Next Generation Partners

Personal tax, trusts and probate in East Midlands

Browne Jacobson LLP

Led by the ‘professional and collaborativeLucy Worwood, who has ‘great emotional awareness and empathy‘, the practice at Browne Jacobson LLP provides clients with extensive succession and estate planning advice spanning wealth and trust structuring issues, landed estates work and offshore trust-related mandates. Worwood is particularly noted for her knowledge of trust restructurings and handles personal tax work for non-UK domiciled individuals.

Responsables de la pratique:

Lucy Worwood


Autres avocats clés:

Imogen Holmes; Daniel Edwards


Les références

‘I rate this team very highly for their competence and also consistently helpful approach.’

‘Lucy Worwood is professional and collaborative, with excellent technical knowledge. Lucy has great emotional awareness and empathy.’

‘Imogen Holmes – approachable and client-focused. Efficient and responsive to any queries.’

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HCR Hewitsons

HCR Hewitsons‘ ‘highly professional‘ practice ‘adopts a very professional approach but manages to combine it with a personal touch which is very much in evidence with the practical advice‘. The Northampton-based group is a go-to name for inheritance tax planning advice and handles trust reorganisations and administrations at a domestic and global level. The firm also has specialist expertise in vulnerable client law thanks to Tonina Ashby‘s Court of Protection expertise. Co-head Kerri Woodrow is the primary name in Northampton and works closely with Catherine Ball. Daniel Curtis also co-heads the group from Cambridge.

Responsables de la pratique:

Daniel Curtis; Kerri Woodrow


Autres avocats clés:

Tonina Ashby; Catherine Ball


Les références

‘HCR adopts a very professional approach but manages to combine it with a personal touch which is very much in evidence with their practical advice and lack of complicated legalese. Their ability to drive to the nub of the matter and articulate realistic options was invaluable.’

‘Kerri Woodrow is highly competent and up to speed with changes and developments in the area of trust and succession law, including estate planning and tax mitigation. She is a pleasant person to deal with.’

‘Tonina Ashby is outstanding given the way she approaches the issues and quickly develops a clear understanding which immediately gives confidence.’

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Roythornes Solicitors

Acting for a roster of clients encompassing landed estates, farmers, business owners and renewable energy companies, Roythornes Solicitors‘ expertise in succession planning issues and capital tax work is spread across the firm’s Spalding and Nottingham offices. In Spalding, Jarred Wright excels in partnership restructurings and trust work, while Elizabeth Young focuses on succession planning mandates, and Robert Webb is a key contact for agricultural clients. Paul Thompson is the main name in Nottingham.

Responsables de la pratique:

Elizabeth Young; Jarred Wright; Robert Webb; Paul Thompson


Les références

‘The Roythornes team for me really show their talent through their technical knowledge and delivery to clients, always customized to the client’s wider needs and/or objectives. They are responsive and are true experts in their fields.’

‘Personable individuals who can also mix with the technical knowledge requirements when needed. They have a fantastic understanding of the sectors they are involved in, and are certainly seen as market leaders for this in the local environment (which is ever expanding).’

‘The team seems to have all of the bases covered. The key strength that has benefited us is their knowledge of taxation and also trust law. This knowledge is intertwined and means that we receive holistic advice from them. Their knowledge of UK agriculture is particularly strong.’

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Shakespeare Martineau LLP

The ‘helpful, knowledgeable and professional‘ team at Shakespeare Martineau LLP is led by the ‘very commercialSuzanne Leggott, who is ‘fantastic with clients and gives great advice‘. The group handles the full range of private client work, including wealth and estate management issues, tax planning mandates, deputyships and trust administrations. Leggott is particularly knowledgeable of issues affecting family businesses, while Sarah Brack focuses on Court of Protection work, representing elderly and vulnerable clients. Lilly Toop and Emma Carr are also key names at legal director level.

Responsables de la pratique:

Suzanne Leggott


Autres avocats clés:

Sarah Brack; Lilly Toop; Emma Carr; Lauren Crowhurst


Les références

‘The team at Shakespeare Martineau are helpful, knowledgeable and professional. It has been helpful that they have specialists in various areas.’

