Josie Birnie

I trained as a solicitor in Luton and qualified in 2003, remaining in the firm to work in their Private Client Department. I have also worked as a Private Client solicitor in Berkhamsted and St Albans.  Over the past 18 years, I have acquired a wealth of experience in areas such as Wills, Estate Planning, Probate and Estate Administration, Powers of Attorney, Trusts. I joined Neves on 1 November 2021, and am based at the Harpenden office.

I am currently in the process of qualifying to become a full member of The Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP)

Over the years I have drafted hundreds of wills and I know the questions to ask a client to ensure nothing significant is missed. I also know how to explain complex legal and tax matters clearly to clients without the use of jargon. I am keen on efficiency and look to take all steps to streamline the way I work such as using the most up to date electronic and online systems where possible, where this benefits the client in terms of time and cost. Any step towards becoming a "paperless" law firm is very exciting to me.

My areas of expertise include:

• Probate and Estate Administration Services of taxable and non-taxable Estates
• Applications for Grant of Probate/ Grant of Letters of Administration
• Court of Protection Deputyship applications
• Drafting and Registering Lasting Powers of Attorney
• The creation and administration of trusts
• Preparation of Wills for individuals, married couples and unmarried couples
• Inheritance Tax Planning

I am an approachable 'people' person and like to take the time to understand what a client wants and needs and provide them with clear advice. 

I have two children of secondary school age and a cat. I sing in a choir and like to go running. I also take any opportunity to dance (preferably to 80's pop music) and I would like the Great British Bake Off to take place in my kitchen so I can sample all the cakes.