Member Article

Major hire announced for Simpson Millar’s growing private practice area division

Leading law firm Simpson Millar has announced the appointment of Jonathan Maskew as its new National Head of Wills, Trusts, Probate and Court of Protection in a move that will ‘significantly strengthen’ its private client offering across the country.

Joining from Nottingham-based April King Legal where he oversaw the strategic direction of the business, forming part of the senior management team, the move is indicative of Simpson Millar’s ongoing commitment to bolstering its growing private client teams with ‘experienced and ambitious’ Partners.

His arrival follows a series of high-profile acquisitions and senior personnel hires for the private equity backed firm, which has ambitious plans for further growth in the coming years.

With particular expertise in contested wills matters, inheritance disputes, probate and lasting power of attorney, Maskew is also skilled in operations and commercial relationships - working with lawyers, Barristers and legal businesses; and helping to devise strategies and business plans that complement the rapidly changing Legal Services landscape.

He will be based out of the firm’s London office, and will support a growing team of specialist Wills, Trust, Probate and Court of Protection lawyers who deliver an ‘at home, jargon free’ service to customers across the country.

On his decision to join the firm, Maskew said: “Simpson Millar positions itself as the ‘Open Lawyers’, and that was an extremely exciting proposition for me given the nature of the services that we provide within the Wills, Trusts, Probate and COP teams – all of which deal with sensitive and highly personal matters on behalf of clients.

“My vision for the team is to continue to build on efforts to date to demystify the legal process, and that means delivering jargon free advice, with transparency regarding fees.” Sarah Ryan, who heads up the firm’s Private Practice Area division, said: “Jonathan’s experience will undoubtedly benefit the Wills, Trusts, Probate and COP teams, as well as the wider Private Client Services division. “He is a true champion for change within the legal services arena, and that fits well with our own ‘Open Proposition’, and our efforts to open up the law for consumers. “His primary role therefore is to positively challenge the way in which we deliver our services on an ongoing basis in order to ensure that we are always operating in a way that best meets the evolving needs of our clients. “We are delighted to be welcoming him to the team.”
Maskew, adds: “The support I have received in the role to date is no doubt indicative of the ethos of the business, and the internal passion that exists to really open up the law for clients, and create a vibrant working environment for colleagues. “It’s exciting to have joined a firm nimble enough to be able to react quickly to a rapidly changing legal market, and the subsequent expectations of clients.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Simran .