Meet the Private Client Team with Lauren Coad

What is your role in the private client team and how long have you been at Sintons?

I am a specialist solicitor in the team and joined in October 2018.

Tell us about your career to date…

I graduated with a law degree at Nottingham University before completing my Legal Practice Course (LPC) at the University of Law in York. I then worked at a leading law firm in North Yorkshire for four years, qualifying as a solicitor in January 2018. Last year I decided to relocate back to the North East where I originally grew up, and the opportunity arose to join Sintons.

What attracted you to Sintons?

When considering a move back to the North East, Sintons stood out to me immediately. The firm has an outstanding reputation for its legal expertise, backed up by an array of awards and accreditations. It is so rare to come across a firm which continually strives to grow yet still maintains its high levels of client service. This is evident by the volume of clients which keep coming back to Sintons because they trust in the quality of service they receive.

What does your role involve?

I undertake a range of private clients matters from drafting wills and lasting powers of attorney to the administration of estates. I also work on Court of Protection matters and assist with a variety of trust work. My favourite part of the job is meeting with clients to understand their needs and wishes and I try to achieve the best possible levels of client service, for which Sintons is renowned.

I am keen to continue building on the team’s profile by regularly attending networking events and developing relationships with a variety of professionals in the region. I am a dementia friends champion and hope to shortly become a member of the Solicitors for the Elderly as well as starting the exams to join the Society of Trusts and Estates Practitioners (STEP).

What have been your personal highlights to date?

Joining Sintons was a huge turning point for me, not just professionally but personally as well. I had moved house and started working in a new city. From day one at Sintons I felt instantly welcomed by every single person in the firm, and particularly by my team. This made the whole transition so easy and I have never looked back. Another highlight was when I recently presented in front of over 100 professionals at an event. Sintons is great for offering opportunities like this and allowing people to advance their ‘soft skills’ alongside their professional development.

The private client team is one of the most highly-rated in the North of England. What are the advantages of being part of it?

I am thrilled to be working with some of the best private client lawyers in the North East. The team are highly regarded not just by the clients but also by national organisations such as the Legal 500 and Chambers UK. It is a privilege to have Paul Nickalls as my supervisor, who is regularly credited as being among the leading lawyers in the whole North of England. The team’s reputation means we get to work alongside some excellent professionals and I have really enjoyed getting to know the network of contacts the team has in the area. Above all, the team works really closely together and we have a great working relationship. We support each other to achieve the best for our clients.

How does Sintons differ from other firms you have worked in?

The quality and nature of the work at Sintons is second to none. As a junior lawyer I have already been exposed to some very niche and technical areas of law which has been fantastic for building my knowledge and expertise. The firm is so supportive of every individual’s personal development and there are a wide range of resources available to widen legal knowledge. Sintons are also great at promoting legal updates through its use of social media and events, which I think clients and other professionals find really useful.

What are your interests outside of work?

One of the benefits of moving back to the North East has meant I am a lot closer to my family, so spending more time with them has been great. My partner Gary and I love travelling and are currently planning for a trip to America in March which I am very much looking forward to. Otherwise I enjoy watching rugby, and heading to the coast for walks.