Elizabeth Tolmie

Elizabeth first joined Bell Lax as a trainee solicitor in 2021 and is now a qualified solicitor in our Commercial Litigation team. 

Having developed her own case load throughout her training, Elizabeth has enjoyed the challenge of working in such a varied area of law. She also continues to assist the head of the team, Richard Kerry, with his files. 

Whilst Elizabeth’s cases involve all areas of Commercial Litigation, she has grown a particular passion for contentious probate and estate disputes, acting for both Claimants and Defendants.

Whether it is challenging the validity of a will, or a claim under the Inheritance Act 1975, Elizabeth works hard to act in the best interests of her clients in what is often an already emotionally challenging situation.

Elizabeth has helped a number of clients achieve positive outcomes, and is developing an excellent track record of succeeding in claims. Some of her notable cases include:

• Mrs K brought a claim under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975, on the grounds that her deceased husband’s will (which had been incorrectly drafted by another firm of solicitors) failed to make reasonable financial provision for her. The claim was successful at mediation, and Mrs K was able to keep her family home, valued at over £200,000.
• Mr B’s stepdaughter bought a claim under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975, on the grounds that her deceased mother’s will failed to make reasonable financial provision for her. Mr B, who had been the sole executor of his late wife’s estate, agreed to negotiate a settlement. Elizabeth was able to reduce the stepdaughter’s claim of over £400,000 down to less than £200,000.
• Ms W contested the validity of her late mother’s will on the grounds of capacity and coercion by the Defendant, who was her brother. After a successful mediation, Ms W received the majority of her mother’s estate, her brother agreed to renounce himself as an executor and date was agreed for him to leave his mother’s property.
• Mrs M brought a claim against her previous employer for breaching the terms of an investment plan she had signed up to, and for failing to pay her a share of the profits as agreed to prevent her from resigning. Despite the Defendant’s first offer only being £20,000, the claim was successfully settled for over £100,000.

In her free time Elizabeth enjoys to bake, often experimenting with new recipes. She also loves to watch a variety of films, from the cinematic classics to the most recent releases. 

REVIEWS

"The minute Elizabeth answered the phone. I felt someone was really listening to me. Her kindness and understanding was amazing.
Went through everything stage by stage.
This is a very highly professional company and will go to your pace.
Would highly recommend them"