How long have you been a solicitor?
I qualified whilst working in London in 2005 – the same year I got married and moved into our first house in Fleet.
How and why did you first become a solicitor?
I always knew I wanted to be a solicitor. There is nothing better for me than having a career which gives me the opportunity to help people with problems which can seem overwhelming to them, but which together we can resolve. It is a privilege to be able to offer some form of support to individuals at what is often the most difficult time of their own lives, following a bereavement or the incapacity of a close family member, or whilst dealing with difficult news about their own health.
What do you specialise in?
I specialise in private client work, which includes advising on and preparing wills, lasting powers of attorney, trusts, administration of estates, tax and Court of Protection matters. However, I am relatively unusual in that not only do I carry out general private client work, I am also a specialist in resolving disputes involving private client matters. This combined experience enables me to predict and therefore avoid potential areas of dispute when advising clients and preparing documents. It also means I am able to efficiently deal with unanticipated disputes that sometimes arise during what were hoped to be straightforward matters. My professional qualifications include being a full member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP) and the Association of Contentious Trust and Probate Practitioners (ACTAPS).
Tell us a bit about your background – education, career etc
I grew up in Yateley and attended Yateley School where I met my husband. I have a first class law degree from Nottingham University which included a year studying international law at the National University of Singapore, during which I was lucky enough to travel extensively through South East Asia. I then graduated with distinction from the Legal Practice Course in Nottingham before joining a leading international firm in London. Following on from that, I spent 10 years at a large regional firm advising high net worth individuals and specialising in resolving private client disputes. In 2015, I joined Neale Turk LLP with the purpose of heading up and growing a dedicated private client department and I have not looked back since!
Any funny anecdotal stories re. your chosen career?
On a daily basis my job involves meetings on issues which span the spectrum of human emotions – some are funny, sad, perplexing, heartwarming and/or heartbreaking. However they are all subject to client
confidentiality so I couldn’t possibly tell you about them!
We hear you’ve just been named in the Legal 500 – congratulations! For people who know nothing about law, please tell us all about this…
Yes, Neale Turk LLP is listed in the Legal 500 with specific reference to my work and the work carried out by Andrew Green (also based in our Fleet office), which is fantastic news! The Legal 500 is the authoritative guide to leading law firms in the UK. The guide ranks listed firms based on client feedback and highlights individuals who are leaders within their fields. Firms cannot “buy” a listing in the guide – you only earn a place by providing an outstanding service to your clients. We are very grateful to all of our wonderful and loyal clients for taking the time to submit their feedback and to secure this recognition for Neale Turk LLP. We are focused on serving the local communities where our offices are based, so this national recognition confirms that although we might be a relatively small local practice, our expertise and client service is among the best in the whole country.
As well as this, what are your other biggest achievements?
Everyday feels like an achievement when juggling a demanding but rewarding job alongside three fantastic children. I owe a lot to my amazing family and friends!
What’s the one thing you love about living in Fleet?
I love lots of things about Fleet, but in particular the sense of community.
Is there anything you want to share with Fleet that perhaps we should know?
Neale Turk LLP has been providing legal advice in Fleet for over 50 years and over 98% of our clients rate our private client department as outstanding or good.
Your favourite place to eat / drink / go in Fleet?
I believe it is important to support local business, and we are fortunate to have so many great places to visit in Fleet, but a particular favourite is Gurkha Square.
What’s the best piece of advice you have ever been given?
Not given directly to me but I like this quote from Mother Teresa – “Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love”.