‘Suzanne Leggott is fantastic with clients and gives great advice. Clients trust her and you can see that she is well respected and technical.’

‘Sarah Brack and Lauren Crowhurst have been very helpful. They have understood the complexities of different cultures and sensitively navigated this well. They have always responded in a timely manner which I have appreciated.’

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Actons

With ‘reliable, clear and timely advice delivered in a friendly and approachable manner’, Actons‘ private client team handles the full range of mandates including wills, trusts and probate issues alongside Court of Protection matters. Bindiya Patel heads up the group and attracts praise from clients for being ‘very professional, approachable, friendly and efficient‘. The ‘friendly and helpful Ruth Swain and Heather Parker, who has ‘an excellent ability to demystify complex areas of the law‘, are also key names to note.

Responsables de la pratique:

Bindiya Patel


Autres avocats clés:

Ruth Swain; Heather Parker


Les références

‘I feel that the firm generally has great local expertise. They provide a personal yet professional service.’

‘Bindiya Patel provided a very professional, knowledgeable, approachable and friendly service at a very vulnerable time. She was efficient in all aspects of the service she provided. Her empathetic attitude was helped enormously with what has been a very stressful period.’

‘I dealt with Ruth Swain throughout my time with Actons. She was very thorough and explained the process, which helped me understand.’

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  • Providing estate planning advice to a high-net-worth couple with multi-million pound business assets in the local area.
  • Advising on the administration of a complex estate and numerous lifetime trusts set up by a high-net-worth individual for the benefit of their family.
  • Advising business owners on the creation of trusts for the benefit of future generations.

Flint Bishop Limited

With Claire Rudkin at the helm, who excels in handling high-net-worth estates and complex trusts, Flint Bishop Limited‘s Derby-based practice acts for a varied client roster, which features foreign and UK-domiciled individuals. The practice has increasingly been handling estates with cross-border elements and also assists with estate administrations and Court of Protection work. Clients also praise the ‘exceptionalWilliam Harper and the ‘outstandingSamuel Balmbra, who was promoted to senior associate in 2024.

Responsables de la pratique:

Claire Rudkin


Autres avocats clés:

William Harper; Samuel Balmbra; Marc King; Laura Clare


Les références

‘Flint Bishop LLP has always supported me in terms of legalities. Always there for me, by considering my needs and situation sympathetically.’

‘I have dealt with William Harper and he has been exceptional in keeping me informed on the relevant issues as they have occurred and fully explaining the steps needed to resolve them. I would not hesitate in using William again should the need arise in the future.’

‘Will Harper is a huge support and explains complexities in a manner I can understand. Always on the end of the phone or email.’

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  • Created four pilot trusts and interacting wills as part of a large tax planning exercise for a high-net-worth client with a total estate value of £230m.
  • Provided tax planning and general trust advice in connection with trust appointment and potential winding up of trust fund with total estate value of £400m.
  • Acting for the Executors in respect of an estate administration.

Freeths LLP

With a ‘complete understanding of client requirements, a personable approach, and collaboration within the team‘, Freeths LLP‘s sizeable trusts, estates and tax department fields practitioners with expertise across tax and estate planning work, trust administration issues, probate matters and wills. Rahul Kotecha is particularly noted for his work advising business owners on succession planning issues, and took over as practice head following the departure of Scott McKittrick to Browne Jacobson LLP in early 2024.

Responsables de la pratique:

Rahul Kotecha


Autres avocats clés:

Marie Cooper; Katherine Beggs; Sarah Phillips


Les références

‘At the heart of everything, Rahul Kotecha and his team illustrated that the client came first. They ensured that the client understood the process at every stage without rushing a decision.’

‘They are professional. They work with empathy with their clients. They are very knowledgeable on their subject matter.’

‘Complete understanding of their client’s requirements, personable approach, and collaboration within the team. Excellent reputation.’

