Hollie Mills
Associate - Contentious Probate & Disputes Solicitor
Hollie Mills is an Associate in Bell Lamb & Joynson's Contentious Probate & Disputes Department. She advises clients on a wide range of contentious probate matters, helping individuals and families navigate complex and often sensitive disputes relating to estates, wills, trusts and inheritance claims.
Hollie studied Law at Birmingham City University, where she completed her LLB before undertaking the Legal Practice Course (LPC). She qualified as a solicitor in December 2023 and joined Bell Lamb & Joynson in September 2026 following several years working for respected regional law firms in the West Midlands.
Prior to joining Bell Lamb & Joynson, Hollie worked at FBC Manby Bowdler and Wright Hassall, having completed her training contract at HCB Solicitors. Her legal career began in non-contentious probate, progressing from Legal Assistant to Paralegal and later Trainee Solicitor before moving into litigation. This combination of private client and litigation experience gives her a well-rounded understanding of estate disputes and the issues that can arise following a person's death.
Since qualifying, Hollie has focused on Contentious Probate and Dispute Resolution matters, building experience in a variety of inheritance and estate-related disputes.
Areas of Specialism
Hollie regularly advises clients on:
- Challenges to the validity of a will
- Executor and trustee disputes
- Claims under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975
- Proprietary estoppel claims
- Undue influence allegations
- Disputes arising from the misuse of Powers of Attorney
She particularly enjoys working on will validity disputes and matters involving the abuse of Powers of Attorney, helping clients protect their interests and seek fair outcomes.
Notable Work
Hollie has worked on several complex and high-value matters, including:
- Assisting with the removal of an executor who was unable to account for substantial estate funds
- Assisting in a three-day proprietary estoppel trial concerning a farming dispute
- Assisting in a high-value estate dispute involving allegations of fraudulent calumny
- Supporting a client in achieving a successful outcome at mediation in a dispute concerning lifetime gifts and a will validity challenge, avoiding the need for court proceedings
Accreditations & Memberships
Hollie holds the following qualifications and memberships:
- LLB (Bachelor of Laws)
- Legal Practice Course (LPC)
- ConTrA qualified
- Student Member of ACTAPS (Association of Contentious Trust and Probate Specialists)
Approach & Client Care
Hollie is known for her approachable manner and strong client care skills. She understands that contentious probate disputes can be emotionally challenging and often arise during difficult periods in people's lives.
She takes the time to understand each client's individual circumstances, clearly explaining the legal process, available options and likely next steps. Whether guiding clients through litigation or exploring alternative dispute resolution methods such as mediation, Hollie aims to provide practical, straightforward advice and ongoing support throughout their matter.
Clients particularly value her friendly and approachable nature, as well as her ability to make complex legal issues easier to understand.
Why Contentious Probate?
Having spent four years working in non-contentious probate, Hollie developed a strong understanding of estate administration and private client matters. When she moved into litigation, she recognised an opportunity to combine that knowledge with dispute resolution work.
She enjoys helping clients who feel that something is not quite right and guiding them through the process of understanding their rights and resolving disputes. For Hollie, one of the most rewarding aspects of her role is listening to a client's story and helping them find a way forward during what can often be a difficult and emotional situation.
Outside of Work
Outside the office, Hollie enjoys spending time outdoors and keeping active. She is a keen walker and completed a half marathon walk through the Cotswolds. She also enjoys walking her dog, despite her dog's apparent reluctance to share the same enthusiasm and loves baking and cooking in her spare time.