Suzanne qualified in 2007 and has worked in private practice since 2003. She specialises in elderly client matters, wills, probate, estate planning, trusts, lasting powers of attorney, and Court of Protection work, including deputyships and statutory wills. She is a member of Blackpool Council’s Panel of Solicitors for Court of Protection matters. Suzanne has worked in law across the UK, including the Channel Islands, since the age of 19. In 2024, she became head of private client at Blackhurst Budd. Outside of work, she enjoys athletics and is a member of Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre AC.
What was your career path to your current role?
I travelled in my late teens/early twenties and fell into law unintentionally when I worked in Jersey at Mourant du Feu and Jeune (the largest law firm on the island) as a secretary in company law. I was promoted up to the litigation department after a couple of months to work for two advocates as their assistant. I loved that role and all the drama litigation brings but I missed home. I returned to England to be closer to family and get married, and I began a role as a secretary at John Budd and Co. I was quickly promoted into the private client department, where I started my studies, eventually qualifying as a chartered legal executive. I had the opportunity to do my solicitor exams back then, but when I became pregnant with my twin girls decided it was more important to focus on my family. I did, however, do my Step exams when the children were older.
Did you have any other career ambitions?
For sure – my dream was to be a primary school teacher. On my travels I spent some time in Newton Mearns doing voluntary work at a private boys school, which I had really enjoyed. I also used to do a lot of writing and imagined writing a book at one point. However, time quickly passed and law seemed to be my destiny.
What keeps you motivated in your work?
I meet fantastic people. I had a couple thank me this week for advising them back in 2015 to not gift their house to their son. The son is currently going through a divorce. Sometimes you have clients who have stayed with you from the early days, and I love that. Also, the management of my team matters to me and ultimately my leadership is vital for its success.
What has been the best development in private client law in the last 20 years?
The Finance Act 2008, transferable nil rate band. Also, Inheritance Tax Act 1984 as amended by the Finance Act 2015 and 2016 regarding residence nil-rate band. Perhaps also the online probate process which has improved massively since implementation.
And the worst?
We are seeing a lot more in the way of family disputes and claims on estates. Also the trust reporting rules, which are no doubt a headache for many practitioners. Wills with right of residence, trusts that on the first death the trust needs to be registered within two years from the date of death… where is the logic in that? I would dearly appreciate the trust reporting rules being tidied up.
If you could bring in one new piece of legislation for the sector what would it be?
To have will writers in the UK properly regulated. Anyone without qualifications can offer this service; I have seen the aftermath of errors.
What is the best piece of advice anyone has ever given you?
To listen.
What advice would you give to someone just starting out?
Read relentlessly, test yourself, ask questions. Take notes for future reference. Get to the office early. Work hard. You will have good and difficult clients – remember the good clients and learn from the difficult clients.
Tell us something people may be surprised to know about you…
I am Cross Country Ladies Champion Masters Champion 2024 and also 2025 for Blackpool, Wyre & Fylde AC.
If you’d like to appear in a future Today’s Wills and Probate profile, email press@todayswillsandprobate.co.uk.
