Biography
Gillian is the National Head of Partnerships, Wills and Probate within the Private Client Services team. Gillian's areas of expertise cover Wills, Probate and estate administration, tax and succession planning and trust advice.
Gillian leads many of the firm’s relationships with key partners in the private client space. This involves working closely with them to ensure that we are delivering a quality service for their customers and supporters.
What inspired you to get into law?
I studied Law at University without initially a particular desire to practice but I soon became fascinated by a subject that touches peoples lives in some many areas. I am naturally curious and interested in people and advising on legal matters enables you to really understand what matters to people and how you can help them to gain the outcome they want.
What is the most rewarding aspect of your role?
Helping to put people’s minds at rest. We are often consulted when there is a difficulty, whether that be not knowing how to go about distributing assets, advising vulnerable clients or supporting them following a bereavement. It’s really nice to know you have helped.
What do you like about working at Irwin Mitchell?
Having the support, expertise and capability to fully support our clients needs. I always say that if I don’t know the answer, I can find a person who will!
What do you do away from the office?
I enjoy most sports (mostly spectating!), walking lots of miles in the Peak District and dancing.
Testimonials
'Gillian Coverley was empathetic, professional, and I have not once doubted her ability. I would not hesitate to recommend her or her practice to others.' - Legal 500, 2025
"We found both Gillian Coverley and Chris Ellison so very helpful." - Legal 500, 2023
"Gillian is extremely professional and knowledgeable. She is very personable and therefore she makes it very easy to talk to her about different circumstances. Nothing is too much trouble" - Chambers & Partners High Net Worth 2022 (Leading Individual - band 1)
"Gillian is extremely personable and explains things in detail, but she is extremely good at explaining things clearly in a way that everyone can understand and tailors this accordingly to whoever she is speaking with." - Chambers & Partners High Net Worth 2022 (Leading Individual - band 1)
"Gillian Coverley is extremely personable and always makes time to provide me with advice and nothing is too much trouble. She is happy to run through any scenario I may submit to her and will always come back to me if she can’t help immediately." - Legal 500, 2022
"Gillian Coverley has been exceptionally responsive, patient and supportive in the successful completion of complex matters relating to trusts." – Legal 500, 2021
"Gillian is "very experienced" - Legal 500, 2016
"Gillian Coverly was outstanding in her professionalism, in her knowledge but also in the manner in which she worked with our family as a time of great shock and distress, even out of hours when we needed help. Her sensitivity and empathetic nature helped us worked though what was a time pressing but deeply upsetting situation... I cannot recommend Gillian enough." - 5* Trustpilot review
"I was represented by Gillian Cloverly in my role as executor in the business of my late father's estate/Will. She provided support and understanding at a very difficult time especially during the coronavirus pandemic. All business dealt with as per dad's wishes and as quick as expected - within the year, despite the restrictions of the pandemic. I'm reliably informed by friends that have gone through the same process with their family that this is exceptional. It was complex but Gillian just got it done!" - 5* Trustpilot review
"Gillian is professional but approachable, knowledgeable, sincere and extremely caring in difficult times. I have found her professionalism to be top rate and her human touch on equal balance. I felt safe and secure with Gillian guiding and explaining the processes. My father had used Gillian for years and also highly rated her. I would not hesitate to recommend. Thank you Gillian for everything. You were a pleasure to deal with." - 5* Trustpilot review
"I first met Gillian Coverley via a chance telephone call several years ago and was sufficiently impressed to get in touch with her again when I needed help and advice when drawing up my will. I have not been disappointed. I now feel confident that I have received the best possible advice and, more importantly, that I can call upon Gillian for any help I may need in the future. I have particularly valued the individual attention and sympathy she has shown to me at a time of great personal distress and upheaval. She has the great gift of making one feel even quite modest affairs are of importance to her and will receive her fullest attention." - 5* Trustpilot review
