About

Provided by Birketts LLP

We are recognised as one of the leading regional firms in advising private clients on a broad range of issues relating to estates and private property, tax planning and family matters.

Our clients call us when they need our help with something of importance or significance. They expect to receive practical, reliable and experienced advice which is consistent in its quality and is delivered at a price that is fair. They trust us to work with them towards achieving the solution that is right for them.  That trust is earned over time and it is the standard on which our reputation is based.

Unlike other law firms we also have a very experienced legal team who specialise in the legal affairs of individuals and families from the Agricultural and Equine sectors.

Our Wills and Succession Planning Team is renowned for its technical expertise in the area of Wills and succession planning for families. 

Our team gives specialist tax and succession planning advice to individuals, families, business people and landowners. We are able to assist with a wide range of clients' circumstances including straightforward or complex family relationships, small or complex estates involving privately owned businesses, and large property portfolios. We help clients structure their wealth planning so as to protect their heirs against divorce or creditor claims and to achieve tax efficiency.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers
Private Wealth Law - Ipswich and surrounds
1
Band 1
What the Team is Known For

Birketts remains a leading source of high-quality private client services in East Anglia. The firm provides market-leading contentious and non-contentious advice, including on tax and estate planning and inheritance and trusts litigation.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers
Bernadette Baker
1
Bernadette Baker
1
Band 1

Bernadette Baker is head of Birketts' contentious trusts and probate practice, and regularly advises fiduciaries and private clients on trusts litigation, will challenges and Inheritance Act 1975 claims.

"Bernadette is very good. She is technical and commercial."

"Bernadette is very experienced, competent and knowledgeable as a lawyer."

Lorna Spear
1
Lorna Spear
1
Band 1

Lorna Spear handles tax and succession planning, trusts and estate administration matters for wealthy clients.

"Lorna Spear is responsive, knowledgeable and customer-friendly."

Susan Young
1
Susan Young
1
Band 1

Susan Young is experienced in trust matters and estate planning.

"Susan Young is outstanding and has developed into the full package. She is the best in the region in my opinion."

"Susan combines excellent technical knowledge with great interpersonal savvy as well as a wider commercial approach which makes her stand out as one of the best private client lawyers in the region."

"Her knowledge on trusts is superb and she provides her advice in a timely and concise manner. Her level of communication is first-class."

Caroline Stenner
2
Caroline Stenner
2
Band 2

Caroline Stenner leads the firm's private client team in Cambridge and brings a vast amount of experience to succession planning matters.

2
Hayley Pettitt
2
Band 2

Hayley Pettitt leads Birketts' private client team in Norwich and brings a vast amount of experience to will structures, estate administration and succession planning matters.

"Hayley is very good. She is knowledgeable, and has a good reputation and a good client manner."

"My clients love Hayley Pettitt. She is responsive, approachable, extremely professional and just a breath of fresh air. She is very technical and can explain things in simple terms."

Louise Long
2
Louise Long
2
Band 2

Louise Long is the firm's head of private client advisory in Ipswich. She is respected by interviewees for her tax and administration expertise.

"Louise Long is first-rate in her area of Will preparation and related estate planning."

U
Kate Harris
U
Up and Coming

Katie Harris is a partner in Birketts' Cambridge office. Harris has extensive expertise in advising wealthy clients on succession planning, trusts and estate administration matters.

"Katie Harris has shown dedication and expertise in her knowledge. She always responds very quickly. She listens and is empathetic to my situation."

"Without Kate's support and expertise I don't think we would be as far forward with our case as we now are."

"We have been very happy with the service provided by Kate Harris. She is very approachable, knowledgeable and supportive."

Alex Hunt
Alex Hunt
Associates to watch

Alex Hunt advises on domestic and international tax and estate planning matters.

"Alex is great. He is technical, thorough and a rising star in this sector."

"Alex Hunt is very good - technically very strong, commercial and very good with clients."

Ranked Individuals at
Birketts LLP

Provided by Chambers
Filter by
Band

Cambridge and surrounds

Private Wealth Law

Caroline Stenner
2
Caroline Stenner
2
Band 2
Alex Hunt
Alex Hunt
Associates to watch

East Anglia

Private Wealth Disputes

Bernadette Baker
1
Bernadette Baker
1
Band 1
U
Kate Harris
U
Up and Coming

Essex

Private Wealth Law

Susan Young
1
Susan Young
1
Band 1

Ipswich and surrounds

Private Wealth Law

Louise Long
2
Louise Long
2
Band 2

Norwich and surrounds

Private Wealth Law

Lorna Spear
1
Lorna Spear
1
Band 1
2
Hayley Pettitt
2
Band 2