Taylor Bracewell appoints two new Partners

9th April 2018

We are very proud to announce that Lauren Smith, our Head of Wills, Probate and Trusts (Sheffield) and Mark Walton, our Head of Conveyancing have become Partners at Taylor Bracewell.

Lauren Smith Becomes Partner Lauren joined Taylor Bracewell in December of 2014 and specialises in Wills, Administration of Estates, Trusts, Powers of Attorney, Inheritance Tax Planning, Care Home Costs and Asset Protection. Lauren is a member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners' (STEP), which assures clients of her expertise as a Trust and Estate Practitioner. STEP is the leading worldwide professional body for practitioners in the fields of trusts, estates and related issues: its members are subject to a rigorous code of professional conduct and are the most experienced and senior practitioners in the field of trusts and estates. In 2016 Taylor Bracewell was the highest donating law firm in the UK to Will Aid. This is a charity backed Will-writing scheme to encourage people to make a Will with donations being given to charity in lieu of any payment being given to the Solicitors. Lauren raised over £25,000 for charity during the month, whilst being pregnant with her first child. Lauren has retained the title of the highest donating law firm for Taylor Bracewell in 2017. Lauren will remain in her role as Head of Wills, Probate & Trusts, whilst becoming more involved in the leadership of the Firm. Lauren Smith comments "I have always wanted to become Partner in a law firm and have worked extremely hard to achieve this. Taylor Bracewell is my work family, and I couldn't be happier to take on the position of Partner at this Firm". Mark Walton Becomes Partner Mark is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEx) and has 20 years' experience in residential conveyancing. Mark joined Taylor Bracewell in 2013 and made an excellent addition to the Conveyancing team. Just a year later in September 2014, he became Head of the Department. Mark has grown the department substantially and with his leadership, it has developed into one of the most recognised and successful conveyancing teams in the region. When Taylor Bracewell became an Alternative Business Structure last year, it did so with the intention of being able to have a more diverse partnership. This structure allows any chosen person to become a partner in the Firm, not limiting it to solicitors. This has allowed Mark to take this opportunity and for Taylor Bracewell to benefit from Mark's experience and skill. Mark Walton adds: -I am proud to have been appointed a Partner at Taylor Bracewell. The opportunity to progress within the Firm was a key factor when I decided to join in 2013, and it has been a great journey so far. Being appointed a Partner gives me the opportunity to help the Firm as we continue to grow and move forward. I look forward to the challenges ahead. CILEx President, Millicent Grant said: "We are delighted to hear that Mark Walton has been appointed to Partner at Taylor Bracewell. Partnership is recognition of the growing importance of Chartered Legal Executives in the legal workplace. Mark's achievement is further evidence that his skill and expertise can finally be acknowledged through partnership status." Sharon Beck comments -This is a huge moment for Firm. The addition of two highly motivated and driven people to the firm's management shows our ambition and determination to grow and become even more successful. I know that we have two fantastic additions to the partnership, their work ethic and ambitions fall in line with the whole of the Firm and our vision for the future."