Flint Bishop welcomes new private client lawyer

Flint Bishop is bolstering its private client offering in York with the recent appointment of Charlotte Dugdale-Tonks as a senior associate in its wills, probate, tax and trusts team. Dugdale-Tonks, who previously worked at Irwin Mitchell as an associate in a Tier 1 Legal 500 private client team, is well-equipped to manage a complex caseload, thereby enhancing the firm's ability to cater to high-net-worth individuals and families.

Dugdale-Tonks brings a wealth of expertise, having dedicated over 18 years to advising clients on succession planning, estate administration, and tax-efficient structuring. Her practice spans the full spectrum of private client matters, including the preparation of wills, lasting powers of attorney, and trusts, as well as asset protection and the administration of high-value estates. She is also proficient in navigating HMRC’s Trust Registration Service. Many of her clients' situations entail multi-million-pound estates, intricate business assets, and careful intergenerational wealth planning, particularly during sensitive family circumstances.

In addition to her legal prowess, Dugdale-Tonks has demonstrated a strong aptitude for business development, evidenced by her former role as the founder of Legacy Wills, a private client business she successfully ran. This experience has enabled her to foster a loyal client base and maintain robust referral relationships with independent financial advisers, accountants, and other professional consultants across York, Harrogate, and Manchester.

At Flint Bishop, she will take on a significant caseload, while also mentoring junior lawyers and contributing to the firm's strategic growth initiatives in the region. Commenting on her new role, Dugdale-Tonks said, “I’m excited to be joining Flint Bishop’s York office at a time of significant growth for the firm. I look forward to supporting the team in delivering high-quality private client advice to a broader range of clients across the region, helping individuals and families navigate complex wills, trusts and estate planning matters with clarity and confidence.”

Malcolm Simpson, managing partner (North) at Flint Bishop, shared his enthusiasm for her joining, stating, “Charlotte’s appointment further strengthens our ability to serve clients across our Northern practice. Her extensive experience in private client law and high-net-worth estate planning enables us to take on more complex matters and continue expanding our regional presence, delivering trusted, high-quality advice to individuals and families. Charlotte’s arrival underscores our ongoing commitment to growth, with a number of additional strategic lateral hires already in the pipeline.”