Suzanne Porter

Director in Wills, Trusts & Probate

Experience:

Over 20 years

Education:

Suzanne studied law at Lancaster University and then went on to obtain her Legal Practicing Certificate at The College of Law in Chester. She completed her training contract with a long established high street practice in Sheffield before going on to specialise in Private Client work at a practice based in Bakewell. Suzanne joined Wake Smith in 2017 to head up the Private Client Team. Her experience is in all areas of non-contentious Private Client work.

Main Areas of Work:

  • Probate applications and estate administration
  • Inheritance tax planning
  • Drafting wills
  • Elderly client issues
  • Trusts
  • Powers of Attorney and Court of Protection applications

Great / Notable achievements at Wake Smith:

  • Suzanne acts as a Trustee in connection with numerous private and charitable Trusts - being responsible for assets valued in excess of several million pounds.
  • She was appointed as the first female deputy steward for the Wirksworth and High Peak Barmote Court on behalf of the Dutchy of Lancaster - being responsible for swearing in the jury in addition to other duties.
  • Suzanne regularly engages in public speaking giving talks to local groups upon the topics of Wills, powers of Attorney and Estate Administration. This is at no charge.
  • She also led the team to be shortlisted for the Private Client Team of the year award at the Yorkshire Lawyer of the Year awards in 2018 and 2019
  • Suzanne has also brought the department together with Museum Sheffield to engage in a legacy partnership for the last 3 years

    What clients say about you:

    ‘Suzanne Porter leads a highly knowledgeable team of solicitors and associates. They are all technically excellent and more than anything, they all have the client’s interests at heart.’ -Quoted in The Legal 500 2024

    ‘I recommend Suzanne Porter, Director, most highly. I first met her in 2009 when she worked in Bakewell and dealt with my late aunt’s estate. She has a unique blend of professionalism and efficiency. These were the qualities that made it unthinkable not to instruct her ten years later when my mother died, irrespective of the fact that Sheffield was not local for me. Suzanne’s career had taken her to Wake Smith by that time. Suzanne is efficient and charismatic and I noticed the warmth and admiration with which the support team spoke of her, both in Bakewell and Sheffield. I find this very significant.’  - Quoted in The Legal 500 2022

    "Suzanne Porter and Rachel Baseley have advised many of our employees on such delicate matters either at Wake Smith’s offices, Swann-Morton’s premises or in individuals’ homes, and have always been compassionate, understanding and patient in gaining an understanding of their requirements and wishes whilst delivering a solution in a professional manner. Their reaction has been very timely when required, which has helped to reassure the individuals and their families. We look forward to a continuing long-term and professional relationship not only with the Wills and Probate team but with Wake Smith as a whole."Mike Hirst - Swann-Morton

    “Suzanne Porter is excellent, swift and efficient. This was all sorted in days – mightily impressed.”

    “I am grateful to Suzanne for her efficiency, help and friendly, professional attitude.”

    "You are the most efficient professional advisor I've ever had Suzanne. Thanks for organising so quickly."

    Recent articles by Suzanne Porter

    Wake Smith backs #SARAHsays campaign to address barriers to female resuscitation 
    Expert advice is key in estate administration
    If you live alone and don’t have much to your name – do you need a will?
    Protect yourself with professional advice for LPAs
    Lasting Powers of Attorney - the importance of proactive planning
    Lasting Powers of Attorney for business owners 
    Do I really need a Will and where do I start?
    Importance of including your funeral arrangements in your will

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