independent Trustee Adviser and Certified Financial Planner- Mentor Professional
“We engaged Carl on behalf of clients to complete a complex IHT planning exercise. The problem with the client estate, amounting to about £5 million, was that it was largely comprised of the principal residence, which in the present climate was difficult to deal with. The entire exercise not only resulted in the clients having Wills which satisfied many of their requirements but also established a plan which would ultimately economise on their IHT liability.
Carl handled the issues very efficiently and with great knowledge of his subject and we would have no hesitation in recommending his services to other clients.”
Andrew Taylor, Managing Partner, Kemp Taylor LLP Chartered Accountants, Business and Tax Advisers (now retired)
“A complicated world made easy with a professional, enthusiastic and down to earth approach and clear charge structures from the outset.”
Helen Mence – British Theatre Dance Association