Paula James > Irwin Mitchell > Chichester, England > Lawyer Profile

Irwin Mitchell’s team is noted for the depth of its expertise in the full range of contentious matters, including those related to lifetime gifts, the construction and rectification of wills, professional negligence claims, and disputes between executors. The practice frequently advises on disputes related to family businesses in the agricultural sector. Acting for a varied client roster which includes both on and offshore trust companies, accountants, asset managers, and financial planners, Paula James heads the firm’s lifetime and estate planning team nationally, and leads the private wealth dispute team in Chichester. Samantha Ewing’s varied caseload includes proprietary estoppel, and will validity claims. Candy Stockton moved to JMW Solicitors LLP‘s London office in February 2025.

Offering ‘personal service on top of technical knowledge‘, the team at Irwin Mitchell is widely recognised for its expertise advising high and ultra-high-net-worth individuals on taxation, particularly inheritance tax, complex estate administrations, as well as trust structuring issues. The lifetime and estate planning team is led by Caroline Shelton and Paula James based in Crawley and Chichester respectively. Shelton specialises in assisting UK residents or domiciled clients with wealth preservation and succession planning. Rose Macfarlane, based in Crawley, is regarded for her familiarity advising trustees and acting as trustee for a number of dynastic family trusts.