What has been the highlight of your practice over the past 12 months?

Developing a robust, long-term, investment, wealth management, and family governance framework and strategy for a wealthy multi-generational family, fulfilling the role of their Family Office. At the outset, the family had little idea about: the wealth they had (their worth, the composition of their wealth, where potential risks lay), the purpose of their wealth, what they wanted to achieve with their wealth whilst having no succession planning provisions, little protection of the family wealth from various outside factors, and no measures to ensure the accountability of their advisors. The family now have an accountable Family Office structure with a bespoke investment and wealth management strategy (which includes access to Alternatives such as Real Estate and Private Equity), with clearly defined mandates that aim to meet specific objectives over the short, medium and long term which we helped them establish, monthly consolidated reporting across their entire estate providing clear visibility of their wealth, enhanced family governance which includes an Investment Policy Statement, a Family Charter, and clear succession plan, as well as an online portal providing document library and access to all aspects of their wealth from anywhere in the world. I have helped make a massive difference to their lives – most importantly – they have now more time, and are more relaxed, to enjoy their life.

What advice would you give rising stars/new lawyers in the private client world?

"It’s all about relationships – creating new ones but importantly spending time and exerting energy in maintaining those which are existing.
I would advise anyone to take a meeting because you never know what that meeting will yield. I have developed my client base and network from scratch – simply from meeting as many people as I can, not be afraid to be told ‘no’, persevering, and focus on your natural abilities."

What sets you apart from your peers?

I love my job, I love the people I work with, and I thoroughly enjoy the interaction I have with my clients who I am able to establish extremely productive relationships with. I take great pride in my role as their Trusted Advisor and in understanding the needs of the family’s I work with, I am proactive, diligent and will always pick up my phone. I am able to deliver entirely unconflicted and impartial advice to my clients and can clearly demonstrate my motivation to think long-term and serve generation after generation"

What is your favourite quote?

“When the world says give up, hope whispers try it one more time”