Penningtons Manches Reviews 

It is unacceptable that a law firm would prepare a will for an 83-year-old client without ever meeting them in person or properly verifying their identity. This represents a fundamental failure of due diligence and raises serious concerns about the legitimacy of the process and the reliability of the advice provided.

The failure to provide clear cost estimates or maintain any meaningful transparency regarding fees further reflects a disregard for basic professional standards. Such conduct is inconsistent with the obligations owed to a client, particularly one of advanced age.

Following the client’s passing, the firm has now asserted that overseas assets held in another relative’s name form part of the estate. This position is highly questionable given that no apparent advice, documentation, or action was taken to identify, verify, or secure any such interests at the time the will was prepared. The firm’s current stance appears opportunistic and unsupported by any contemporaneous evidence.

Of equal concern is the firm’s ongoing refusal to answer reasonable and direct questions. This pattern of avoidance, coupled with assertions of professionalism, is wholly inadequate and suggests a lack of accountability. A competent legal practice does not evade scrutiny; it addresses it transparently and with proper substantiation.

Taken together, these matters point to serious deficiencies in competence, diligence, and professional conduct. The conduct described is not merely substandard—it calls into question whether the firm has met even the most basic legal and ethical obligations expected of practitioners.

I am co administrator on an Estate entrusted for probate to Penningtons Manche Cooper (’PMC’) in September2024. Their original quote for the work was £10,000 which we considered reasonable in appointing an expert London based firm.

However, PMC failed me and my co-administrator, the widow of the deceased in every possible way. From failing to submit the initial application correctly ( losing us months), to being unable to carry out work they were hired for, to giving poor advice, to involving highly expensive colleagues without prior consultation and even failing to correctly pass our account to new solicitors following a complete break down in trust (again losing us several months).

We were billed around £40,000 for a failed service. We recovered only a quarter of this on repeated complaint but this experience almost cost the widow involved a mental breakdown on which no price can be attributed.

Our initial complaint was handled by the very solicitor who had made fundamental errors, seemingly normal practice and who declared the complaints were unfounded. It was then taken up by the head of complaints who had failed to report even to this date.

And this despite assurance from the CEO Helen Drayton who wrote in October 2025 ’This is being prioritised by our Complaints Team who will reply with a substantive response addressing all the issues you have raised.‘ Its now August 2026 and we have long since given up waiting or expecting a fair settlement.

I consider Penningtons to be a disgrace to the legal profession. They incompetent and fail to deliver what they promise (including a response to our complaint).

I recommend all who consider using them to carefully read this and all other reviews until you locate a more suitable firm who can be relied upon. Probate is a most challenging exercise in the UK and the last thing you need is to be let down as we were by the very people you appointed and trusted to navigate you through the process.

The best thing we did was to turn to a local firm who were not only less expensive but were also highly competent, responsive and efficient and who concluded matters for us in short order to our fullest satisfaction.

Penningtons handled the probate of my late mothers estate . They were appallingly incompetent and completely failed to add a portfolio of shares which prompted a tax investigation by HMRC, then they even cocked up the distribution and payments to the beneficeries . Despite reducing their bill because they accepted it was their mistake - their fees were still extortionate and it took 3 years to reach completion .

From the very start of being represented by Arran Macleod of Penningtons Law i was treated with empathy, professionalism and a person who mattered. At every stage and I mean EVERY stage of this process I was kept up to date, my calls and emails were returned if not immediately they were returned within a very reasonable time, this was very important to me. Arran succeeded in winning my case and securing an amount of money for me to be able to make memories with my family, as a person with incurable cancer this means the world to me. I can’t thank Arran and everyone who helped win my case.

Why I Chose Pennington Manches
My decision to choose Pennington Manches was made without reading any reviews, but after speaking at length with Amy Milner, I felt completely at ease. From that first conversation, I was reassured that I had made the right choice.
Professional Support Throughout
Amy, along with every member of staff I dealt with afterwards, they all remained thoroughly professional throughout my long and difficult nine-year journey. Although I did not meet everyone working behind the scenes, I would like to give special mention to Alice Fitzgerald and Philippa Luscombe, who were responsible for presenting a complex medical negligence claim.
Respectful and Compassionate Care
Over the years, I was never made to feel insignificant. Quite the opposite: I felt respected, involved, and informed at every stage of the process. The team maintained high standards while also creating an environment in which I felt comfortable, never intimidated, and able to share very personal information.
My Recommendation
If you ever find yourself needing to pursue a claim, I have no hesitation in recommending Pennington Manches who were successful beyond my expectations with my claim.

