Joseph David Muir
North Shields
Summary
A dedicated individual with six years' experience in a Private Client environment, demonstrating expertise in advising a wide range of clients on Wills, Trusts, Lasting Powers of Attorney, and estate administration. Career goals include achieving full TEP qualification to continue providing high level advice to meet client objectives.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
8
8
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Associate Solicitor - Private Client
Clarke Mairs Law Limited
Newcastle upon Tyne
2024.06 - Current
- Advising on the preparation of Wills and ancillary documents for clients, including High Net Worth individuals and business owners.
- Advising on the creation of and management of Trusts including, Discretionary, Life Interest, and Vulnerable Beneficiary Trusts, together with advising Trustees of their responsibilities.
- Advising on and dealing with the administration of estates, including taxable estates with business interests.
- Preparing complex Probate and Letters of Administration applications, including 'Ad Colligenda Bona' grants, re-sealing foreign grants, and foreign domicile applications.
- Advising on making Lasting Powers of Attorney together with business LPAs where applicable.
- Liaising with the firm's property and corporate departments to facilitate cross-referrals for individuals and business owners.
- Working closely with other professionals such as accountants, tax advisers, and financial planners.
- Supervising work undertaken by more junior members of the team and relevant support staff.
Solicitor - Private Client
Clarke Mairs Law Limited
Newcastle
2020.01 - 2024.06
- Advising on the preparation of Wills and ancillary documents for clients.
- Advising on making Lasting Powers of Attorney.
- Preparing Grant of Probate and Letters of Administration applications.
- Administering deceased estates including preparation of Inheritance Tax forms for taxable estates.
- Assisting the Head of Department with Court of Protection matters, managing deputyship administration, preparing COP applications, and compiling annual deputyship reports.
Trainee Solicitor
Clarke Mairs LLP
Newcastle upon Tyne
2017.12 - 2020.01
- Held seats within the Insolvency, Commercial Litigation, Leasehold Enfranchisement, and Private Client departments.
- Appearing in Chambers regarding bankruptcy/insolvency applications and appearing, with permission, at a High Court hearing in the Moot Hall in respect of an application for restoration of a dissolved company.
- Preparing court applications, including fee approval requests in insolvency matters.
- Drafting legal documents, to include Wills, Deeds of Variation, and Lasting Powers of Attorney.
- Researching legal topics and providing concise advice notes to solicitors and clients.
- Attending client meetings with other solicitors in the firm and preparing detailed attendance notes.
- Assisting with case management and filing to support efficient case progression.
Paralegal
Gordon Brown Law LLP
Newcastle upon Tyne
2017.04 - 2017.12
- Managing a high volume caseload of investment property purchases within several UK student developments and holiday lettings.
- Progressing sales and negotiating with solicitors/paralegals acting for the developers
- Managing exchange and completion of sales contracts, transfers, and leases, registering completed transfers with HM Land Registry on behalf of clients.
- Overseeing anti-money laundering processes for domestic and foreign investors to ensure compliance.
- Advising clients on Reports on Title prepared by the solicitors within the department.
Education
STEP Diploma - Advanced Certificate - Taxation of Trusts and Estates (England and Wales)
Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners
2025.01 - 2025.06
STEP Diploma - Advanced Certificate - Administration of Estates (England and Wales)
Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners
2024.01 - 2024.06
STEP Diploma - Advanced Certificate - Will Preparation (England and Wales)
Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners
2023.01 - 2026.06
Mlaw (LPC Exempting) - Law
Northumbria University
Newcastle upon Tyne 2011.09 - 2015.07
Skills
Six years' experience within a Private Client environment
STEP Associate Member - working towards full TEP qualification
Experience managing a varied caseload independently, while also working collaboratively within the department and with other professionals
Experience dealing with a wide variety of clients, including vulnerable clients, and tailoring advice/explanations to meet their needs
Experience using case management systems and precedent banks, including updating precedents where necessary
Experience supervising junior members of staff
Ability to work to agreed deadlines, including assessing and prioritising workloads to meet urgent deadlines where required
Accomplishments
Awarded the Student Law Office Year 3 Scholarship in 2014 to attend the City University of New York for one month, on a Critical Legal Education exchange.
Timeline
STEP Diploma - Advanced Certificate - Taxation of Trusts and Estates (England and Wales)
Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners
2025.01 - 2025.06
Associate Solicitor - Private Client
Clarke Mairs Law Limited
2024.06 - Current
STEP Diploma - Advanced Certificate - Administration of Estates (England and Wales)
Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners
2024.01 - 2024.06
STEP Diploma - Advanced Certificate - Will Preparation (England and Wales)
Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners
2023.01 - 2026.06
Solicitor - Private Client
Clarke Mairs Law Limited
2020.01 - 2024.06
Trainee Solicitor
Clarke Mairs LLP
2017.12 - 2020.01
Paralegal
Gordon Brown Law LLP
2017.04 - 2017.12
Mlaw (LPC Exempting) - Law
Northumbria University
2011.09 - 2015.07