Searching for a Missing Will

The following "article" recently appeared in the Law Society Gazette and is actually a classified ad in search of a missing will:

Calling all probate solicitors. Do you recall acting for a ‘somewhat eccentric and secretive’ millionairess called Judy Maude Keele, some time in the past century? To refresh your memory, she owned a flat in Mayfair, drove a classic sports car, and reputedly built up a large collection of fine art and jewellery. She married a prominent Chicago lawyer, but on getting divorced returned to London in 1958. Keele died in New York in 1998, and while she is understood to have made a will in the UK, her solicitor is unknown and the document cannot be found. Lichfield lawyers Keelys are now on the case, and have even called in famous art detective Charles Hill, who apparently took part in an undercover operation to recover Edvard Munch’s famous picture The Scream – a portrait of a solicitor looking at his professional indemnity bill this October – when it was stolen from the Norwegian National Gallery in 2004. Anyone with knowledge of Keele’s will or possessions is asked to contact Keelys litigation partner Michael Phillips at mphillips@keelys.co.uk.

Heir Hunting, Law Society Gazette, Nov. 26, 2009.

Special thanks to David S. Luber (Attorney at law, Florida Probate Attorney Wills and Estates Law Firm) for bringing this article to my attention.