Legal veterans launch new model practice

FOUR veteran North West lawyers have teamed up to launch a practice focused on private client services.

Called Nova Private Client, the firm has been set up by Geoffrey Shindler, Robert Ashworth, Roger Lane-Smith and Rupert Nichols.
 
Based in Wilmslow, Nova provides quality advice in fields of trust and tax planning, wills & probate and ancillary services.
 
It promises a new approach for clients in terms of streamlined overheads and transparent fee structures.

Chairman Geoffrey Shindler, whose prevous practice, Lane-Smith & Shindler, merged with DWF in 2011, said: “Lawyers joining Nova Private Client will be able to focus on delivering a top quality client service without administrative distractions. 

“They will have the peace of mind of knowing that they are a part of a highly professional, fully authorised and regulated entity set up by solicitors for solicitors, with outstanding national brand recognition plus unlimited opportunities for growth.”

Mr Shindler is currently president of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners, while Roger Lane-Smith  is a founder partner and former chairman of DLA Piper the world’s largest law firm.

Nova’s central support offers lawyers the brand, regulatory structure and compliance systems, professional Indemnity cover, Data Protection Registration and management, SRA authorisation, and training.
 
Chief executive Robert Ashworth, who spent more than 25 years at Manchester law firm Pannone, said: “We are offering a different way of working. I hear from many lawyers that the imperative to work 12 hour days is driven not by client needs but by unrealistic targets, set by management.

“Any lawyer with a good client following should consider working with Nova Private Client and achieving that elusive better work life balance.”