Lara Persell

ASSOCIATE
Lara qualified as an Associate in the Private Client team. Lara’s clear and compassionate approach, and ability to explain legal matters in straightforward language, helps clients navigate legal issues with confidence and peace of mind.

She advises a range of individuals and families on both UK and international succession and tax planning, including the preparation of Wills and bespoke letters of wishes, Lasting Powers of Attorney and the creation of trusts, as well as assisting clients and executors with probate and estate administration. Lara also advises UK charities and trustees by dealing with the Charity Commission and other regulators, as well as having experience of acting for private individuals and trustees on a range of contentious trust and probate matters.

 

In addition to client work, Lara is involved in Edwin Coe’s B Corp initiatives, contributing to projects relating to sustainability, social impact, and responsible business practices. She is also a member of the firm’s Charity and Communities committee, working to promote fundraising and volunteering throughout the firm.

 

Lara is a full STEP Member having completed the STEP Diploma in Trusts and Estates in 2025. Lara joined the Private Client team in September 2022.

Expertise
Private Client Estate Planning Lasting Powers of Attorney Philanthropy and Charitable Giving Trusts Wills
Credentials
Member of The Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP)
Member of the Law Society
EXPERIENCE
Lara's experience includes:
Advising high net-worth families on their succession planning, considering practical and tax efficient ways for their estates to pass to their beneficiaries.
Advising and preparing English Wills and Lasting Powers of Attorney, as well as working closely with international advisers in respect of Wills in other jurisdictions, ensuring the Wills dovetail and work alongside each other.
Managing and advising on UK estates for non-domiciled/non-resident individuals, liaising with advisers in other jurisdictions and assisting with obtaining exemplified copies of relevant documentation.
Lara has been advising a client on establishing a charity in the UK, following the sale of his business in 2025. The client wishes to streamline the sale of the business with the registration of the charity in order for the sale proceeds of the business sale to be used to fund the charity, in the first instance. As such, we have been trying to coordinate this matter to the best of our ability. As part of the charity, the client would also like to establish a not-for-profit retreat centre, which will provide various services such as yoga, meditation and general wellness facilities. We have been advising the client on the various ways in which we could best establish this retreat as part of the charity to ensure the structure obtains charitable status. Deal value £30m.
Lara acted for the widow of a wealthy businessman, who did not leave his widow sufficient financial provision on his death, which also meant the estate would not benefit from the spousal exemption to Inheritance Tax (“IHT”). Our client challenged the will under section 1 (1) (a) of the Inheritance (provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975. After a successful mediation, the client was happy with the result, due to sophisticated tax structures meeting her needs and ultimately saving the estate further IHT.
Lara also advised various clients on time-sensitive estate planning in advance of the October 2024 budget, assisting clients with various transfers and IHT planning in order to maximise use of reliefs in advance of incoming changes.
View all insights & events
09/11/2023
Charity Commission issues new guidance on the use of social media
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21/07/2023
Aretha Franklin’s estate – intestate or governed by a valid Will? We now finally know…
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04/10/2022
Helping out with the cost of living crisis – fiscally sensible tax and estate planning ideas
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12/09/2022
Issues and planning needs for ‘non-traditional’ families (in light of the Children’s Commissioner’s report)
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