Cumbrian legal firm shortlisted for national law award

A Cumbrian legal firm has achieved national recognition after being named as a finalist in the British Wills and Probate Awards 2025.

Cartmell Shepherd Solicitors is shortlisted for the best Contentious Wills & Probate team (Boutique) at the awards which celebrate legal excellence across the country.

Rebecca Armstrong, who is Head of Will and Inheritance Disputes at Cartmell Shepherd, said: “We’re delighted to be recognised for our specialist expertise in Wills and inheritance disputes.

“With a significant increase in inheritance disputes, having a dedicated team with the skills to navigate these complex issues is not only crucial for our clients but to support both our in-house private client team and solicitors at other firms when they need guidance on contentious matters.

“Whether it’s inheritance claims, disagreements with executors or trustees, or challenging a Will, our priority is achieving the best possible outcome for our clients and ideally the Estate as a whole while reducing stress during what is often a very difficult time.”

Now in its eighth year, the British Wills and Probate Awards celebrate the skills, experience and expertise of individuals and organisations in Wills, probate, tax, trust and estate planning across 22 categories. The winners will be announced at a black-tie event on Thursday, October 9 at the Kimpton Clocktower Hotel in Manchester. 

Despite being up against mostly much larger law firms in this category, Cartmell Shepherd continues to stand out due to its specialist focus and dedication to client satisfaction and are looking to expand.

Cartmell Shepherd’s contentious Wills and probate team is part of the legal firm’s Dispute Resolution department, which is headed up by director Mark Aspin and offers a full range of litigation services, with specialist expertise in Court of Protection and agricultural disputes, as well as Wills and inheritance disputes.

Cartmell Shepherd employs nearly 130 staff, including 43 solicitors, and operates across Cumbria, Northumberland and nationally. It has offices in Carlisle (two sites), Brampton, Penrith, Cockermouth, Hexham, and Haltwhistle.