Insights from a Two-Week Placement with Thomas Flavell & Sons' Private Client Team

The placement commenced with an introductory webinar focused on the principles of private client law. This session established a strong foundational understanding of key topics including the drafting of wills, exemption structures, the residence nil-rate band, debts, and property reliefs. It served as an informative lens into the mechanisms behind private client.

During the first week, I engaged with the firm's case management system, Actionstep, to assess and correct documents that contained systemic errors. This process sharpened my attention to detail and involved compiling a comparative log of which templates functioned correctly and which required manual correction - a task that developed both technical awareness and methodical rigour.

I also gained theoretical and procedural insight into the grant of letters of administration and participated in client meetings alongside Kate, Vijay, Charlotte and Zara. These meetings covered a range of matters, including Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPA), probate applications, wills, severance of joint tenancy, land registry procedures, trust registration, and property transfers. Observing the structure and tone of these meetings offered valuable understanding of client rapport and procedural nuance.

As the placement progressed, I took on more active client-facing responsibilities. I was tasked with chasing up pending probate applications, scanning and dispatching documentation, composing client emails, and drafting attendance notes for meetings. These exercises refined my ability to communicate clearly and professionally while maintaining consistent records of legal interactions.

Notably, I conducted legal research into statutory wills and liaised with the Court of Protection on behalf of the firm - experiences that honed my ability to approach unfamiliar legal queries confidently. I also prepared condensed summaries of key findings from files and reports, a task that improved my skill for evaluating and articulating legal concepts succinctly.

Frequent client calls - many of which were made on behalf of bereaved individuals - provided significant exposure to real-time lawyer-client interactions. I developed the ability to speak confidently under pressure and in shared office spaces, enhancing both my resilience and client care capabilities.

One practical contribution was the creation of an Excel spreadsheet consolidating banking contact information. This resource was designed to streamline how the firm engages with asset providers on behalf of bereaved clients, ultimately improving time-efficiency and operational consistency across the Private Client team.

Furthermore, I gained hands-on experience in drafting wills while working alongside Zara. With the guidance of Selena, I used Arken, a specialised software, to produce a will tailored to a client’s  instructions with precision and efficiency. This opportunity allowed me to directly engage with the will making process and apply legal principles in a client-focused context. 

TFS offered a well-rounded and engaging introduction to the realities of working within a Private Client legal department. From technical administration and regulatory research to empathetic client communication, each task contributed to a sharper understanding of how legal professionals support individuals during sensitive stages of life.

A particularly impactful moment came during a client meeting with Vijay.

The thoughtful, approachable way he explained complex legal matters left a lasting impression and prompted reflection on the significance of communication style in legal practice - especially with clients. Solicitors must not only convey information accurately but do so with clarity and simplicity. By embracing a communication style that is both approachable and jargon-free, they empower clients to genuinely understand the legal process, appreciate the guidance provided, and feel confident in raising concerns or questions without fear of judgement. Cultivating this trust and transparency is essential to fostering strong solicitor-client relationships and ensuring that clients feel heard, supported, and informed throughout their legal journey.

The mentorship and inclusion provided by the team - particularly by Vijay, Charlotte, Selena, Kate, Debbie, Lena, Joanne and Kay - enabled a meaningful learning experience that reinforced my commitment to developing in this field.

I’m sincerely grateful to Thomas Flavell & Sons Solicitors for welcoming me to this summer’s internship and for the invaluable experiences I gained throughout my time with the firm. I am especially thankful for the opportunity to work within a team that balances professionalism, care, and efficiency in its approach to legal practice.