Executry claim

Claimants were the executors of a farmer on behalf of his widow and her family. The defenders were the current partners of the former solicitors and their professional indemnity insurers. 

The claim was at a relatively early stage with an action having been raised in the court but sisted (stayed) with an admission by the firm that the decision by the Executors to renounce certain farm leases without negotiation with the Landlord, had lacked proper or full advice.  

There were emotional issues - the widow and her family felt ‘betrayed’ and that there had been a cover-up and the former solicitor felt both under-appreciated and misunderstood. 

The mediator encouraged a meeting between the widow and her former solicitor. The expressions of regret on both sides set a tone of optimism and determination and meant that the financial aspects of the dispute could be resolved within the day.