Forsters appoints new head of Private Client Practice to support its continued growth

Forsters LLP, one of London’s leading private client law firms, has appointed Fiona Smith to head its rapidly expanding Private Client Practice
 
Fiona, who has been promoted following 13 years at Forsters, will bring her extensive expertise in on and offshore tax planning, wills, trusts and probate law to the role. As an established member of the group, Fiona will focus on building on the practice’s solid reputation and driving forward its business plan. Fiona is well respected within the group for her client care skills, technical excellence and the support she offers team members in helping to develop their professional capabilities.

Forsters is widely recognised as one of the leading private client firms, with a particular reputation for its technical capabilities. Under Fiona's leadership, the group will be concentrating on its core areas of excellence and seeking to increase its market share through recruitment, client development and the exploitation of current market conditions. 
 
Fiona will take up the role on 24 June; she will succeed David Robinson, who has successfully grown Forsters’ Private Client Practice over the past 15 years.  David is a founding partner of Forsters and will remain at the firm; he will continue to advise his long-standing client base and will support Fiona in her new role.

Paul Roberts, Managing Partner at Forsters said:

“Under David’s leadership, the Private Client Practice has experienced significant growth with a 164% increase in revenue over the last five years. We are extremely grateful for David's commitment to the firm and its clients, his wisdom and technical excellence have been pivotal to the growth of the firm. Fiona's cross practice knowledge advising both on and off shore clients as well as landed estates has contributed to this growth and means she is well placed to cement and continue the practice’s expansion.”

Fiona Smith, Head of Private Client Practice said:

“Forsters’ Private Client team has a leading reputation in the field thanks to the professional approach and expert knowledge that David has provided as head of the group. I am looking forward to continuing to build on the substantial gains he has achieved and I am glad to have his sound advice remaining within the team.

“My vision for the practice is to capitalise upon our talented members and to take advantage of our strong market position within the on and offshore markets. We will be seeking to grow our highly regarded offshore expertise through the continued expansion of the team and also in further developing our enviable client base. We will also be looking at ways in which we can extend the firm's onshore capabilities into new markets and areas.”