Clarissa Ferguson: A Leading Private Client Solicitor Shaping Trust and Succession Planning in the UK
When it comes to navigating the intricate world of private client law, few names stand out as prominently as Clarissa Ferguson. With a decade-long career rooted in expertise, precision, and client dedication, Clarissa has become a trusted advisor to individuals, families, and trustees across the UK. Her journey—from academic achievements to professional milestones—exemplifies the blend of knowledge and practical experience necessary to excel in the demanding legal landscape of trusts, succession, and tax planning.
Clarissa Ferguson: An Overview
Clarissa Ferguson is a highly respected Private Client Solicitor at Payne Hicks Beach LLP, one of London’s most reputable law firms specialising in private client matters. Known for her sharp legal insight and client-centred approach, Clarissa advises on complex issues such as tax, trust structures, succession planning, and capacity law. Her work extends beyond the borders of the UK, covering international tax and trust law, which further elevates her status as an expert in this niche legal domain.
Education: The Foundation of Excellence
Clarissa’s journey into law was built upon a solid academic foundation. She graduated with First Class Honours in Psychology from the University of Bath, a prestigious university known for its rigorous academic standards and innovative courses. This four-year sandwich degree also included a valuable placement year at Harvard University, giving her international exposure and a broadened perspective—qualities that have undoubtedly influenced her approach to law and client care.
After completing her undergraduate degree, Clarissa decided to pivot her career towards law, recognising her passion for legal problem-solving and client advocacy. She pursued her Graduate Diploma in Law at The College of Law, London, earning a Distinction—an accolade that underscores her dedication and intellectual capability. Following this, she completed the Legal Practice Course (LPC) with distinction, cementing her qualification to practise as a solicitor in England and Wales.
This blend of psychology and law equips Clarissa with a unique understanding of client needs, especially in sensitive matters involving capacity issues and trust disputes. It enables her to approach each case with empathy and analytical rigour.
Career at Payne Hicks Beach LLP: Expertise in Private Client Law
Clarissa Ferguson began her professional legal journey as a Trainee Solicitor at Payne Hicks Beach in 2013, where she underwent intensive training across various areas of law including private client, family, commercial and residential property, and dispute resolution. This broad exposure during her formative years laid the groundwork for her specialised expertise.
Since qualifying as a solicitor in 2015, Clarissa has dedicated her career to the private client department at Payne Hicks Beach. Over the last ten years, she has gained a reputation for delivering meticulous advice on complex trust structures, including landed estates—a challenging area that often involves navigating agricultural and business property reliefs.
Clarissa’s experience is particularly noteworthy in her skillful handling of applications under the Variation of Trusts Act, a legal mechanism allowing modification of trust terms to reflect changing circumstances or intentions. She has successfully extended the perpetuity periods of family trusts, a process essential for preserving wealth across generations without breaching legal restrictions.
Her role also encompasses advising on offshore trusts, which requires not only legal expertise but an understanding of international tax law and cross-border issues. Clarissa’s ability to navigate the complex tax implications for UK residents receiving distributions from offshore trusts or those moving into or out of the UK demonstrates her thorough command of the subject.
Areas of Specialisation
Trust and Succession Planning
Trust law can be notoriously complex, particularly when dealing with family estates, multiple beneficiaries, and evolving tax regulations. Clarissa excels in crafting bespoke solutions that protect family wealth and meet clients’ succession wishes. Her insight into the nuances of trust law helps clients manage their affairs with confidence, ensuring long-term protection and minimising tax liabilities.
Capacity and Court of Protection Matters
An often challenging aspect of private client law involves dealing with individuals who lack legal capacity to manage their affairs. Clarissa is adept at preparing complex wills that address these sensitive issues and has considerable experience making applications for Deputyship Orders through the Court of Protection. This legal process appoints deputies to make decisions on behalf of incapacitated individuals, ensuring their welfare and financial interests are safeguarded.
International Tax and Offshore Trusts
With increasing globalisation, Clarissa’s advice on offshore trusts and tax planning for individuals moving internationally has become invaluable. Her work helps clients comply with the UK’s tax regime while optimising their financial arrangements—a balancing act requiring detailed knowledge of international law and cross-border tax implications.
Early Career and Experience at Savills
Before fully embarking on her legal career, Clarissa gained practical experience in the property sector, working as a Sales and Lettings Assistant at Savills in Islington. Savills is a leading global real estate services provider known for its expertise in residential and commercial property.
During her time at Savills, Clarissa developed an understanding of the property market and client service, which later proved beneficial when advising on commercial and residential property matters in her legal role. This hands-on experience gave her a practical perspective on property transactions, complementing her legal training and enabling her to offer well-rounded advice to clients involving property assets.
Payne Hicks Beach LLP: A Centre of Excellence
Payne Hicks Beach LLP is a distinguished London-based law firm specialising in private client law, providing expert legal services to high-net-worth individuals, families, and trustees. The firm’s reputation is built on deep technical knowledge, a personal approach to client care, and the ability to handle some of the most complex legal issues in trust, tax, succession, and estate planning.
The private client team at Payne Hicks Beach, including Clarissa Ferguson, is known for delivering partner-level service, navigating intricate legal landscapes with precision and care. The firm prides itself on maintaining a collaborative culture where solicitors work closely with clients, tailoring strategies that meet unique circumstances and goals.
Personal Qualities and Professional Recognition
Clarissa’s background in psychology enhances her ability to understand client needs, particularly in emotionally charged or complex situations. Her approach combines technical excellence with empathy, ensuring that clients feel supported throughout challenging processes such as capacity issues or family disputes.
Over the years, Clarissa has earned recognition from peers and clients alike for her clarity of thought, attention to detail, and unwavering commitment. She is known for cutting through complexity to provide clear, actionable advice—a crucial skill in private client law, where misunderstandings can have serious financial and personal consequences.
Conclusion
Clarissa Ferguson represents the best of the UK’s private client legal profession. Her blend of academic excellence, practical experience at prestigious institutions like Payne Hicks Beach and Savills, and a client-first approach, has made her a trusted advisor in the fields of trust, succession, and tax planning.
For individuals and families looking to secure their financial legacy, Clarissa offers expert guidance through the labyrinth of legal requirements and tax considerations. Her professional journey, marked by continuous learning and dedication, ensures that clients receive the highest level of legal service tailored to their needs.
In an ever-changing legal landscape, Clarissa Ferguson stands as a beacon of reliability and expertise, helping clients plan for the future with confidence and peace of mind.
