Biography
I qualified in 1997 and have spent the majority of that time as a Partner working as a litigator in Private Client Dispute Resolution teams. I have a lot of experience in this area and am ranked in the Legal 500 as “... a real fighter for her clients, who will leave no stone unturned”.
I specialise in contentious probate disputes including disputed Wills, breach of trust claims, administration of estate disputes and claims under the Inheritance (Provision for Family & Dependants) Act 1975. I regularly act for high-net-worth individuals and represents large estates both in bringing and defending claims on a full range of services from initial pre-action negotiations through to mediation and if necessary, all the way to trial, regularly dealing with difficult and emotive cases. I also have a special interest in cohabitee disputes (also known as TOLATA claims) in relation to the ownership of property and am often considered the go-to litigator in this area of work, having written extensively about making claims for beneficial interests in property.
What inspired you to get into law?
I have always been drawn to helping those who don’t have a voice to put forward their position. I also love reading and am a good problem solver. Going into the law was a natural path with those skills and I have loved every minute of my journey, particularly when I achieve a good result for my client.
What is the most rewarding aspect of your role?
For me, it’s always about the win. That can be a win at trial, or a well negotiated settlement through correspondence or at mediation and in some cases, stopping my client from making the expensive mistakes of pursuing claims that have no merit. I have learnt through experience, particularly with contentious probate claims, that there are often underlying and unrelated grievances behind family disputes and once I get to the heart of that, I can properly strategize and advance a claim to meet my client's objective. It's rarely about "the claim" and often about other, deeper, unrelated issues.
Taking a holistic view of the claim is therefore all important if I am going to find a good solution to the problem. I want my clients to be happy with whatever outcome I achieve for them and achieving that for them is the most rewarding part of my role.
What do you like about working at Irwin Mitchell?
From the people I have met, to the time I have spent at the firm, Irwin Mitchell puts its clients and people at the heart of everything they do . The investment in people (both staff an clients) was a huge draw for me. I strongly believe that everything stems from strong relationships and good communication. Your team and your clients should therefore be front and foremost... everything else will follow. Irwin Mitchell practises this every day.
What do you do away from the office?
I have two opinionated teenage daughters that keep me on my feet! I'm also a real foodie and have co-authored a cook book (Sweet Chilli Friday) which I am very proud of. Travel and reading follow a close joint third - after that, I keep pushing myself to try new things (essential for staying young at heart when you have my level of experience!).
I also try and give back to the community and am fortunate enough to have been appointed as the Legal Trustee for PACT (Parents and Children Together). I also represent London lawyers as a Council Member for the London seat at the Law Society
Testimonials
"Sangita's ability to handle complex and sophisticated matters is very strong. Sangita Manek is a hugely knowledgeable lawyer and has handled complex and technical matters diligently and sensitively." - Chambers, 2024
"Their service levels and responsiveness are very strong. Sangita has always been proactive and highly responsive." Chambers, 2024
"Sangita is very commercially aware and, as a result, is able to give pragmatic advice to her clients. Sangita Manek's client service and general level of service is very strong. Sangita's level of sophistication is very strong. Her commercial vision is very strong." Chambers, 2024
"Sangita is a hugely experienced litigator, with the client's goals always at the heart of everything she does. Sangita is able to give comprehensive and pragmatic advice, and her clients always feel well cared for. She has technical ability, creative and strategic thinking and is hugely organised, Sangita is a first-rate
lawyer." Chambers, 2024
"Sangita's level of sophistication is very strong. Her commercial vision is very strong. Sangita is an outstanding lawyer. She is a fighter to the end, holding firm on the client's position. She is commercial and knows when a settlement needs to be achieved and will fight hard for a great outcome. She is always on the
client's side, giving robust advice and forming a strategic plan to achieve the client's aim. I would always want her on my side. She is fully deserving of being ranked alongside her colleagues." Chambers, 2024
"Sangita Manek is a standout partner. She has been recruited from a leading provincial practice where she was always treated as a London-style lawyer. She is no-nonsense, strategic, sensible and completely client driven and focused. She knows when to fight and when to seek a compromise."
"Sangita Manek is a great fighter for her clients, is quick to pick up on the other side's areas of vulnerability and not to let them go. She is extremely efficient, never misses a deadline and is a good team player." - Legal 500, 2025 (Leading Partner)
"The team operate across various centres but very much operate as one team. They deal with large estates with confidence and specialist expertise. Sangita Manek has an exceptional hands-on approach which is second to none." - Legal 500, 2024
"Sangita Manek is a real fighter for her clients who leaves no stone unturned. Good knowledge of subject areas, and self-reliant in running litigation." - Legal 500, 2024
