Awarded top-level ranking for legal advice to private individuals across the Midlands, nationally and internationally, law firm Harrison Clark Rickerbys has been singled out by its clients and peers as forward-thinking, technically accomplished and approachable.
The ranking for the firm’s private client team in Chambers and Partners’ High Net Worth Guide describes the firm as a “well-known and strong presence in Worcester,” according to market insiders, who add: “They are a very professional and forward-thinking firm with a good name in the area.” The team assists with estate administration, trusts, wills and business succession planning. The firm also has recognised litigation capabilities, advising on wealth and trust disputes.
“They are certainly approachable in a warm and friendly manner,” one interviewee said, adding: “The technical depth across their teams is the best we’ve come across.”
Dawn Oliver, the only ranked lawyer for Worcestershire and Herefordshire for expertise in private wealth law, leads the team, helping clients with estate and tax planning matters. “She’s quite the brilliant mind,” said one interviewee, “she thinks the things you wouldn’t. She’s built up a wide portfolio of great clients and when it comes to estate planning, she’s just a wealth of knowledge.”
Beth King-Smith, who is one of only three top-ranked lawyers across the entire Midlands region for her work in private wealth disputes, leads the firm’s disputed wills, trust and estates team, acting for largely landed or agricultural clients in the Worcester and Birmingham area.
“She’s a force of nature,” said a local lawyer, “she has a magnetic ability in terms of the level in terms of the quality of client work she produces. It’s counterbalanced with a real understanding of clients and an ability to develop rapport. I’d say she’s a tenacious litigator but manages to balance the technical competence together with the sensitivity to clients.”
Dawn said: “This is great recognition of the team’s work and reflects their dedication to clients’ needs. I am delighted that we have been acknowledged in this way.”
