The ‘very well respected’ Stockport-based wills, trust and probate team at Gorvins Solicitors regularly drafts family business wills, advises families of disabled beneficiaries on tax planning and Court of Protection matters for dementia patients, with their matters often concerning cross-border assets. Practice head Michael Smoult has extensive experience advising family businesses on tax planning, estate administration and statutory will applications. Julie Burgess handles wills, lasting powers of attorney and tax planning advice, whilst the further supporting team members include Samantha Kennedy, who joined the team in May 2024. Almas Patankar left the practice in May 2025.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The Gorvins team are very well respected in the NW and particularly Stockport. I am getting to know them more and increasing the amount of mutual work undertaken. They have a very strong presence.’
‘Mike Smoult and Samantha Kennedy are team members that I am currently working with. They are both very personable, competent and a pleasure to work with.’
- ‘Gorvin’s regional strength is particularly important and it’s reptutation in the immediate area is second to none. The firm works as an integrated team and have first hand experience of seeing the benefit from the collective expertise of different departments.’
- ‘I have been particularly impressed with Julie Burgess. She has worked incredibly hard and adapted her style to suit each client. Julie made the process simple and broken it down into manageable chunks of work to help the client understand and make informed decisions.’
Practice head
Michael Smoult
Other key lawyers
Julie Burgess; Samantha Kennedy