Private client
Praised for being ‘consistently excellent’ Weightmans LLP has a strong track record advising business owners on a range of estate and trust planning, inheritance tax planning, family investment companies and business protection matters. Leading the national practice is Richard Bate, who is based in Manchester and handles various tax mitigation, asset structures and succession planning. Sally Cook and Lorraine Wilson are key members of the department and have extensive experience across trust and estate planning and will preparation. Suzannah Lindon-Morris joined the team in March 2024 from Russell-Cooke LLP and will bolster the department on wills and estate administration mandates.
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Profile
Position
Richard leads the Private Wealth team nationally. He is a full member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners and the Law Society private client section. He has broad experience of working with clients from various backgrounds having worked in large commercial practices and smaller high street firms.
Richard advises clients on all aspects of estate planning including wills, trusts, family investment companies and probate matters. He has a particular specialism in tax mitigation and assisting business owners and those with more complicated family arrangements and asset structures with succession planning and wealth protection. He is a professional trustee on numerous family trusts, acts as an attorney for elderly clients and has been appointed by the High Court as an independent administrator in complex contentious Probate matters.
Richard works closely with the firm's Owner Managed Business and family teams and often with accountants and independent financial advisors to ensure that clients receive broad based holistic advice.
Richard is a regular presenter of estate planning and asset protection seminars. He is used to working with lawyers in different jurisdictions to achieve clients’ objectives in terms of their worldwide estate.
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Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘I have worked most closely with Suzannah Lindon-Morris and Sian Jones, and have found them both to be excellent at their job, and really care about their clients.’
‘Richard Bate is one of the best private client lawyers in Manchester - technical planning but with the ability to connect with clients and relay complex planning in an understandable way sets him apart from most other practitioners.’
‘The team here really 'get it'. They're down to earth, take time to listen to the problems that clients have and then provide solutions.’
‘Particular mention for Lorraine Wilson, who is one of the best technical specialists I have come across. Her knowledge is second to none, but what really makes her stand out compared to others in the sector is how she communicates this knowledge with clients in a manner which is approachable and professional.’
‘Sian Jones' approach is very professional yet personable and relatable, particularly when discussing personal matters such as finances and estate planning. Sian and the team's collaborative nature to help my clients has been incredibly well received and appreciated.’
‘I have worked with 4 members of the personal team now for many years and they are consistently excellent. Unique due to their simplicity I would say and, speedy turnaround times and consistently competent and reliable.’