Talbots Law strengthens trusts and estates team

Talbots Law, which saw enquiries increase by 20 per cent during one of the most challenging years on record, has appointed Jodi Flint as director and head of trusts and estates, leading a 21-strong team across the firm’s offices in Codsall, Dudley, Halesowen, Kidderminster, Stourbridge and Wolverhampton.

A member of STEP (Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners) and the Law Society Private Client Section, she has used her expertise in wills and tax planning, administration of estates and preparing Lasting Powers of Attorney to help boost fees.

Her expertise, commitment and innovative style have been key in guiding the team and providing a seamless continuation of service to clients during the pandemic.

“We have innovated the way we work to help us weather the Covid-19 storm well, ensuring we continue to support an increasing number of clients with their trusts and estates requirements,” explained Jodi.

“My initial challenge is to support and settle in new appointments to our team, build on an increase in private client work and explore ways in which we can expand our court of protection work.”

She continued: “This is a big opportunity for us going forward, particularly with such a strong team and depth of expertise that already exists within Talbots. Our continued success also means that we are looking to grow and always welcome applications from talented and ambitious trusts and estates lawyers looking to join us.”

As part of the expansion plans, Holly Elphick and Richard Stone have also been promoted to directors in the business.

Holly will head up the Wolverhampton and Codsall trusts and estates teams and is an example of how the company is investing in the next generation of talent, joining straight from University and going on to train and qualify with Talbots before her latest promotion.

Richard joined Talbots in 2017 and specialises in private client work, including wills and wealth planning, the creation and administration of trusts and the administration of estates. He has been a pivotal figure in the way the company has provided support during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Recent high-profile appointments at Talbots include one of the UK’s leading Panel Deputies, Trish Venables.

She joins the trusts and estates team as director and will look to use her significant experience as a member of the Office of the Public Guardian’s Panel Deputies to support the firm’s work in cases where there is no one suitable to be appointed to manage someone’s finances or where an Attorney or Lay Deputy has mismanaged a person’s funds.

Trish, who is a fully accredited member of Solicitors for the Elderly, will also support the team across its six offices, in addition to advising on all private client work, including wills, trusts and powers of attorney.

“One of the unfortunate effects of Covid-19 has been more disputes around trusts and estates and this is only going to continue over the next 12 months,” added Trish.

“The Talbots team is growing and there is a real passion to be there for our clients and make sure they receive expert advice and support at a very difficult time for them. This really resonates with me and I’m delighted to have the opportunity to develop my Panel Deputy work and mentor more of our staff to take an interest in this type of law.

“Just to give you an idea of the demand for our services; in the last twelve months the number of clients requiring help with their wills has risen by more than 25 per cent.”

Talbots Law was named as the best legal firm to work for in the Black Country in 2020, moving up 13 places in the Sunday Times and Best Companies national list.

The independent law firm was in 52nd place on the prestigious rankings and was also awarded a 2-star rating for the way it engages with its staff.