New Hires Across North And South Strengthens Private Wealth Expertise

Three new solicitors have joined leading national law firm Irwin Mitchell’s national Tax, Trusts and Estates team.

Simon Mackie joins Irwin Mitchell’s Chichester office as a senior associate from Cazenove Capital, where he was a wealth planning director. Prior to several years of experience at Lloyds Bank, Simon qualified as a solicitor in 2004. He is an expert in handling complex and high-value tax and wealth structuring needs for domestic and international clients, and is qualified with the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP).

Simon’s arrival in the Chichester office further strengthens the Tax, Trusts and Estates team’s presence in the South Coast as one of the largest teams in the region.

Meanwhile Helen Webster joins the Leeds Tax, Trusts and Estates team at Irwin Mitchell as a solicitor from Ridley and Hall. Bringing 15 years of experience to the team, Helen is an expert in protecting people’s assets through wills, powers of attorney or trusts. Helen is also a specialist in later life matters, including assisting elderly and vulnerable clients with their affairs and helping families navigate the complexities of long-term care.

As a testament to her expertise, Helen is a member of Solicitors for the Elderly and STEP. She also belongs to the Law Society’s Private Client section.

In the Manchester Tax, Trusts and Estates team, Fiona Bushell joins as a solicitor from Pannone Corporate. Fiona qualified in 2019 and has experience in handling wills, trusts and estate planning matters for high-net-worth individuals and families, with a focus on business owners.

Helen and Fiona’s arrival brings the combined strength of the Northern teams to 13, headed by partner and chair of STEP Yorkshire Andrea Jones. The Manchester team was established in May 2020 with the arrival of senior associate Berin Jones and associate Liz Byrne.

Expert Opinion

“I’m excited to have Simon, Helen and Fiona on board to support our fast-growing national practice. Our Chichester and Leeds teams continue to go from strength to strength while our Manchester team, having only been established last year, is already growing again.

“After a difficult year of lockdowns and the pressures those held Simon, Helen and Fiona will both benefit from Irwin Mitchell’s newly revamped flexible working policy that allows colleagues to work in a way that suits their needs.

“We’re all really looking forward to Simon, Helen and Fiona’s arrival, whose expertise is vital for our plans to expand further in the North and South Coast as well as do the best job we can for our clients.” Paula Myers - Partner

The national Tax, Trusts and Estates team won Private Client Legal Team of the Year at the recent 2020 STEP Private Client Awards.