Law firm strengthens private client team

A Midlands law firm has added to its private client department, building on the legal services offered to individuals, families, business owners, farmers and charitable trusts.

Leamington Spa-based Wright Hassall has appointed Caroline Bates, as partner, and Helen Strong, as a solicitor, both of whom join the firm from Newsome Vaughan in Coventry.

Caroline is a member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP), Solicitors for the Elderly (SFE) and the Private Client Section of the Law Society.

She brings 16 years of experience in the region’s private client sector to the role – as well as transferring her existing clients from Newsome Vaughan, where she led the department.

Helen has specialised in this area for 17 years having previously worked in Stratford prior to Newsome Vaughan. She is also a member of the Private Client Section of the Law Society.

Wright Hassall’s private client department advises on everything from disputes and claims to estate planning and property matters.

It is the firm’s reputation and stability which attracted Caroline to make the move and she is looking forward to working with, and helping to further develop, such an established team.

“I am from Berkswell and have worked in the locality ever since completing my training in Leamington,” said Caroline.

“I have built up an established and valued client base and believe that bringing them to Wright Hassall will be best for them.

“The firm has a reputation for being one of the best private client teams in the region and I know my clients will be in safe hands here. Wright Hassall is definitely a leader in this field.

“Wright Hassall boasts many specialised lawyers. This makes it a great place for a private client team to be based and enables us to offer a complete service to clients across many different disciplines.

“Helen and I will be adding to an already strong team, working across all aspects of the wills, trust and tax team. This includes, but is not limited to, wills, probate, powers of attorney, trusts, Court of Protection and tax planning.”

There are now 29 members of staff in Wright Hassall’s private client department, with 230 at the firm in total, 33 of them partners.

Peter Lowe leads the private client team. He said: “We are delighted to welcome Caroline and Helen to the team.

“They bring a wealth of experience in the sector, particularly in this area, and we believe that this, coupled with their strong skill set, will really help us to further develop our expanding client base while maintaining impeccable levels of service.

“Reputation is of paramount importance to law firms, especially those in the private client sector, and we are certain that Caroline and Helen will help us cement our place among the most trusted teams in the region.”