Meet the team – Lyndzey Smissen

What first attracted you to a career in law?

At school I really enjoyed the challenge of finding a solution to a problem and understanding both sides of an argument. Whilst deciding what to study at university, Law seemed to be a decent fit. Wills and probate aren’t specific courses at university and, in all honesty, during my degree I found trust law quite dry. My telesales experience led me to my first legal job in a very different type of law firm, but I quickly found a passion for supporting people through bereavement and unpicking the parts of an estate or trust set up.

What type of legal advice do you provide and to what sorts of client?

I provide advice to individuals and families about their personal affairs and planning for the future. I can support people with the preparation of Lasting Powers of Attorney, wills and estate planning during their lifetime and also their family and nominated executors after death.

What is your most memorable legal experience and why?

I dealt with an estate for a retired nurse many years ago now, she didn’t have immediate family and left some cash gifts to her friends. Her friends had no idea she’d remembered them in the will and breaking the news that they would all be receiving a lump sum will always stay with me. She also left some beautiful photo albums of her career and I managed to donate those to the Royal College of Nursing on her behalf.

What is your top tip for clients?

Preparing a will and Lasting Powers of Attorney, and taking tax advice now is likely to save complications for your family and the people you care about in the future.