Crane & Staples LLP houses a team with ‘real interdisciplinary expertise’ across the full gamut of private client law, acting as a key contact for families, business owners, and public figures in the local area. David Bird leads the team in Welwyn Garden City, boasting particular strengths in the administration of high-value and complex estates, trust management, tax planning, and Court of Protection matters. Samantha Webb is a highly experienced private client solicitor and full STEP and SFE member, specialising in personal tax, trusts, and probate matters, including complex estate administration, inheritance tax planning, declarations of trust, and Court of Protection applications. She has particular expertise in cases involving agricultural assets and lifetime settlements.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Mischa McKevitt provided me with invaluable support. From the very first consultation, Mischa was expertly knowledgeable and reassuring. Her communication, both verbal and written, is always crystal clear and to the point. She is always able to answer any of my questions, however complex. She always delivers on what she commits to and well within the timelines which were agreed.'
‘Katie Lane handled both requests speedily, knowledgeably and professionally. We met once to discuss matters and a second time to sign documents which she spent time going through with me to make sure I completely understood their meaning.’
‘I have been with Crane & Staples for over 20 years and I have always found their team very approachable and helpful either selling property, dealing with probate, making wills etc. To have such a varied team able to help with so many tasks under the same roof is so positive and time saving, especially when dealing with several tasks at the same time.'
‘Albert Green was professional, knowledgeable, polite and engaging. He was respectful of the fact that we just had a bereavement, and he guided us through the probate process.'
‘The firm offers prompt, efficient service, with advice, written and oral, expressed confidently in sufficient but not excessive detail. Their charges are very clearly set out and are reasonable. The administrative staff are also welcoming and efficient.’
‘Crane & Staples have an excellent local reputation. They were our first choice. They have a real warm, friendly atmosphere and are very active in the community. We see from the events they do and their excellent social media that they are human and people you would want to work with and trust.'
Work highlights
Advising on and acting as Trustee for a complex Trust involving significant business assets valued at over £2m.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
David Bird
Other key lawyers
Samantha Webb; Mischa McKevitt; Katie Lane; Albert Green; Georgina Christou