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Laura Banks

Partner


Why choose 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 2024 – the directory says that “Laura is a well established and experienced lawyer who combines that unique skill of dealing with the clients concerns in easy to understand terms, whilst still providing the strongest legal advice. She has a great bedside manner and is always willing to help.”

Laura has also been ranked in The Legal 500 directory 2024 – with clients saying “Laura Banks is the consummate private client solicitor. Charming, reassuring and creative, but her service is underpinned with exceptional technical expertise”.

I am a full member of STEP.

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 2024 – the directory says that “Laura is a well established and experienced lawyer who combines that unique skill of dealing with the clients concerns in easy to understand terms, whilst still providing the strongest legal advice. She has a great bedside manner and is always willing to help.”

Laura has also been ranked in The Legal 500 directory 2024 – with clients saying “Laura Banks is the consummate private client solicitor. Charming, reassuring and creative, but her service is underpinned with exceptional technical expertise”.

I am a full member of STEP.

Questions my clients ask me

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.

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.

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

By the careful use of trusts.

Read what my clients say about me

Laura Banks has a very high level of technical knowledge and is able to deal with sophisticated and difficult cases in a very efficient way, but always with client needs at the forefront of her work.

Client Testimonial The Chambers and Partners High Net Worth Guide 2024

Laura Banks is a well established and experienced lawyer who combines that unique skill of dealing with the clients concerns in easy to understand terms, whilst still providing the strongest legal advice. She has a great bedside manner and is always willing to help.

Client Testimonial The Chambers and Partners High Net Worth Guide 2024

Laura’s service and support is excellent. She has empathy, and her professional judgement in identifying the most appropriate choices was very apparent.

Client Testimonial Chambers and Partners High Net Worth Guide 2024

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

Legal 500 – Laura Banks

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.”

Complex trust issue handled with kindness and clarity

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