Prudent estate planning and putting in place a will, lasting power of attorney or even a family trust can provide peace of mind for you and avoid unnecessary stress and anxiety for family members in the event of your death or incapacity.
It may also save you and your family thousands of pounds.
Our experienced team of private client specialists can advise you in making decisions to secure your and your family’s wealth and wellbeing, and are there to assist in difficult times as and when necessary.
Our team combines technical expertise with a friendly down to earth approach, always looking to tailor our advice to each client’s particular circumstances.
What legal services do we offer?
We can assist in a wide range of personal legal services, from preparing wills and powers of attorney to estate planning and advice on disputes surrounding wills.
Our complete service includes advice and assistance with:
- Wills
- Lasting Powers of Attorney
- Estate administration
- Family trusts
- Elderly client services
- Court of protection applications
- Wills, trusts and estates disputes
Meet the team:
The Wake Smith private client team consists of:
Andrew Vidler - Head of the team and Director, who qualified as a solicitor in 1980 and who has considerable experience in all aspects of private client work. He was appointed Registrar for the Anglican Diocese of Sheffield in 2008.
Suzanne Porter – Director, who qualified as a solicitor in November 2002 and joined Wake Smith in 2017 from Taylor & Emmet LLP. She will take over from Andrew Vidler as Head of the team, as part of our succession planning, on 1 May 2017. Suzanne and Andrew have been working together very closely to ensure a smooth transition. Andrew will still be practicing and supporting Suzanne in this role for a few years before he eventually retires from the firm. Suzanne will be the first female head of the private client team appointed in Wake Smith’s long history. Suzanne was appointed as the first female deputy steward with the Wirksworth and High Peak Barmote Court on behalf of the Duchy of Lancaster and is responsible for swearing in the jury at the court, amongst other duties.
Breda Cashell – Director, who qualified as a solicitor in 1988 and has been a long standing and a valuable member of the team since the merger of her former firm, Tofields, with Wake Smith in 2007. Breda has over 28 years’ experience in the private client arena and has retained long-standing relationships with many clients throughout her time in practice.
Michael Tunbridge – Consultant, has extensive experience in all areas of private client law, having qualified in 1976. Former head of the private client team, Michael has been associated with Wake Smith for very many years and has built up an enviable following of clients, many of whom would regard him as their personal adviser.
Rachel Baseley – Associate, Rachel has been involved with private client work in all its guises since qualifying as a solicitor and has a reputation for technical ability. She successfully passed the four exams comprising the Diploma in Trusts and Estates in 2006 and currently lectures on the wills and administration of estates course and the private client component of the legal practice course at Derby University.
Louise Rudkin – Associate, has been with the firm since 2011 having qualified in 2010. She specialises in all areas of private client work.
Shaun Talbot - Legal executive, has been with the firm since April 2003 and has considerable experience in dealing with all aspects of private client law.
Kerry Green – Paralegal, joined the team in August 2016 and is already receiving exceptional feedback from clients regarding her caring positive demeanour as well as her technical abilities.
Michael Tunbridge, Andrew Vidler and Rachel Baseley are all members of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (“STEP”). STEP is the flagship professional body for solicitors and other advisors specialising in trusts and estates.
The team can be contacted on 0114 266 6660.
