Michelle Gavin

Why did you choose the law?

For as long as I can remember I wanted to be a Solicitor. As a teenager I followed the Birmingham Six miscarriage of justice trial and this inspired me to study the law, in order to develop my skills so I could help people.

Tell us a bit about how you got here…

I joined Band Hatton Button LLP in January 2014 and am a Partner and Head of the Wills, Probate & Trusts Department.

In my studies, I read Law at Coventry University gaining a 2:1 honours degree. At my graduation ceremony in 1998 I was awarded the Sweet and Maxwell Prize for Best Student by my Lecturers. I then went on to complete a Post Graduate Diploma in Legal Studies at Birmingham University where I was proud to gain a Distinction.

I qualified as a solicitor in 2002 following completion of my training contract with a Coventry firm. Upon qualification I spent nearly 7 years working for a High Street practice in Knowle, Solihull, then went on to a top 70 Birmingham law firm for 5 years.

What does your day job look like?

My working life consists of lots of client meetings and drafting legal documents for clients and managing the team.

My areas of expertise include Wills, Trusts, Estate Planning, the Administration of Estates and Trusts of all sizes and complexities, together with Lasting Powers of Attorney and Court of Protection applications.

One of my strengths is my ability to provide clear practical advice to our clients. I act for a range of different clients including individuals, married couples and civil partners, cohabiting couples (often for several generations of the same family), entrepreneurs and business owners. My empathetic and professional approach helps me to build strong relationships with clients.

The best part of my job is that I get to meet lots of different people (which I find fascinating) and help them to get their personal affairs into good order.

I am a fully qualified member of the highly regarded Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP). STEP is the leading worldwide professional association for practitioners dealing with family inheritance and succession planning. I am one of a small number of members based in Coventry.

I am a fully qualified member of Solicitors for the Elderly (SFE) and have been part of the committee of the Birmingham Branch since 2012. SFE is an independent organisation that provides specialist legal advice for older and vulnerable people, their families and carers.

I am also a ‘Dementia Friend’. The Alzheimer’s Society’s Dementia Friends initiative enables people to understand the condition and it changes the perception people have on dementia.

I am delighted that our team of specialist lawyers are ranked in Tier 3 of the Legal 500 Directory in the Personal Tax, Trust and Probate listings for the West Midlands in 2020 (up from Tier 4 in previous years). I am also personally named as a ‘leading lawyer’ by Chambers and Partners in their ‘High Net Worth Guide’, something I am very proud of.

I enjoy excellent relationships with regional intermediaries in the accountancy, financial planning as well as the private banking arena.

I also act as mentor to many of the junior lawyers in the business which I find really rewarding.

What do you like to do outside of work?

I enjoy attending music concerts and going to the theatre, eating out and spending time with family and friends. I have recently taken up running and find it very therapeutic running around the local park after a busy day in the office.

I love to travel and go to new places. I have climbed the Sydney Harbour Bridge, snorkeled in the Great Barrier Reef, enjoyed an early morning Hot Air Balloon ride over Cairns, swam with dolphins in Portugal, survived a tandem sky dive at Hinton Airfield and abseiled down the Wesleyan Building in Birmingham for charity.

What our clients say

"Michelle Gavin has been my lawyer for many years, I would never use anybody else."

Mrs Hubbard, Client - January 2018

"Caring, professional, excellent, approachable’."

Rita and Tony Baugh, Client - December 2017

"Michelle Gavin heads Band Hatton Button LLP’s private client department, whose ‘experienced and knowledgeable lawyers respond promptly to requests for advice and provide clear and straightforward guidance’. Gavin ‘quickly establishes a clear understanding of her clients’ needs and takes a keen interest in their family affairs’, and assisted an elderly couple with regards to tax planning, lasting powers of attorney and health and welfare issues."

Legal 500, 2017

"Almost made to feel part of a family!"

C Southall, Client - July 2017

"‘Extremely friendly & professional service. I came to think of my lawyer as a friend who I could contact when needed."

S Richardson, Client - July 2017

"May I say that, from the first moment of meeting you, we have been impressed with the level of service received. I am happy to add that your interview technique especially has been a model of its kind."

Mr Cule, Client - June 2017

Very approachable, knowledgeable and always delivers what she says she will,” according to an interviewee, adding: “She goes above and beyond; there’s no such thing as a stupid question with her.” Gavin advises private clients on the administration of estates, probate matters, Powers of Attorney and in establishing trusts and wills. “She seems deeply professional and committed to what she does,” says a local source.

Chambers & Partners High Net Worth Guide 2019

"On a personal note thank you so much for the input into our family matter. Your professionalism and exploration of all avenues has given us much confidence that my affairs are being dealt with looking at everyone’s interests. Thank you for your expert advice and wonderful service."

Mrs Johnson, Client - June 2017

“No surprises, matters handled in the way we have come to expect. Staff were excellent.”

