Meet the team… Lynda Richards

What first attracted you to a career in law?

Some people say they always knew they wanted to be a lawyer. That certainly wasn’t the case for me, although I always loved problem-solving.

My first career choice was sport. I was always an avid tennis player and enjoyed competing and coaching, both of which I did full-time for a period. However, injuries made me change direction so I chose to study law at Bristol University.  I loved learning the technical side of the law and enjoyed studying the varied areas that come with a law degree.

I have always loved reading, so spending my time researching issues, weighing up legal arguments and writing a technical analysis of the issues was something I enjoyed.

What type of legal advice do you provide? And to what sorts of clients?

I work in private client law, helping individuals with matters relating to tax and succession planning. I work closely with families and help them to get their succession plans in place in the most tax-efficient way. Most of my clients are landowners, business owners and high net worth individuals who can have more complex affairs to deal with. Many of my clients also have assets in foreign jurisdictions which need to be factored into any planning.

I also act for charities and trustees. Clients often set up trusts for asset protection reasons or as part of their tax planning strategy. I help to guide trustees through the various complexities that relate to trusts, either as an adviser to the Trustees or by being on the board of trustees.

I also set up and help administer charities.  Families often set up charitable foundations so they retain an element of control over their charitable gifting. It’s a nice way of creating a multi-generational vehicle for giving, and they often involve younger family members to share values and vision. It’s a very rewarding area to work in.

What is your most memorable legal experience? And why?

My most memorable experiences are those involving families who I have worked with over many years. I act for grandparents, parents and children as wealth passes down through the generations, with each generation facing very different issues.  As a private client adviser, I am privileged to get to know a family’s history, values, dynamics and goals, and it’s very rewarding working with families in such a close-knit way.

What is your number one top tip for clients?

Be honest.

Sometimes people are reluctant to reveal family issues, but the chances are, I’ve heard it before. I think this job can be akin to a family therapist sometimes, but as long as I am provided with all the relevant information, I can make sure to limit the effect of any unexpected surprises down the line.