Biography
I am a Senior Associate in the Will, Trust and Estate Disputes team based in Birmingham. I have a particular interest in dealing with claims for reasonable financial provision under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act, challenges to the validity of a Will and executor or beneficiary disputes.
I am mindful that the issues arising from this area of law can be emotive for clients, especially when it involves other family members. I strive to provide clear and sensible legal advice in order to resolve disputes in an efficient manner.
Prior to joining Irwin Mitchell, I worked in a private client department dealing with Wills, Lasting Powers of Attorney and the administration of estates. This has given me practical knowledge as to the background circumstances that can sometimes lead to a dispute.
What inspired you to get into law?
A career in law appealed to my desire to work with people. There is a real human element of dealing with Will, trust or estate disputes – the outcome of a case can dramatically affect the lives of our clients.
I also enjoy the intellectual challenge in investigating the factual or legal circumstances of a case and devising a strategy to meet the client’s objectives.
What is the most rewarding aspect of your role?
Undoubtedly the best part of my role is the clients. I enjoy supporting people through challenging times and the satisfaction of achieving a good result.
What do you do away from the office?
I enjoy travelling and consider myself a carry-on bag packing expert. I have also previously lived and worked in Brisbane, Australia.
I regularly attend live music events and festivals. I spend my free time reading, cooking and socialising with friends.
Testimonials
"Good communication, professional and knowledgeable team. Did what they said they would do on time and enabled me to make informed decisions on complicated areas outside of my knowledge." - 5* Trustpilot review
Michelle is a "Real up-and-comer... is very efficient and is always on top of deadlines and managing cases. She's a real standout in the Birmingham area... [She] is a highly skilled negotiator with great interpersonal skills." - Chambers & Partners High Net Worth 2022 (Associate To Watch)
“From the start [Michelle] was very friendly and helpful. She explained the process thoroughly and guided through every stage along the way, ending in a very good settlement. I would certainly recommend Michelle and her team very highly to anyone. Thanks for your help.” – 5* Trustpilot review
"Irwin Mitchell were professional, courteous, put up with my endless questions regarding a particularly delicate family matter. I cannot thank Michelle and all her colleagues who worked on my case tirelessly to get the result myself and my family were happy and grateful for. I would definitely recommend and use again in the future. Thank you all!" - 5* Trustpilot review
"The service we have received during the last 18 months from Michelle has been attentive and sensitive throughout. During a difficult time for our family she remained professional and honest in her guidance. We cannot thank you enough for all your work and professionalism even with the difficulties of the pandemic." - 5* Trustpilot review
"Irwin Mitchell provided help and support throughout a very distressing case involving close family. Michelle Chapman, solicitor, made me feel as though mine was the only case she was dealing with and that it was highly important. She was available whenever I needed advice or reassurance and offered me much needed guidance from a legal point of view as opposed to my own emotional response. She was very clear with her directives throughout and explained in detail my options and possible consequences to enable me to decide which steps to take. I am happy to say that all her advice and support helped me in reaching a positive outcome. I would definitely recommend Irwin Mitchell." - 5* Trustpilot review
"I had a very important case, extreme in all its contents but at its heart was a Will changed via Undue Influence to disinherit my brother and I. Undue influence cases are hard to bring and have an extremely high threshold to prove. Irwin Mitchell took our case where others wouldn't and in the end helped us to generate such a strong case that we managed to mediate our inheritance back and right the wrong." - 5* Trustpilot review
"Our experience with Irwin Mitchell from our first phone call, created an immediate sense of trust and professionalism (and throughout) to resolution of our dispute and an email very late into the evening from Michelle, putting our minds at rest, a very much appreciated and exceptional level of service.
"Even though we never met face to face, we felt that both the Solicitors we dealt with understood the emotional elements of our case and provided clear and objective advice. We also appreciated their frank and knowledgeable advice. They both made a very tough year that bit more bearable, knowing their professionalism and knowledge was there to turn to. Thank you" - 5* Trustpilot review
