Jenna Keir-Kendrew Managing Associate
Dispute Resolution
Jenna Keir-Kendrew is a Managing Associate in the Dispute Resolution team at Swinburne Maddison. She obtained her LLB from Durham University and qualified as a solicitor in September 2018. Jenna joined Swinburne Maddison in August 2022 and was promoted to Associate Solicitor in May 2024 and Managing Associate in May 2025, in recognition of her expertise in contentious probate matters.
Jenna has extensive experience in handling complex disputes, with a particular focus on contested probate matters. She regularly advises clients on claims under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975, will validity disputes, and the removal of personal representatives. She also acts on property and contractual disputes, bringing a strategic and pragmatic approach to resolving conflicts efficiently.
Jenna’s approach is client-focused, ensuring that each case is handled with trust, care, and agility. She is committed to understanding her clients’ objectives early on and tailoring her strategy to achieve the best possible outcomes. Her ability to assess both sides of an argument and provide reasoned, well-structured advice makes her an invaluable advisor in contentious legal matters.
- Contested Probate and Trusts
- TOLATA
- Contract Disputes
Jenna has acted in a variety of high-value and complex cases, including contested probate matters, contractual disputes, and claims involving property and inheritance rights.
Her day-to-day work involves advising clients, drafting legal documents, and representing clients in negotiations, mediations, and court proceedings. She is skilled in preparing witness statements, pleadings, and trial bundles, as well as drafting settlement agreements and instructions to counsel. Jenna also advocates at hearings and trials, ensuring her clients receive strong representation throughout their case.
Key career highlights include:
- Successfully defending a company in multi-track proceedings involving a claim for unpaid invoices, where settlement negotiations reduced the client’s liability from £400k to £45k, over 8 monthly instalments, and settlement of all potential claims.
- Acting for a defendant in a guarantor dispute over rent arrears, where the full claim of £26k was successfully defended in court.
- Representing defendants in an Inheritance Act claim, where the claim was ultimately discontinued due to procedural failures by the claimant, leading to a favourable cost recovery for Jenna’s clients.
Jenna is an active member of the firm’s CSR Committee and has played a key role in organising initiatives to support local causes. Most recently, Jenna coordinated a beach clean in partnership with the team at Clive Owen LLP for a volunteer day, demonstrating her commitment to environmental sustainability.
"Jenna Keir-Kendrew was also excellent in ensuring everything was where it needed to be and that we had the strongest case possible. They made me feel like we were working together to achieve a great outcome."
Videos featuring Jenna Keir-Kendrew
21 March 2026
VideoCounsel & Conversation | S1 E5 | Contested Probate | Swinburne Maddison
Watch videoNews & Insights
Insight
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 moreInsight
Major Changes Ahead for Consumer Subscription Contracts – What Businesses Need to Know
The UK Government has confirmed significant reforms to the rules governing consumer subscription contracts. These changes are expected to be introduced in spring 2027, through secondary legislation under the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 (DMCCA), following the conclusion of the Department for Business and Trade’s consultation. Unlike the current rules, which were never […]
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.