England - South East • Private client
DMH Stallard LLP
The ‘professional, experienced and efficient’ personal tax, trusts, and probate team at DMH Stallard LLP has recently been bolstered by its merger with private client firm Griffith Smith LLP. Split into the estate planning, trust administration services and estate administration teams, the department is headed up by ’capable and experienced solicitor’ Lorna Fairbairn, who divides her time between London and Brighton. Nadia Cowdrey, who heads up the Sussex team, is cross affiliated with the firm’s contentious trusts and probate team, handling wills, trusts and inheritance planning. Leading the Surrey private client team is Michael Derrick, who specialises in the administration of estates and intestate estates, and is contacted for advice on Court of Protection issues and lasting powers of attorney. Other notable arrivals following the merger include Simon Rozzier in Horsham and Emma Weir in Hassocks.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Our legal experience with the private client team at DMH Stallard LLP involved assistance and advice in reviewing old wills and LPAs and the preparation of new ones. The main strengths of DMH Stallard are their approachability and friendliness, the firm's clarity in setting out the engagement and summary of what is involved plus timeline, the effective preparation of new (and revisions to old) legal documents in very clear, modern and succinct English and the effective and timely preparation and completion of new Wills and LPAs. Communication throughout the engagement was excellent.’
‘The team are professional, experienced, and efficient. They are fully up to date with the latest thinking and practice and are friendly and supportive of the client. Lorna Fairbairn stands out as a very professional, capable and experienced solicitor. She is friendly and forward-looking.’
‘Fantastic team who all are extremely knowledgeable in their respective areas. The quality of advice that they have offered to my clients has been exceptional but equally their people skills are very good. They can advise both other professionals but also those who are not as familiar with legal matters.’
‘Sarah Higgs has also offered exceptional advice to my clients, and she has also advised my family on our wills. I chose Sarah as she explained the will writing process in a clear and effective manner to my wife who had been reluctant to engage in talking about such matters, but Sarah reassured her. Sarah is very knowledgeable but communicates in a clear and concise manner.’
‘My primary contact is Sarah Higgs who is always available to speak with our mutual clients across a number of offices. Sarah is very engaging and doesn't simply act under instruction. She probes clients and makes them consider their options, discounting scenarios until the best fit is found. Often clients have complex needs and Sarah has proven to be empathetic and considerate in her dealings with them. From a personal perspective, I appreciate Sarah's time management and regular and accurate correspondence, updating me so that I don't have to chase Sarah.’
‘The team are very responsive and communicate well with clients. Lorna Fairbairn is particularly helpful.'
'I have used this practice on three occasions now and each time I have been treated with the utmost respect. They have helped me twice with obtaining probate and each time everything was explained fully & clearly including what was needed and all charges were clearly laid out. I always felt that nothing was too much trouble and if I did not understand anything I was always given the time I needed for things to be made clear.'
'Michael Derrick was my main contact each time. He was always so kind and understanding. I think this is a very important value and he would always listen and I felt I had his full attention at all times. He took time to explain things and I felt I could ask him anything.'
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Lorna Fairbairn, Nadia Cowdrey, Michael Derrick