With experience in proprietary estoppel and succession upon death matters, Irwin Mitchell counts executors, trustees, charities, and beneficiaries on its client roster. Praised as ‘highly experienced’, Paula James handles contentious trust and probate issues involving international assets, and Tara McIness is noted for her litigation experience, while Samantha Ewing is skilled at 1975 Act claims. Stephen Ireland is often engaged in disputes involving testamentary capacity, proprietary estoppel, and the removal of executors, while Margaret Windram is informed in professional negligence claims surrounding wills.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Irwin Mitchell have a well-earned national reputation as a reliable firm for their contentious trusts and estate work.’
- ‘One of the best contentious trust and probate teams outside of London. There is a strength in depth that few firms nationwide can match. The team is particularly adept in its attention to detail when presenting clients' cases.’
- ‘The team has been together for a number of years now, so they run as a very well-oiled machine. In addition to being a close-knit local team, they can draw on the infrastructure and wider expertise of the national firm.’
- ‘Tara McInnes is an excellent practitioner with a wealth of experience and knowledge. She is well known and well respected in the contentious probate world.’
- ‘Stephen Ireland brings a very experienced, balanced, and commercially focused approach to cases. He is particularly proactive when it comes to gathering evidence at an early stage, and always has the client’s wider interests at heart.’
- ‘Paula James is highly experienced and well respected by fellow practitioners. Margaret Windram likewise brings knowledge and authority.'
- 'Samantha Ewing is a real star, she is great with clients and has built a number of significant relationships with a wide range of practitioners across the sector, which – combined with her feel for the law and good strategic sense – makes her formidable.’
- ‘Samantha Ewing is a first-rate litigator. She has a deep knowledge of the law in our field, sound judgment, and excellent client care skills.’
- 'Great team!'
- 'Samantha Ewing is calm, unflappable and gives clear and sensible advice.'
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Samantha Ewing
Practice head
Paula James; Stephen Ireland; Tara McInnes
Other key lawyers
Samantha Ewing: Margaret Windram