West Midlands law firm enhances charity support with new service launch

Leading full-service law firm Shakespeare Martineau has expanded the support it provides to charities with its newly-launched legacy administration service - helping organisations maximise the gifts they receive in wills.

Alongside interim or permanent legacy administration services, the offering provides charities across England and Wales with strategic legacy project work, legacy forecasting and budgeting, procedure reviews, and team training.

As part of the launch, the firm has welcomed specialist solicitor Gaynor Lanceley to head-up the service - bringing with her almost twenty years ' experience in legacy administration.

Gaynor has joined Shakespeare Martineau from Catherine Higgins Law. Prior to this, she worked at Jackson Lees Group and Morecrofts Solicitors. Over the years, she has supported multiple charities, including the Yorkshire and North West air ambulance charities, and was previously a trustee for the Woodlands Hospice.

Gaynor said: “There are very few law firms in the UK that offer a legacy administration service, particularly in the midlands and the north, so this launch is a fabulous experience, venture and opportunity for us.

“I am passionate about working with charities to help them to recognise the importance of legacy income, which is growing year on year. Gifts to charity are very personal and mean so much to the donor who kindly included them in their will.

“As a solicitor, I can explain the terms set out in wills and trusts and decode legal jargon. I can answer complex tax and accounts issues and provide updates regarding the legal administrative process. I am looking forward to supporting charities - making sure they get the gift that is intended for them in its entirety. ”

As well as broad expertise in charity law, Shakespeare Martineau 's full-service team is able to support charities with employment law, funding and corporate advice, intellectual property considerations, and real estate advice.

Andrew Wilkinson, partner and head of contentious probate at Shakespeare Martineau, said: “We are delighted to welcome Gaynor to the firm. Her experience, knowledge and expertise will be a real asset as we look to grow our charities and not for profit offering, starting with our new legacy administration service. ”