David Roache, Client - September 2022

“A five star service that gives a client confidence in the process.”

A C Greville-Smith, Client - August 2022

“Michelle Gavin has a very good, professional and commercial approach to her work. She is very sophisticated in her dealings with clients,” according to a source. Another interviewee states: “Michelle is a true professional, with excellent knowledge. She has the ability to make clients feel comfortable in sometimes very sensitive situations and offers support throughout the whole process.” Gavin leads the firm’s private client practice, with a focus on the protection and management of family wealth.”

Chambers and Partners High Net Worth Guide 2022, July 2022

“Enjoyed dealing with you. Great to be able to speak freely and candidly about a difficult topic and be received with empathy and professionalism.”

Jeremy Jackson, Client - June 2022

“Obtaining a Grant of Probate was completed in a professional and timely manner. Very pleased with the service throughout.”

Roger Whitbourn, Client - April 2022

“Top class service at a very reasonable cost. Highly recommended!”

Mark Williams, Client - March 2022

"The team has done a great job adapting through the pandemic and has delivered for our mutual clients admirably. Michelle Gavin did an excellent job balancing managing the team through unprecedented times and delivering exceptional customer service."

Legal 500, 2022

"Band Hatton Button enjoys a strong reputation in the area, and offers a positive friendly and professional service. Michelle Gavin and her team offer an excellent service, and client feedback is always positive."

Legal 500, 2022

“I would just like to say how very much appreciated your council and guidance has been over the last 5 years, your expert status knowledge and amazing efficiency has really set you apart from the many professionals that I have had to deal with over the years….I don’t think I’ve ever encountered anyone so client focussed as you. You have consistently delivered a fantastic five star service to us, and represented your companies ethics and values superbly, setting extremely high standards of service.”

Paul Tebbutt, Client - September 2021

“We were made to feel that our custom was valuable to you.”

Mrs J Maxwell, Client - September 2021

“Michelle Gavin is a “professional, efficient, responsive and very thorough” private client lawyer who leads Band Hatton’s private client offering. A peer highlights that “she is good at care and capacity issues”. “Michelle Gavin is always polite, friendly and clearly explains her advice and recommendations on all matters,” says one interviewee. A market commentator explains: “She makes you feel at ease and is very capable. She presents information in a clear and precise manner, and has a very pleasant approach in dealing with emotional issues for her clients.”

Chambers & Partners Chambers High Net Worth Guide 2021

“Professional, approachable and very knowledgeable. Michelle provided excellent service and tackled complex issues well giving the best advice.”

Anita Farrell - February 2021

“I want to thank you and Naomi for your time and patience in dealing with the long process of drawing up my will. I very much appreciate your professionalism and friendliness during the phone conversations at the outset. This last matter makes it three times that I have engaged your firm and I will have not hesitation both coming to you again for any future needs and recommending you and the firm to others.”

Mr Davies, Client - December 2020

“We greatly appreciate the way you have helped us through at this time, done so clearly and professionally, thank you very much indeed.”

Mr & Mrs G - December 2020

“Solicitor that can be relied upon to give you sound advice that enables you to make the right decisions.”

John Manson - December 2020

BHB’s team under the fine leadership of Michelle Gavin always responds speedily to any requests with clear explanations. The lawyers appear most knowledgeable in their specialities. Michelle Gavin and her colleagues always act in a friendly and professional manner‘. ‘Accessible and understandable. Michelle Gavin demystifies trusts and planning ideas and explains everything in a clear, patient and friendly manner. Michelle is always accessible and you know she will always go the extra mile for her clients‘. ‘Michelle Gavin is knowledgeable, practical and organised. Gets things done in a friendly yet professional manner‘.

Legal 500 UK 2021

“Michelle Gavin applies impressive knowledge of her chosen field to secure practical and effective outcomes. She is a problem-solver, a pleasure to work with and highly recommended.” Another commentator reports: “I deal with some complex advice for my clients and have found her experience and friendly manner to be very good with the type of clients we deal with.”

Chambers & Partners Private Wealth High New Worth Guide 2020

“I am extremely grateful to you and Keri Wood for your handling of the numerous issues presented with this administration. From the outset to completion, your practical and professional approach to each hurdle has been invaluable.”

Charitable Residuary Beneficiary - August 2020

“Michelle Gavin gave us first class advice and was extremely helpful and efficient throughout.”

Anon, Client - August 2020

“Michelle was very knowledgeable, reassuring and efficient, and a pleasure to deal with personally.”

Anon, Client - August 2020

“Michelle was personable, empathic and professional. She asked good explorative questions and listens to my answers and heard the emotion in my answers.”

Anon Client - March 2020

"The service you have given me has been excellent and you have treated me like one of the family so a big thank you."

Mary, Client - July 2018

"Very professional, she explained things clearly and put us at ease."

Tim Sawdon, Client - February 2018