About
Harriet works with high net worth individuals, families and trustees in the UK and those with overseas connections, helping them plan for the future and manage the practical realities of wealth transfer.
Her practice combines a strong grounding in tax and trusts with a pragmatic approach to problem solving. Clients value Harriet’s ability to guide them through both the fundamentals, such as putting wills in place, and more complex, long term succession and tax planning.
Estate planning and succession
Harriet advises clients on estate planning at all stages, from preparing wills to developing long term succession strategies. She works closely with individuals and families to put clear, workable plans in place that reflect their personal circumstances and priorities.
Her work often involves advising on inheritance tax and capital gains tax planning, ensuring that structures remain appropriate as family and financial circumstances evolve.
Trusts and tax advice for trustees and families
A core part of Harriet’s practice is advising on the creation, administration and taxation of trusts. She regularly advises trustees, beneficiaries and individuals on trust structures, ongoing compliance and tax reporting.
Business owners and entrepreneurs
Harriet also acts for business owners and trustees on the creation and restructuring of corporate and trust arrangements, helping clients align those with their long term objectives.
International estate administration and complex probate matters
Harriet regularly advises on complex probate and estate administration matters, where there can be both practical and legal difficulties. She is known for finding clear routes through issues that can initially appear challenging or uncertain, helping clients move matters forward with confidence.
Harriet has notable experience in international estate administration, acting for executors, administrators and beneficiaries where estates span multiple jurisdictions. She supports clients through complex probate matters, involving overseas assets, and works closely with colleagues in the firm’s international offices as well as advisers outside the UK.
Her focus is on enabling the smooth transfer of assets across borders, while ensuring that legal and tax obligations are properly managed.
Recognition and professional memberships
Harriet is a full member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP) and has received a STEP Global Excellence Award in recognition of her technical expertise.
She was named in the eprivateclient Top 35 Under 35 (2021) and is recognised as a Leading Associate by Legal 500.
Harriet co-chairs the Association of European Lawyers Private Client Special Interest Group.
Practising jurisdiction
Harriet is admitted to practise in England and Wales.
Experience
- Advising a high net wealth couple on succession and inheritance tax planning strategies where there were concerns about the financial abilities and marital circumstances of the children
- Providing tax advice to trustees on the most efficient way of making distributions from a multi-million pound trust fund to beneficiaries who lived around the world
- Advising a business owner on creating a trust for their shares in advance of a sale so as to capture inheritance tax business property relief before it was lost
