Akin Williams

Akin Williams has represented clients from over 42 different countries over the last 20 years in Litigation and Commercial matters in the United Kingdom..As a former member on the IBA/World Trade Organization (WTO) Committee , Mr. Williams understands the need for market access and trade liberalisation and the importance of new clients to be urgently represented after compliance with regulatory on boarding.

Mr. Williams has represented several high net worth individuals with Cross Border litigation, start ups and established corporations. In 2017 ,Mr. Williams was overall counsel to a technology start up whose market cap attained USD3 Billion. Other companies represented over the years include companies involved in renewable energy and agriculture.

Courts attended includes the U item Kingdom English High Court,Commercial Court, Probate Registry, Family Court, County Court,Immigration Tribunal , Privy Council,Crown Court.

Commercial work carried out includes work on Share Purchase Agreements, Shareholder and Subscription Agreements for start ups and established companies, venture capital agreements, commercial Agreements, regulatory advice where required.

Members of the firm are charged out at hourly rates from £250 per hour to £400 per hour depending on the complexity of the matter.We are also able to agree fixed fees on some matters.

International Bar Association

Fellow in International Legal Practice (2006) | International Trademarks , Patents, Capital Markets Loans

2005 - 2006

College of Law

Solicitor of England & Wales (2003) | Law of England & Wales

2001 - 2003

Principal Solicitor

A.Williams & Co.

2003 - Current

Current

World Trade Liberalisation of Legal Services, East African Lawyers, Uganda

Fellow in International Legal Practice

International Bar Association

2006

Solicitors Regulation Authority  # 371536

Solicitor Member

Current

International Bar Association

Fellow in International Legal Practice

Current

England & Wales , United Kingdom

Since 2003

• Free Consultation
  Free initial 30 minute consultation
• Rates, Retainers and Additional Information
  Payment by wire transfer on a fixed fee basis

Q. Limited power of attorney was not signed exactly as the name was printed. Will it still be valid/accepted?

May 6, 2019

A: Powers of attorney are very strictly construed.

The power of attorney you refer to, may well be rejected on the basis that there is a discrepancy in the name of the donee as it is not identical with the name stated on the Power of Attorney.

In addition to the proof of ID which you have to support the authenticity of the power of attorney, it is important to note that most powers of attorney are witnessed.

I am therefore hoping that this Power of Attorney was also witnessed.In such event, it is best to request that the witness to the power also prepare a document known as "an affidavit of due execution" confirming that the donee of the power of attorney issued the power of attorney to you and signed in his/her presence.You can use this as additional evidence in support of the issue of the power and it will assist as such affidavit will be under Oath.

In the event the Power is rejected, you will have to get another power reissued by the donee however ensure that this is witnessed and preferably signed in the presence of a notary public if possible.

Hope this helps ! ... Read More

Q. In Maryland, it appears that witnesses to a will must appear to verify a will in probate. However, must they be found?

March 15, 2019

A: In the United Kingdom. there is a presumption of regularity of the validity of a will where a will is signed by the deceased testator in the presence of two witnesses both being present at the same time as per the requirements of the Wills Act.

In a recent contentious case we were instructed to work on where the will was likely to be disputed and were acting for the beneficiary and executor of the will,we requested for an affidavit of due execution from the witness who we could find . The affidavit of due execution was sworn before a notary public as the witness was outside the jurisdiction of the United Kingdom at the time. The other witness could not be found and this sole affidavit from one of the two witnesses was held to be acceptable by the Probate Registry who granted Probate of the will on the basis that the will appeared regular on the face of it.

Whilst the law in Maryland is different from the law of England & Wales,the above principles may be reviewed by the person posing the question as relevant issues to be considered towards establishing the authenticity and validity of a Will. ... Read More

Q. Husband passed. I have checking account joint, but not our savings. What should I do?

March 13, 2019

A: If any of the bank accounts and properties were located in England & Wales , United Kingdom OR your husband was EITHER domiciled in England and Wales,United Kingdom OR his will stated that it be governed by the Law of England & Wales,the law of England & Wales would be relevant and apply.

In such cases, you would first have to consider the provisions of your husband's will if he left one as any prospective Buyer would require written confirmation from the executor or administrator of the will as approved by the UK Probate Registry. The UK Probate application process takes a minimum of 4 to 6 weeks from the submission of all your documents including the Probate application and tax forms. Subject to any contrary intention in his will, the English law principle called the "right of survivorship" applies to jointly owned property. This principle allows you to deal with the jointly owned properties as if they automatically vested in you when your husband passed. You would not need to conduct a separate transfer of the properties to your sole name. It is however always best to contact a solicitor in England and Wales to assist in such circumstances. ... Read More