John-Paul joined Prosperity Law in March 2023 taking on the role of Head of Private Client Services in Prosperity Law’s Liverpool division. With an impressive array of previous experience, including Equity Partner at Kirwans, Principal Associate at Weightmans and CEO at boutique firm Astraea Linskills, John-Paul’s diverse skillset and client roster has established Prosperity’s successful and highly-regarded Private Client department. We spoke to him about his expertise, Private Client services, and what the future holds for Prosperity Law.
Good morning John-Paul, tell us a little bit about your previous legal experience and what brought you to Prosperity Law.
After working my way up to become Equity Partner at a large high-street practice, I joined a national corporate firm with the focus of growing their private client function. Then after some time as CEO at a specialist firm, I was approached to join Prosperity Law. From the initial conversations with Managing Partners, I knew the approach and aspirations of the business were well aligned with my own and I made the move.
My role at Prosperity involves the full spectrum of Private Client services, especially for family-business owners, High Net Worth individuals, and Ultra High Net Worth individuals. I also have the appropriate memberships and appointments to act as a an executor, trustee, attorney and professional deputy for Court of Protection matters.
You’ve been responsible for establishing the firm’s successful Private Client function, what is it about you and your team that sets you apart from other firms?
I think at the heart of it, we’re about conversations. Our discipline is focused around understanding; we’re looking to build long-term relationships and trust, as opposed to carry out a straight transaction. The way I have always worked is to really get to know a client and then advise from there. That’s why I think a number of my clients have followed me to Prosperity.
The way I see it, we’re not here to bamboozle our clients with complex advice. We deliver advice that’s clear and accessible, and we also seek the expertise of other departments within Prosperity, whenever it’s required. That’s something that all Prosperity’s clients benefit from – the diversity of skillset within our various teams. We all work collaboratively (which I think is quite unique to us) so you’re always going to get the very best advice – especially when you’re accessing services for Private Client, which can often involve other fields of law.
Is there anything coming up, in terms of legislative change, that will affect your clients? Or any words of wisdom you’d like to offer those looking to appoint a Private Client Solicitor?
I know there are currently consultations underway in relation to the Wills Act and some recent reform of Powers of Attorney. But such changes will be taken into account with the advice we’re giving to our clients.
However, something that I would like to see is better regulation when it comes to will writing. Not all companies offering will writing services have the appropriate expertise, or even qualifications, and when it comes to your estate and your livelihood, the best thing you can do is ensure you’ve appointed a quality advisor.
Whilst we have competitive pricing structures for our different types of client, our focus is on quality advice that’s tailored to each case. The advice you receive is going to affect your family and protect what you’ve built – so you should be confident in the expertise and qualifications of those providing you with that advice.
Beyond your legal career, you’re a Director at the Liverpool Law Society and Chair of the Board of Trustees at local Charity, Nugent. Tell us a bit more about the time you volunteer to both organisations.
Nugent is a charity that has been looking after the wellbeing of those who most need our support, for over 140 years. Most people in and around the Merseyside area will understand the vital work it does. The Board of Trustees is responsible for the overarching vision, governance and direction of the charity. And at a time when more people need our support, the work we’re doing in poverty alleviation has never been more important. I’ve worked with Nugent for over a decade now and I hope I’ll continue volunteering as a Trustee for many years to come.
The Liverpool Law Society is another important one, not just from a professional development perspective, but also in terms of shaping the legal profession for solicitors in the future. I chair a committee within the society, and we are directly consulted on a number of proposed changes by UK Government often speaking with MPs and local councillors.
It’s also an important organisation for young people starting out in their legal career. There are networking opportunities, social events, and peer-to-peer support is so important when you are first starting out. We are becoming increasingly involved at Prosperity, because it’s good for our teams, and for the business. Prosperity is a modern firm that’s putting its clients at the centre of everything it does. We’ve all got a similar outlook, work ethic, aspirations, and the future is looking incredibly bright.
If you’d like to discuss a matter or seek advice from the Private Client team at Prosperity Law, please contact John-Paul on jpd@prosperitylaw.com or call 0151 909 8657.
