03333 231 580
Contact us
Joanna joins DMH Stallard from MacDonald Oates LLP, where she spent more than seven years advising clients on a broad range of private client matters, having previously trained and qualified as a solicitor at Stevens & Bolton LLP. Fully STEP qualified, she returns to her hometown of Guildford, where she studied at the University of Law and began her career, bringing extensive experience advising clients across Surrey, West Sussex and Hampshire.
This appointment comes amid significant change in the private client sector. Recent and forthcoming reforms affecting pensions, Business Property Relief and Agricultural Property Relief are prompting families to review their estate plans earlier, while adding complexity to succession planning. As a result, demand for specialist advice is rising as individuals and families look to protect their wealth and plan for future generations.
Joanna advises a diverse base – individuals, families, and high-net-worth clients, as well as working closely with accountants, financial advisers and investment managers – on tailored succession strategies, with particular experience in complex inheritance tax matters.
Her recent work includes advising wealthy farming families on lifetime gifting and succession planning following changes to Agricultural Property Relief, helping clients use inheritance tax exemptions such as Gifts out of Surplus Income, and assisting with the administration of the estate of the mother of a Formula One World Champion.
Commenting on her appointment, Joanna Watson-James said:
“We’re seeing a real shift in the conversations clients are having with us. Younger clients are increasingly recognising the importance of having Wills and Lasting Powers of Attorney in place, particularly here in the South given the value of local assets, while blended families are increasingly making sure their Wills reflect their family structure. Having grown up in Guildford and spent almost eight years building experience across West Sussex and Hampshire, it’s fantastic to be back home. I’m looking forward to joining DMH Stallard’s Private Client team at such an exciting time, and to helping clients navigate these issues with confidence.”
Sara McGrigor, Partner and Head of Private Client Guildford at DMH Stallard, said:
“The private client landscape is evolving rapidly, with clients seeking increasingly sophisticated advice on succession planning, trusts, estate administration and wealth preservation. Joanna’s technical expertise, client-focused approach and experience advising on complex private wealth matters make her an excellent addition to the team as we continue to expand our offering across Guildford and the wider South East.”
