Mills & Reeve LLP has a strong national offering with Lucy Howard at the helm at the Birmingham office. The team has 'great depth and works on some very high-profile cases'- it excels in advising on disputes concerning the validity of wills, actions involving trustees and executors as well as claims under the Inheritance Act. Another area of focus is advising charities on contested legacy matters and it regularly works closely with its professional indemnity department. In addition, Howard works alongside the expanding Court of Protection practice on various contentious matters. Kim Ryan and Kieran Leahy are both recommended.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

'This is a young, but deceptively experienced team, who are second to none in the sector. They are incredibly capable and their preparation of cases and files is first rate'.
'Kieran Leahy - from the moment I met him and throughout the very painful journey Kieran remained completely open, honest and above all very sensitive to my own concerns. He was very professional in his manner.'
'I am aware that Kieran was reporting to Lucy Howard ( Partner) and therefore would also like to add that her vast experience and expertise in this area of work was very evident with the management of the ongoing dispute'.
'I would always recommend them to people who have complex and high value trusts or probate litigation. They are excellent at building really positive relationships with clients in difficult circumstances. They have an excellent understanding of the law, and are tough negotiators who always get a great deal for their clients'.
'Lucy Howard - a superstar lawyer, whom clients absolutely love. She is one of the very best around, combining superb legal acumen, excellent tactical skills and a drive to achieve the best possible results for her clients. She will always go above and beyond to make sure that her clients' best interests are achieved'.
'Kieran Leahy - extremely capable, practices way beyond his years of experience. A real rising star, he has quickly developed a reputation for getting on top of complex cases very quickly, the quality of his legal analysis and his ability to cut through the noise to find sensible practical solutions for his clients'.
'Lucy Howard is a fantastic Partner. She is very clever, tactically very able and exceptionally pleasant to work with. She is well respected and rightly so. Kieran Leahy is very strong. He is bright and always well prepared. He knows his cases well and juggles his case load with ease'.
'Lucy Howard - very calm, commercial and pragmatic and looks out for the clients interests as well as looking at the bigger picture. Kieran Leahy - an excellent junior solicitor who works extremely hard and will be one to watch for the future'.