This week, an independent guide aimed at high-net-worth individuals has given international recognition to two partners in our wills, probate & trusts team.
The Chambers High Net Worth directory ranks a range of advisors to high-net-worth individuals, from lawyers to accountants. The guide names Simon Cook and Ruth Baker as ‘notable practitioners’, describing the firm’s private client team in general as “well respected in the market”, with an “excellent reputation in the area”.
Partner and department head Simon Cook, who has 25 years’ experience in the field, specialises in complex estate and tax planning, lifetime trusts and vulnerable beneficiaries, and the creation and administration of personal injury trusts. A source in the guide notes that he “combines a great deal of knowledge and expertise with a very sympathetic approach, which clients warm to.”
Also commended by Chambers, for the fourth year running, is partner Ruth Baker, who is a specialist in the administration of complex estates, estate planning for high-net-worth individuals and those with complex personal, business or agricultural assets. One client tells the guide “she knows her stuff, is articulate and has really good attention to detail.” Another client describes her as “lovely and efficient,” and that she “gives excellent advice.”
Willans’ 7-strong wills, probate and trusts team helps individuals and families with a range of sensitive issues, including trust and estate planning, powers of attorney, Court of Protection applications, inheritance tax and contested wills. One client interviewed in the guide says the team is “extremely knowledgeable” and has “technical expertise, patience and empathy in client situations”.
Managing partner Bridget Redmond commented: “We are delighted to see Ruth and Simon achieve the recognition they deserve in this prestigious guide. Both are exceptionally good lawyers and demonstrate a blend of technical expertise with approachable, personal service – which is the hallmark of Willans.
“Although we’ve grown to be one of the premier private client teams in the county, it is hugely important to us that clients see us as approachable, friendly and thorough. It is pleasing to see clients talk about these exact qualities in the guide.”
A full-service law firm, we act for commercial businesses, individuals, charities and not-for-profit organisations based locally, nationally and internationally, and employ over 75 people at our offices at Imperial Square, Cheltenham.
