Irwin Mitchell acts for its well-established client base of individuals, entrepreneurs and professionals with contested validity of wills, lifetime gifts and family provision claims. Team head James Laycock is based in Leeds, with extensive experience in will claims, beneficiary disputes and property claims arising under TOLATA. Laura Pang is well versed in post-death disputes, including will validity claims, Court of Protection matters, and executor and trustee disputes relating to property or assets. Ben Lyon has a particular interest in cases involving freezing injunctions, while Richard Smaller excels in financial abuse work. Bethan Smith, Danni Brannon and Stephen Briggs closely support the team.
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Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- Irwin Mitchell Leeds has a very strong contentious trusts and probate offering.
- Richard Smaller is the standout lawyer with experience far beyond his years. He has been running a partner-level caseload ever since qualifying. I am always astounded by the quality of his drafting, his attention to detail, and his ability to predict how cases are likely to develop. It is very surprising that he hasn't been promoted to partner yet. James Laycock is equally as good.
- Bethan Smith - Bethan is a friendly, approachable, and client-focused practitioner.
- Given its national scale, IM is able to draw on a depth and breadth of expertise few, if any, firms can rival. This is particularly helpful for a technical area of work.
- Danni Brannon is very knowledgeable. Laura Pang is tenacious and fights for her clients. James Laycock is a very well-respected lawyer in his field.
- A truly national firm but with local knowledge and expertise.
- Richard Smaller is an excellent senior associate - good with clients, good with counsel, good with law and strategy.
- Strong legal knowledge combined with excellent client care.
- One of the strongest teams in this practice area in the region among all firms and within Irwin Mitchell nationally - very experienced partners who bring up their associates to be efficient and effective.
- I can’t recommend Irwin Mitchell highly enough. They handled my will validity and trust matters with the utmost professionalism, care, and attention to detail from start to finish. A special thank you to Bethan Smith, who was absolutely outstanding throughout the entire process. Her expertise, clear guidance, and timely communication made what could have been a complex and stressful situation feel completely manageable. She always kept me informed, responded quickly to any questions, and explained everything in a way that was easy to understand. It was clear from the outset that Bethan genuinely cared about getting the best outcome for me, and her support gave me total confidence every step of the way. If you’re looking for a solicitor who is responsive, knowledgeable, and truly dedicated to their clients — look no further.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Practice head
James Laycock
Other key lawyers
Laura Pang; Ben Lyon; Richard Smaller; Bethan Smith; Danni Brannon; Stephen Briggs