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Geldards LLP

Geldards LLP is particularly noted in the market for the team’s work advising entrepreneurs and wealthy families on wealth management issues, working closely with the firm’s corporate, commercial, property, family and agriculture teams. Erica Thomson and Jaclyn Barnes jointly head up the practice; the pair act for a roster of high-net-worth individuals on wealth preservation and tax planning mandates as well as trust creation and probate matters.

Responsables de la pratique:

Erica Thomson; Jaclyn Barnes


Les références

‘Erica Thomson takes a professional but friendly approach. She communicates well and explains clearly and concisely the legal issues/options. She always delivers to promised timelines.’

‘The particular strength of the team is the wide range of skills. I can speak to one individual to get all the advice as opposed to being directed to different individuals with separate specialist skills.’

‘The Private Client team at Geldards LLP offers a high level of technical expertise and also retains a very personable service. They are also very efficient in the delivery of work and responding to any queries.’

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Nelsons Solicitors Limited

Acting for a client roster of high-net-worth individuals and business owners with international assets, Nelsons Solicitors Limited handles the full range of tax, trusts and probate issues with noted expertise in surrogacy wills, Court of Protection work and inheritance tax planning matters. Jane Sutherland heads up the department and splits her time between Nottingham, Derby and Leicester. Other key names include Catherine McCannah in Nottingham, Nadia Faki in Leicester and Helen Salisbury in Derby, while Gemma Ann Hopper has Court of Protection expertise.

Responsables de la pratique:

Jane Sutherland; Catherine McCannah; Nadia Faki; Helen Salisbury; Gemma Ann Hopper


Autres avocats clés:

Karen Salt


Les références

‘Everyone is very pleasant. And deal with your request with as much speed as possible.’

‘We have taken legal advice from Helen Salisbury, who is approachable, relatable and has an easy charm, making her very likeable.’

‘I have worked with solicitors at Nelsons in Derby and I have always found them to be professional but caring. In my experience, they go the extra mile for their clients.’

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Chattertons

With a ‘knowledgeable, friendly and efficient‘ team, Chattertons leverages its offices throughout Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire to handle a range of large estates and trusts. Clients benefit from the firm’s in-house wealth management service and the Court of Protection expertise of several of its practitioners. Amanda Voakes leads the group, which also fields newly appointed head of trusts Anna Howat, Claire Clarke, and wills and inheritance tax specialist Alistair Thomson.

Responsables de la pratique:

Amanda Voakes


Autres avocats clés:

Anna Howat; Claire Clarke; Alistair Thomson; Anne Dales; Corrine Le Huquet; Janet Davis; Helen Newson


Les références

‘Chattertons are very knowledgeable in their field and provide clients with balanced advice and knowledge to a high standard – they are an approachable firm.’

‘Amanda Voakes heads a brilliant team. They are a pleasure to work with.’

‘Without exception, we have been very impressed with every member of the private client team we have dealt with. The things that always stand out are the breadth of knowledge in the team and excellent communication.’

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Howes Percival LLP

Tom Lawrence heads up the practice at Howes Percival LLP in Norwich, which acts for a client roster of high-net-worth individuals, families and trusts on a broad range of wealth and estate planning mandates, administration work, trusts and capacity issues. Other key practitioners include Alexandra Hornsby in Leicester and Stuart Maggs in Norwich, who is head of the firm’s private client services group.

Responsables de la pratique:

Tom Lawrence


Autres avocats clés:

Alexandra Hornsby; Stuart Maggs


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Lawson-West

Lawson-West‘s ‘very impressive‘ practice is ‘professional and knowledgeable‘ under the new leadership of Phoebe Skarlatos, who is noted for her experience in dealing with probate and Court of Protection matters. Former practice head Vicky Jones continues to contribute to the practice and excels in probate issues.

Responsables de la pratique:

Phoebe Skarlatos


Autres avocats clés:

Vicky Jones; Sophie Forsyth


Les références

‘Very friendly and caring staff during what is a difficult time.’

‘Phoebe Skarlatos and Vicky Jones are second to none, giving the best help and professional advice.’

‘I found the team at Lawson-West was very impressive. My family members were able to consult them in respect of their wills and we were all very happy with the interaction.’

