Gorvins Solicitors prides itself on the top-quality legal services we offer to our clients. We can only achieve that with the very best people guiding clients through every stage of their legal matter.
In our Meet the team series, we shine a light on the people behind the work. This time, we meet Michael Smoult, Partner and Head of Wills, Trusts and Probate team.
What’s your role at Gorvins?
I’m a Partner and Head of the Wills, Trusts and Probate team so my work focuses on helping individuals and families plan for the future, whether that’s preparing wills, structuring estates or advising on matters such as the Court of Protection. The kind of legal matters we tend to assist on can be emotive for our clients so it’s a very person-focused role.
We’ve got a great team that’s going through a period of growth and expansion. Doris Raggatt joined the team in November 2025, which raised the number of partners in the team up to three. That depth of experience is really valuable when you’re dealing with complex personal and family matters. Kayleigh Pickford also joined us in June 2026, and we have 2 more solicitors joining within the next two months, and hopefully a new apprentice. Samantha Kennedy will also be returning from maternity leave later this year, which will take the team number up to 11.
Julie and I were recently appointed to act as panel deputies for the Court of Protection, which is an important part of the work we do and a recognition of the specialist expertise within the team.
We’ve seen the work we do evolve a lot over the year. Recently, there’s been an increase in people thinking ahead and planning earlier, whether that’s due to concerns around inheritance tax, preparing family businesses for the next generation or dealing with issues such as dementia and capacity planning. COVID seemed to focus people’s minds on the importance of being prepared.
What led you to a career in law?
My path into law wasn’t entirely straightforward.
I studied law at A level but initially I was torn between it and finance, so I went to Lancaster University and started out studying economics and accountancy. Within the first few weeks I switched the course to include law as well, and by the second year I realised that law was the subject I enjoyed the most.
I graduated from Lancaster in 2005. After that I worked for a short time at a conveyancing firm in Southport, where I’m originally from, before heading off travelling for seven months.
That trip took me through Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand and Fiji, before heading back via the United States. Once I returned, I went to law school in Chester where I completed my legal training with a distinction.
What was your career journey before joining Gorvins?
After law school I joined a firm called Mace & Jones in Liverpool. They offered me a training contract after a few months, although I had to wait until 2008 to start it.
During my training I spent quite a bit of time working in Manchester and eventually qualified in 2010. The legal market was quite difficult at the time, so after finishing my training contract I spent a few months working outside the industry while looking for the right opportunity.
I joined Gorvins in January 2011, and I’ve been here ever since.
I initially worked in litigation with Mark Deverell for six months before moving into the Wills, Trusts and Probate team. The work we do has a big effect on the wellbeing and peace of mind of our clients so it’s rewarding to know that we can provide that benefit.
Over the years I’ve progressed from Associate Solicitor when joining, to Senior Associate in 2015, to Partner in 2018 and most recently became an Equity Partner in December 2024.
Why Gorvins?
When I interviewed at Gorvins it felt like a very friendly and welcoming firm. I’ve been here for over 15 years and that friendly atmosphere is still alive today.
It’s a genuinely positive culture where people enjoy working together. Even when I was relatively junior in the firm, there was always that openness where you could speak to anyone across the business. That kind of environment doesn’t just make for a nice working environment, it translates into the work we do for clients too.
What advice would you give to clients?
Be prepared.
I always say I’d rather documents gather dust in our archive than not have them at all. When people put things off, it often creates much bigger problems further down the line.
We used to run a campaign called Act on it, which encouraged people to follow through on the things they say they’re going to do. That principle still applies today. Preparing a will or planning your estate might not feel urgent, but the consequences of not doing it can be significant for the people you leave behind.
There’s also huge value in getting proper legal advice rather than trying to do things yourself. We increasingly see situations where documents have been created without the right guidance and it causes complications later.
Technology will inevitably play a bigger role in the future, but there’s still real value in sitting down with a solicitor, talking things through and making sure everything is done properly.
What do you enjoy outside of work?
Sport plays a big role in my life.
I play both cricket and golf and try to get to the gym regularly. During the summer, cricket tends to take over and I’ll often be playing up to four times a week.
I also love travelling. I’ve got a map on my wall where I mark the places I’ve visited, and I’m trying to add as many pins as possible while I still can. I’ve recently returned from Vietnam and Cambodia, and the year before that I travelled around Sri Lanka.
And although it doesn’t always go down well in Manchester, I’m also a lifelong Liverpool fan….