Lydia McCaslin - Partner and head of wills, probate and trusts at Mincoffs Solicitors.
What were your career ambitions growing up?
I have always been ambitious, but I never even considered a career as a solicitor as a child. I was fascinated by science and, despite advice to the contrary, I obtained a degree in Medical Microbiology from Newcastle University.
However, midway through my degree, I realised that a career in science was not for me. Having always been certain of my goal, I floundered in finding an alternative. I was interested by my flatmate’s law degree and found out I could do a post-graduate conversion course to lead into a career in law.
I sometimes reflect on the circuitous route I took and wonder how things would have worked out had I followed a different path. Ultimately, I think that I would have reached the same destination. However, my experience has taught be a few lessons on the way, not least that I can be stubborn and should listen to the advice of others.
Tell us about your current role.
As well as client work, I have lots of other responsibilities related to the firm’s strategic planning. I enjoy both aspects, especially really getting to know clients to understand their needs and helping them find practical solutions, which drew me to this area of law in the first place.
What is your proudest business achievement?
I’d have to say being promoted to head of department and then to partner. I joined the firm almost seven years ago when my children were at primary school and working around caring for them was difficult, but it was worth the effort.
How has your industry changed in the last decade?
Wills and probate is very traditional, but technology has improved practice hugely. Thanks to the online availability of resources such as statutes, case law and precedents, we can work more efficiently than ever before.
The Covid-19 pandemic required us to implement video calling and other technology that we were not making the most of beforehand, which allows more flexibility for clients and solicitors alike.
There’s further change ahead, as the Law Commission reviews the Wills Act 1837, with a view to reforming the legislation. No changes have been implemented yet but there is hope of modernisation ahead, so it’s an exciting time.
What are you currently working on?
I have a varied caseload. It includes advising on tax efficient wills for couples wanting to pass their wealth to the next generation, administering trusts, managing a contentious estate with our dispute resolution team, and handling an estate which requires submitting a hugely detailed account to HM Revenue & Customs.
I’m also involved in firmwide projects relating to the future of the business, and I enjoy the chance to use different skills and work with various teams.
Tell us about the team you work with.
Whilst I’ve been fortunate to work with some wonderful individuals in my career, I know from experience that the team at Mincoffs is something special. Despite rapid growth in recent years, the firm retains a genuine family feeling, which I think stems from us all having the same core values.
What has been your biggest challenge?
Probably keeping my chin up and continuing to do my job to the best of my ability whilst working with a very difficult person at a previous law firm. Support from friends and family got me through and, although it was a tough time, the experience taught me a lot and has contributed to the way I now lead my own team.
How do you unwind outside of work?
I like to keep active and am a keen runner. I have organised a team from Mincoffs to take part in this year’s Great North Run to raise funds for St Oswald’s Hospice.
I love nothing more than spending time with my husband and two teenage sons. We enjoy travelling to new places together and trying new foods. I’m looking forward to travelling in Italy with them this summer.
Favourite book and boxset?
I do watch TV, but I’d rather watch a film or read a book. I read every day and have been a member of the same book club for over 15 years, although that’s much more about the company than the literature. There are too many good books out there to have a favourite, but I think Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver is the best I’ve ever read.
www.mincoffs.co.uk