Wealth & Finance International - September 2017 13 of training for all lawyers, covering know-how business and personal skills. Training, development and encouragement for individuals are the key to success for that individual and the firm as a whole. Looking ahead, this focus on supporting its staff and providing them with a flexible, supportive working environment, will remain as Thomson Snell & Passmore looks to build upon its current success. Company: Thomson Snell & Passmore LLP Name: Helen Stewart Email:
[email protected] Address: 3 Lonsdale Gardens, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1NX Telephone: 01892 701398 Web Address: www.ts-p.co.uk Thomson Snell & Passmore continues to achieve its annual milestones as part of its five-year strategy; in 2016/2017, revenues went up by 8.5%, with profits up by 6.3%. Thomson Snell & Passmore’s Private Client department continues to be one of three main drivers of their growth. The private client practice covers Tax, Trusts and Probate which includes; Wills, powers of attorney, tax planning, family investment companies; the creation, restructuring, and management of trusts, tax returns; and domestic and multi-jurisdictional estate administration. Their heritage underpins their longevity, quality, commitment and reassurance. The practice has a reputation for providing high quality, intelligent advice and the very best service to their clients. Being the head of a successful company, it is always good feeling to see hard work recognised. In her previous roles, Helen gained invaluable experience, with exposure to good quality and interesting work, which ranged from will drafting, powers of attorney, probate and also family law. Helen was able to take responsibility for running private client services, which gave her focus on business skills and developed her interpersonal skills, which in turn enabled her to build her career at Thomson Snell & Passmore, undertaking and specializing in estate administration work, including post death tax planning and trust management. Relating to her role and experience at Thomson Snell & Passmore, Helen has established herself as Head of the Probate team, which she has carried out for a number of years, leading a team of six lawyers. Helen is also the firm’s Training Principal, and before that was a Trainee Supervisor for many years, providing support, guidance and encouragement to trainees embarking on their career in law. In terms of her own career, her role is to lead the team, contribute towards the success of the private wealth services, adapt as necessary in relation to technology and structure, and encourage and mentor the current and next generation of lawyers. Helen aims to inspire others to fulfil their potential, so that they can achieve job satisfaction and, in turn, receive excellent client feedback on all that they do. Excitingly, Helen is delighted to announce that due to demand and endorsement from other law firms that an independent administrator service has been added to her team’s service offerings. Helen explains that this has come about as a result of other law firms approaching Thomson Snell & Passmore to pick up the reins for estates that have turned contentious and are in need of experienced hands to deal with the estate administration in a neutral and considered way. Helen also describes how her firm can provide a holistic approach to these estates as she is supported by a team of Contentious Probate and Trust specialists and other advisors from private and commercial teams across the firm. Regarding what advice Helen would give to anyone wanting to succeed in the private client practice area of the law, Helen would stress the importance on keeping focussed on the clients’ needs, and caring about doing a great job for them, providing clear, astute and uncomplicated advice. Very often, clients want practical solutions, and will place great value on decisive advice. Experience is key, and that can only be gained over a number of years of exposure to client work. Life skills also play an important aspect in the private client work, and should not be under estimated when dealing with complicated family structures. At Thomson Snell & Passmore, they have an ongoing programme Thomson Snell & Passmore is one the preeminent law firms in the South East, providing peace of mind to generations of families and businesses since 1570. Helen Stewart has been with the firm for over 16 years, and is proud to be an owner and a custodian of the firm. We spoke to Helen about the firm, work that she does and the future. Lead Probate Specialist of the Year 2017 and Best Estates and Trusts Law FirmUK WFB17013