Meet the Wills, Trusts & Estates Team with Lauren Coad
What is your role in the team and how long have you been at Sintons?
I am an associate in the team and joined the firm in 2018.
Tell us about your career to date…
I graduated with a first class law degree at Nottingham University before completing my Legal Practice Course at the University of Law in York.
I then worked at a law firm in North Yorkshire for four years, qualifying as a solicitor in January 2018. I relocated back to the North East and joined Sintons in 2018.
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 assist clients with the preparation of wills, lasting powers of attorney and inheritance tax planning. I act for a range of personal representatives in administrating estates, including those with businesses and agricultural land. I advise clients on a range of trust matters, including personal injury trusts, and act for trustees in the administration of trusts.
I am a full member of the Society of Trusts and Estates Practitioners (STEP) and represent the firm on the regional committee. I am actively involved in building the team’s profile by regularly attending networking events and developing relationships with a variety of professionals in the region.
I am currently supervising one of the firm’s solicitor apprentices, Sophie Lemon. It’s a privilege to work with Sophie at such an early stage in her legal career and develop her personal and legal skills.
What have been your personal highlights to date?
Being promoted to an associate in the team in 2022 is my biggest achievement to date. The firm are extremely supportive of career development at every level and will help you achieve your goals.
Another career highlight was winning a STEP Worldwide Excellence Award for achieving the highest mark in the world for the administration of estates assessment. I was so proud to win the award given that the STEP qualification is renowned for being extremely challenging and is recognised as a hallmark of technical ability.
The award-winning Wills, Trusts & Estates 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 developing 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?
Sintons is unique in being able to offer a holistic approach to our clients. Many of our colleagues are nationally recognised as leading experts in their field and the firm undertakes work in a variety of niche practice area. This means we can ensure our clients’ needs are met and the advice they receive is tailored to their individual circumstances.
The firm also excels at being a local firm with a national presence, and we are lucky to work with clients all over the country.
What are your interests outside of work?
On weekends I enjoy exploring the North East with our Labrador, Barney. My husband and I love to travel and are currently planning a trip to Australia later this year.
