Our Contentious Probate team expands to meet demand

As the caseload continues to increase, our Contentious Probate team is also expanding.  

We have recently had two new additions to the team, including Sophie Wilson, Solicitor, who recently qualified, and Jade Evershed, Trainee Solicitor. They joined the experienced team of Alison Neate, Partner, and Victoria Townsend, Senior Associate and Head of Contentious Probate. 

Our Contentious Probate department, which was awarded Tier 2 status in the Legal 500, 2025 edition, has seen an increase in cases since COVID-19, along with the rest of the country. This team expansion allows us to deliver the same, high-quality care to all clients, on a larger scale. 

Victoria talks about the unique aspects of this area of law, “Contentious Probate is much more than handling transactions; we meet grieving people who are under significant amounts of strain, and we have to handle their cases with the appropriate sensitivity. That’s why it is so important to train and nurture junior Contentious Probate Solicitors. Not everyone is able to work with such compassion, but Sophie and Jade are naturals at it! " 

Sophie has worked in departments which require a high level of care and sensitivity throughout her career, including her time in Professional Negligence and Private Client. This is an area that she excels in, one of her clients described her as being “respectful and extremely professional on every occasion, plus very understanding of how this situation affected myself and my wife”.  

Sophie talks about working with the level of sensitivity, “One of my favourite aspects of the work I do is helping people who really need it. I have always been eager to help my clients feel heard and supported and Contentious Probate allows me to do that. The people that come to us are grieving and need someone to advocate for them. I am excited to continue supporting clients through the Contentious Probate process.” 

Jade is currently completing her training contract, with her first seat in Litigation, where she has already completed a month in Conveyancing. She will now complete the rest of the seat in the Contentious Probate team.  

Jade talks about her time in Contentious Probate so far, "I am loving working in Contentious Probate so far - it has been a great opportunity to explore such a different area of law to Conveyancing. I am incredibly grateful for the mentorship of Victoria and Alison along the way. They have made the transition so smooth and their love for the area and standard of client care is infectious.” 

Alison talks about the recent expansion, “The addition of Jade and Sophie to our team will be very beneficial to our clients. Both of them demonstrate a high level of passion and dedication to the area and offer much-needed support within the team. I am looking forward to, as a team, being able to support more people in need.” 

If you are in need of Contentious Probate support, get in touch with us today by either calling 0330 123 1229, send an email via info@smithpartnership.co.uk or complete our contact form, to find out more about how we can help you.