An Interview with Simon Mitchell

What do you do for Thomson Snell & Passmore?
I am a partner in the tax planning division within the private client department. I help clients with the preparation of Wills and Lasting Powers of Attorney and the estate and tax planning issues that go with that, as well as the administration of trusts and of estates for clients who have died. My particular areas of expertise include advising on all aspects of Inheritance Tax and Capital Gains Tax including arrangements to minimise potential tax liabilities, estate planning, especially advice relating to lifetime gifts, advising on the creation, administration and termination of trusts, including dealing with the administration of complex estates including those with overseas assets and business/agricultural interests, and post death tax planning, including Deeds of Variation.

What do you love most about your role?
Being in a friendly and collegiate atmosphere within a team which is all very much pulling in the same direction - I am fortunate to work with some great colleagues with wide ranging expertise across the private client and wider corporate spheres, and it is always rewarding to share ideas and experiences. It is also very satisfying to help my clients and to ensure that their needs are dealt with in the best way possible. I love the relationships I am able to build with clients, and particularly enjoy delivering insightful and practical guidance, to help them navigate complex areas of the law.

How has your business adapted in light of the current COVID-19 crisis?
Inevitably, and like a lot of other businesses, we are now largely working from home. In the absence of client meetings, the use of technology has allowed the firm to carry on working almost as normal and to ensure that our clients are still fully looked after for as long as the crisis lasts. As a firm, we've always prided ourselves on our ability to adapt to change. We celebrate our 450th anniversary this year, and I think one of the reasons we have thrived for so many years is this ability to embrace change and learn key lessons from challenging times.

Why did you join PCD?
To join a network with like-minded professionals operating either in the private client field or in the wealth management industry. It is always great to share knowledge and insights with peers and to widen your professional network - albeit virtually these days!

Will you be attending a PCD webinar in the near future?
Yes. The list of upcoming webinars looks great and I am looking forward to attending my first one.

My top tip for working from home is...
Always keep lines of communication open. We have had regular internal meetings within the department so that no-one runs the risk of feeling isolated, and modern technology means that it is increasingly easy to keep in touch with clients and referrers as well.

On a weekend, I am most likely found...
Cleaning out my tropical fish tank, in the garden or trying (and failing) to help my teenager with his homework.