Commercial solicitors expand to provide the personal touch

A solicitor is using her wealth of experience to launch a new private client division at North East law firm, Clarke Mairs.

The Newcastle-based firm is welcoming Alexandra Bartrope to the team to head up its newly launched Private Client department. Alexandra will deal with Wills, Probate and Estate Administration, Lasting Powers of Attorney, estate planning and wealth management, drafting and the management of Trusts, Court of Protection Applications, care home planning and contentious Probate matters.

Alexandra joins the firm from local solicitors Browell Smith and Co., where she worked as a private client lawyer and was with the firm for almost nine years, after studying a four year LLB Law course at Northumbria University. Alexandra is a student member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP).

She said: "I was really impressed by the reputation of Clarke Mairs as a commercial law firm and so when they approached me to set up this new area to their practice, I was absolutely delighted to become part of a growing company and I'm looking forward to the challenge of leading a brand new division."

Tim Clarke, senior partner at Clarke Mairs, said: "We've considered launching a Private Client division since we set up the firm, to reflect the need for expert advice for our commercial clients when they consider their personal matters, on issues such as inheritance tax and estate planning.

"We had started to refer this work to Alex so it wasn't a difficult decision to approach her - we already knew she had the expertise and, very importantly, the character we wanted. The time was right to expand our services and we have no doubt that Alexandra's skills and expertise will prove to be an asset to our growing team." 

Clarke Mairs offers legal services to businesses and individuals nationwide with services including commercial property, insolvency, company and employment.

Clarke Mairs LLP, Royal House, 5-7 Market Street, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 6JN. Tel: 0845 111 0795. website: www.clarkemairs.com