Lauren Mackenzie

Lauren Mackenzie is a Partner specialising in contentious probate, trust and inheritance disputes. She advises individuals, families, beneficiaries, trustees and executors on disagreements about inheritance that arise after, or even before, the death of a loved one.

An increasing number of families, often with complex dynamics, broken promises or sometimes simply conflicting interests, find themselves facing disputes over wills, estates, trusts and powers of attorney. Lauren provides bespoke advice, helping clients defend an inheritance or secure what is rightfully theirs.

Known for guiding clients through complex family situations with care and clarity, Lauren takes a tailored approach, offering detailed legal guidance and acting as a trusted sounding board, depending on each client’s needs.

She is particularly attuned to the emotional weight these disputes carry, and the importance of feeling genuinely supported through what is often one of the most difficult times in a person’s life. Her advice is calm, pragmatic and combines careful analysis with decisive action.

Lauren trained and built her early career in London, developing extensive litigation experience across commercial and civil disputes. This informs her strategic approach to contentious probate and her understanding of the personal dynamics involved. She is also an accredited mediator.

Lauren enjoys providing commentary on contentious probate matters, providing insight for the media and legal publications. She is known for explaining complex issues clearly and offering a practical perspective on developments in wills, trusts and estate disputes, and is available to comment on a wide range of related topics.

Career

Lauren studied English and French at the University of Leeds before completing a Post-Graduate Diploma in Law and the Legal Practice Course at the University of Law.

She trained at CMS in the City of London and qualified as a solicitor in 2008. She later practised commercial litigation at Dundas & Wilson and worked at the Royal Bank of Scotland Group.

Earlier in her career she worked in Brussels and volunteered with the Human Rights Law Network in Delhi. Lauren joined Longmores in 2016 and has since built a strong reputation in contentious probate and trust disputes, underpinned by a breadth of experience and a clear, thoughtful approach to complex legal issues.

Community

Lauren is a Trustee and Director of Carers in Hertfordshire and combines her professional advice with first-hand experience of being a carer. Through the firm’s Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) activities, Lauren also plays an active role in the Hertfordshire Community Foundation network and supports young people in work experience placements.

Recognition

Lauren is an Accredited Mediator with the Centre for Effective Dispute Resolution (CEDR). She is a member of the Association of Contentious Trust and Probate Specialists (ACTAPS), a member of ThoughtLeaders4 Private Client and recommended in The Legal 500.

Professional Feedback

“Lauren Mackenzie consistently delivers advice that gets to the crux… a practical, strategic and comprehensive route through litigation.” — The Legal 500 2026

“Lauren Mackenzie has been a marvellous help… kind, compassionate, efficient and professional.” — The Legal 500 2024

“She remained calm when challenges arose… a highly strategic and tactical advocate.” — The Legal 500 2023

“Empathetic to all parties, pragmatic and robust in keeping discussions within an agreed framework.” — Client, mediation

Personal Interests

Outside of work, Lauren enjoys skiing, Pilates and bungee fitness, and spending time with her children. She trained extensively in dance earlier in life, including ballet, jazz and tap, performing in university productions and amateur dramatics.