In 2019, Penny was awarded the titles of Taxation and Structuring Lawyer of the Year (UK) and Family Solicitor of the Year (UK) by Finance Monthly. She is also ranked in Chambers High Net Worth guide and recognised as a recommended lawyer in two Legal 500 categories including Private Client, Personal Tax, Trusts and Probate as well as Charities and not-for-profit. Penny is also a member of the Society of Tax and Estate Practitioners, the Charity Law Association and the Law Society Probate Section.
Before joining Birketts, Penny led the Private Client Team at an international City law firm where she worked for more than 30 years, advising charities and private clients from a range of backgrounds, including royalty, ultra-high net worth individuals and entrepreneurs from around the world.
Penny has also advised numerous charities including regulatory bodies and charitable NHS trusts and provided guidance on charitable projects to a national sports organisation, a broadcaster, a major player in the energy sector and leading global and professional services company.
Penny has expertise in international estate planning and she has co-ordinated interjurisdictional tax and estate planning arrangements to find succession solutions for non-resident or non-domiciled clients.
She has advised clients from around the world (including the Gulf region, the Commonwealth of Independent States, the US, India and Europe) on restructuring their assets including their UK property interests in response to UK tax reforms.
Commenting on her appointment, Penny said: “I believe that it is important to make time to understand the objectives and needs of my clients in order to provide advice tailored to their unique circumstances and to be able to do this at a realistic cost. Birketts, as a full service Regional firm with a strong reputation for client service and transparent legal advice, allows me to provide the sort of service that I wish to offer my domestic and international clients and was a clear choice for me and for my existing clients. I am delighted to have joined Birketts at this exciting time following its merger with EC3 Legal and to have the opportunity to work alongside such a highly regarded team.”
Louise Long, Partner and Head of Birketts’ Private Client Advisory Team, concluded: “We are delighted to have Penny bring her expertise to the Private Client Advisory Team. We are confident that her experience will be a valuable addition to Birketts and to the team. With the team already shortlisted in last year’s Chambers High Net Worth Guide as private client firm of the year outside London, and recognised for its wealth of experience advising clients on complex and high-value matters, I am sure Penny will play a vital part in providing the business insight clients need to enter new markets with confidence.”
Although she will be based in Chelmsford, Penny will support colleagues across all offices including: Cambridge, Ipswich, London and Norwich.