Charlotte joined Prosperity Law in December 2022 as the Head of Private Client in our Manchester Office. Having joined Prosperity Law from a large northern firm where she held the position of Principal Lawyer and Head of Trusts & Estates, Charlotte brings copious amounts of expertise with her. We spoke to her about her career so far, why she chose Private Client, and what it’s like working for Prosperity Law.
You’ve an impressive resume as a Private Client Solicitor. Tell us a little bit about your career so far.
I had an interesting start to professional life, in that I started my legal career in criminal defence. During my traineeship I took a seat in Private Client, and I was resolved to work in that field moving forward. When I qualified, I worked in a hybrid position initially, before joining Linder Mayers where I worked my way up to Head of Trusts and Estates.
At the beginning of my specialising in Private Client, I was fortunate enough to work with the head of department who, as a very busy person, threw me in at the deep end. It was hard work – but I learned so much across a range of private client matters, some of which were quite complex for a new solicitor! I might not have been entirely grateful at the time, but I certainly am now. It was a fab opportunity to learn.
So, what is it you like about Private Client? And what’s special about your department at Prosperity Law?
Private Client is a field of law where you get to work closely with people; build long-term relationships because you’re ultimately aiming to advise your client at various points of life, and their families too. You learn about your client’s circumstances, their lives, sometimes you give counsel, and sometimes you have to deliver frank truths. Ultimately, you’re trusted to help them protect what’s dear to them. I love having good relationships with people, so it’s a discipline I’m well suited to!
When it comes to Prosperity, it’s definitely different to other firms I’ve worked at. I think we’re all so client-focused, we make our clients feel comfortable, we explain things clearly and simply – it’s all about providing the best service we can. I’d say that, whilst we’re still a firm who has to make money, our focus is on service, not on billables. And if you’re a client that really does make all the difference in the world.
I also have to note that from a wellbeing perspective it’s a far more relaxed environment than a lot of firms. We’re focused, we deliver, but we make sure we’re happy while we do it. That’s quite unusual in our profession – and it’s testament to Prosperity that there’s such a lovely working culture.
Are there any upcoming changes to legislation that clients should take note of or that you’ll be advising clients of in the near future?
Well legislation can often feel like it’s ever-changing – when you work in such a diverse field, like private client, you’ll quite frequently find updates and changes that will be relevant to one client or another. And they’re probably too numerous or nuanced to discuss here!
What I will say is that this is the very reason people should settle their affairs early in life, put a plan in place, and appoint a solicitor they can trust and grow with throughout their lifetime. The earlier you can plan, the better we can protect your estate and guide you through any changes that come. A large proportion of my clients have worked with me for the majority of my career – what we do isn’t as transactional as other fields of law. I’d love to see people start planning as early as their 20s; not because it’s good for us, but because it’ll likely benefit them more in the long run!
If you have a private matter you’d like to discuss or seek advice on, please contact Charlotte at charlottek@prosperitylaw.com or call 0161 464 7595
