Gary Shaw has 20 years’ experience specialising in revenue and portfolio growth within the legal and financial services professions, specifically in private client. He is the managing director of probate property specialists Property Solutions Group, responsible for growth of the business.
What was your career path to your current role?
My career began at a international bank, where I spent 15 years progressing through a range of roles before specialising in corporate lending. I then joined the UK’s first dedicated probate lender, where I was tasked with growing the lending book across London and the Southeast.
During this time, Property Solutions Group was one of my clients, and I worked closely with the team supporting their probate lending requirements through a white-labelled product. Having developed a strong working relationship, I joined the company as commercial director when the business brought the lending facility in-house and we founded the Estate Funding Facility (EFF).
Six months later, I was invited to join the board and was appointed managing director, where I now oversee the continued growth and front, customer facing end of the business.
Did you have any other career ambitions?
I have always been ambitious and motivated to progress in my career, with a strong desire to work in roles that are both commercially driven and client-facing. Being a people person has always been central to how I work, and I’ve consistently been drawn to positions that allow me to build relationships, understand client needs, and deliver practical solutions.
Throughout my career, I have been driven by the opportunity to create value, grow businesses and support clients through complex situations. Maintaining a client-facing role has always been important to me, as I enjoy the interaction, problem-solving, and trust that comes from working closely with clients and professional partners.
What keeps you motivated in your work?
The opportunity to support clients during what is often a very difficult and sensitive time. Dealing with property matters within estates can be complex and emotionally challenging, and being able to provide clarity, practical solutions, and reassurance is incredibly rewarding.
I am also motivated by working closely with professionals across the legal industry, helping them navigate property-related challenges efficiently and with confidence. Delivering an unparalleled level of service is a key driver for me, ensuring matters progress smoothly, reducing pressure on executors and advisers, and ultimately achieving the best possible outcomes for all parties involved.
What has been the best development in wills and probate in the last 20 years?
One of the best developments in wills and probate over the last 20 years has been the increased professionalisation and collaboration across the sector, particularly between legal advisers, financial specialists and property professionals.
This has led to a more holistic approach to estate administration, where complex matters such as property management, funding, and asset realisation can be handled in a coordinated and efficient way. As estates have become more complex, the introduction of specialist services and structured processes has helped reduce delays, improve transparency, and ultimately deliver better outcomes for executors and beneficiaries.
This evolution has also driven higher service standards across the industry, with a greater focus on communication, responsiveness, and supporting clients through what can often be a challenging and emotional process.
And the worst?
The delays that can occur throughout the probate process. Even with specialist services available, estates can still take months or even years to administer due to complex legal requirements, documentation issues, or backlogs in the system. These delays can be stressful for executors, beneficiaries, and professional advisers alike, highlighting the importance of clear guidance, proactive management, and coordinated support to help estates progress as efficiently and smoothly as possible.
If you could bring in one new piece of legislation for the sector, what would it be and why?
The requirement for all estates to have a pre-appointment of professional advisers, such as probate specialists, financial advisers and property managers, before a grant of probate is issued.
This would ensure that executors have immediate access to expert guidance, reduce delays caused by sourcing advisers at a stressful time, and provide a clear framework for managing estates efficiently from the outset. It would also help protect beneficiaries and ensure that estates are administered consistently, fairly and with minimal friction.
What piece of legislation would you take off the statute books and why?
The outdated restrictions on selling estate property before probate is granted. These rules often cause significant delays and financial pressure for executors, particularly when properties need to be maintained or taxes paid. Modernising these restrictions would allow estates to manage and sell property more efficiently, reduce unnecessary costs, and provide much-needed flexibility during what is often a challenging and time-sensitive process.
What’s the best piece of advice anyone ever gave you regarding your career?
The best piece of advice I ever received was to always stay client-focused and never lose sight of the people behind the work. Early in my career, a mentor told me that technical skills and commercial knowledge are important, but building strong relationships, understanding client needs, and being approachable are what truly set you apart. That guidance has shaped how I approach every role, ensuring that I remain hands-on, solutions-driven, and focused on delivering real value to clients and professional partners alike.
What advice would you like to give to someone just starting out?
Be curious, proactive and people focused. Take the time to learn from every experience, ask questions, and observe how experienced professionals handle complex situations.
Building strong relationships and understanding client needs is just as important as developing technical expertise. Stay adaptable, embrace opportunities to broaden your skills, and always strive to deliver practical solutions.
Your reputation will grow through the value and trust you bring to others.
Tell us something people may be surprised to know about you…
I taught myself how to juggle, and I’ve even convinced my kids (and their friends ) that I went to clown school!
It’s become a fun little party trick and a way to bring some light-heartedness into everyday life, showing that learning new skills and having a sense of humour can go hand in hand with a busy professional career.
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