Anna Stephenson Partner and Head of Private Client
Private Client
Anna Stephenson is a Partner and Head of the Private Client team at Swinburne Maddison LLP. She joined the firm in January 2014 as a Solicitor, was promoted to Managing Associate in 2018, and became a Partner in December 2021.
Anna began her legal career in the South West, where she qualified in 2008 while working at a large legal practice. During this time, she gained extensive experience handling a diverse range of cases, including those involving high-profile trust clients and agricultural matters. Upon returning to the North East, she worked at a local firm before joining Swinburne Maddison.
Anna specialises in estate planning, the drafting, preparation, and administration of trusts, and providing inheritance tax advice. She also advises on wills and estate administration, acting for a broad range of clients, including high-net-worth individuals, trustees, and family businesses. Her ability to provide strategic, tailored advice has earned her a reputation for excellence within the field.
A full member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP), Anna is highly regarded for her technical expertise, particularly in trust administration and tax planning. She also plays an integral role in mentoring junior colleagues and developing the Private Client team. Her leadership contributed to the team winning the Private Client Team of the Year award in 2018.
Anna is committed to the firm’s growth and reputation beyond the North East, actively building professional relationships and fostering cross-departmental collaboration. She works closely with tax advisors and financial planners to provide comprehensive estate planning services. Additionally, she has developed a strong network of professional contacts and regularly receives instructions from external practitioners seeking her advice on complex trust and estate matters.
- Wills, Trusts, and Probate
- Estate Administration
- Inheritance Tax and Estate Planning
- Trust Administration
- Powers of Attorney
- Agricultural Estates
- Mental Capacity and Court of Protection Matters
With over 15 years of post-qualification experience, Anna has built a reputation as a meticulous and client-focused solicitor. She is dedicated to delivering tailored solutions that align with each client’s unique circumstances, ensuring that legal processes are handled efficiently and with the highest level of care.
She has successfully developed the Private Client team, mentoring junior members and fostering a collaborative working environment. Her expertise in business development, cross-referrals, and financial management has significantly contributed to the firm’s ongoing success.
Career highlights include:
- Played a key role in the team winning the Private Client Team of the Year award in 2018.
- Regularly collaborates with smaller firms and probate practitioners to advise on complex trust and estate matters, further solidifying her reputation as a leading private client solicitor.
- Successfully advised on inheritance tax and estate planning for multi-generational family businesses, ensuring seamless succession planning and tax efficiency.
- Worked closely with agricultural clients, broadening the firm’s expertise in this sector and contributing to its long-term strategy to strengthen services for rural clients.
- Appointed as a professional trustee and deputy/attorney for multiple clients, reflecting her trusted relationships and expertise in complex estate management.
- Delivered expert-led presentations on tax and estate planning for major commercial clients.
Anna’s dedication to professional development and her passion for maintaining the firm’s high standards continue to drive her success. She remains focused on expanding Swinburne Maddison’s private client offering and ensuring that all clients receive the highest quality legal advice with a personal touch.
Anna is a full member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP).
Beyond her legal work, Anna is a trustee of St Margaret’s Centre in Durham, which supports adults facing mental health challenges. She also serves as a professional trustee and deputy/attorney for multiple clients, demonstrating the trust and confidence she has built with clients and colleagues alike.
Anna is a confident public speaker and has delivered presentations on tax and estate planning for large commercial contacts of the firm, including Three Counties Limited and Abdrn Financial Planning. She thrives on opportunities for collaboration and business development, continually seeking ways to strengthen the firm’s private client offering, particularly in agricultural law.
"I can highly recommend Anna Stephenson for professional and compassionate support during this difficult time. Don’t hesitate to let the professionals help with probate, a death is difficult enough."
"Anna Stephenson has good technical knowledge, but her top attribute is that she cares about giving the best possible service to her clients."
"Anna Stephenson has been very helpful and efficient in helping take the pressure off me when I was named as an executor. All my dealings with the firm have been met with professionalism."
"‘Updating a Will can be onerous but Anna Stephenson made the whole process simple, straight-forward and painless. Her exceptional knowledge of Wills, Trusts and Probate shone through making it very easy to navigate around any tax pitfalls and obtaining the desired outcome quickly and efficiently."
"Anna Stephenson is simply fantastic. Highly knowledgeable, her experience and specialism ensures that any and all situations are catered for with the utmost care and diligence. Her ability to put clients concerns to bed is incredibly valuable and the professionalism that her team delivers meets and exceeds all expectations."
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