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A bit about me

Understanding all the technicalities of the law around wills, probate, trusts and wealth management is vital for my work, but an ability to translate that knowledge into practical, tailored and easy to understand advice is almost more important.

I advise business owners, high net worth individuals, trustees and beneficiaries of trusts, as well as the families of those who have died, helping them to understand and negotiate the processes involved. When clients are making their wills, I challenge them to ensure that they make sound provisions which will withstand any future challenge – far better that I should ask the questions than a court ask them later.

Professional standards and expertise are important to me, so I was delighted to be re-elected to the STEP Worldwide Council in 2021, as well as playing my part in the organisation regionally and locally.

Outside work, I love travelling and the creative and performing arts, as well as spending time with my family and friends.

Laura is ranked individually in Chambers and Partners’ High Net Worth directory 2022 – the directory says that she is “ ‘concise, calm and superb at offering solutions and advice’ with expertise in trusts, wealth management for private clients and Wills. Another client added that she ‘is an extremely knowledgeable and efficient lawyer. She is very professional, delightful and caring. I have total confidence in her ability and would recommend her without reservation.’”

The Legal 500 directory 2022 noted that clients describe her as having a ‘terrific attention to detail’ and ‘a deep understanding of our family issues’ with another client stating that ‘Laura led the team brilliantly. She is particularly dedicated and showed terrific tenacity and above all integrity in all our dealings. She really wanted to fully understand all the issues so she could make the correct decisions when producing complicated family document.’

I am a full member of STEP.

Want to know more?

Work out your priorities

Explain everything to me

Listen to advice

How can I mitigate inheritance tax?

Sometimes you can’t, but I’ll work with you to understand your circumstances, listen to your priorities and then tell you the tax consequences of the various options.

Is my will safe from challenge?

No and yes. You can never prevent nuisance claims but I will challenge you about your wishes and provide guidance on how to make the will provisions defendable, plus prevent it being challenged for lack of capacity, knowledge or signing formalities.

How can I look after my children while protecting the money they will inherit?

Trusts may well be the solution, provided the tax costs are understood and accepted.

How can I protect my children’s inheritance if they divorce?

By the careful use of trusts.

Where I work

Endorsements & Awards

Hear what our clients say about our Partner Laura Banks

Expertise and personable approach for complex wills and LPAs

When faced with issues involving Lasting Powers of Attorney and complex wills, it can be difficult to...

Read full testimonial

Complex trust issue handled with kindness and clarity

Laura Banks provided clear guidance for her client regarding a complex trust issue involving the client’s s...

Read full testimonial

Read my
latest articles

Charitable gifts in wills: your questions answered

Q. What can I leave to charity in my will? A. You can gift: •…

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Do you trust your house to someone else?

It’s understandable that we want to look after our children and make sure we leave…

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Watch now: What happens to your business if you die?

When it comes to your business and planning for the future, there are many questions…

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Emergency planning for your business

No one wants to think about dying, but have you thought about what would happen…

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If I die without a will, who gets my money?

Having a properly thought-out will means that you can say who gets what. Most people…

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Blended families and inheritance – what is the best way to leave my money?

Happily, in many ways, second marriages are more commonplace now than even 20 years ago.…

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Writing your will in lockdown: top tips to avoid disputes

The number of people looking to write a will has risen sharply in the last…

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Disputed wills and Covid-19

A person may decide to make a will for a number of reasons, including for…

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Day in the life of Laura Banks, partner in our wills, trusts and estates team

Items in the diary Like many people, I like to start my day by running…

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