Blake Morgan announces new Head of Succession and Tax in Thames Valley

Susannah joins Blake Morgan from Slade Legal, where she headed up their Private Client team and specialised in probate, wills, trusts, asset protection, Lasting Power of Attorney and Court of Protection cases for individuals and their families.

She will join the firm’s Oxford office at Seacourt Tower where she will continue to drive forward the growth of the Succession and Tax team and provide management support to the Private Client Business Group.

Her appointment follows the firm’s recent success in the legal directories, including 12 individuals being ranked from its Private Client teams in Legal 500 and receiving praise in the Chambers directory and in its High Net Worth Guide, published earlier this year. She joins the Thames Valley team as it celebrates its Tier 1 ranking in the Legal 500 – the highest accolade available. The Succession and Tax teams across the firm’s offices in London, Cardiff, on the south coast and in Oxford have also maintained its status as one of eprivateclient top UK private client law firms.

In addition to dealing with traditional private client matters, Susannah brings with her experience of matters with a contentious element, something that will allow her to work alongside the firm’s specialist litigators in Oxford, whose expertise includes handling Will, probate and trust disputes on behalf of private individuals, trusts, trust corporations and charities.

Commenting on her appointment, Susannah said: “This is a great opportunity to join and lead Blake Morgan’s Succession and Tax team in the Thames Valley, which has a great reputation for the quality of the work it does and for its client centric approach. What makes Blake Morgan different is that it understands that its clients’ lives are more diverse and complex than ever before, so planning their finances and protecting their families’ wealth is full of challenges. The firm offers a personalised service to help clients to navigate the twists and turns of modern life and to capitalise on opportunities to get the best possible outcome, now and in the future. I am looking forward to building on the success of the Succession and Tax team, which is a high-growth area for Blake Morgan.”

Head of Private Client, Helen Bunker, commented: “Susannah is a highly respected lawyer who shares Blake Morgan’s values and whose expertise and experience make her a great fit for our Succession and Tax team in the Thames Valley. She has strong links with other professionals, including accountants and financial advisors and charities in Oxfordshire, which compliment those of other lawyers in the team. We are pleased to welcome her to Blake Morgan at a time when we are investing heavily in our Private Client practice, driven by an increasing demand for specialist, bespoke services, with high levels of client care at their core.”

Blake Morgan’s Private Client teams act for high net-worth individuals, in particular entrepreneurs and business owners, and their families where they require advice on wealth protection, spanning estate planning and administration, on issues relating to a loss of mental capacity, or on sensitive family issues, including legal matters concerning relationships and children.

The team recently launched BM Life Stages – a series of three reports shining a light on the complexities of modern life. The reports cover a range of topics to ensure clients are aware of the opportunities they have available to support their families. To download a free copy of ‘Future Proofing your Legacy’ click here.