Balfour+Manson gains private client expert in lateral hire

Balfour+Manson LLP has bolstered its private client team with the lateral hire of partner Karen Phillips from Brodies.

Ms Phillips, who was admitted to the WS Society last week, is a specialist in areas including incapacity law, care and personal injury trusts, which are established to ensure the long-term financial security of accident victims. She is a member of both Solicitors for the Elderly and the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners.

She said: “Balfour+Manson is very innovative in its approach - especially with its client welfare team. No other law firm has quite such a joined-up private client approach, and it is really embedded here. That was a very big selling-point for me in joining the firm.

“I am particularly interested in personal injury trusts and having a very strong personal injury team is very exciting. Balfour+Manson also has a very good reputation as a great place to work - across the profession, it is recognised as a firm made up of a really good group of people.”

Ms Phillips said she thought the cornerstone of good private client law was building completely transparent relationships, always keeping clients fully informed about timescales and costs - and always listening to ensure you deliver “what they want, when they want it.”

Ms Phillips, a trainee with Blackadders in Dundee before joining Brodies in November 2007, also has experience in wills and complex executries, tax and estate planning and charities.

Elaine Motion, executive chairman of Balfour+Manson, said: “Karen brings tremendous knowledge, skill and experience to support our main areas of business - both private client and personal injury work - and is a great addition to the firm.

“It is very pleasing that she highlighted our holistic approach to private client work - and the positive workplace atmosphere. I’m certain she will be an excellent member of the team.”