As we look back over 2008 and
look to 2009 we know that we are in unprecedented times – and that the year
ahead is an area of uncertainty for very many individuals, families and
businesses. Now more than ever we’re aware how crucial robust, pragmatic and
timely advice is going to be, and that as lawyers we have to be extraordinary
for our clients.
When we first adopted the
description a client gave us, “No Ordinary Lawyers”, we did so because we saw
it as a challenge to ourselves to be ever-better in our services, advice and
performance. The need is now greater than we could ever have imagined; and the
challenge to deliver in ways which are out of the ordinary is crucial to all –
the individuals and businesses who need the services, and to us and other
businesses in providing them. Berwins relish and thrive on challenges – so we
remain excited by our business and what we do, and more strongly committed than
ever to being there for our clients.
Over £150,000 bequeathed to Cancer Research by Berwins clients
Berwins clients have bequeathed over £150,000 to Cancer Research UK in Wills
prepared by Berwins in 2007/8 under the Cancer Research UK FreeWill Service. This is over twice the national average of legacies made under this scheme. The
Cancer Research FreeWill Service allows people over the age of 55 to make a Will
with a participating solicitor completely free of charge. The charity makes a
contribution to the solicitor's fees with the solicitor's firm taking up any shortfall. Most of the clients taking up the offer of a free Will leave a legacy to the
charity. Over the five years the scheme has been running the charity has received pledges
of £200 million. Julie Jewers of Berwin's Wills Trusts and Probate Unit said,
"I am very pleased to support Cancer Research UK through the FreeWill service
and was delighted to hear that Berwins' clients have made such generous gifts
in their Wills. The FreeWill service really is a win-win situation - it increases
awareness of the need to make a Will, raises funds and enables Berwins to make
a contribution to this worthwhile cause"
New face at Berwins
We are pleased to announce the appointment of our new Head
of Employment, Natalie Saunders. Natalie studied law at Magdalen College,
Oxford and qualified at Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer in September 2000. In
addition to her conventional legal background, Natalie spent two years as a
reward consultant with a leading independent tax consultancy where she advised
companies on the design, implementation and communication of human resources
and reward strategies. Natalie can advise not only on the full spectrum of UK
employment law
issues but also helps her clients put their practical
obligations into a strategic context by looking at the ways in which their
business strategy drives their HR and reward issues. Her areas of expertise also
include bonus planning and share option arrangements and the maximising of her
clients' HR strategy through a holistic approach to human capital management,
pay and benefits. Natalie was a finalist in the Rising Star Award at The Leeds
& Yorkshire Lawyer Awards 2006, and in her previous firm secured Legal 500
status for her department. Berwins' managing partner Paul Berwin said, '
We are delighted to welcome Natalie to Berwins and have a lawyer of her
calibre to head up up our employment team and support our clients
through these challenging times'.
Managing Partner Paul Berwin welcomes Natalie
Saunders