In recognition of the invaluable support provided to the legal industry across the UK, Finders International, Britain’s largest probate research firm, has won a major category at the Modern Law Awards 2024.

Winning in the category of ‘Supporting The Industry’ with more than 26 employees, the Modern Law Awards recognises and honours the achievements of law firms, legal professionals, and pertinent industry leaders.

Increasing support to probate solicitors

Previously seen as a fringe industry, probate research, or ‘heir hunting’ has played a growing role in supporting probate solicitors to trace beneficiaries and to correctly and fairly help families gain closure one loved ones die.  The role of heir hunters enables probate solicitors to focus on legal matters in the knowledge that no stone has been left unturned when it comes to identifying next of kin.

Simonne Llewellyn, deputy managing director of Finders International, which is regularly featured on the BBC’s Heir Hunters show, commented: “ We’re constantly surprised and the increasing recognition we’re receiving from the legal industry in recent years. We see our contribution as a valuable partnership in that probate solicitors can focus on their legal work in the comfort that heir hunters have done crucial legwork in winding up cases successfully and professionally.”

Streak of wins across 2023

Over the course of 2023, Finders International scooped a host of industry awards, including ‘Probate Research Firm of the Year’ at the Probate Industry Awards and the British Wills & Probate Awards, as well as the ‘Supporting the Legal Sector’ award at the Irish Legal Awards.