For many solicitors, a career in private client law is carefully planned. For Lauren Smith, it began with an unexpected opportunity and a willingness to step into the unknown. What started as a spontaneous answer in a job interview became a fulfilling legal career focused on Wills, Probate, and Trusts. In this thoughtful interview, Lauren reflects on the emotional challenges of estate work, the importance of clarity and compassion with clients, and why human understanding remains essential in a field that increasingly faces pressure from automation.
What initially drew you to specialise in Wills, Probate, and Trusts, and what continues to motivate you in this area of law?
It was by chance, really. I went to an interview for a training contract and had researched the firm beforehand. I had done some Wills and Probate work during my degree and knew that the firm handled that type of work, so I said I was interested in it.
During the interview, I was told I had the job and could set up my own team doing Wills and Probate, as the person who had previously handled that area had left the firm. It was daunting, but also a fantastic opportunity.
I love what I do. I enjoy seeing clients and helping them with their problems. It can be a tricky area of law, as people often underestimate its importance. Clients can write their own Will or administer an estate themselves, so they often ask why they should use a solicitor. I pride myself on offering added value to ensure that clients never feel like I've done something they could have done themselves. I make sure they understand just how complex things could become without professional advice. I take the view that I could service my own car, but I would get a much better (and safer) result if I let a mechanic do it.
Can you share an example of a particularly complex estate or trust matter you have handled, and how you approached it?
There are too many to single out one. Often, it's not the legal side of the job that makes it complex. More often, it is the circumstances or the people involved.
I have had to deal with very difficult cases, including suicides, murders, neglected children, and disputes between relatives. That is often the hardest part. Navigating people's emotions can be challenging, and clients often only take in a fraction of the advice you give. That is why it's important to be very clear about what you are telling them.
More and more people are disinheriting close family members, particularly children, and I believe this area will continue to grow more complex in the future.
Clients do not always want to face difficult questions, but my job is to ask the "what ifs" and to make sure they understand the consequences of their decisions. For example, if a client instructs me to write a Will that disinherits a child, I need to know exactly why. When the estate is later administered, I need that context in order to defend any potential claims and ensure the client's wishes are upheld.
Many clients face emotionally difficult circumstances when dealing with probate. How do you balance empathy with legal precision in those moments?
This can be difficult, especially when I have worked with a client for many years. You feel their pain.
Often, it is a matter of listening and allowing clients space to grieve. Everyone processes grief differently. Some people are visibly upset, while others appear to be coping well but could break down at any moment.
Being compassionate and understanding is essential. I try to keep the information I give as simple as possible and often use examples or drawings to help clients retain what we discuss. I always follow up in writing as well, because I know they may not remember everything said during the meeting. That way, they have something to refer back to when they are ready.
Have you seen any significant shifts in client expectations or industry practices in your field over the last few years?
Yes. Many clients are now trying to handle things themselves, whether it is administering an estate, drafting a Power of Attorney, or writing a Will. However, this often results in more complex problems that we are brought in to fix years later.
I have seen homemade Wills that were never signed, documents intended as Wills that are not valid, and property deeds still in the names of deceased individuals because the occupiers thought they had inherited the property. All of this happened because someone attempted to handle the legal process without proper guidance.
What role does education play in your work, both in guiding clients and mentoring younger colleagues within the firm?
It plays a huge role. The law is always changing, and we must stay up to date to ensure we advise our clients accurately.
We dedicate a lot of time to training our staff so we can consistently deliver the best service. Clients come to us looking for answers, and that is what we aim to provide.
What advice would you give to young women entering private client law today?
Go for it! I think it is a fantastic and rewarding career.
Today, many people claim that AI can do our jobs, but I strongly disagree when it comes to Wills and Probate. My job is about working with people. Being approachable and understanding makes me the best person to advise clients—not a computer program or AI bot.
