Partner With 15 Year’s Experience Joins as Head of Contentious Probate

Irwin Mitchell has signalled plans for further growth in its private client teams with the recruitment of Partner Paula Myers as Head of Contentious Probate.

Paula, who joins Irwin Mitchell to head up the specialist wills disputes team from Ward Hadaway where she was Head of Litigation for Leeds and Manchester, has over 15 years’ experience in litigation matters, advising companies, charities and trusts as well as individuals in a range of disputes.

Just last month Irwin Mitchell’s Contentious Probate team was ranked as a top tier practice in the independent Legal 500 guide to legal services, while Paula was also recommended on the national elite lawyers list and is described as "a serious player... who is confident and knowledgeable, and gets results." 

Paula was shortlisted for Contentious Solicitor of the Year 2013 by the Association of Contentious Trust and Probate Solicitors (ACTAPS) - the only lawyer across the whole of the North to be nominated for the award. She also holds an Advanced Certificate in Trusts Disputes from the Society of Trust and Estates Practitioners (STEP).

This latest appointment Irwin Mitchell comes after it reported an income in excess of £200m for the first time earlier this year and has boosted its personal legal services division with three new family law partners, a new serious injury Partner and two new associate appointments to the family and contentious probate teams this year. Since the start of 2012 the firm has also recruited 18 partners to its Business Legal Services division.

Andrew Tucker, Chief Executive of Personal Legal Services at Irwin Mitchell, said:

Expert Opinion

Our private client teams are going from strength-to-strength and Paula brings yet more experience in this field. She has developed a strong reputation for dealing with private wealth matters and disputes and will help reinforce our offer to an increasing number of high net worth clients.

“This significant appointment is further evidence of our plans to grow our private client teams significantly and help achieve our ambition to be recognised as the UK’s leading provider of personal legal services.” Andrew Tucker - CEO

Paula, who will primarily be based in the Leeds office but will work with clients from across the country, said:

Expert Opinion

Irwin Mitchell already has an outstanding reputation for its contentious probate legal advice and I am looking forward to working with the team to grow the practice area further." Paula Myers - Partner

The Contentious Probate team at Irwin Mitchell is currently acting on estates where a total of over £190m is being disputed this year alone and has been asked for help by clients from as far and wide as the Middle East, Asia, North America, Australia, as well as across Europe.