I contacted Penningtons because the medical accidents charity had told me they could help under the rule where you can talk to a solicitor for 20 minutes for free

I contacted Penningtons and made it clearly from the beginning that I only wanted advice about bringing the case against a doctor myself because I believed it was something they would not be interested in. I did emphasize this strongly.

They asked me to send information regarding what it was about. I provided this information and was told they would call me back. This went on for over 2weeks where they contested they would ring me back but never did
I eventually got an email from them saying they could not take my case on, which I had never asked them to and they could not provide free advice. They could have told me this from the beginning. A completely dishonest rapacious company who was only interested in finding out if there was something of value for themselves and not having the honesty from the beginning to simply say no we cannot give free advice

Associated and Consultants who truly made you feel that you had a team behind you, guided rather than pushed and provided something more holistic than a mere firm / client relationship. There was no point at which I lost trust in anyone that I dealt with, even when they were new to what was a fairly complex case that became intertwined with another ongoing process. The ball was never dropped and nothing was missed.

Employment and Negligence linked cases

I very nearly gave up seeking help in a complicated clinical negligence claim where other firms had been unwilling to help. I came across Penningtons Manches Cooper quite by accident however, upon reading their reviews, I made a phone call.
Although the case was difficult, Lucie Prothero and Alice Fitzgerald-Miller were not only professional, from the start they showed understanding of my situation from day one. Every hurdle we encountered was handled with expertise second to none. The best part was that I felt completely supported throughout. The final result was above and beyond my own expectations. I would not hesitate to recommend Pennington Manches Cooper LLP to anyone unfortunate enough to find themselves in a similar situation through no fault of their own. If I could leave a 10 star review, I most certainly would.
Grateful thanks always.

My father died as a result of sepsis from pressure sores received in a care home. Having never had to find a solicitor to pursue a claim before, I found it overwhelming.

However I found Penningtons and from day one and throughout the process I have received such an incredibly supportive service from Alice Fitzgerald Miller and Lucie Prothero.

Everything was explained to me clearly and if I had any questions they could always answer them in a way I could understand legal processes I did not know.

Having had this support from them throughout the challenging and emotional process has meant so much to me. I have never felt like just another case file in a pile.

So I can say from my experience, from many interactions with them, that they are individuals and a firm I would certainly recommend to help you if you sadly end up in a similar situation to me.

Successfully settled my serious medical negligence case.

Lucie Prothero and Elizabeth Ronan offered a supportive and sensitive team who were highly efficient and knowledgeable. My case was handled well, with regular updates, involving me as much as possible whilst consistently being mindful that the process itself is highly emotive and traumatic for many medical negligence claimants. Penningtons were recommended to me by various bodies and I in turn am happy to recommend their services to other potential clients.

My experience with Penningtons Solicitors has been outstanding from start to finish. The team provided an exceptionally attentive service, taking the time to fully understand my situation and keeping me informed at every stage. What stood out most was their commitment to confidentiality—at all times I felt reassured that my case was being handled with the utmost discretion and professionalism.
Their expertise and clear guidance ultimately led to a successful outcome, and I couldn’t be more grateful for the support they provided throughout the process. I would highly recommend Penningtons to anyone seeking a dependable, client‑focused, medial negligence legal service

I had a deeply disappointing experience with Penningtons Manches Cooper while seeking legal support during an already very difficult family situation.

In my case, the advice I received included suggestions to minimise serious domestic abuse issues in court documents. I felt this approach left both myself and my child exposed and did not properly reflect the safeguarding concerns involved. For a firm of this reputation, I expected far better judgement on matters of this seriousness.

I was also concerned by the firm’s billing practices. I was frequently charged substantial fees for letters and administrative work that contained information I had not requested or which simply repeated points already known. In several instances the charges felt disproportionate to the value of the work carried out.

Overall, I felt the firm took an opportunistic approach to billing rather than focusing on the careful, client-centred representation that people in vulnerable situations require.

Legal proceedings are stressful enough without having to question whether your own representatives are acting in your best interests. Based on my experience, I would urge others to ask very clear questions about billing practices and strategy before engaging the firm.

Penningtons was recommended to me through my private medical insurer, and I'm so glad they were. Alice Fitzgerald Miller dealt with my case, and from the first communication made me feel at ease. Alice made sure i understood every step of the process, and always asked if I would like follow up phone calls to discuss anything further. Alice made me feel very confident trusting Penningtons with my case, and advised me every step of the way. I would highly recommend them to anyone.

