Pictured above: (l-r) Julia Sandy, Hayley Sanders, Rhian
Rees, Annabel Kay, Shirley Rabbetts, Dawn Oliver, Samantha Lloyd
and Ruth Baker
At a time when some are downsizing, one leading regional law
firm in Worcester and Cheltenham has expanded its wills and probate
department in response to unprecedented demand.
Harrison Clark's wills and probate team, which is part of the
firm's private client department - one of the largest family law
teams in the West Midlands - now comprises eight, highly qualified
legal experts across its Worcester and Cheltenham offices,
following a number of new appointments.
The team provides specialist legal advice on all aspects of tax
planning, trusts and wills, as well as providing legal guidance
following bereavement and when caring for the elderly. Particular
demand has been seen from high net worth individuals, land owners
and agricultural estates in recent months, as well as clients
requesting help with lasting powers of attorney, tax planning,
trusts and deputyship orders. The team's expertise also extends to
contentious probate, where there might be a dispute involving an
inheritance.
Dawn Oliver, partner and head of the wills and probate
department, at Harrison Clark comments: "At a time when some other
firms are contracting, Harrison Clark is continuing to grow. We
offer one of the largest wills and probate teams in the region,
with an extensive list of skills that covers every modern issue;
whatever our clients require.
"In an age of increasing litigation - and continually changing
UK tax and inheritance legislation - it is essential that everyone
has the right will for their circumstances. With over 72 years
combined experience, our wills and probate specialists are able to
devise a plan that suits the individual. We work with our clients
to find the solution that's right for them - after all, there is no
such thing as a standard will anymore!"
Shirley Rabbetts, has joined the team as partner. Previously at
Shakespeare Putsman, Shirley's expertise is in dealing with any
matters where there is an agricultural interest, and has spent many
years helping people to make arrangements for their own future and
the future of their families and estate, to ensure they are
protected in the event of death or incapacity. Shirley is a member
of STEP and the 'Private Client' section of the Law
Society.
Also new to the team is Samantha Lloyd, senior associate, who
has 10 years experience within the sector and formerly worked at
Clarke Willmott in Birmingham.
What's more, Ruth Baker, who joined Harrison Clark in 2005 and
trained with the firm, recently became a member of STEP and has
also been promoted to associate.
The Harrison Clark wills and probate team is part of the firm's
private law department, which offers expert advice in family law,
wills and probate, trusts, tax planning, personal injury and
residential property.
Harrison Clark provides a complete spectrum of City-quality
legal services to business and private clients across the region.
The leading law firm has a total of 160 staff and partners based in
Cheltenham and Worcester, with specialist experts across a number
of sectors including; education, rural, healthcare and logistics.
As well as joining MSI Global Alliance in 2007 - one of the world's
leading international legal and accountancy associations - in 2010
the firm was again recognised for the national quality of its work
through a listing in the prestigious Legal 500 and Chamber and
Partners lists of the major firms in England and Wales.