About Michael Brierley - Partner at Everys Solicitors

Michael is a partner in our Litigation department, specialising in contentious trusts and probate. He joined Everys in November 2022 when Everys and Stokes Partners merged practices.

Michael trained in Somerset and upon qualification moved to London where he went on to become a partner and Head of Contentious Probate at a leading Surrey firm.

He initially practised public childcare law working at all levels of the family court system. This provided him with a solid foundation in advocacy and trial preparation.

Since 2015, Michael has focussed on contentious trusts and probate. This enabled him to continue to attend court and run complex cases often involving substantial financial and family disputes. Michael’s background in psychology often provides useful insight into the motivations that lie below the facts of a case. Michael is a full ACTAPS member – making him one of only a handful of solicitors in the region with this accreditation.

Michael prides himself on being able to quickly identify the key issues for his clients and to position a matter in such a way as to best protect his client’s interests. Recent cases have involved representing:

• Family members when a sibling challenged their parent’s will.
• A widow whose partner left her nothing in his will.
• Executors when faced with very unhappy family members.
• An attorney acting on behalf of their parent who was involved in court proceedings.
• A young child who was left nothing in her father’s will.
• Two adult children in a claim by an ex-partner of their late parent.

Before returning to Somerset, Michael sat as a Borough Councillor for Runnymede Borough Council and has retained a keen interest in local politics.

In his spare time, Michael enjoys reacquainting himself with Somerset and spending time with his young family.

TESTIMONIALS

• I instructed Michael to act for me in respect of a challenge to a Deputyship Order and my experience was first class. Michael is extremely knowledgeable and he provided clear, unequivocal advice at all times with a good deal of patience and tact. He was always prompt to respond to enquiries and I wouldn’t hesitate to instruct him again in the future.

• Michael is a very talented lawyer. He was incredibly compassionate toward my sister and me during what was a very difficult time for us. Diligent, fastidious and above all honest. He is a credit to the profession and his firm. Do not hesitate to instruct this man!

• Michael guided us through what was a really difficult, highly emotional time with his extremely professional yet always friendly advice. We would absolutely recommend hiring him.

• I honestly cannot recommend Michael highly enough. The professional and empathetic support he provided made the most difficult time of my life more bearable. I enlisted Michael’s help when my partner died without a will. We owned a house together, and, as you would expect, our lives were inextricably linked. I did not know where I stood or what would happen, which felt very scary at a time when my world had already been turned upside down. Michael takes a holistic approach to his cases, expertly advising on the legalities but also taking account of the emotions of the situation.

• I have never had the need to use a solicitor until now and Mr Brierley was approachable, listening to my need for a solicitor and gave honest professional advice – I trusted him throughout my dealing with him and as this was a family matter, which was difficult anyway, I was supported with clear legal advice which ultimately led to a positive conclusion- the fees were fair and I would genuinely use Michael Brierley and this firm of solicitors if I needed again. Thank you!

• We cannot recommend Michael highly enough. From the outset Michael understood what we wanted to achieve and worked with us. He is intelligent, thoughtful, hardworking and a true advocate. Apart from the legal issues where he brought clarity, he helped to navigate challenging people situations over a long period and did not give up. Michael has a background in psychology as well as law, which helped in achieving non-financial and financial goals.