Profile

Florence is a private client solicitor who was admitted in 2003 and joined AMD in 2010.  She is also a full member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP) and currently serves as Vice Chair on the committee of the Bristol Branch.

Florence is the Head of the Private Client department.

Florence specialises in complex Estates and Tax Planning, advising clients on the creation of Trusts as well as advising trustees as to their duties and responsibilities in running a trust.  She has particular interest in advising owner managed business clients and families with vulnerable or disabled children (or grandchildren) in finding the right structure for supporting that child in the future. Her work includes Will and Trust drafting, Inheritance Tax Planning, the Administration of Trusts and Estates and Powers of Attorney both lasting and general.

Meet your private client solicitor

Q: How did you come to specialise in your area of law?

At law school I was fascinated by the law of equity and trusts and was drawn to specialise in private client work as it gave me a great sense of purpose.

Q: What misconceptions do people have about your area of law?

Many people think what I do is rather morbid – discussing death and taxes and dealing with peoples affairs after they have died.  I have to say it is anything but this.  Being able to give peace of mind to someone who is dying that they have their Will in order, or to parents that they have put in place provision for their young or disabled children, is extremely rewarding as is supporting people who have just lost their husband, wife, parent or child.  

Q: What changes have you seen in your area of law?

We have had huge and frequent changes to taxation since 2006 and I really value the STEP events which help me keep up to date with what is now a fast evolving area of law.

Q: What part of the work do you particularly enjoy?

I love the huge variety of technical and practical challenges that different matters present.  I get a real buzz in finding a pragmatic solution that meets my client’s objectives.  

Q: If you weren’t working in law, what would you do?

Gardening – but I am not very good at it yet!

A recent client has said the following about Florence:

“Very many thanks to Florence. She made it very easy and explained everything so clearly. Very grateful!”