Biography
Senior Associate Solicitor managing the Chichester estate planning sub-team; past president and current committee member of Chichester Law Society; trustee of Donnington House care home in Chichester. Having trained at a specialist Private Client firm in Hertfordshire (qualifying in 2010), I joined Irwin Mitchell's lifetime and estate planning team in the Summer of 2021.
My area of specialism is in advising clients who want to plan for their future: both during their lifetime and upon death. This often includes tax planning, with a strong emphasis on Inheritance Tax.
As part of this estate planning role, I help clients by putting in place Wills, Trusts, and Powers of Attorney. I also supervise on probate matters, providing more complex legal and estate planning advice when needed. I handle my clients’ matters throughout the entire process: from the initial instruction stage, the preparation of relevant documents, through to the conclusion.
Key Highlights
- Prior to 30 October 2024 (the budget), I was instructed to terminate a family trust of a part-share of property. I provided tax advice as the clients were particularly concerned about the new rates of Capital Gains Tax (CGT) that were rumoured to be coming in (and which did come in). In advance of the deadline date, the Capital Gains Tax position was crystallised at the lower rate, saving the clients tens of thousands of pounds in CGT.
- Connected with the above, the Settlor of the family trust was looking to make a gift of a further share of property that he owned outright (it was not in the trust). I advised on the potential for there to be a 14 year rule Inheritance Tax (IHT) issue in respect of the gift he was looking to make given that he has settled the above trust within the last 7 years. The client was able to make an informed decision and structure his gifting to mitigate the potential for further IHT to be payable and also to make use of his annual allowances for gifts for the current and previous tax years.
- In the Autumn of 2024, I prepared a Specialist Tax Advice report for a client's personal estate, as well as trust arrangements, that related to a commercial claim being brought against the trustees. The report assisted the client, our commercial law team, and legal Counsel in determining which claims should be included in the Particulars.
What do you like about working at Irwin Mitchell?
Irwin Mitchell has a culture of positivity and teamwork and is very people-focussed. Alongside that is the high-quality work we see on a day-to-day basis which is both demanding and rewarding. Our lifetime and estate planning lawyers have the breadth of expertise needed to service all our clients' legal needs and it is inspiring to be a part of such a dedicated, expert team.
What is the most rewarding aspect of your role?
It's very important to me that my clients understand each stage of the legal process and I pride myself on my approachable manner when advising my clients. Presenting an option to a client that they had never considered and then engaging with that client as to the mechanics and practicalities to ensure that they fully understand and want to proceed is very rewarding as it combines bespoke technical work with the client relationship - the two parts of my job that I enjoy the most.
What do you do away from the office?
I sing with The Chichester Singers and enjoy performing at Chichester Cathedral throughout the year. I have practised yoga for over 24 years and have recently taken up Pilates.
Testimonials:
Chambers High Net Worth 2024 "Associate to Watch" feedback included -
"Laura is excellent."
"Laura forges excellent links with professional counterparts to deliver a joined-up service across multiple disciplines."
"Laura provided excellent service and professionalism."
"Excellent quality of advice, service and knowledge." -5* Google review, November 2024
"Excellent friendly service (writing new wills). My wife and I have fairly complex wills and we were guided through the details very efficiently. Thank you." - 5* Trustpilot review, November 2024
"My experience with Laura Colville and her team at Irwin Mitchell was very positive. At all times I was kept up to date with progress and informed as to the next steps. In addition there was from the start transparency as to the fees and costs involved going forward. A very professional service that I highly recommend to others." 5* Google review, September 2024
"From the start I was welcomed and felt as a valued customer. I received support and advice allowing me to cope with the issues that needed dealing with. I am extremely happy with the service I received through to conclusion." - 5* Trustpilot review - November 2023
"Laura Colville was a great help assisting my grandmother with her writing her Lasting Power of Attorney. She was happy to have meetings with her in person at her own home which made the whole process easier." - 5* Trustpilot review - August 2023
"Excellent support. Laura has been very professional in the advise and support she has given me. At times we had to source other information and she provided ideas and ways of helping to make it possible for us to proceed." - 5* Trustpilot review - June 2023
“We approached your firm to discuss Wills, LPAs, estate planning etc, following a recommendation from my son who is a solicitor… You were exceptionally professional in the way you approached us, already sensing that we were struggling more than just a bit with the whole topic, both emotionally and from a lack of knowledge…
…You again made it very easy for us and explained requirements that we were just not aware of. We don’t think that there is anything you could have done better. We would have no hesitation in recommending that our friends come to you to help them."- Mr B, client - March 2022
"It was a pleasure to meet you both today [Laura Colville and Claire Taylor] - we found the session extremely useful and has crystallised our understanding of how our estate should be structured with regard to our wills." - Mr & Mrs C, clients - February 2022
"Laura was timely, professional and understanding. She was patient and respectful of my commitments, she made the experience as pleasurable as it could be. Thank you, Laura." - 5* Trustpilot review
