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Chris Hopkins

Partner

Contact Chris

I joined Butcher & Barlow in 2004 and became a Partner in the Firm in 2010.

I specialise in:

  • Wills;
  • Probate;
  • Trusts;
  • Estates and Tax planning;
  • Preparation of Lasting Powers of Attorney; and
  • Court of Protection applications.

Whilst I am now based primarily at our Bury office, I do have strong connections and a number of clients in the Prestwich area where I worked from 2005 until moving to the Bury office at the end of 2012.

I am a fully qualified member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP), the leading professional body for the trust and estate profession worldwide, having been awarded an overall distinction for completion of the course as well as achieving the highest mark worldwide in my final exam. My results place me in the top 10% of STEP qualified practitioners in the world meaning I am perfectly placed and well equipped to offer specialist and expert advice on all types of private client matters.

I deal with a substantial and varied client base, helping people plan for the future and providing solutions for their planning needs. I am also responsible for the administration of some very large estates as well as being involved in the management of a number of trust funds totalling several million pounds which have been running for many years.

Whilst out of the office I play the guitar and sing in a local band. I also enjoy football, playing as much as I can as well as going to watch Manchester United as much as possible. Whilst not playing music or football, I enjoy spending time at home with my family and young children.

 

Legal 500 Recommended Lawyer 2026 UK Recommended lawyer 2025 The Legal 500 Recommended Lawyer 2024 The Legal 500 Recommended Lawyer 2023 The Legal 500 Recommended Lawyer 2021 logo The Legal 500 Recommended Lawyer 2020 logo The Legal 500 Recommended Lawyer 2019 logo STEP Member

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    What our clients say about Chris

    I have known Chris Hopkins for many years and he is definitely the best Wills and Probate Solicitor I know! Keeping it simple and understandable is a rare skill that he has in abundance.

    The Legal 500 – 2027 Edition

    My wife and I use Butcher & Barlow for all our estate management. Earlier this year, we worked with Chris Hopkins and Ella Woodier on my wife's will and our POAs. The service was excellent. Most recently, we worked with Laura Cuddy and Anthony Higham on a transfer of American real estate. The service was top notch, including coordination with our American attorney. I would highly recommend Butcher & Barlow.

    J Tomlinson

    Chris was most helpful and brought matters to our attention that we had not considered, as well as suggesting steps to make the process clearer and easier to manage in the future. He was very personable and great to deal with. The whole service was very efficient and timely.

    C & J Hignett

    Excellent service in preparing Power of Attorney. I would recommend them for those seeking guidance on this very important matter. They take time to thoroughly explain the process and benefits, and answer questions raised in depth.

    W Carr

    A professional and informative service. All questions answered and a friendly service,

    V George

    Chris and all the staff were very helpful. Chris explained everything very clearly and made it easy for us to understand.

    M Martin

    Professional, courteous and friendly service provided throughout. Fully recommended.

    R Lowe

    Chris Hopkins was very professional and gave us invaluable advice and support.

    The Legal 500 - 2025 Edition

    An excellent service from Chris Hopkins and his colleagues from start to finish in guiding me through dealing with my late mother's estate and probate application. All my questions were answered in a very clear way and the assistance and assurance provided at each step helped make this a completely stress free process - thank you very much!

    Mark

    I am very pleased with the service from Butcher & Barlow, especially Chris Hopkins. He was very efficient and dealt with my Power of Attorney very professionally.