Emma Spicer

I have over 25 years' experience in Probate, dealing with all aspects of Estate Administration. I have worked at Irwin Mitchell since October 2020 and previously at a Trust Company within a Bank. I lead Sheffield’s Estate Administration Team which has a wealth of specialist experience.

My expertise includes the following areas of work:

• Liaising with executors and beneficiaries with empathy to gain a detailed understanding of the work that is necessary to administer an estate to maximise the value for the beneficiaries as swiftly as possible
• To recognise where other legal needs are required outside the estate administration and advise executors and beneficiaries to how to obtain appropriate assistance
• Dealing with charitable executors and beneficiaries, with an understanding of their specific requirements which may differ from a lay person
• Dealing with complicated family relations and estranged family members, such as in some intestacy matters
• Inheritance Tax calculations and completion of Inheritance Tax returns, including complex returns claiming appropriate allowances against IHT
• Obtaining Grants of Representation
• Administering estates, including complex and high-value matters, realising assets with the aim of maximising the estate’s value and settling debts, expenses and taxes
• Preparing final administration accounts detailing all transactions occurring within the estate clearly so full transparency is given for all beneficiaries over how their entitlement has been calculated

Where necessary, I also work closely with colleagues in other departments in the wider firm (including Residential Property, Private Client Dispute Resolution, Estate Planning, and Real Estate Disputes) to ensure all of my clients’ legal needs are met at a difficult time in their lives when they are dealing with loss.

What inspired you to get into law?

I started working in a Trust Company for a High Street Bank after graduating university, which was initially intended to be a temporary job but I found it to be interesting and fulfilling so I decided to stay.

What is the most rewarding aspect of your role?

I enjoy that the job is always changing, and that each estate is different. It is challenging but rewarding to be able to provide help to people who need it.

What do you like about working at Irwin Mitchell?

I like the variety of work and supportive environment.

What do you do away from the office?

I love being with my family and travelling. I also enjoy reading and going to the theatre.