Our ‘Meet the Team’ articles aim to provide you with an insight into the staff members at Oliver & Co Solicitors, who are ultimately the foundation of our business. In this article, we meet our new Private Client Solicitor, Clare Shields.
Clare joined Oliver & Co in September 2022 as a Private Client Solicitor. She has over 16 years’ experience in this area of law and so is a great asset to both our business and clients. Clare assists clients daily in preparing Lasting Powers of Attorney, Wills and Deputyship applications. She also manages a Probate caseload, helping clients to obtain a Grant of Probate when a loved one has sadly passed away. Clare’s knowledge and expertise in all things Wills and Probate, together with her friendly and caring attitude means that she is a great Solicitor to help our clients during some tough times.
Clare joined the Oliver & Co team shortly before it became the largest firm in the Northwest to be employee owned. Amongst other things, we have asked Clare what she thinks of Oliver & Co’s new business venture and how she is settling into her new team.
Why did you want to be a Solicitor?
When I thought about the career I wanted to embark upon, my main goals were:
- To ensure that I love the job I do and that it is something I do for a long time
- For my career to be challenging and interesting
I have a great desire to problem-solve and so when I thought about the most suitable career for me, working in the legal sector was something that sprung to mind quite quickly. Each and every working day, I work with clients who require assistance in planning for the future whether it be via a Will or Lasting Power of Attorney. Many clients have complicated assets such as bitcoin or property portfolios and others may have complex family circumstances. I help find legal solutions to some of these problems and to assist them in achieving their wishes. For these reasons, amongst many more, I really do enjoy and find satisfaction in my career.
What areas of Law did you train in?
I previously worked in a local High Street firm for many years and began my career in the Family department. I then moved over to the Wills & Probate team where I spent several years assisting Solicitors with their caseload whilst also, handling my own caseload.
After I decided that a career as a Solicitor was what I wanted for myself, I carried out my training contract in the same firm, during which I spent periods of time in the Personal Injury department. Wills and Probate was the area of law I enjoyed the most and found to suit my personality. It is nice to know that I am helping those who need guidance and advice during one of the most difficult periods of their life.
What was it about Wills and Probate that you enjoyed?
When I graduated from Liverpool John Moore’s University and collected my LPC certificate from a well-known criminal barrister, he asked me the usual questions as he was shaking my hand. Firstly, he asked, ‘What is next for you?’ and I replied, ‘I have a training contract at my current place of work’. He seemed very excited for me as he knew what a great career law can offer. He then asked, ‘What area of law would you like to practice in?’ and my response was ‘Wills and Probate”. He pulled me back and asked, ‘Why would you want to do that?’
Although I understand that Wills and Probate is very different to a career in Criminal Law, it is easily as interesting and challenging. I meet new people each day and help them to navigate through some of the most difficult periods in their lives. Watching the burden lift off my clients’ shoulders is very worthwhile.
What do you think sets Oliver & Co apart from other firms?
Oliver & Co Solicitors have a unique brand of excellence and attitude towards helping clients as much as possible. We have extremely high standards when it comes to client care and service. We ensure that our clients receive the best possible advice and that they leave their appointment with a full understanding of what needs to be done and how we can help.
How have you found your first few months here?
I was very warmly welcomed by everyone at Oliver & Co and was quickly made to feel like part of the ‘work-family’. Since joining Oliver & Co, I have enjoyed the team bonding experiences with my new colleagues as this has helped me build important work relationships.
It has also been great to have a full diary of client appointments and to fully immerse myself in helping clients. Oliver & Co is a busy and thriving business which is exactly what I have been looking for.
What do you think about Oliver & Co becoming 100% employee owned?
I think that being employee owned is fantastic and I am very excited about the new venture we are all embarking upon here at Oliver & Co. I know that my colleagues all share the same opinion and so morale around the office is great. Furthermore, all employees now have a stake in the profits that Oliver & Co makes each year and so we are all invested in ensuring that we do well for each other.
What are your hobbies outside of work?
My life outside of work mostly revolves around my dog, Peppa. If I manage to get a dog sitter and some time away, I love travelling to different countries (mainly those which are warm), watching my football team, skiing and visiting museums. I also enjoying escape rooms, quizzes and reading.
How can we help?
Do you need legal advice on any of the following matters:
- Wills/Lasting Powers of Attorney/Deputyship/Probate
- Commercial Property
- Conveyancing
- Family
- Personal Injury
- Road Traffic Accidents
- Industrial Disease
- Clinical Negligence
- Commercial
If so, please call our friendly First Response team on 01244 312306 who will be able to assist you in arranging an appointment.
