• March 29, 2024
 Hear from Jade Gani, winner at the British Wills and Probate Awards 2020

Hear from Jade Gani, winner at the British Wills and Probate Awards 2020

On Thursday 22 October 2020, professionals from across the wills and probate sector came together to celebrate the successes and achievements of the industry is what has been a challenging year, at the British Wills and Probate Awards 2020.

The awards, which was back for it’s third year, took to the virtual stage and was hosted by ex-Royal correspondent, Jennie Bond, alongside headline sponsor Arken.legal (UK), and champagne sponsor Executor Solutions.

500 people watched the winning organisations take the crown this year. The full list of winners is available here. The online event is available to watch here.

Let’s hear from Young Practitioner of the Year award winner, Jade Gani

About the Young Practitioner of the Year Award

This award represents an exceptional individual who has shown a high level of involvement and development within the sector or area of practice. We classify young practitioners as being under 35 years old.

The winner of this award must demonstrate:

  • Exceptional client service
  • High levels of skill and technical ability
  • A flair for innovation and championing best practice
  • Initiative in challenging situations

Jade was shortlisted alongside:

  • Sarah Ahchoon, Morrisons Solicitors (Highly Commended)
  • Andrew Bishop, Shoosmiths

During the judging process, the judges decided that Jade was the worthy winner saying:

 “Jade is clearly exceptionally committed and recognised for her top-notch legal work.”

How did you feel winning the Young Practitioner of the Year award this year?

Honestly, I was shocked! Sarah and Andrew are some seriously tough competition with exceptional experience and comprehensive knowledge of their respective fields. After the initial shock subsided, we all just erupted into a cheering, laughing, blur of pure excitement. I feel extremely privileged to be in this position and I am most grateful for all the hard work that went into making the awards such a success.

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your team.

We are a full service law firm, which means we cover almost all of your day to day legal needs like conveyancing, Family law, Commercial law and Employment law. I like to joke that we are “small but mighty” and “punch above our weight” as we handle a mix of large, complex and high value cases, not usually found in or around Slough. I head up our Private Client department, which deals specifically with Wills, Trusts, Tax planning, Estate Administration, Lasting Powers of Attorney and much more. We have two fantastic Trainee Solicitors who assist me, Rachel and Mamta. We are a very close team as a whole and like to take on exciting new challenges together.

How has your firm developed in the last 12 months and navigated the added complexity of the coronavirus pandemic?

Our firm was already working towards a ‘paperless’ way of working prior to the pandemic, but Covid did seem to give us the last nudge we needed to completely embrace it. This has meant really utilising and developing our case management systems as well as streamlining processes. It certainly has been challenging, but I think the biggest positive we have taken away from it is that flexible working can be extremely effective and it also helps to achieve a greater work/life balance within the team.

What’s next on the cards for you?

After a well-earned spa day? I have secretly been working hard on an exciting new community interest project with Duncan and Stephen (Directors at Aston Bond). I can’t say too much about it yet, but it is a project that is very important to me and one which I am extremely proud to be a part of. Aston Bond have always been about the community, giving back and charity – so when I approached Duncan and Stephen about a totally crazy idea I had to do more, they didn’t hesitate to jump on board. We hope the project will be launching early in the New Year, so keep an eye out for it!

What advice would you give someone thinking of joining the Wills and Probate sector?

Do it! I know that some people think death and taxes aren’t the most exciting things to talk about – but the Wills & Probate sector is about so much more than that! We get to help the elderly, poorly, vulnerable and infirm in a meaningful way, every single day. If you ask me, there is no better job satisfaction than visibly seeing the weight of worry leave your Clients’ shoulders after you have done your job well. It can be stressful and sad at times, but it is also incredibly rewarding.

Why is the British Wills and Probate Awards event, which recognises excellence and highlights achievements in the industry, so important to the industry, especially this year?

All of a sudden, the majority of the world ground to a halt, but Wills and Probate practitioners (like all the other amazing key workers) had to work twice as hard to meet the needs of their Clients. It was at times lonely, isolating and burdensome. However, with amazing groups like Women in Wills and the SFE forum, the sector was able to pull together and support each other through it. The British Wills and Probate Awards have brought some much needed light relief to the sector and, even though we aren’t out of the woods yet, I think it is really important that these awards happen to recognise the hard work of exceptional teams and individuals across the nation, and to inspire the next generation of lawyers.

Everyone at Today’s Wills and Probate congratulates all those who were shortlisted in this year’s awards.

More information about the British Wills and Probate Awards can be found here.

Jennifer van Deursen