Claire joined JMW in June 2010 and is part of the Will and Trust Disputes team dealing in a diverse range of matters including issues arising from intestacy, contested wills and Inheritance Act claims.  

Claire has considerable experience of claims involving the validity of wills and claims for reasonable financial provision under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975. Claire has dealt successfully with many claims, achieving great resolutions for clients whether by mediation or otherwise.

Claire also has significant experience in complex and high value trust disputes advising both trustees and beneficiaries and has dealt with many applications arising from disputes within a trust setting.

Claire’s calm manner and ability to deal with matters efficiently puts clients at ease and provides reassurance at what is often a very difficult and emotional time. Claire is approachable and has a clear focus on her client’s desired outcome.

Claire is an associate member of the Association of Contentious Trust.

• Acting for the executors of an estate to defend a claim made against the Deceased’s estate under the Inheritance Act from an estranged adult child of the Deceased.
• Pursuing a will validity challenge following concerns raised regarding the Deceased’s capacity at the time of making the will, which was only 10 days after the unexpected death of her son.
• Acting on behalf of a residuary beneficiary against the estate’s executors and the solicitors that prepared the will following a void gift in the Deceased’s will.
• Pursuing an Inheritance Act claim on behalf of a minor against the estate of his late father.
• Successfully defending allegations of breach of trustee duties on behalf of a trustee across various family trusts.
• Acting for the executors of an estate to defend a claim made against the Deceased’s estate under the Inheritance Act from an estranged adult child of the Deceased.
• Pursuing a will validity challenge following concerns raised regarding the Deceased’s capacity at the time of making the will, which was only 10 days after the unexpected death of her son.
• Acting on behalf of a residuary beneficiary against the estate’s executors and the solicitors that prepared the will following a void gift in the Deceased’s will.
• Pursuing an Inheritance Act claim on behalf of a minor against the estate of his late father.
• Successfully defending allegations of breach of trustee duties on behalf of a trustee across various family trusts.

• "During the period of 2022 - 2024 Claire Brierley from JMW dealt with an extremely difficult and contentious matter in relation to Estate Administration for me. Her advice was exemplary from the outset of instruction, without any emotive responses, continually and skilfully, steering all parties back to the matter in hand for a positive outcome. Claire always advised me of the pro’s and con’s in relation to action. Prompt responses during work hours and out of hours including weekends, in order to ensure all work was carried out in readiness for High Court hearings. Claire simply went over and beyond.
• Claire provided Fantastic recommendation for Counsel, who was Highly equipped to act in my matter.
• Claire worked closely with Counsel with full and complete appraisals all the way, keeping Counsel fully up to speed. Claire was professional and also supportive to me in this difficult and stressful matter.
• Quite simply her Client care was perfection, I always felt reassured and confident due to Claire’s superior expertise in these matters. I won this case at the High Court of which the High Court Judge ruled me as the Successor and costs was awarded to me. This outcome was because of Claire’s actions, robust advice and her efficiency in acting for me."
• "I can honestly say I would NOT have been successful in winning this contentious case at the High Court had it not been for Claire’s attention and diligence in this matter."
• "I would Highly recommend Claire Brierley and JMW for all legal matters you may have."
• "...I can honestly say I would NOT have been successful in winning this contentious case at the High Court had it not been for Claire's attention and diligence in this matter. I would highly recommend Claire Brierley and JMW for all legal matters...."
• ".....Claire and her team were so professional and knowledgeable they soon made us feel at ease and confident of getting a result we craved..."
• We needed the use of a solicitor and JMW Solicitors were recommended to us. After an initial meeting with one of their solicitors (Clair Brierley) we soon realised they were at a different level. Claire and her team were so professional and knowledgeable they soon made us feel at ease and confident of getting a result we craved. They kept us up to date and totally informed of everything we needed to know and explained what we didn’t know. Would definitely use again and recommend to family and friends. Thanks for your impeccable service - Trustpilot

University of Newcastle, followed by the College of Law in York.