HCR Law Expands Private Client Team with Senior Appointments to Meet Growing Demand

Client demand for specialist legal experts who can advise individuals on wealth protection has led to the considerable growth of HCR Law’s Private Client team.

The team has welcomed three new Partners in the last month alone. Claire Pottinger and Terry Cooper have joined the Worcester and Birmingham offices respectively, while Richard Adams has joined the specialist Disputed Wills, Trusts and Estates team in HCR’s Welsh office in Cardiff.

Ranked Band 1 in the Chambers and Partners High Net Worth Guide, Claire’s 25 years’ experience has led her to dealing with all aspects of private client work. This includes everything from inheritance tax and capital gains tax mitigation to providing advice on and drafting wills for business owners looking to pass on their wealth in a tax-efficient way.

With over 30 years of experience in private client law, Terry advises business leaders and individuals on tax and trust planning. He regularly assists with wills, trust creation, lifetime gift planning, and minimising tax liabilities. Richard’s background in the contentious elements of private client law and extensive experience in handling contentious disputes has shaped his client-centred and practical approach to legal challenges faced by his clients. His specialist practice in the firm’s Welsh office in Cardiff extends HCR’s offering in Wales.

The Hereford office has welcomed a new Head of Private Client, with Emily Sadler joining HCR earlier this year as Legal Director. Emily will lead the firm’s Private Client services across Hereford. Additionally, Katie Maxwell-Stewart has joined as a Legal Director and will be based in HCR’s Birmingham office. With over 15 years of experience as a specialist litigation solicitor, Katie has joined the Disputed Wills, Trusts, and Estates team, further enhancing the specialist services available to clients.

This growth follows Partner Beth King-Smith taking over the role of Head of Private Client in Worcester earlier this year. With a wide range of expertise, clients across the Midlands and Wales will benefit from the combined decades of knowledge from such a varied team.

Following the recent appointments, Beth said: “This growth highlights the demand for easily accessible private client expertise across multiple locations. I’m delighted that we’ve welcomed so many talented lawyers to the HCR Private Client team.

“Our client-centric approach is driving this increased demand, as clients seek to pass on their assets to loved ones in the most straightforward and stress-free manner possible. HCR’s Private Client team is perfectly positioned to deliver that.”