Biography
I head up the Private Client team in the firm’s Gatwick office. My role involves advising high net worth UK and non-UK domiciled clients on a wide range of tax and estate planning issues, devising and advising on structures to hold, protect and pass on their wealth.
I work closely with clients to understand and help them achieve their personal goals and objectives at every stage of their life. My experience includes designing and implementing estate plans for individuals, married couples and families to ensure that the wealth they have created is preserved by protecting against inheritance tax and the risks arising from possible divorces, family disputes and financially immature heirs.
I also act in the administration of high value and complex estates, am a trustee of a number of dynastic trusts and charities and am a Court of Protection appointed deputy for clients who have lost capacity.
What inspired you to get into law?
My mother would say I found my calling in the law owing to my strong sense of justice and fairness, always most prevalent in childhood spats with my little brother! In all seriousness, I was inspired at a young age by the brilliant lawyers working at the firm where my mother was a legal secretary for many years; this made the decision to read law at Exeter University an easy one.
What is the most rewarding aspect of your role?
Unquestionably, the most enjoyable part of my work is the clients. In my role, I am fortunate to act for many interesting and inspiring people from many different backgrounds and I am very honoured to be considered by many of them as their trusted adviser. I also manage a wonderful team of talented lawyers, all of whom I am committed to helping develop and achieve their full potential.
What do you do away from the office?
I enjoy international travel, visiting different parts of the world and learning about other cultures. Holidays are also a good opportunity to indulge in my other passion – reading! At home, I have a young and energetic family that keeps me very occupied and can often be spotted on the touchline of a local rugby pitch or cricket field.
I qualified as a solicitor in 2001.
Testimonials
‘Caroline Shelton is consistently helpful, quick to respond, and with a good holistic approach to the family’s requirements. She has dealt with a wide range of issues for us and has been willing to do extra research on areas where we needed additional information. She has been supportive through a lengthy probate process and that has been much appreciated.' - Legal 500, 2025 (Leading Partner)
"Caroline is phenomenal. I think she has a photographic memory. She has fantastic client care - this comes naturally to her." "Caroline is an expert, good at communicating, and very responsive to my requirements. She is very quick to provide answers and solutions and is always available." "Caroline is fantastic. She is really responsive with the clients; it feels like she is chasing clients more than clients chasing her. She is really practical and provides a really tight service." - Chambers & Partners High Net Worth 2024 (Leading Individual - band 1)
"Caroline Shelton is a fantastic asset to the team. She is responsive, client focused, and technically brilliant. She is one of my favourite people to work with across the industry." - Legal 500, 2024
"Clear, concise, readily understandable advice is delivered promptly and efficiently by the team. Caroline Shelton is exceptionally good in terms of both expertise and responsiveness. She is a real pleasure to work with." - Legal 500, 2024
"Excellent service from Caroline Shelton and Shae Spencer. Great job!" - 5* Trustpilot review
"Shelton is absolutely first-class. She is extremely knowledgeable, highly efficient and responsive. She gives clear, concise and easily understandable advice. She is a joy with work with."- Chambers & Partners High Net Worth 2023 (Leading Individual - band 1)
"Caroline Shelton is technically proficient and goes out of her way to provide the best customer service. consistent and valuable adviser and she goes out of her way to help my entire family. She also enables introduction to other experts and this is helpful in the continuity and connectivity." - Legal 500, 2023
"Caroline Shelton quickly found solutions to complex family matters, is always well prepared for meetings and remembers family names and situations without reminding. She is always welcoming, reassuring and helpful with her analysis of complex family matters and offers well considered helpful advice." - Legal 500, 2022 (Next Generation Partner)
"Caroline provides a broad level of knowledge and assistance." - Chambers & Partners High Net Worth 2022 (Leading Individual - band 1)
"Caroline Shelton is an exceptionally professional individual. Her knowledge and experience of the subject matter shines through. She is highly professional and effective. Caroline is clearly a very sharp and knowledgeable lawyer but has a very friendly and disarming air about her which places clients immediately at ease. She is exactly what you look for in a private client lawyer." - Chambers & Partners High Net Worth 2022 (Leading Individual - band 1)
"Caroline Shelton is an excellent private client lawyer. Personable, technical and able to communicate complex matters with ease. Any young private client lawyer looking to join a firm, if able to have Caroline as a mentor should look no further." - Legal 500, 2021 (Next Generation Partner)
"Exceptional in all aspects of her work... measures up to all that would be expected of a good private client partner." - Legal 500, 2020
Awards
Awarded the STEP Cross-Border Estates Special Interest Group Award for Best Essay in 2017.
