Miriam Shalom specialises in civil disputes with a particular emphasis on contentious probate, trust and property litigation.
She has acted for a wide range of clients and always aims to provide her clients with representation that advances their interests and is efficient and cost sensitive. She has an approachable manner and seeks to put her clients at ease.
Miriam is a qualified direct access barrister and is able to accept instructions from members of the public within her specialist areas.
If you would like more information about Miriam’s practice, please contact her clerks or call +44 (0)20 7405 6114.
Trusts of land
Miriam has particular expertise of acting in disputes about property said to be held on trust. She advises and represents former cohabitants and family members on establishing or disputing a trust’s existence, as well as the quantum of the beneficial interest.
In addition, she frequently tackles cases where the intentions of the settlors, the appropriate orders for the court and the scope of the court’s powers are in question.
Miriam often acts in matters where the trust-related issues overlap with questions under the Inheritance Act or relate to probate or administration issues.
Notable cases
- Dervis v Deniz [2025] EWHC 902 (Ch) (11 April 2025) – email and disposing of a beneficial interest in joint property, Miriam defended the successful respondent, Mr Deniz, the judgment considers the principles established in the Court of Appeal case of Hudson v Hathway.
- Stack v Dowden [2007] UKHL 17 – leading division of interests in property case after relationship between former cohabitees broke down
Landlord & tenant
Miriam acts for landlords (private and local authority) and tenants in commercial and residential property matters including:
- claims for possession (and public law defences)
- rights to succeed
- relief from forfeiture
- service charge disputes and
- damages for disrepair.
She regularly appears both in court and in tribunals dealing with landlord and tenant issues.
Miriam has given seminars on this area.
Notable cases
- Yildiz v London Borough of Hackney [2019] EWCA Civ 1331 (24 July 2019) – acting for the local authority landlord in appeal concerning the requirements for the surrender of a tenancy – the interaction between section 83(1) and Ground 15A of the Housing Act 1985.
Probate & Inheritance Act disputes
Miriam has undertaken both advisory and advocacy work in relation to the validity and interpretation of wills, conflict among and removal of personal representatives, as well as claims under the Inheritance Act relating to the reasonableness of dispositions.
She brings a sensitive approach to an area that can be fraught with emotional issues as well as legal challenges.
As well as appearing in the High Court and County Court, Miriam is frequently involved in mediations that lead to successful resolutions of such matters.
Adverse possession, boundaries & easements
Miriam acts in cases involving questions related to adverse possession, the existence, acquisition and extent of easements as well as boundary disputes.
She combines a fact sensitive approach with complex legal analysis in dealing with these types of cases.
Education
- St Hugh’s College Oxford (MA Oxon)
- University College London (LLM)
- Middle Temple Astbury Scholarship 2001
- Winner of Oxford University Law Society Mooting Competition 2000
Professional memberships
- Property Bar Association
- Member of the New York Bar
Additional professional information
Miriam was a judicial assistant in the Court of Appeal where she gained experience in a broad range of civil appeals.
She has taught Contract law at Kings College London.
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