Laura Murphy TEP Head of Wills, Trusts & Probate
Wills, Trust & Probate
Laura Murphy is Head of Private Client and a Senior Managing Associate at Swinburne Maddison, having been promoted to this role in May 2026. She advises high-net-worth individuals, families and business owners on the full spectrum of estate and succession matters, bringing over a decade of specialist experience gained at leading regional and national firms before joining Swinburne Maddison.
Laura is trusted for her clear, pragmatic advice on complex and sensitive issues, ranging from estate administration to bespoke wills, trusts and lasting powers of attorney. She works closely with high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth individuals, entrepreneurs and business families, often advising on matters involving cross-border assets, sensitive family dynamics and multi-generational wealth preservation.
A full member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP), Laura is known for her ability to translate technical tax and trust considerations into practical, actionable guidance. Her collaborative approach, working alongside accountants, IFAs and other professional advisers, ensures joined-up planning and a seamless client experience.
As Head of Private Client, Laura plays a key role in leading and developing the team, while maintaining a strong focus on delivering exceptional service and building lasting client relationships. Her approachable manner and depth of expertise make her a trusted advisor to clients navigating complex personal and financial matters.
- Administration of high‑value and complex estates
- Estate and succession planning for individuals and business owners
- Wills and bespoke trust arrangements
- Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs)
- Inheritance Tax mitigation and wealth structuring
- Advising trustees and beneficiaries on trust management and compliance
Laura’s career spans a wide range of private client work, including:
- Acting on multi‑jurisdictional estates involving foreign assets and cross‑border tax issues
- Managing estates with agricultural, business or partnership interests
- Drafting complex wills and trust deeds tailored to bespoke family, business or wealth‑protection needs
- Supporting vulnerable clients and families with sensitive LPA matters
- Working closely with accountants, IFAs and tax specialists to deliver coordinated wealth‑planning solutions
Her leadership within teams has included supervising junior lawyers, developing best‑practice processes, and contributing to firmwide client‑care initiatives.
Laura is a Full Member, Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (TEP)
News & Insights
Insight
Redevelopment of the High Street in County Durham
The high street continues to evolve as towns and cities respond to changing consumer behaviour, retail decline and the growth of online and out-of-town shopping. While these changes have left visible gaps in many town centres across County Durham and the wider North East, they have also created opportunities for property investors and landlords willing […]
Read moreInsight
When Are Oral Agreements Legally Binding? Lessons from Leddington v Sandercock
In Leddington and another v Sandercock and another [2026] EWHC 938 (Ch), the Chancery Division dismissed a claim for over £333,000 relating to an alleged oral agreement between the parties. The case highlights a key issue in contract law, that although oral agreements (sometimes referred to as “gentlemen’s agreements”) can be legally binding, they must […]
Read moreInsight
Renters’ Rights Act. Key Changes Landlords Must Act on Before 31 May 2026
The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 represents one of the most significant reforms to the private rental sector in recent years. It strengthens tenant protections while placing greater responsibility on private landlords. Mandatory Requirement for Renters’ Rights Act Information Sheet 2026 By 31 May 2026, landlords must provide tenants with the Renters’ Rights Act Information Sheet […]
Read more
Careers at Swinburne Maddison
Bright futures built together.
Ok, so you’ve come this far where could the next step take you?
We’re always on the lookout for great people to join our team but we also want to make sure we are the right fit for each other.
Here, your career is more than a job—it’s a journey. From day one, you’ll feel supported to grow, develop your skills, and thrive alongside a team that values collaboration and care. Whether you’re a legal eagle or a support extraordinaire, we focus on helping you succeed in an environment where you truly belong. Let’s achieve great things together.