18th July 2022 ❘

Our Wills, Trusts and Probate Team is growing…

Mike Nicholls, Partner and Head of Wills, Trusts and Probate

Our Wills, Trusts and Probate team has a new Head of Department, plus two new additions, making it a team of 14 – one of the largest private client teams in Cumbria.

The team is now headed up by Mike Nicholls from Carlisle who joined us in 2021 and specialises in private client and property law, particularly in tax and estate planning. Rachel D’Souza, who worked previously in Whitehaven, has joined us as a Senior Associate and specialises in wills, estate administration and lasting powers of attorney, with a wealth of experience in dealing with agricultural estates. And Newcastle graduate James Cape has joined as a Solicitor, specialising in wills, trusts, lasting powers of attorney and estate administration. James is a trained Dementia Friend and is also studying to become a full member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP).

The team has also seen the return of West Cumbrian Probate Administrator Lucy Wallace following her maternity leave.

Mike said:

“I’m delighted to take up the role as head of Burnetts’ Wills, Trusts and Probate department. We have an excellent, knowledgeable team, which has been further enhanced by strong additions, as well as Lucy’s recent return.

“I’m excited about continuing to develop the department along with the team and providing a top-quality service for our clients.”

Nick Gutteridge, our Managing Partner said:

“It is very exciting that Rachael and James have chosen to join us at Burnetts, as it is to welcome Lucy back from starting her family. All three will do an exceptional job of looking after our clients as we grow throughout Cumbria and the North East.

“Mike’s addition to the business as their Head of Department will provide the ideal leadership required to support them, and the wider team, in this project.”

You can reach our Wills, Trusts and Probate team by calling us on 01228 552222 or emailing hello@burnetts.co.uk.