Sophie joined Osbornes Law upon qualification as a Solicitor in February 2023, to work alongside Katie de Swarte, specialising in contentious trusts and probate. Sophie has a particular interest in trust and estate litigation and regularly advises on disputes concerning the validity of Wills, the administration of estates, the removal of executors / trustees and the bringing and defending of claims under The Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975. Many of Sophie’s cases involve international elements and cross-border issues.
Sophie also assists Katie with professional negligence claims and claims arising under the Trust of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act, which stem from contentious trust and probate matters. Sophie will also be undertaking Court of Protection work including issues arising from Lasting Power of Attorneys, Statutory Will applications and making and contesting Deputyship applications.
Sophie achieved a first-class law degree from Nottingham Trent University and a distinction in her Legal Practice Course LLM from The University of Law. Sophie went on to secure a training contract, in which she studied both contentious and non-contentious disciplines.
Sophie is an Associate Member of Solicitors for the Elderly – an organisation focused on supporting older and vulnerable clients. Sophie completed the SFE Older Client Care in Practice Award in April 2023 and aims to be a fully accredited member in due course. She intends to become a member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP) and the Association of Contentious Trusts and Probate Specialists in due course. Sophie is also a member of ConTrA (The Contentious Trusts Association) and will be commencing the ACTAPS (Association of Contentious Trust and Probate Specialists) in October 2023.
Sophie also has a keen interest in advocacy, having won mooting and advocacy competitions at undergraduate level. Sophie was also awarded second place in the Hammond Cup Final 2021 – one of the UK’s most prestigious competitions open to junior lawyers.
In her spare time, Sophie enjoys running and is a collector of niche perfumery.
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With a deep sense of gratitude, I want to thank you all for your diligent and comprehensive contributions and assistance in my legal travails.
I am sure you know how stressful legal proceedings can be for everyday laypersons like myself. Thankfully, you have been a bastion of support and reassurance during these trying months, and I struggle to find the right words to express my sincere gratitude.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
A private client team offering a range of services to assist with private client matters including trust and probate services. A friendly approach with a keen eye for detail.
I have been a client of this firm for a number of years and been impressed by particular individuals, the care and thoughtfulness with which they have worked.
An efficient firm which provides an excellent service at highly competitive charging rates.
The team receives a steady flow of instructions from high-net-worth individuals and families on an array of tax planning, wealth preservation, estate and succession planning issues
I think this firm has excellent strength and depth in this area, for both contentious and non-contentious work, and they can hold their own against any other firm.
I have found them to be incredibly knowledgeable and pragmatic in settling claims for their clients.
The contested estates team is strong with talented young solicitors doing good quality work
The nimble team acts for a broad range of high-net-worth individuals and families on a variety of complex estate and trust litigation.
Osbornes has a ‘strong private client department’ and ‘the firm seems to be going from strength to strength’.
Thank you for managing my case, following a complete fiasco before I contacted Osbornes Law. I know that the work involved was rather complicated, possibly frustrating and often time consuming. I was impressed with your current knowledge of the case when we had the first meeting at your office. I regard a face-to-face meeting as imperative in developing positive relationships. Members of your team, such as Alex and Ella were impressive too, with their efficient, friendly manner of working.
I am grateful for your patience, advice and excellent support at a difficult time. Hopefully it won't be necessary to contact you again regarding this matter! I will definitely use Osbornes Law in the future."Jan Atkinson, with her steely, steady, calming presence, instils confidence in the most highly-strung of us clients. With her masterful knowledge of the law, old and new, and its application, Jan can navigate through the most complex of cases to a successful end."
"I find Osbornes’ client-friendly approach welcoming and refreshing"
"A medium-sized London firm dealing with big litigation and doing it extremely well because of a depth of expertise and experience."
My family had the pleasure of Jan Atkinson working with us on the will and probate issues of [my mother's] estate in Camden and Ireland after she passed on last year. Jan and her assistant(s) offered us a fantastic service at a sad time.
"Jan Atkinson stands out for her wide-ranging knowledge and experience of estates; whatever problem you throw at her, she has seen it all before and is able to find a creative and sustainable solution. She has exceptional commitment to her clients and explores every avenue to find the best solution for them"
The team is very caring, experienced and detailed and was clear about the next steps and offered very helpful advice and suggestions
Jan Atkinson has extensive experience in private client matters, which underpins her excellent skills in the contentious probate area. Plus she is strong on international matters
A small but formidable team, punching above its weight. Jan Atkinson is a seasoned pro. Approachable but no push-over
"They are an outstanding firm to work with. They are consistently impressive in their work."
"Elspeth Neilson is very reliable and practical."
"The team frequently deals with cross-border estates for high–net-worth individuals."
"The team were extremely professional in putting my needs first. There was a joined-up approach to catering for the client, and all lawyers involved were briefed and constructive."
"Service prompt and effective. I have absolute confidence in Maggie."
I am happy with the service that I got and would recommend you to other potential clients.
I found Osbornes always very helpful and efficient.
We are very pleased with the services of Osbornes. Highly professional and through with close attention to detail.
I would highly recommend Jan Atkinson in any probate matter and Osbornes Solicitors in any other legal matters.
Jan Atkinson is a very proficient lady whom I would highly recommend to anyone involved in probates.
Thanks for all your work and explaining everything so clearly. For any legal matters in the future I would not hesitate in instructing Osbornes.
We have found your service to date as the most informative we have come across.
Jan Atkinson is confident with a straightforward approach. Her practice covers both contentious and non-contentious matters, including wealth planning and estate administration.
I would like to thank everyone in my case for the excellent job!
