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Joanna Watson-James
Partner
Private Client
Jo advises a diverse base – individuals, families, and high-net-worth clients – on tailored succession strategies, with particular experience in complex inheritance tax matters. She also works with accountants, financial advisors, and investment managers to provide a rounded service to their clients and assist with private wealth management.
Jo has advised wealthy farming families on lifetime gifting and succession planning following changes to Agricultural Property Relief, helped clients use inheritance tax exemptions such as Gifts out of Surplus Income, and helped younger clients with their asset planning, also advising blended families on protecting their wealth for future generations.
Jo qualified as a Solicitor in March 2018, whilst working for a large regional law firm in Guildford. She then went to work for a smaller high street firm for 7.5 years, before moving back to Guildford to join DMH Stallard.
Prior to completing her LPC and training, Jo worked at the University of Law in Guildford as an Assessment and Learning Support Administration Assistant.
Work highlights
ESTATE ADMINISTRATION
Assisting a Formula 1 World Champion on the estate of their mother.
AGRICULTURAL PROPERTY RELIEF
Advising a wealthy farming family on succession and inheritance planning following changes to Agricultural Property Relief.
Recent articles
Announcements
Joanna Watson-James joins the firm in Guildford, helping clients with their succession and inheritance tax planning for future generations.
10/07/2026
Videos
If you are part of a blended family consideration must be given to your estate and what happens to it after you pass away.
08/07/2026
Videos
Disputes between executors are on the rise, so choosing the right people for the role is vital, as is ensuring your wishes are clearly communicated.
07/07/2026
Insights
If the total value of your estate, when including the value of your pensions, results in an inheritance tax liability where there wasn’t one before, then you should consider how to address this now.
17/06/2026