LCF Law bolsters private client team

Yorkshire-based legal firm LCF Law has welcomed two experienced legal professionals to its private client team in Harrogate, reinforcing its ability to meet the increasing demand for expert advice on wills, estates, and inheritance planning. The new hires are associate solicitor Jenny West and solicitor Pascale Adams, both of whom have strong ties to the local community.

Jenny West, who qualified as a solicitor in 2006, returned to the profession in late 2021 after a career break to raise her children. Since re-entering the field, she has pursued further qualifications, including obtaining a diploma in advising vulnerable clients, leading to her full membership with the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP). Jenny will offer advice on various private client matters such as wills, trusts, Lasting Powers of Attorney, estate administration, and inheritance tax planning. She is also on the path to achieving the prestigious Lifetime Lawyers Accreditation, which focuses on the specialist skills required to serve older and vulnerable individuals effectively. Jenny expressed her reasons for joining the firm, stating “My decision to join LCF Law was driven by its strong local presence in the town where I was born and raised, but equally important is the firm’s emphasis on building long-term relationships and delivering clear, supportive advice to clients.”

Pascale Adams brings over a decade of legal experience to the team, having qualified in 2014 and spent long years in family law before transitioning into private client work. As a fellow Harrogate native, she shares a common understanding of the local community’s needs. She described her passion for private client work, stating “I enjoy the diverse nature of private client work and meeting with clients to discuss their objectives. You are helping people plan for the future and often take problems out of their hands, which makes it a rewarding field to work in.” Highlighting her reason for joining LCF Law, Pascale noted “I decided to join LCF Law because of its culture. I wanted to join a firm that looks after its people and where I can see myself for the rest of my career.”

Both Jenny and Pascale will meet clients at LCF Law’s office located in The Exchange on Station Parade, as well as visiting them in their own homes or care settings, fostering strong, long-lasting relationships that encourage clients to return for further assistance. Jenny elaborated on the client relationships cultivated in private client law, remarking “You really get to know clients over time, and that continuity is invaluable. Private client law is the foundation of any firm and there is such demand for estate planning advice, particularly considering upcoming changes to inheritance tax rules. Proposed reforms due in 2027 are expected to bring pension assets into estate calculations, potentially creating significant tax implications for families. It’s an area that is likely to catch many people off guard. Pensions have traditionally been used as a tax-efficient planning tool, but the changes will require clients to review their arrangements carefully.”

Ann Christian, head of private client at LCF Law, praised the new additions to the team, saying “Jenny and Pascale are excellent additions to our growing team of 26 across our Harrogate, Ilkley, Leeds and Bradford offices. Their combined experience, local knowledge and commitment to client care strengthens our ability to support individuals and families with clear, practical advice at every stage of life.” The private client team at LCF Law serves a diverse clientele across Yorkshire and beyond, with increasing demand as individuals seek clarity around estate planning and the future management of their affairs.