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 Solicitor Firm of the Year (Midlands) winner, Wright Hassall
About the Solicitor Firm of the Year (Midlands) Award
This award represents the regional Solicitor firm who has best proven all round excellence within the practice area of Wills, Probate and Estate Management. They effectively engage with their clients through various channels be it directly, online or through panels.
The winner of this award must:
- Be able to demonstrate extensive development and progress as a business within the last year, including but not limited to; strategy, growth, financial performance, employee development, diversity and training
- Have evidence of active engagement and community and or corporate initiatives
- Be able to demonstrate that they are operating in the best interests of the client and the profession
- Be able to demonstrate they excel at dealing with service issues or complaints which may arise
- Be able to demonstrate a clear approach it IT security and cyber crime prevention
Wright Hassall were shortlisted alongside:
- Fishers Solicitors (Highly Commended)
- Glover Priest Solicitors
During the judging process, the judges decided that Wright Hassall were the worthy winners saying:
“Very strong all-round entry showing genuine strength and depth in private client services.”
How did you feel winning the Solicitor Firm of the Year (Midlands) award this year?
We are absolutely thrilled to have won this award. It means a great deal to not only our Private Client team but also to our entire firm. We are immensely proud of this achievement and the work which goes into providing outstanding service to all of our clients.
So, who are Wright Hassall? What do you do?
Our 12-strong private client team continues to provide an end-to-end service for private clients locally, regionally and nationally. We are one of very few firms in the area with the breadth of expertise to advise high-net worth individuals and families, business owners, private company shareholders, farmers, and landowners on tax and estate planning including family and personal investment companies, and tax-efficient structuring of businesses and landholdings. We have dedicated probate and estate administration, Court of Protection, and contentious probate teams, as well as a team specializing in advising elderly and vulnerable clients. We are able to offer our clients the full range of private client legal services from the very complex to the straightforward. The team regularly works with colleagues in the tax, agriculture, corporate, and commercial teams, advising on efficient tax planning strategies. We also advise on the creation, administration and distribution of private and charitable trusts.
How has your firm developed in the last 12 months and navigated the added complexity of the coronavirus pandemic?
The last 12 months have been hard for everyone but as a firm we have really pulled together. We’ve adapted quickly and seamlessly to working from home, ensuring we continue to be able to service our clients, wherever we are. We are committed to continuing our flexible and agile working and are developing new employee programmes to enhance our staff’s work/life balance long after the pandemic.
What’s next on the cards for you?
We will continue to re-enforce our excellent client centric approach to everything we do whilst supporting our employees throughout these challenging times. We will continue to support our local communities as. We will encourage all of our employees to take an active role in supporting local initiatives and will be proactive in our involvement.
What advice would you give someone thinking of joining the Wills and Probate sector?
It can be extremely 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?
It’s vital to recognise and celebrate success within the industry. This is an opportunity to shine a light and highlight some of the best work and people within Wills and Probate, often a sector which is overlooked. Long may it continue!
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.
