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10 May 2023
Categories: Legal News , Wills & Probate , Profession
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Finders International wins for fifth year in a row at 2023 Probate Research Awards

Probate solicitors and ‘heir hunters’ were celebrated at this year’s Probate Research Awards, which took place on 21 April in a ceremony hosted by criminal barrister and TV personality Rob Rinder.

Now in their fifth year, the awards celebrate probate solicitors and heir hunters of all sizes across the UK and globally, in categories including will writing, deputyship, client success and exceptional cases. 

Among this year’s winners was Daniel Curran (pictured, right), founder of forensic genealogy firm Finders International, which took home the awards for Probate Research Firm of the Year for a fifth year in a row. Ramsdens Solicitors secured Best Probate Law Firm, while JP Estate Planning Ltd was recognised as Best Will Writing Firm.

Geoffrey Odds, company secretary of the International Association of Professional Probate Researchers and Genealogists (IAPPR) commented: ‘We’ve reached a point in time when probate researchers (or solicitors) are dealing with a glut of cases linked to the birth of many new nations declaring statehood from the 1930s to the 1960s…

‘While this has been a challenge for the industry, it’s hugely encouraging to see ever-increased collaboration between UK and global heir hunters, probate solicitors and support services honouring the legacy of those who have passed away outside their countries of origin.’

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Flint Bishop—Charlotte Harris

Flint Bishop—Charlotte Harris

Sheffield expansion continues with appointment of commercial property partner

Browne Jacobson—Paul Duggan

Browne Jacobson—Paul Duggan

Browne Jacobson strengthens banking and finance practice with latest partner appointment Paul Duggan

Ward Hadaway—Chris Piggott

Ward Hadaway—Chris Piggott

Employment partner joins Ward Hadaway

NEWS
The Law Society RFC Festival of Sport returns next month, bringing together legal and financial services professionals for one of the sector’s largest annual sporting events
Legal aid deserts leave almost one in four without adequate access to justice
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has warned solicitors and law firms that using artificial intelligence does not alter their professional obligations, amid concerns over inaccurate legal material and client confidentiality
From forgotten interest claims to case-management appeals, a string of procedural developments offers useful—and occasionally cautionary—lessons for practitioners

Jonathan Fisher KC highlights that it now accounts for around 40% of criminal offences, with roughly 70% involving technology, and argues that the UK cannot simply prosecute its way out of the problem. Detection, investigation and prosecution all require improvement, while different fraud types demand tailored responses.

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