Access Legal, the personal law arm of national firm Shoosmiths, is growing its wealth protection team with the strategic hire of Jane Whitfield.

Jane joins Access Legal from Wellers Law Group where she was senior solicitor in the private client and charity law teams. She counts more than 13 years’ experience as a solicitor.

In addition to serving individual clients’ needs in Shoosmiths Access Legal, Jane’s appointment will enhance Shoosmiths’ overall offering to corporate and commercial clients looking for wealth, tax and estate planning advice. Jane will also be on hand to advise charities on setting up trading subsidiaries and obtaining business-rate relief when occupying commercial property buildings.

Business owners and entrepreneurs can also look to Jane for expert advice on setting up charitable foundations.

Jane Whitfield said: ‘Shoosmiths is famous for its client experience and it is exciting to be part of a firm that has won national awards for client and employee satisfaction. Serving clients is at the heart of what Shoosmiths does, and has values that I share.

‘It is a good feeling knowing your expertise can bridge the gaps between the private client, corporate and commercial departments at Shoosmiths and Shoosmiths Access Legal, and am looking forward to joining the team.’

Charlotte Dunn, head of Shoosmiths Access Legal’s wealth protection team, said: ‘Jane is an accomplished legal adviser who brings a unique blend of commercial application and strong technical, academic and research skills. Jane has a proven track record of building and maintaining successful client relationships and I am certain she will be a valuable addition to our strong team.’

Jane is a widely respected practitioner and a contributor to law-making at local and national level and has authored or contributed to many Law Society guides and advisory handbooks aimed at the charities sector in particular. In September 2014, Jane will take up the role of Chair of the Law Society’s Wills & Equity Committee whilst embarking on first stages of qualification as a notary.

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