Louise is an accredited mediator and a Registered Member of the Civil Mediation Council (CMC). She was trained by the Society of Mediators.
Louise is a specialist practitioner in estate and trust disputes, with over 12 years of experience litigating in the High Court/Business and Property Courts. She is particularly experienced in 1975 Inheritance Act claims, contentious probate claims, such as those involving the disputed validity of wills, claims seeking orders in the administration of trusts and estates (including for the removal of executors and trustees) and TOLATA claims (whether they arise within or outside of estate disputes).
Louise brings this in-depth subject knowledge and practical experience of litigation to her mediation work, specialising in estate and trust mediations. She puts the parties back in control of the process, allowing them to have their say and take time to reflect upon what they want and need from the ongoing dispute or litigation.
Louise is a passionate believer that mediation is of particular value in estate and trust disputes; there is almost always a finite ‘pot’ of money or assets that lies at the heart of the dispute, participants will very often be families, the issues involved can be highly emotive and often involve matters of principle. The individuals who find themselves involved in this sort of complicated and expensive litigation don’t have the backing of corporate entities or structures, either to fund the litigation or to shield them from the emotional strain of the court process.
“Throughout my practice I have rarely encountered a case in which the people involved would not be best served by avoiding expensive and unpredictable litigation, and finding a compromise that they can all live with, so that they can move on with their lives. Litigation is for lawyers, but mediation is the right option for the people who want resolution, control and to put their dispute and difficulties to bed. As a mediator I am keen to understand what is important to the individuals involved and to put them at the heart of decision making.”
Recent testimonials
From an experienced contentious probate Partner at a firm of solicitors:
“Louise handled courteously and sensitively a difficult mediation involving a claim by a former spouse for provision under the 75 Act against an Estate. Despite the parties’ opposing positions, and in the context of an emotionally charged encounter, Louise was able to facilitate the parties being receptive to being open minded which allowed them to unlock the stalemate and achieve a resolution in a manner neither envisioned at the start. Without Louise’s patient and probing approach a settlement would not be possible. Louise was able subtly to guide the parties to a compromise, saving them months of litigation and the uncertainty of a costly trial. Louise was aptly maintained the delicate balance between her position as a neutral facilitator while also being able to challenge both parties forcefully, so she was not simply an expensive post box. I would highly recommend her as a mediator and the best compliment I can pay her is that she managed to leave both parties happy with the settlement, a rare achievement in my experience.”
From a client at a mediation involving an inheritance dispute over a family member’s will:
“She was extremely professional and personable and spent time listening to the background of the case with us before the mediation began. We immediately felt that we had a good rapport with her which helped us immensely.
She worked extremely well with our barrister which helped develop a solution which was agreeable to both parties.
An exceptional negotiator to be recommended.”
From a solicitor at a Legal 500 ranked Top Tier firm:
“Really impressed with the level of service received by Louise. She was professional and efficient and a settlement was reached in a timely fashion. Would definitely recommend.”
Recommendations
Louise is also spoken of highly in the Legal directories, being ranked Band 1 in Chambers UK and a Leading Junior in Legal 50, in the 2023 editions. She is regularly commended for her practical approach and how she sets people at ease:
“What you get with Louise in court is a very thorough approach to preparation,” observes a commentator, who explains: “Her skeleton arguments are always dense in terms of content and authority. On her feet she is very quick and not fazed by judicial challenge, but, equally, she has the ability to read the judge.” Another interviewee states: “She is excellent on paper in providing sensible and clear written advice, and she is extremely responsive. She is a powerful advocate, and also incredibly good with clients. That all translates to her work as a mediator.”
High Net Worth 2022 (Chancery: Traditional - National Leaders (outside London))
“She is excellent on paper in providing sensible and clear written advice, and extremely responsive. She is a powerful advocate and also incredibly good with clients.” “She is adaptable to the case and the client, and she can be tenacious and forthright.”
Chambers UK 2023
“Louise is extremely capable and very good on her feet. She is tactically excellent.”
Legal 500 2023 (Chancery, Probate and Tax)
“She is technically competent but also strategically astute - she has a great balance.”
Chambers UK 2022
“Louise has all of the primary attributes (technical knowledge, accomplished advocacy and superb drafting skills) but what sets her apart is her strategic focus and ability to connect with clients.”
Legal 500 2022 (Chancery, Probate and Tax)
“She’s an incredibly bright, effective, robust and brilliant opponent and barrister. You know you’re going to have a good, clean fight and where pragmatism needs to be applied it will be.” “Louise is incredibly studious and very reliable in terms of response time - she does what she says when she says.”
Chambers UK 2021
“She combines excellent legal knowledge with a commercially-minded and practical approach.”
Legal 500 2021 (Chancery, Probate and Tax)
“She’s practical and easy to deal with. She’s more interested in finding solutions than winning technical arguments.” “Louise offers a fantastic service. She is fast, knowledgeable and extremely helpful.”
Chambers UK 2020
“Very good with clients, she can explain complex legal issues carefully without being patronising.”
Legal 500 2020
Memberships
The Honourable Society of the Inner Temple
Chancery Bar Association
Committee member of the Midlands Commercial and Chancery Bar Association
Civil Mediation Council Registered Mediator
Society of Mediators
Association of Contentious Trust and Probate Specialists
Qualifications
BA Hons Jurisprudence, First Class, Oxford University
BVC graded ‘Very Competent’, Inns of Court School of Law
Inner Temple Major Scholarship (2007)
