Sarah is Of Counsel in Mishcon Private's Tax & Wealth Planning team.
A seasoned private client practitioner with over 35 years of dedicated experience in the field of Wills, Trusts and Estates, Sarah is renowned for her compassionate approach and meticulous attention to detail. Sarah has established herself as an expert in her field.
Sarah has spent her career specialising in all aspects of probate, estate administration, Wills, and estate planning, both during lifetime and post-death.
She advises UK and international trustees and executors upon their duties and responsibilities and beneficiaries upon their entitlement under trusts or Wills.
Her expertise encompasses the administration of complex estates, including those with cross-border elements and of high-net-worth individuals. She is adept at navigating the intricacies of inheritance tax planning and trusts as well as the interaction of disparate succession regimes and inheritance taxes across multiple jurisdictions. Sarah regularly assists executors of US persons to obtain the required grant of probate to allow UK based assets to be administered.
Colleagues and clients alike value Sarah's detailed technical knowledge and her experience in dealing with the most unusual cases. Sarah's clients consistently praise her for her empathetic approach, especially during times of bereavement. Clients have commented that she delivers excellent client service. One has said that what she does is not “sexy” or “trendy” but that clients recognise her qualities and trust her.
Named as "One to Watch" in Legal Week's Private Client Global Elite in 2019 and 2020/2021 and shortlisted for Cross-Border Estates – Solicitor of the Year – UK, in Lawyer Monthly Private Client Awards 2018.
She is a full member of STEP, the world's leading organisation for private wealth professionals, and The Law Society's Private Client Section. In 2013 Sarah attained the STEP Advanced Certificate in UK Tax for International Clients.
Sarah has presented at various client focussed conferences and to the Insurance Institute of London (Chartered Insurance Institute) on Intergenerational Financial Planning.
Sarah also practices independently as a notary public and as a certifying acceptance agent for the IRS.
Key Experience
- Helped the family of a business client obtain an emergency Grant of Probate without having to pay the inheritance tax liability at the time of the client's sudden death. This exceptional concession allowed the client's business to continue largely unaffected by his death, thus preserving its value for the benefit of his family and employees.
- Acting for the Australian widow of a US citizen who died leaving no will covering his US assets. With the assistance of New York counsel, provided advice as to how his valuable estate should be reorganised to make the most efficient use of both UK and US tax exemptions.
- Advising the heirs to the estate of a high profile entertainer who died intestate with assets abroad on the applicable succession law and tax consequences.
Career History
Of Counsel, Mishcon de Reya LLP
Senior Associate, Mishcon de Reya LLP
Solicitor, Mishcon de Reya
Awarded the Diploma in Notarial Practice
Assistant, Withers LLP
Assistant, Dechert
Qualified, Lee Bolton & Lee
University of North London, LLB (Hons)