As the co-founder and co-managing director of PLG, Darren Leggett has helped to establish the firm’s position within the legal sector as a leading property service provider responsible for assisting with matters relating to probate, trust, and court of protection. He also writes thought leadership articles for The Law Society and has created successful collaborations with legal sector experts including Gill Steel and Martin P Holdsworth, with whom he collaborated to stage the Synergy CPD Conference. Darren also helps to advise The Association of Lifetime Lawyers in property matters and is a founding member of the organisation’s service provider panel.
What was your career path to your current role?
I have always been interested in property, from medieval architecture through to learning how to read plans for new build and renovations. Back in the 90’s I started my journey as an estate agent, a role that taught me a lot and opened doors for me to acquire much greater knowledge, specifically in agricultural and equestrian matters.
In the 2000’s I worked exclusively with house builders, which gave me a better understanding on how to value plots and land – something that I still enjoying to this day.
It was in 2013 when I had my eureka moment and pitched an idea to my then boss about servicing private client professionals for matters related to probate. I established ES (Executor Solutions) in 2014.
In 2019 Helen and I broke away and established PLG – as we wanted to provide a more service driven culture that focuses on the needs of the client.
Did you have any other career ambitions?
I have recently been invited to apply for a position at The House of Lords as a back bencher (nope, this is not a joke!). What I have been told is that given my expertise and knowledge in property and probate related service provision, I would make good counsel. I have always been interested in politics but never even considered such a position as a back bencher. Maybe this is something to consider when I am a littler further along in my career; I still have a lot to do at PLG before I can divert my attention elsewhere.
What keeps you motivated in your work?
The same thing that inspired me to pioneer the very services that PLG offers to this day: making a positive change to the private client sector, for beneficiaries, families of people who are going into supported living, and for the solicitors too.
There is too much risk now, and far too many unethical practices that occur which expose all parties. My vision is to eradicate this way of working by providing a solution which mitigates risk whilst guaranteeing fair and transparent fees.
It is a real passion of mine, and something that I will achieve, even if it takes me till the day I retire!
If you could bring in one new piece of legislation for the sector, what would it be and why?
Without question I would want to see associated service providers to the legal sector be bound to the same SRA Guidelines the solicitors are.
Until this happens there is a gap, and it is a gap that can cost an estate money, and the solicitor their reputation, money, and on occurrences – their licence to practice.
This is exactly what we are trying to change, and it is why we have introduced Unregulated Compliance as a way of helping to give all parties peace of mind that at least the property part of the process will be managed without concern.
What piece of legislation would you take off the statute books and why?
I would get rid inheritance tax in a heartbeat.
I find it abysmal that the government taxes money that has already been taxed – multiple times!
In 2026 people are relying on their inheritance more than ever, what with the cost of living being at an all-time record high. So rather than taxing hard working people who just need a bit of support I would like to see IHT completely wiped.
As a side note, but just as important, the fact you cannot even obtain the GOP without paying the IHT can leave the executor in a terrible place, both financially and emotionally; certainly not what is needed at such a difficult time as when you have lost someone.
What’s the best piece of advice you’d like to give to someone just starting out?
Where to start!
There is so much that I could give as an answer to this question, but I will do my best to stick with one.
Simply, look after yourself.
You are no good to your business if you let yourself get burnt out, so take your personal days. Go on that trip that you have been planning. Spend time with the people who matter whilst you have them in your life. Just do what you can to take some joy from every single day, because running a business is not easy, and it is not exactly glamorous! But it can be fully rewarding if you get the balance right.
