Specialist Will Disputes solicitor and ‘rising star’ returns to firm’s Leeds office as expansion continues

Irwin Mitchell has further bolstered its Private Client Services Team in Yorkshire with the return of experienced Will disputes solicitor Laura Pang (Nee Short).

Laura, who joins Irwin Mitchell from Freeths, previously worked at Irwin Mitchell in 2010 and will be returning as a Senior Associate.

An experienced litigator, Laura has strong and specialist experience in dealing with a wide range of post death disputes. Her experience includes dealing with disputes such as those under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975, disputes in relation to the validity of Wills, executor and trustee disputes and disputes in relation to promises of property or assets to individuals before death. She also has a particular interest and specialism in dealing with disputes concerning the disposal of bodies.

Laura also has a breadth of experience in dealing with contentious Court of Protection matters, including, contested deputy appointments, deputy and attorney removal and contested statutory Wills.

She has completed the ACTAPS Associate Membership Course and is ranked as a ‘Rising Star’ and key lawyer in the Legal 500 2022 Edition as an Associate to watch in Chambers High Net Worth Guide 2022.

Commenting on her return to Irwin Mitchell, Laura said: “I’m delighted to be coming back to Irwin Mitchell, the firm has a great private client services team with a strong reputation across the country in a number of areas of law. We’re often helping clients at a time when they feel emotional and vulnerable so Irwin Mitchell’s expert hand, human touch approach means we put their needs first and can deal with each client on a more bespoke basis. The team at Leeds also has big plans for growth in the private client space - it’s a really exciting time and I can’t wait to get started.”

Expert Opinion

“I’m really pleased we’re welcoming Laura back into the team here at Irwin Mitchell. She is a talented and dedicated solicitor who wants the very best for her clients. We’re investing in our private client teams both nationally and in Yorkshire, with a number of recent hires in Leeds and Sheffield and we proud to be one of the leading Private Client teams here and beyond.” James Laycock, Will, Trust and Estate Disputes Partner

The Tier 1 ranked (Legal 500) private client team which is a STEP Platinum employer partner, has seen other success recently, with associate Sarah Wintle having recently passed the STEP advanced certificate in cross border estates. This adds capability to the team’s offering in its ability to advise clients who have assets or connections offshore and will provide support to Kat Wainman in her work for clients in this field.

Senior associate Hollie Marcham, has also recently passed the Advanced Certificate in Family Business Governance having previously completed the Advanced Certificate in Advising Family Business. These qualifications further strengthen the team’s ability to advise business families on the key issue of succession planning.