Rothera Bray

Following the merger of Rotheras with Bray & Bray in late 2023, Rothera Bray’s practice in Nottingham handles a broad spectrum of work spanning wills, asset protection issues, estate administration, trusts and tax planning matters. Kirsten Wood heads up the practice and excels in drafting wills, trust mandates and lasting powers of attorney. Jeremy Allen is also recommended, as is Andrew Hitchon, who is based in Market Harborough.

Responsables de la pratique:

Kirsten Wood


Autres avocats clés:

Jeremy Allen; Andrew Hitchon


Les références

‘Very competent and friendly staff.’

‘It was simple to arrange to discuss the work that I needed to be done on an estate and get a clear quote for the costs involved. Rothera Bray made appropriate and full use of the phone and email to progress matters well. The work was carried out efficiently and I was kept up to date at all times.’

‘I have found Rothera Bray Solicitors to be extremely efficient, knowledgeable, accurate and prompt. I cannot fault the service received and would not hesitate to use them again in the future or recommend them to friends.’

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Sills & Betteridge LLP

The ‘very friendly and approachable team‘ at Sills & Betteridge LLP acts for a varied client roster, which includes landed estate owners, business owners, farmers and high-net-worth individuals. The team assists across the spectrum of probate, tax trust and will mandates and also handles Court of Protection applications. Andrew Durkan and Richard Bussell jointly lead the practice from Lincoln, while Sarah Steel is the main contact in Boston.

Responsables de la pratique:

Andrew Durkan; Richard Bussell


Autres avocats clés:

Sarah Steel


Les références

‘I have been impressed with the hands-on & empathetic handling of the case, along with the clearly communicated technical excellence. Breaking the jargon down into concepts understandable to the layman has been essential in keeping all parties engaged throughout the journey.’

‘Very friendly and approachable team. They make you feel comfortable from the outset.’

‘The practice is very friendly and knowledgeable. They will always keep the client updated and are easy to contact.’

Principaux dossiers


  • Advised a local farming family in relation to restructuring a £13m farming estate and ancillary businesses in order to save in excess of £1m in IHT.
  • Helping business owners restructure their company to maximise BPR without putting assets at risk from insolvency and making use of trusts to protect personal assets.

Wilkin Chapman LLP

Wilkin Chapman LLP‘s private client team is regularly instructed by agricultural clients to handle estate and tax planning mandates, with particular expertise in advising estates with farms and caravan and holiday parks. Michele Wightman and Lucy Butterfint jointly lead the practice; the pair both excel in tax planning work and estate administrations. Sarah Adams leads the team in Grimsby.

Responsables de la pratique:

Michele Wightman; Lucy Butterfint


Autres avocats clés:

Sarah Adams; Lisa-Jane Howes; Chantel Ul Haq-Weedon


Les références

‘This team go over and above their expected role in delivering support and guidance to families of special needs pupils.’

‘The team are very empathetic, responding to queries quickly and keeping us updated on the ongoing transactions.’

‘I feel that Chantal Ul Haq-Weedon has been brilliant and helped us achieve more in the last 2 years than we have for a long time. She’s always ready to listen if we have a problem and tries her best to solve it.’

Wilson Browne Solicitors

Fielding a team that is ‘very friendly and efficient with expertise in different legal areas‘, Wilson Browne Solicitors‘ private client practice is praised as ‘professional, prompt, knowledgeable and reliable‘ with expertise across wills, probate, trusts, tax and Court of Protection work. Neelam Maher and Vicki Pearce jointly lead the group, based in Kettering and Northampton respectively; Maher focuses on trusts and tax work, while Pearce is a Court of Protection expert.

Responsables de la pratique:

Neelam Maher; Vicki Pearce


Les références

‘The team is very friendly and efficient with expertise in different legal areas.’

‘My experience of Wilson Browne has been excellent. They are obviously very professional and legally knowledgeable but engage at a level which makes the process easy to understand for a layperson.’

‘A very thoughtful team dealing with a very sensitive subject at a trying time in your life – not leaving one stone unturned they got the difficult job completed in a very timely matter.’

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