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Biography

Head of Tax, Trusts & Estates and Will, Trust & Estate Disputes

I deal with all types of challenges to Wills, which can involve issues relating to mental capacity, undue influence and Will irregularities. I also handle claims for financial provision for spouses, cohabitees, children and maintained parties. I have particular experience handling farming dispute claims involving the doctrine of proprietary estoppel. I also sit on the Private Wealth Executive Board

I'm very passionate about helping people through a dispute. This can be a very trying and emotional time for people who have often lost someone close to them and are then immediately faced with a dispute with a family member or someone close to them. I'm a trained mediator and so keen to find the right resolution for clients engaged in disputes but will adopt a strong line when it is necessary and use the court process to achieve the right result. My aim is to take away stress from clients and to shoulder that burden for them as we find a resolution and solution to their problem.

Awards & The Team

I've been named numerous times in leading legal guides and was recommended on the City Wealth Leaders List 2017. I've also been shortlisted for prestigious awards such as Partner of the Year in the Yorkshire Lawyers Awards and Woman of the Year at the Magic Circle Awards. My team was named Private Client Team of the Year for 2018/19 in the Legal Business Awards.

Testimonials

"Paula Myers is 'a strategic and brilliant' litigator and a 'patient and focused' negotiator." – Legal 500, 2020

"I was extremely happy with the ultimate settlement that was achieved by the efforts of Paula and her team. Paula's expertise and approach is well worth paying for and I would not hesitate to recommend her services." – Graeme Hall, Client

Paula Myers heads Irwin Mitchell's contentious trust team and is described as "a very effective litigator and will always be very thorough and meticulous in her handling of cases." She often deals with will challenges, undue influence and financial provision claims on behalf of beneficiaries. A wealth expert explains: "She is a unique blend of ferocious litigation prowess and compassionate client care. In this field, that mix is important." – Chambers & Partners, 2018

"Brilliant" and a "good tactical lawyer" – Chambers & Partners 2017

"Remarkable levels of client loyalty and satisfaction; she is not just tactically astute, with an almost unerring instinct for the opposition’s weakness, but is a rock of confidence to her clients." – Legal 500, 2017

What Inspired You To Get Into Law?

I like the intellectual challenge of a complicated legal problem and helping clients to achieve a result.

What Is The Most Rewarding Aspect Of Your Role?

Client satisfaction and developing our junior lawyers.

What Do You Like About Working At Irwin Mitchell?

Our national platform, our fantastic people and the achievements and results that we deliver for our clients.

What Do You Do Away From The Office?

I like to spend time with friends and family and relax.

Cases I've Been Involved With

Victory In Royal Courts For Grieving Partner Left Out Of Will

Read My Comments On The Latest News

28/07/2020
Online Witnessing Of Wills Is Valid, Says Ministry Of Justice

“Witnessing wills has been in a complete state of flux since lockdown hit, drawing attention to the outdated nature of our current legislation, so any steps towards modernising the system are cause for cautious optimism. “The Ministry of Justice needs to be careful that any changes to the rule can’t be exploited for abuse; the rule was in place to protect the vulnerable and to avoid fraud, so their interests must be front and centre of any changes. “Backdating the legislation to take into account wills signed under lockdown also raises questions as to what the standards will be, and whether they need to be witnessed again under the new legislation. We’ll be keen to see the detail on this issue. “So long as careful care is taken to ensure the witnessing of a will is properly recorded and there are no issues or potential undue influence behind the camera or mobile phone, then it will be a welcome change.”
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22/05/2020
Two Irwin Mitchell Partners Included In Citywealth Top Trust Litigators List

“I’m delighted to have been listed by Citywealth as a top trust litigator and on their Top 10 Powerwomen list. Doing the best job for our clients is always at the heart of what we all do at Irwin Mitchell, so to be recognised in this list is a wonderful bonus. “There are many accomplished litigators on the list, including Claire-Marie, and it is an honour to be considered one of the top litigators in this field. Our thanks go to Citywealth and all of the people who recommended us to the list.”
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07/05/2020
Two Brothers Win Farming Land Inheritance Dispute

“We’re delighted that our clients Matthew and James have received what they were owed after decades of hard work and promises from the deceased about Gilmoor Farm. “The case was slightly unusual in that it involved long-term friends instead of family members, as is usual in these types of claims. Tony had told them on many occasions that the land would one day be theirs. Many witnesses had to give evidence about the brothers working on the land and about the promises that were made to them over many years. It goes to show the outcome of a case must be determined on a case-by-case basis, and that there isn’t one size fits all solution. “This case also highlights once again the importance placed upon witness evidence and how these types of cases are fact specific and require the judge to make findings of fact based on how he perceives the witnesses. The court will clearly give significant weight to a witness’s credibility and how they present at trial. “Ensuring your estate planning is in order to prevent unfortunate situations like this has proven vital. Had Tony put plans in place to ensure that Matthew, James and Claire were provided for as he intended, this lengthy case and trial could have been avoided.”
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06/05/2020
Two New Appointments For Irwin Mitchell’s Leeds Private Wealth Team

“Andrea and I are delighted to have recruited so many talented solicitors to our ranks in Leeds. Katherine and Polly’s experience in different areas will be brilliant to have on board and give us more expertise to help our clients. “Their arrival significantly strengthens our private client offering in the north of the country, which will be further supported by the newly established Manchester team. We’ve spent some time building the foundations of a strong team and now look forward to seeing how we can expand on our existing presence. “Katherine and Polly will also be a part of the national team, which is one of the largest private client practices in the country and which also continues to grow so that we can continue to achieve the best results possible for our client base. “Andrea and I both look forward to seeing Katherine and Polly and to introduce them to the rest of the wider teams.”
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