Regional law firm Thrings has added to its tax planning and trusts offering with the appointment of Michael Westbrook as a partner in its Bath office.
Joining from Bristol-headquartered national law firm Burges Salmon – where he worked for six years and was most recently a senior associate – Michael brings a wealth of experience gained from his 12 years of law practice.
He will draw on his expertise in strategic tax and estate planning for family business owners, entrepreneurs, landowners and farmers to advise on a wide range of private client issues.
Thrings’ corporate and commercial teams and their clients will also benefit from further specialist advice on cross-cutting matters.
These include the availability of tax reliefs, gifting, setting up and restructuring trusts, as well as advice on wealth planning structures such as family companies and partnerships.
Michael will work closely with recently-appointed estate management senior executive Stephen Horton as part of the Bath-based private client team led by tax and trusts director Michael Young and private client director Ann Carlton.
While he will focus on clients in Bath, Bristol and Swindon – where Thrings has offices – he will also collaborate with colleagues in the firm’s London base and recently-established Southampton office.
This new practice is led by Rachel Brooks and Mark Charter, specialists in private client affairs and the management of landed estates, rural and agricultural matters.
Michael said: “Thrings enjoys a great reputation for private client work and I am very excited about being able to build on that, providing top quality advice to our clients on their private wealth planning matters.
“It is a very interesting time in the world of tax and estate planning, with high-profile tax-avoidance cases hitting the headlines often.
“As a result, there’s mounting public pressure to change legislation and we can see more complicated rules emerging. It is therefore hugely important that people know where they stand in the current climate and what their options are.”
Thrings managing partner Simon Holdsworth added: “Michael is a high-calibre lawyer with a great deal to offer our private and commercial clients. His expertise complements that of our new office in Southampton, further expanding Thrings’ specialism in private financial matters, landed estates and tax in the South of England.”
Pictured: Michael Westbrook, right, with Thrings managing partner Simon Holdsworth
