Laura is an Associate in our contentious probate team.

Laura specialises in the administration of estates where an independent administrator has been appointed.

The matters that Laura deals with involve complex and often long running estate administrations which have previously been (or continue to be) the subject of litigation and disputes between the executors and the beneficiaries, or among the executors or beneficiaries themselves. While the original litigation may sometimes have been resolved prior to our involvement, the ongoing administration of the estate under the instruction of the appointed independent administrator is often complicated and involves careful management, taking into account the history of the matter, the relationships of the parties and careful analysis of whether the administration has been carried out correctly to date. There are often also remaining issues of contention that must be resolved during the course of the administration.

Laura is also experienced in advising clients in the charity and higher education sector in respect of legacy protection matters, assisting clients with realising, protecting and maximising their legacy income.

In matters where the current executors are unable to progress the administration, Laura can assist with the appointment of a partner within the firm as an independent administrator, whether by consent or contested Court application, and then deal with the ongoing administration of the estate, from whatever its current position may be, through to final distribution.

Having such experience of dealing with complex estate administration from the point of view of the executor/administrator, Laura is also well placed to advise charity and higher education clients in their capacity as beneficiaries or personal representatives. She regularly provides detailed advice notes to charitable trustees that provide both practical and commercial advice, in respect of all manner of estate related matters, to enable the trustees to make informed decisions in accordance with the best interests of the charity, their fiduciary duties and in accordance with the Charities Act.

Laura enjoys the challenge of unpicking the complex history of a matter and putting the pieces back together in the right place.  Every estate that she deals with is unique - whether due to the nature of the assets or the surrounding family dynamics, and she often become involved in matters that have already been long running for those personally involved. She understands the importance for family members and close friends to see the administration properly concluded and find closure on what has often been a difficult and stressful period for them.

She also finds it particularly interesting to work with our charity clients, gaining a greater understanding of the important work that they are able to do as a result of receiving legacies from deceased estates and working together to maximise the income they receive. 

Laura is based in our Bristol office but can support you nationally. 

What You Might Like to Know

Laura enjoys getting out early in the morning to swim and exercise and then switch off in the evenings and at weekends by sitting in the sunshine or working on her latest craft project.

She is a member of ConTrA (Contentious Trusts Association).

Other teams Laura works with

As well as the Contentious Probate team, Laura also works with our Charities and Education, Residential and Commercial Property, Property Litigation, Commercial Litigation, Corporate, and Tax teams.