Irwin Mitchell Appoints Claire-Marie Cornford as New Head of Will, Trust and Estates Disputes

This strategic leadership move underscores Irwin Mitchell’s ongoing commitment to providing clients with market-leading expertise in all aspects of private client services.

Claire-Marie joined Irwin Mitchell in 2017 from Mishcon de Reya and has a strong reputation as an expert in high-value trust and estate disputes, particularly those involving international assets and offshore trusts. She has led the London Will, Trust and Estates Disputes team for eight years as well as heading up the firm’s High Net Worth and International Private Client team since 2022.

She is recommended as one of the top contentious trust lawyers in the latest Spears 500 guide as well as being ranked in both the Legal 500 and Chambers UK guide to the best lawyers.

Irwin Mitchell’s Will, Trust and Estates Disputes team has eight partners nationwide and is part of the wider Private Client Group, which is the largest in the country. The specialist team has deep expertise in contentious probate, trust disputes, claims under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975, and international succession disputes.

Claire-Marie Cornford said: “It’s an exciting time to be taking over the leadership of a team which is already regarded as one of the best in the country. We have experts in major cities across the country, who have specialist knowledge and experience in an area of the law which is simultaneously very complex and highly emotive. Our work often requires us to support our clients through very difficult moments, which we do with great skill and compassion. We are also used to working alongside other colleagues from across the business, including tax, corporate, property and family specialists to ensure our clients receive holistic advice. Being a full-service law firm means we can support our clients’ range of complex issues.

“We know the number of will and trust disputes has increased in the past decade, and we are here to help those who find themselves involved in bringing a claim or defending their position.”

Ros Bever, Managing Partner of the Private Client Group at Irwin Mitchell, said: “Claire-Marie is an outstanding private client disputes lawyers and a great leader so we are looking forward to her taking over the Will, Trust and Estates Disputes team. Her specialist knowledge and experience will be invaluable as we continue to expand our contentious private client services and deliver the highest standard of advice to our clients.”