New appointment comes as government considers move towards digitisation in wills trusts and probate
The Wills, Trusts and Probate team at Jacksons Law Firm is expanding, with the appointment of Mike Cattermole as senior associate solicitor.
Mike is looking forward to helping the firm navigate the introduction of artificial intelligence (AI) into this area of law, as well as proposed advancements in laws that came into effect back in 1837.
The move also signals a promotion for Mike, who was previously an associate solicitor.
Mike has enjoyed a warm welcome from the Jacksons Team at Newcastle where he is based, as the firm aims to expand its presence in the city.
“The team now benefits from having a partner at the helm, as well as two assistant solicitors, a paralegal, a trainee and myself as a senior associate solicitor,” Mike says.
“I’ve been qualified nearly nine years and I also worked in this area of law as a trainee, so I have close to 11 years’ experience in wills, trusts and estate planning.
“I have always wanted to work in this area since I was at University.
“While many pursue criminal or corporate law, I’ve always enjoyed the challenge and satisfaction of solving complex puzzles in Wills and Probate.”
Mike enjoys the fact clients come in with many different facets to their lives which they need support with and putting in place something which gives them a sense of order and peace of mind.
“I enjoy taking the complexities of modern family dynamics and life circumstances and distilling them into well-structured, clear documents,” Mike says.
“It’s rewarding to create something that brings order, clarity, and peace of mind to clients while ensuring everyone involved understands the outcome.
“When a loved one passes away, it can be an incredibly difficult and overwhelming time.
“I find it deeply rewarding to help people navigate this process, easing the burden and giving them one less thing to worry about during their grief.
“Thankfully, most people don’t encounter this situation often, which makes it all the more important to have someone they can trust to guide them through.”
Mike also enjoys supporting families to avoid potential disputes over wills, and whilst he admits sometimes, there is “not much you can do” where families do not get on, he adds: “If we do our jobs to the best of our ability, we can warn clients of the potential for a dispute.
“Our involvement administering an estate could help alleviate some discord between family members.
“If one sibling is named executor, another sibling may not trust them to do the job properly.
“Having a solicitor involved provides an element of trust that might otherwise be missing.”
He adds his area of law is probably the only one which affects everyone, as it supports people to ensure their wishes and loved ones are taken care of in the event of their death.
“Unlike criminal or family law, which you hope you will never need, Wills, Trusts, and Estate planning touch everyone’s lives,” Mike explains.
“Not everyone buys a property, but everyone will eventually need support to ensure their wishes are upheld and their loved ones are cared for after they’re gone.”
Mike is particularly excited about how artificial intelligence (AI) and digital tools are shaping the future of Wills, Trusts, and Probate.
AI has the potential to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of legal processes, from document drafting and fraud detection to estate valuation and workflow automation.
Mike says: “The Wills Act came into effect in 1837, and only now are we exploring options beyond paper and wet ink.
“The government’s plans to digitise Lasting Powers of Attorney and consult on digital wills mark an exciting step forward.
“As someone who loves technology, I welcome innovations that make our services even more personal, secure, and accessible.”
While Mike acknowledges the importance of maintaining personal interaction and tailored solutions, he believes AI can complement traditional practices, providing clients with a streamlined and modern experience.
Helen Milburn, partner and head of private client – Wills Trusts and Probate, says: “I would like to take this opportunity to extend a warm welcome to Mike, who will support us as we grow in this key area of law across Newcastle and in the wider North East region.
“Mike brings a wealth of experience to this role, and as a full member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP) supports us to extend the breadth of our private client expertise in this area.
“Mike also has a sound knowledge of the region, having worked in Durham, Sunderland and Teesside as well as Newcastle, and we feel all his expertise will enable us to achieve our growth plans for the firm in this specific area.”
Jonathan Wall, partner and head of private client services and residential property at Jacksons, said: “Mike joining the firm sees further expansion into the private client team, and the level of expertise which Mike brings will see us push this team forward going into 2025 and beyond.
“We are excited to have Mike join us and the opportunity which this provides to the firm and team in assisting Helen.”
Erica Turner, head of legal at Jacksons Law Firm, says: “It is always very exciting when we welcome a new addition to the Jacksons team and Mike’s appointment is testament to our ambitions to increase our footprint across the region where this area of law is concerned.
“We look forward to working with Mike in the years to come.
“We feel sure he will contribute to the continued success of the firm’s private client division, by supporting our clients with a highly sensitive and personalised service, which is also modern and efficient, making sound and appropriate use of advancements in practice and technology.”