Laura Banks

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.

Legal 500 - Laura Banks

Laura Banks has been excellent. Efficient and responsive with a friendly and approachable manner in a difficult situation.

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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 know where to turn to. Laura Banks’ professionalism and personable approach left her client feeling assured that they came to the right place. Grateful for Laura’s support, the client said: “We did not previously know or have any knowledge of Laura but were quickly impressed both by her technical and professional knowledge and competence, and equally by her easy and friendly but firm personal style in developing a professional relationship showing concern and understanding as well as probing, and thereby clarifying thinking and intentions on our part. “Laura covers a wide range of expertise and I imagine an equally wide range of client but in all our exchanges, by email, telephone and zoom, we always felt that we had her full attention and reflection on our situation and needs, which we valued and found extremely helpful. “I would commend her as an excellent example of a very capable and experienced professional lawyer for all matters in her profile and as a very personable human person, able to share, feel and understand and yet be objective and clear as to professional limits. We are grateful and wish her well both professionally and personally.”

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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 siblings and the possible sale of their deceased father’s house. The client expressed their gratitude for Laura’s service, adding: “Laura has been incredibly professional and has provided points for me to consider from a comprehensive range of legal angles.” “On a personal note she has been kind, understanding, responsive and approachable during an emotionally gruelling time. I thoroughly recommend Laura and the HCR team.”

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Flexible will provides for all eventualities after advice from Private Client Partner

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My Awards

The Legal 500

Chambers and Partners

Legal 500 - Recommended Lawyer 2024

STEP

Top Tips & FAQs

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Frequently Asked Questions

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.