New head of wills, trusts and tax appointed

Shrewsbury-based Aaron & Partners has announced a new head of wills, trusts and tax (WTT), with contentious probate expert James Wallace taking on the top position.

He moves into the role having already led the firm’s contentious trusts and probate work, managing a team that has grown significantly and seen increasing demand in recent years. His move to head of the wider team places both the contentious and non-contentious arms of the team under his leadership. 

James joined Aaron & Partners in 2010 and has since become one of the region's most prominent specialists in his field. With over 15 years of experience, he is widely known for his expertise in complex, high value estate and trust matters, often involving cross-border elements.

He is also consistently recommended in industry guides like The Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners, while being an active member of established industry bodies the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP) and the Association of Contentious Trust and Probate Specialists (ACTAPS). 

The move is part of a wider strategic restructure at Aaron & Partners, with Clive Pointon, who has led the WTT department for three decades, taking on the newly-created role of head of private client services.

In this broader capacity, Clive will focus on high-level strategy while still providing bespoke legal solutions for wills, trust and tax clients across the firm’s various departments.

Clive said: “I am delighted to see James step into this role. Having worked closely with him for over a decade, I know his expertise and leadership skills are second to none.  

“He is highly respected by both clients and peers, and I have total confidence that the department will continue to thrive under his leadership. While my new role will enable the firm to continue its growth across all of our private client services, I know the WTT team is in the best possible hands with James and we have a proven expert at the helm.”

James said: “It’s a huge privilege to take over the leadership of such a talented and dedicated team. Having been part of Aaron & Partners for such a long time, I have seen first-hand the incredible results we achieve for our clients during some of the most challenging times of their lives. 

“I am excited to build on the department's strong foundations and continue our commitment to providing expert, empathetic, and commercially-minded advice.”

Pictured: James Wallace from Aaron & Partners