Paula Tinton

What attracted, and keeps you in this area of law?

After completing my law degree at Staffordshire University, I qualified as a solicitor in 1997.  During my career I have worked in many areas of the law, criminal, family, litigation, and a short time in conveyancing. I never thought that I would end up in Private Client but now I couldn’t imagine doing anything else. I really enjoy meeting clients, getting to know them, and helping them.

I specialise in personal legal issues including the preparation of Wills and the administration of estates after someone has passed away. I love figuring out that facts and figures, making it simple for our clients to understand the processes.

I am also a member of the Society of Trusts and Estate Practitioners. My Probate work ranges from giving relatives one-off advice to managing the whole matter through to the final distribution of very complex estates.

What do you most enjoy about your role? 

What I like most about working in our Private Client department is that no two days are the same. Each client is different and each one’s circumstances are distinct. I love meeting new clients, helping them, and then getting to know them more over the years as they come back to change their Will, prepare Powers of Attorneys. And then meeting their children, who come in to do their own Wills.

It is such a diverse role.

What are your strengths and skills?

I am a good listener, compassionate, patient, and great at talking in plain English, helping clients to understand each step of their matter. I create comprehensive Wills for all sorts of situations including those that cover guardianship arrangements for children and Wills that cover complicated family structures.

Whilst mostly working from our East Grinstead office I regularly make home visits (current pandemic permitting) to clients who find it difficult to travel.

What would your colleagues say about you?

I think they would say that I’m approachable, helpful, always calm and gets on with the job.  I think we all work well together as a team.

Outside of work

Outside work, I love to make the most of the beautiful Sussex countryside and enjoy long walks, and horse-riding. I also play netball in the East Grinstead netball league.