Catriona Syed

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

I’m acting as a trustee in a case where I managed to divide the trust in such a way that two branches of the family got equivalent benefits – one got to live in the stately home and the others got a cash equivalent. It involved juggling the different assets, interests and so on. Everyone was happy – it wasn’t easy and it involved a lot of skill to implement perfectly.

How did you get into private client?

I always enjoyed studying trusts. I hadn’t realised quite how much tax had been involved, otherwise I would have thought twice about it. I enjoyed the academic side and the people contact – seeing something through the whole way and acting for different generations was interesting to me.

Do you have any outside interests or hobbies?

My dogs! I really enjoy wine, yoga, opera and reading.