My Professional Background

I specialise in Wills, trusts, probate and estate administration, estate and tax planning, Powers of Attorney and Court of Protection applications. I have a wide range of experience acting for elderly and vulnerable clients and am an Accredited member of the Association of Lifetime Lawyers (ALL). My particular interest lies within Court of Protection work, having worked on a number of medical negligence and serious personal injury cases involving very large damages awards.

After graduating from university with a Law degree, I went on to complete the Legal Practice Course (LPC). I qualified as a Solicitor in 2005 after completing my training, and have specialised in private client law ever since.

I joined Attwaters in 2006, gaining experience in a wide variety of private client work in the ensuing years, and became a Partner in 2011.

I aim to make my clients feel at ease by providing them with advice that is clear, practical and easy to understand. I am proud to have gained recognition for Court of Protection work in the Legal 500 and would like to continue to build my reputation in this area, along with others that I cover.

Achievements / Accreditations

In the 2025 Legal 500 directory I am ranked as a Leading Partner for my Tax, Trusts and Probate work with one commenter stating ‘Lesley Ann is outstanding in what she does, and how she manages her team. It’s clear they have the highest of standards and that she is always keen for them to develop and to stay in pace with the industry and legislation.’  I am also ranked as a Leading Partner for my Court of Protection work with it being noted ‘Lesley-Ann Mayhew is my contact and she is thorough and straightforward. Her vast knowledge and experience allows her to deal with the potential issues head on and efficiently.’

Previously  had been ranked as a Leading Individual in the Legal 500 rankings for my Court of Protection work for five consecutive years, starting in 2020. I was also named as a Leading Individual for my Tax, Trusts and Probate work in 2022, 2023 and 2024, and as a ‘Next Generation Partner’ in this category in 2020 and 2021. In 2018, I was first ranked as a ‘Next Generation Lawyer’.

The 2024 Legal 500 results stated that “Lesley-Ann Mayhew offers a personal and professional service. Hugely knowledgeable with an unrivalled personal touch.” Another client said: “Lesley-Ann Mayhew is interested in her clients’ welfare, takes time to understand the issues at hand and provides the level of support that is required, adapting to different situations as needed.” The directory also praised my “Really warm and friendly approach. Lesley-Ann Mayhew is communicative, supportive and very pleasant to work with.”

In its 2023 rankings, the Legal 500 commented that “Standout partner Lesley-Ann Mayhew is always pleasure to work with”.

In 2022, clients and peers alike commented on my “natural ability to lead a cohesive and skilful team, which results in a client output of the highest quality. Her experience, knowledge and laser like focus ensures a superior client delivery. It goes without saying that she is better than her competitors, she’s one of the best we’ve worked with.”  Other clients stated I was “extremely communicative, professional and committed to her clients. She is a real team player and enjoys working collaboratively” and “a key individual at the firm. Her flexibility and tenacity in dealing with both court of protection and probate matters gives the client a real force to be reckoned with in the field.” Another professional commented of the Court of Protection team: “We’ve worked with the team for a number of clients, and what stands out is its attention to detail, the exceptional level of client care, and its ability to communicate and help us deliver on the client’s mandate. Its cohesiveness and focus on output, is second to none, and clearly the result of Lesley-Ann Mayhew’s leadership.”

In 2021, a commentator described me as “a star performer who has strong, incisive knowledge of this field. She is an extraordinarily hard worker who works tirelessly for her clients”, and another said I “[go] from strength to strength. She is both approachable and efficient.” Another peer stated: “The superb Lesley-Ann Mayhew acts as deputy to some of their clients that lack capacity. She is extremely knowledgeable and sympathetic to clients’ needs.”

In 2020, the directory said: “Lesley-Ann Mayhew has a strong work ethic, a deep and wide knowledge of the issues and always ensures that advice is provided promptly.”

In 2018, I was described as a “very capable performer” who “explains difficult concepts with great ease”. Additionally, the directory said of my Court of Protection work: “Partner Lesley-Ann Mayhew is complimented on her ability to deal with “complex and intricate issues […] with great authority and aptitude.”

In 2017, the directory praised me as “hugely knowledgeable, creative and unflappable” and said I was “entirely winning in her professional approach.”

I am a member of the Society for Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP) and an Accredited member of the Association of Lifetime Lawyers (ALL).

I hold the Law Society’s Risk and Compliance accreditation and act as the firm’s Anti-Money Laundering Officer.

About me

I was born in Chelmsford, Essex and have lived in and around the area for most of my life. I thought I was destined for a career in music, playing the piano and bassoon in various orchestras and ensembles growing up. I also sang in choirs and bands throughout my teens, even completing a stint on the West End stage – but somehow I ended up in Law!

I enjoy Italian food and like a glass of champagne. My interest in music has continued into adulthood; I also like outdoor activities and have a love of animals.