5 minutes with a Brodies partner
What is your role at Brodies and how do you support private wealth clients?
I am head of the personal team. As a partner at Brodies of over 17 years, my role covers a broad range of matters – supporting my team, helping younger partners develop through the business, winning new work, and, critically, always being there for clients. I have worked with a large number of clients and families for many years, and I really value the role of trusted adviser, and listening to what they want to achieve – everyone is different, and it is so important to listen.
If you could change one aspect of the law, what would you change?
I would like there to be more equality for those who are not married, or who do not have children. There is so much misunderstanding about the law – and those who are not married often wrongly believe that they have the same rights, and will receive the same tax treatment, as those who are married.
What key advice would you give to professionals advising on private wealth and estate planning?
Private clients often have a number of advisers. It is crucial that advisers all work together to provide the best advice to the client. I really enjoy working with accountants, financial planners and investment managers – everyone brings a different skill set, which is invaluable in producing the best advice.
What are current trends or challenges in private wealth law that are keeping you busy at the moment?
With a new prime minister now in place, clients are understandably facing uncertainty about what the next tax changes may bring. There have been significant changes to inheritance tax, with further changes – including those relating to pensions – still to come into force. Many people rightly want to plan in light of the changing landscape
How do you spend your time outside the office?
As a mum of a 13 year old girl, my “spare” time is very much focused on spending time with her, which often involves watching her perform, or standing at the side of a hockey pitch or watching swimming galas. Otherwise, I focus on planning our next family Disney holiday!
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