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

29/10/2019
Two New Lawyers For Irwin Mitchell’s National Tax, Trusts And Estates Team

“We are delighted to have Naomi and Yousafa on board. Chichester and London are two areas of focus for us and their respective experience will be great assets to each team. “The two will also work closely with the national team as well as the Private Wealth division to give our clients the best support possible for all of their private client needs. “Irwin Mitchell’s private client division is emerging as a serious player in the market; we have ambitious growth plans and looking to the future, it is talented hires like these two as well as a strong strategic plan which will take us to the next stage of Irwin Mitchell’s development.”
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24/10/2019
Emotion And Litigation: Will Disputes Shown To Have Marked Effect On Clients’ Mental Health

“Every litigation expert knows the immense strain a will dispute can put on a person. Not only have they just lost a loved one, but the claws can come out before the funeral has even happened. Clients therefore don’t get any time to grieve and immediately have to throw themselves into battle. “Pair this with rising rates of will dispute cases hitting the courts and we will continue to see this problem increase, becoming a serious issue for clients and solicitors alike. It is clear the legal system must prioritise the wellbeing of all involved going forward. “We are implementing a comprehensive training programme for our national team that will help them better cope with the demands that can come with handling clients’ mental health. We often see people at their most vulnerable and it’s important we can spot signs of distress and help signpost them to professional support where needed.”
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30/07/2019
Court Of Appeal Slams Former Ruling In Out Of Time Will Dispute

“This latest judgment from the Court of Appeal will come as a relief to many litigators. While standstill agreements are controversial, equally they encourage negotiations and amicable settlements rather than forcing the parties to litigate quickly. “The Court of Appeal’s take on out of time will disputes being considered on a case-by-case basis will also be a welcome ruling. Standstill agreements are regularly used by litigators and often will disputes are multifaceted; a blanket regulation cannot truly be enforced when there are quirks and complexities in each case. “Nonetheless, the wind could change in the future on standstill agreements so we would argue further clarity is still needed with this area of law.”
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08/07/2019
North West Is Best For Seeking Later Life Legal Advice

“While adverse publicity might be a powerful persuader in getting people to recognise the importance of professional advice, 35% and 25% for legal and financial respectively still leaves a significant number of people content to seek help elsewhere and 12% not intending to look for any advice at all. “On the whole there is a national crisis when it comes to later life planning and we’re concerned the country is sleepwalking into a situation that will be very difficult to remedy without significant changes in attitudes, both from the public and the government.”
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