FEATURE
New role – James McMillan has joined Punch Robson Solicitors as a senior associate solicitor .
the team joined the firm over the last couple of years .
The team has a solid range of skillsets that complement each other . Shannon has started in the STEP process , which takes two years to complete , while Rebecca works with the team ’ s vulnerable Court of Protection clients who lack capacity to manage their financial affairs .
The firm has a longstanding client base and the new wills , trusts and probate team will be working on the existing caseload as well as making further connections with intermediaries such as wealth managers , accountants and financial advisors to provide added value to clients looking for a holistic approach to their legal affairs .
“ It ’ s a fresh new team with most of the members joining within the last few years ,” said James .
“ Everyone gets on well and we have a collaborative approach to working together , allowing us to help clients as best as we can . It is a broad team with good skillsets .
“ We have an emphasis on client care . The client is at the core of everything we do . To that end we also work collaboratively with other departments within the firm as well as other professionals .
“ Our role is not only to identify legal issues but to provide added value by identifying other aspects on which our clients would benefit from further advice that we may not be able to provide .
Quite often Tees Valley clients prefer to work with other businesses based in the Tees Valley . Having a locally based solicitor is important to many local businesses .”
“ Our clients like and appreciate our approach to this . The approach places the focus on the client , with clients benefitting from having knowledgeable input from both a solicitor and other professionals .
“ The local knowledge that I have growing up and working in the region is helpful . It means I already know clients , intermediaries and the legal marketplace for the region well .
“ Quite often Tees Valley clients prefer to work with other businesses based in the Tees Valley . Having a locally based solicitor is important to many local businesses .”
As well as complex lifetime estate and tax planning , James specialises in handling estates with an overseas element , including in France , Spain and Portugal as well as further afield .
“ There are several reasons why we would assist with overseas assets ,” he said .
“ Clients could have business assets abroad or there could be shareholdings in overseas companies . They could have trusts held offshore .
“ They may have second properties or they may have moved around for work , so may need help with accessing overseas pensions . I work with overseas lawyers to help clients with any such issues they may face .” Solving problems is what makes James tick and he loves nothing more than being presented with a challenge to overcome .
“ I love problem-solving ,” said James , who became a Dementia Friend as part of his commitment to safeguarding vulnerable people in their legal affairs .
“ I think when we are presented with a difficult problem , that ’ s when we come into our own . Offering a solution is always quite rewarding .
“ People often come to see us at a difficult or emotional time in their lives , when they are perhaps in a bad place and in need of support .
“ They may be seeking advice following a bereavement or a difficult change in personal circumstances . The client may be particularly vulnerable or have capacity issues and we can make sure they are looked after legally . You can help to take some of the burden from them .
“ That , in itself , is rewarding , and I would say that we all like to do that . It ’ s important to all of us .”
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