A day in the life of …a Private Client Partner

Hi, my name is Kathryn Thornewill and I’m an Associate Partner in our Private Client Department predominantly based in our Milton Keynes office.

I started at Franklins as a newly qualified Solicitor in 2013, having moved up to Milton Keynes from Cornwall. From the moment I started at Franklins I had the opportunity to expand and grow my knowledge in the area. I became an Associate Partner in 2017 and specialise in Estate Planning, Vulnerable Beneficiaries, LPAs, Probates and Deputyships.

I have always had an interest in the law, my father was a commercial property Solicitor and I was fortunate enough to spend a few weeks work experience at his offices. From there I went on to study Law at University, as a Law degree can provide a solid foundation for a lot of different career paths. However, at University I soon realised that being a Solicitor is what I wanted to do – however it wasn’t until my training contract that I knew that it was Private Client that I wished to pursue.

As any mum will tell you, there is always the dreaded ‘mum guilt’ you cannot escape when juggling a career and a young family. I am however fortunate enough to work a four day week and have an employer who recognises the importance of family life and the value in providing a more flexible working approach. I am able to work my hours around nursery drop-offs and pick-ups, meaning I am able to continue doing the job I love and also be there for my girls.

No two days are the same, but one element which I enjoy about my job is the clients that I meet. On a typical day, I usually have a couple of client meetings, whether that be clients that wish to make Wills or Lasting Powers of Attorney, discuss a loved one’s estate following a bereavement or discussing Estate Planning. Thereafter I may have a few hours of drafting work, for example drafting Wills and then working on a Probate matter. I currently have a member of the team who is training to become a Solicitor so I also spend time with her, answering questions and reviewing her work so that she can qualify as a solicitor next year.

For me, it’s the clients. Helping and advising individuals, couples and families. We tend to see people at some of the most difficult times in their lives and being able to make those times a little bit easier is something we strive to achieve. I also enjoy the many different aspects to Private Client law, which means the work is interesting, challenging and fulfilling.

Don’t think that you have to go to University to become a Solicitor. There are many different routes into a career in law now and it is definitely worth considering all the options so you can choose the route that best suits you.

I have always been made to feel a valued member of the team at Franklins. I enjoy working with people that are friendly, enthusiastic and willing to help. I am grateful to Franklins for the opportunities they have given me and allowing a more flexible approach to my working pattern whilst my daughters are young. We also have a great IT team, who work tirelessly to make sure our systems are some of the best, providing for a better user and client experience.

For further advice and assistance please contact our Private Client Team on 01604 828282 / 01908 660966 or email info@franklins-sols.co.uk