Home » Our People » Barry Griffin

I’m a partner in our award‑winning Wills, trusts and probate team, where I help clients with all aspects of writing Wills, probate, tax planning and estate administration. I also support clients with elderly care planning, lasting powers of attorney, and a wide range of charity and trust matters.

I pride myself on being approachable, efficient and genuinely supportive – my aim is always to make the process for clients as clear and reassuring as possible.

Expertise

I work with a diverse range of clients, from local families and individuals in Hertfordshire to high-net-worth clients in London and across the UK. I also have significant experience dealing with cross‑border estates and regularly advise clients who have assets in multiple jurisdictions. I often work with other professional advisers in London to collaborate on matters and provide on‑site support.

My experience covers the administration of estates of all sizes, from smaller, straightforward estates to large, complex estates with international elements. I also assist with deeds of variation and guide executors through their responsibilities at what can often be a difficult time.

Whether you’re making a Will for the first time or reviewing your existing Will as part of wider estate planning, I’m here to help you navigate the process with confidence. I also draft lifetime trusts, including discretionary trusts and declarations of trust, and handle the registration of Enduring and Lasting Powers of Attorney, as well as Court of Protection applications.

I regularly assist on matters involving charitable trusts, including the amendment of Charity Commission Schemes.

In addition, I present seminars on Wills, tax planning and elderly client issues for local banks and professional referrers. These sessions are designed to demystify important topics, giving people practical, easy‑to‑understand guidance that helps their clients make confident decisions about their future planning.

I joined Debenhams Ottaway in 2013, qualified as a solicitor in 2016, became a senior lawyer in 2020, and was promoted to partner in May 2023. Before joining the firm, I served as a Special Constable with the Metropolitan Police Special Constabulary, and I am also a past Chairperson of the Hertfordshire Junior Lawyers.

In Touch

I am a member of:

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

I am also a Dementia Friend, supporting greater understanding and awareness of dementia within the community.

  • 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

  • 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 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • I have worked with advisers and lawyers for close to thirty years. Barry Griffin is up there as one of the best to deal with: clear, helpful and delivered as promised within a reasonable fee. Can’t recommend him highly enough.

    Client

  • Barry Griffin provided outstanding support in drafting court documents for my client. They were responsive, detail-oriented and collaborative, turning around high-quality drafts within a tight timeframe. His clear communication and recommendations made the process smooth from start to finish.

    Client

  • I have already recommended Barry following the work he did for me recently. I rated him from start to finish. I have worked with advisers and lawyers for close to thirty years. Barry (Griffin) is up there as one of the best to deal with: clear, helpful and delivered as promised within a reasonable fee. Can’t recommend him highly enough.

    Client

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