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Praised for ‘providing the best public service to its clients’, Smith Partnership has a highly specialist childcare offering, alongside its expertise in private family law matters. Commended by clients as a ’brilliant lawyer and advocate’, Muctar Johal co-leads the practice, with expertise in childcare matters involving complex and sensitive medical and care proceedings.

‘This is an exceptional firm, providing the best public service to its clients. I have seen first-hand how their teams operate, supporting each other. They have a terrific breadth of experience and enthusiasm for the work, which can be so challenging.’

‘The partner I know well is Muctar Johal. He has a superhuman ability to juggle a huge caseload, be an excellent advocate at court and yet finds time for his extremely vulnerable clients, to engage with them and gain their confidence. He is a brilliant lawyer and advocate.’

- The Legal 500, 2026

Acting for claimants, defendants, trustees and beneficiaries, the team at Smith Partnership deals with a range of disputes relating to estates and trusts, often handling claims in the Business and Property Courts, as well as the regional County Courts. The firm acts for both claimants and defendants, including both lay and professional executors, trustees and beneficiaries. Derby-based Victoria Townsend leads the team, and has a particular specialism acting in Inheritance Act 1975 claims and handling a vast array of disputed will cases.

'The team is responsive and proactive. I never felt I had to promote or pursue an update. Whenever a particular team member was away or unavailable, the other team members handled everything seamlessly. Smith Partnership makes you feel you are a valued client. Although a small team, the contentious probate team at Smith Partnership has an impressive level of expertise. I would not hesitate to recommend them.'

- The Legal 500, 2027

Working in conjunction with the commercial litigation and private client teams, Smith Partnership's practice handles private client, professional negligence and will and estate claims. Heading up the practice, Victoria Townsend is a key contact for advising on will disputes, proprietary estoppel and family trust issues. Townsend is an accredited member of the ACTAPS and has been lauded by clients for her ‘professional integrity, patience, and judgement’.

‘My solicitor was exceptional and could not have been more helpful, kind and courteous to me and my wife.’

‘In my experience, what makes this practice unique is the quality of thinking and calm authority that underpins every stage of their work. The team at Smith Partnership, and particularly the Contentious Trusts and Probate team, have a rare ability to manage sensitive and high-stakes matters with both legal precision and a human touch.'

- The Legal 500, 2026