Tristan and Ben provided exceptional support throughout my recent personal injury claim. They were highly professional, approachable, and consistently willing to assist whenever needed.

Given the sensitive and challenging circumstances of my situation, they handled everything with genuine care and compassion. They offered clear, helpful advice and took the time to answer all of my questions thoroughly.

I am extremely pleased with the service I received and would highly recommend this company. It is clear they genuinely care about their clients and the quality of service they provide.

I am grateful to both Lyndsey Skibinski and John Kyriacou from Penningtons Marches in London for the professionalism and care shown during the handling of my case.
The process was clearly explained, and I always felt listened to and supported. Their expertise in this matter gave me the confidence throughout to deal with what was a very stressful and at times very upsetting time. I would not hesitate to recommend their services.

Penningtons were recommended to me when I was subjected to medical negligence and they were absolutely fantastic in my case which resulted in a positive outcome. Hannah Hope and Sarah Hibberd worked with me during the claim and their knowledge and support was incredibly reassuring throughout the legal process. They kept me informed and updated regularly and were so approachable that I felt I could ask them anything. I really couldn’t recommend them enough

If you are looking for advice or someone to assist you with a Medical Negligence issues then look no further than Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP. Unfortunately, after a life changing event following surgery I required Legal assistance regarding a medical negligence case. Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP solicitors who specialise in such cases were highly recommended. I was represented by Lyndsey Skibinski in the main and in her absence John Kyraciou. Lyndsey and the team are extremely knowledgeable, thoroughly professional, friendly and compassionate. They have a team of different consultants at their disposal that assisted throughout the case. I was constantly updated with the progression of the case and they are fully aware of how such an event can affect yours and your families lives. The case was finalised with a positive result, and I cannot thank Lyndsey, John, Kinnari, Kieron and the Barrister Paul Reynolds enough for all their help throughout this difficult time. I am extremely grateful, thank you.

Based on my experience, I would strongly caution anyone considering this firm for probate or estate work — their service is far beneath even the lowest standards expected of a legal practice.
I wish I could give minus stars, as they do not deserve even one. I became overnight a widow after losing my beloved husband of 15 years, with whom I have a child with disabilities. I instructed this firm to handle the probate and estate administration, believing their reputation meant I would receive a professional, competent service. Instead, the process was marked by serious procedural errors, poor communication, and months of unnecessary delay.
Do not be reassured by the impressive CVs of their solicitors. Mine claimed to be an expert in tax, yet every time I asked a question, she referred my case — without consulting me — to other departments, where I was charged well above her hourly rate.
The Probate Registry later confirmed that key parts of my application were defective due to multiple mistakes made by the firm. These errors caused significant distress and financial risk to the estate. A year later, the problems remain unresolved, and my new solicitors — who are competent and efficient — have had to spend considerable time correcting what Penningtons caused.
Complaints were raised through the firm’s official channels and handled by their “Best Practice” department, but the firm repeatedly failed to meet its own published timescales for response. Four months later, I was told part of my complaint would now be treated under a different process, effectively resetting the clock and adding even more delay.
I am a widow with sole parental responsibility for a minor child, and the firm showed no empathy or accountability for the impact of their failings. Having now moved to new solicitors, I can clearly see the scale of the damage — time, money, and emotional strain — caused by Penningtons’ handling of my case.
Do not trust what they quote during the first call. I was quoted around £10,000 and ended up paying over £30,000 for what can only be described as a shambolic service. To retrieve my file, I had to pay under protest. Their Complaints Department cannot return my lost time or undo the stress their Probate team caused, but I sincerely hope they refund what they charged, as their service was not worth a penny. In good faith, I would suggest this firm send their probate solicitors for proper training.
A deeply disappointing and exhausting experience. I would urge anyone to look elsewhere.

Very helpful, very supportive and great legal advice. We were supported by Alice Fitzgerald Miller and she was great - very responsive and really excellent advice from start to finish.

I would like to say a huge thank you to both Rosie Nelson and Emma Beeson for the incredible support and professionalism they have shown throughout my claim. Rosie guided me through the majority of the process with such patience, care, and clarity; I always felt fully informed and reassured at every stage. In the last few months Emma has taken over, and she has been equally outstanding, handling the final negotiations with great skill and securing a positive outcome for me.

Both Rosie and Emma have been approachable, empathetic, and highly responsive, which made what could have been a very stressful process so much easier to manage. I always felt that they genuinely had my best interests at heart.

I am extremely grateful for their expertise and dedication, and I would not hesitate to recommend them (and Penningtons) to anyone in need of excellent legal representation.