Kate Saunders
Legal Director
Kate specialises in a wide range of inheritance, trust, and estate disputes. She advises private individuals, professional executors and trustees, and charities on a variety of disputes relating to estates and trusts that can arise post death.
Kate works closely with clients to understand both the legal and personal dimensions of a dispute, offering client focused and practical advice designed to resolve matters efficiently while protecting her clients’ interests.
She is an experienced litigator and can assist clients with pre-issue negotiations, mediation, and Court proceedings where necessary. Known for her calm, professional, and pragmatic approach, she is committed to delivering robust and transparent legal advice with a strong focus on achieving the best possible resolution to these disputes in a timely and cost-effective manner.
In recognition of her exemplary client care and technical knowledge, Kate has recently been named as an associate to watch in the Chambers High Net Worth Guide 2026. Testimonials provided for this guide are as follows:
“Kate has an incredible understanding of her area of law and is known by peers as being technically astute”
“Kate Saunders has been very sensitive to our case and has worked relentlessly to give consideration to our personal situations. She has provided an outstanding service”
“Kate was extremely knowledgeable, professional and supportive. She took the time to fully understand the complexities and nuances of our case. Kate was never afraid to challenge me and was always thorough in her explanation of our legal position.”
Specialisms/Disputes commonly dealt with:
• Inheritance Act claims
• Probate claims/challenges to the validity of Wills
• Executor Disputes and removal applications
• Beneficiary disputes
• Trust and Estate administration issues
• Proprietary estoppel claims
• Rectification and mistake claims
• Professional Negligence claims relating to Will drafting/tax planning advice
• Misappropriation of assets claims – lifetime and post death
• Disputed Court of Protection claims – statutory Will applications and deputyship issues
Memberships
Kate is a full member of the Associate of Contentious Trusts and Probate Specialists (ACTAPS) and ConTRa. She is also a member of the Northern Contentious Probate Group and the Sheffield and Chesterfield District Contentious Probate group.
For clients having to face the difficulties of a contentious probate dispute when a loved one has died, it is an incredibly challenging and emotional experience. The claims themselves can be complex and time consuming to resolve. One of the most enjoyable parts of my role is working closely with clients to provide technical expertise and guidance to work through the difficulties encountered and to achieve a timely and cost effective resolution to these disputes.
Kate Saunders is based in our Sheffield Office
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Please don't hesitate to reach out to Kate Saunders or a member of the SHMA team for a no-obligation quote.
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