Harrogate-based firm Raworths has unveiled a significant change in leadership within its acclaimed trusts, wills, and estates (TWE) team.
Partners Alison Walker and Sam Jenner have been appointed as joint heads of the 23-member team, which recently won the prestigious title of ‘Out of London Practice of the Year’ at the Chambers High Net Worth (HNW) Awards 2024.
The leadership transition will allow Rachel Tunnicliffe, who has led the team for the past decade, to focus on her growing responsibilities as senior partner at Raworths and head of private client services. Rachel will continue to work closely with her long-standing clients, providing expert legal advice on wills, trusts, and succession planning.
An award-winning team in Harrogate
Rachel expressed her pride in the team’s achievements, saying, “I’m so proud of this incredible team. On the back of achieving national recognition at the recent Chambers HNW awards – which are solely based on feedback from our clients and contacts – now is the perfect time to hand over the reins. Alison and Sam each bring a unique set of skills and knowledge which together make for an inspirational leadership team.
“I’m looking forward to embarking on a new chapter at Raworths, supporting our managing partner, Simon Morris, in my role as senior partner and head of private client services – and continuing to work with my clients, many of whom I’ve advised for more than two decades and who I hope to continue working with for a long time to come.”
Under Rachel’s leadership, Raworths’ TWE team has grown into one of Yorkshire’s largest private client practices, offering services to clients regionally and nationally. The team’s reputation is underscored by its Band 1 rankings in both the Chambers High Net Worth Guide and the Legal 500.
Meet Raworths’ new leaders
Alison has been with Raworths since 2015 and specialises in wills, trusts, succession planning, wealth structuring, and tax advice for business owners. She also has specialist knowledge in the administration of complex estates, particularly those involving business interests and overseas property.
Sam, who joined the firm in 2014, has a strong background in succession planning, estate administration, family investment companies, and tax issues. He also plays a key role in leading the firm’s IT projects.
Both Alison and Sam are actively involved in mentoring junior members of the team.
Alison expressed her gratitude for the opportunity, saying: “I’d like to thank Raworths for this opportunity. Rachel has been an inspirational leader over the last ten years, and I’m looking forward to continuing to work alongside Sam to oversee the future direction of the team, whilst providing the very best service to our clients.”
Sam also highlighted the importance of mentoring and teamwork, adding, “I have really enjoyed mentoring junior team members and as joint head of TWE, I hope to play an even bigger role in the development of the next generation of talented lawyers.
“Alison and I both have families – and I’m glad that Raworths supports joint leadership roles that enable us to have work/life balance, which can only be a positive for both our professional and personal lives.”
Raworths provides integrated commercial and private client services and employs more than 70 people at its Harrogate office.
Pictured (L-R): Rachel Tunnicliffe, Alison Walker and Sam Jenner
Image provided by Raworths
Josie Miller
Josie Miller is Editor of Yorkshire Legal News. She welcomes comments and questions.
