Battens Solicitors, one of the most successful top 500 legal firms in the South West, has increased its existing Private Client team by taking on two new lawyers to cope with growing demand for its specialist private legal advice.
Naomi Dyer, who Heads up Battens Private Client division said:
“I am delighted to welcome Caroline Blyth and Deborah Escott-Watson to our Private Client team. Their combined wealth of experience will truly enrich our already strong service.”
Caroline, who originally hails from the West Country, was a Major Scholar of London’s Middle Temple where she trained as a barrister. She has gained years of legal experience in Cambridge and London, spent three years working pro bono as an elected Councillor at Tate Members Council, and is an affiliated member of STEP, the global professional association for practitioners specialising in family inheritance and succession planning.
Caroline focuses on helping private clients with their wills, Legal Powers of Attorneys, and estate administration. She is interested in Court of Protection matters and Trust creation and is further augmenting her expertise by studying for a Diploma in International Trust Management.
Caroline said: “I like working with people from all walks of life and love going the extra mile to help them – something I fully intend to do for my new clients at Battens.”
Deborah moves to Battens from a firm in East Devon. She is a dual-qualified solicitor and has practised law in both the UK and South Africa, where she is also a qualified attorney and conveyancer.
Deborah has spent much of her legal career advising clients on inheritance tax, wills, pensions, court of protection, and probate - an area of law in which she particularly excels.
On joining Battens, Deborah said:
“My job sees me help people put their personal affairs in order so that, when they die, their loved ones are provided for as best as possible. Knowing their estate is taken care of is reassuring for my clients and I enjoy being able to give them that peace of mind. Joining Battens is a fantastic opportunity for me to do this within a highly regarded team of experts.”