The Manchester office of top-50 law firm, Gateley, has welcomed a team of four lawyers to its private client team with the appointment of partner, Philip Laidlow, solicitors Leanne Booth and Saadia Javed, and a further solicitor to arrive in January on completion of maternity leave.

Having joined from Laytons Solicitors, the team’s wealth of experience will help to grow the firm’s private client offering both regionally and nationally.

Philip is a leading industry figure and has had a number of articles and books published. He is author of Tolley’s Tax Planning for Post-death Variations, editor of Tolley’s Tax Havens and regularly contributes articles to a range of industry journals.

He is also a founder member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP) and a former chairman of its Manchester and East Midlands branches.

Leanne, who is vice-chair of the Manchester branch of STEP, has extensive expertise in advising the executors of large estates on complex financial arrangements, business and agricultural property, lifetime gifts and trust planning.

Laura specialises in advising high-net-worth individuals on estate planning to reduce capital gains tax and inheritance tax liabilities. She has advised on the preparation of wills and trusts in succession planning and is experienced in issues affecting the elderly, particularly in relation to asset protection.

Saadia has experience in a range of private client matters, including estate and trust administration, estate and inheritance tax planning and wills.

The team will work alongside wealth management firms, financial advisers and accountants, advising clients throughout the UK on tax and estate-planning matters. They have a strong relationship with a FTSE 100 wealth management company. The team also has a particular niche in care fee planning and an Isle of Man practice.

Philip Laidlow said: ‘This is an exciting time to be joining the firm and I look forward to developing our service offering. Boasting a range of specialities, the Manchester and wider team is well placed to meet the legal and financial advisory needs of the individuals we represent.’

The Manchester team works alongside lawyers in Birmingham and Leicester, catering for a wide range of clients, but specifically for business executives, entrepreneurs and families.

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