North Yorkshire solicitor awarded 'gold standard' accreditation

Emma Morris, Senior Associate Solicitor at Crombie Wilkinson Solicitors has been recognised with national accreditation for her expertise in legal support for older and vulnerable clients, their families and carers.

The accreditation is awarded by The Association of Lifetime Lawyers, the organisation setting the standard for the highest quality legal advice in specialist areas, such as Wills, powers of attorney and inheritance tax.

To achieve accreditation, legal advisers are required to undertake assessment to demonstrate solid understanding of the specific needs and considerations required when safeguarding and protecting clients’ interests.

Emma Morris said, “I’m really proud to become an Accredited Lifetime Lawyer and be part of this community of the most qualified solicitors in the country when it comes to advising older and vulnerable people who may need extra help and support.

This is  a qualification I chose to undertake to make sure I get the best outcome for my clients when they are making a Will, putting powers of attorney in place, getting advice on care fees and tax planning. It’s about providing expert advice with extra care.”

Lakshmi Turner, Chief Executive of The Association of Lifetime Lawyers said, “When it comes to planning ahead for later life, getting the right advice is essential. An Accredited Lifetime Lawyer is an expert in this area of the law and understand the wider, often sensitive issues around health, care and family that may need consideration. Lifetime Lawyers understand the issues affecting older and vulnerable clients and follow a strict code of practice with respect and dignity at its heart.

Ultimately, choosing a Lifetime Lawyer means you’ll be guided through this complex and sensitive area of law and will enable you to lay solid foundations to protect you and your loved ones in later life.”

The Association of Lifetime Lawyers (formerly knows as Solicitors for the Elderly) is an independent, national organisation of lawyers from across the UK who provide specialist legal advice for people planning for the future.

The main areas of law members cover are:

• Powers of Attorney
• Making a Will
• Living Wills
• Tax planning
• Asset preservation
• Trusts
• Probate
• Paying for care
• NHS Continuing Care Funding
• Will disputes
• Court of Protection
• Abuse

In order to become an Accredited Member, lawyers must have a minimum of three years’ experience advising in areas of older client law and have completed the Lifetime Care in Practice Award – a qualification which demonstrates the specialist client care skills that enable lawyers to advise and support older and vulnerable clients.

Members are also required to continuously update their knowledge with training and produce an annual statement of competence, which ensures they maintain their expertise.