The importance of charities and solicitors working together efficiently

With ILM Conference 2026 fast approaching, over the next few weeks, we will be sharing a bit more about what you can expect from the day, with insights from our esteemed speakers, who will be sharing details of their sessions.

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Taking to the stage during the afternoon will be Stephanie Kerr, Partner in the Will, Trust & Estate Disputes team at Irwin Mitchell, to explore the evolving role of solicitors in legacy conversations, particularly in relation to charitable giving.

“As charitable donations through wills continue to rise, solicitors are increasingly positioned as key facilitators in helping clients structure meaningful legacy gifts and assisting executors in fulfilling the testator’s wishes.” Says Stephanie.

“Solicitors play a vital role in guiding clients through complex decisions about charitable giving, including whether to leave pecuniary legacies, share the residue of their estate, or make conditional gifts. They also help clients consider tax-efficient strategies both before and after death.“

Stephanie explains that the the presentation will highlight the importance of charities and solicitors working together efficiently after the testator’s death. 

Stephanie continues: “As disputes over wills rise in general, solicitors, executors and charities are increasingly becoming involved in claims and litigation; we will be looking at recent case law to illustrate the challenges of interpreting charitable gifts and dealing with validity challenges and inheritance claims.“

“Ultimately, solicitors are not just as legal advisors, but stewards of legacy planning; their role in supporting charitable giving involves not only ensuring that their clients’ philanthropic intentions are honoured but also safeguarding against future disputes, balancing empathy with legal rigour, and collaborating closely with charities to ensure income is maximised.

“Increasing contentious estates mean that working collaboratively with lawyers is more important than ever.”

Stephanie hopes that the key take away for delegtes will be to understand the importance of charities and solicitors working together efficiently after the testator’s death.

Stephanie Kerr Biography

Stephanie Kerr is a Partner in the Will, Trust & Estate Dispute Team in Irwin Mitchell’s Manchester office. She is a Full Member of ACTAPS, specialising in contentious wills and probate matters. She advises professional executors, charities and lay clients in a range of disputes including Inheritance Act claims, challenges to the validity of wills and disputes relating to executors duties and the administration of estates.

Stephanie acted for the successful third Defendant in Equiom v Velarde and on appeal in Velarde v Velarde, a trust dispute relating to an Isle of Man settlement. Stephanie advises on applications for guardianship of missing persons, contested Court of Protection matters and disputes relating to funeral wishes.

She is a 2024 UK Legal 500 Next Generation Partner and was shortlisted for the 2023 UK Legal 500 Northern Powerhouse Private Client Rising Star Award. Stephanie has trained with Cruse Bereavement Support and is a Mental Health First Aider.

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Have you booked your ticket?

ILM Conference 2026 | Friday 8th May | 133 Houndsditch, London

As the biggest Legacy event in the calendar, the ILM Conference brings together the greatest minds across the full breadth of legacy related fields, to provide expert insights and share best practice for an unmissable day of learning and networking.

If you haven’t yet booked your tickets for Conference 2026, you’ll need to be quick as tickets are selling fast!

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