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.
In 2021, I was awarded the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP) Founder's Award. The award marks 'an exceptional and outstanding long term contribution to the Society above and beyond that normally expected of a member through office in his or her branch or elsewhere in the voluntary life of the Society'.
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
Listed in the top 10 Contentious Trust Lawyers by Spears 500, 2021.
“Paula is really good at team management. I would describe her as an accomplished lawyer... She really doesn't leave any stone unturned and really fights for her client… She cuts to the quick, she will look to what the case is really about and what the pressure points are. She will really focus on those and leave behind all of the faff. She knows her stuff, she is good technically and adopts a pragmatic approach to cases." - Chambers & Partners High Net Worth 2022 (Leading Individual - band 1)
Paula is "a market leader.” "Paula Myers leaves no stone unturned for her clients. She also heads up a brilliant team, who are very well trained to drill down into the detail. "An experienced lead in the form of the formidable Paula Myers" - Legal 500, 2021 (Leading Individual)
"I can honestly say that in working with Paula Myers who heads up ""Will, Trust and Estate Disputes Department"" has been an absolute breath of fresh air. It's not great having to go down such a route but the whole team involved have been an absolute delight to work with and believe me they know their stuff which is what we pay for." - 5* Trustpilot review
"Paula Myers from the Leeds office was recommended to us as the best in her field when we were put in the position of defending our inheritance and she navigated us through a difficult situation professionally and with compassion. Irwin Mitchell were not the most affordable but we always felt we were in good hands and were given all of the options available to us and that we could trust the individuals we were working with." - 5* Trustpilot review
"I want to express my deep gratitude to Paula Myers for her professionalism, perseverance, and patience... My case was international and so complex and unpredictable, sometimes it seemed to me an insoluble situation was facing us, but Paula always found a solution or a compromise to move forward. It was even surprising that she was in touch at any time of the day and even during the holidays, the answer was received within 1-5 minutes, it is worth a lot... You can trust Paula that she will win the case, no matter how difficult it may be." - 5* Trustpilot review
"One can rest assured she will strive for the best outcome for you while maintaining a friendly and approachable service. Meeting with and later instructing Paula and her team was the best decision I could have made at what was a stressful and devastating time in my life. I was able to fully trust all advice and guidance given by Paula and I never felt that I was taking up too much of her time or causing an issue. I have had the opportunity to know many solicitors in a professional capacity, and I have to say Paula is up there at the top with the best of them." - 5* Trustpilot review
"[Paula has] done a First Class Job in progressing our case and keeping us fully informed." - 5* Trustpilot review
"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.
