Solicitor at Birkett Long LLP

Claire Read

Solicitor - PARTNER, HEAD OF PRIVATE CLIENT

SRA ID: 201640

I care about clients and finding a solution that is right for them. I constantly deliver on the friendly and personal approach! I break down complex tax areas into understandable language. I specialise in trusts, administration of estates, and tax planning for the elderly, vulnerable and disabled. I first chose the area of probate because I got a real sense of satisfaction in knowing that I was helping someone in a time of need. I am Head of the Private Client Department, a Partner, TEP (Trusts and Estate Practitioner – STEP),and I am the Vice Chair of the Essex Branch of STEP.

Faviell House, 1 Coval Wells, CM1 1WZ

Licensed for 23 years

Practice Areas

Wills, Trusts & Probate

4.9/5 9 Client Reviews 9
  • Wills, Trusts & Probate 100%
9 Client Reviews

4.9/5

Overall experience

  • Value For Money
  • Approachability

Reviews summary

  • Excellent
    8
  • Very Good
    1
  • Average
    0
  • Poor
    0
  • Awful
    0
Anonymous
Click to rate
John
John Added 2 months ago Report to admin
Collected whilst working at Birkett Long LLP
February 29, 2024 20240229162530

My Will and Lasting Powers of Attorney

5

Excellent professional service, thank you.

Solicitor named in this review: Claire Read

A representative from Birkett Long LLP responded to this review on 04 March, 2024

Dear John, Thank you for your feedback! We're delighted to hear that you found our service excellent and professional. Best regards, Birkett Long LLP

Was this review helpful? Yes

Evan Stewart Daniels
Verified Evan Stewart Daniels Added 2 months ago Report to admin
Collected whilst working at Birkett Long LLP
February 14, 2024 20240214140042

Totally satisfied

5

The prospect of personally setting up a Power of Attorney had seemed a little daunting. Following the solicitors' initial advice I am happy that this matter, along with the changing of wills, was dealt with in a competent and pleasant manner, by Clare and her team. Being updated and informed as to the current state of play, was also first class. The Office of The Public Guardian however, were disappointingly slow in their dealings, with the matter taking around 9-10 months to conclude. Fortunately there were no pressing concerns. Birkett Long LLP has been recommended to and used by a friend, and also my family have used the company on another matter.

Solicitor named in this review: Claire Read

A representative from Birkett Long LLP responded to this review on 15 February, 2024

Dear Evan, Thank you for your feedback! We're pleased to hear that Clare and our team handled your Power of Attorney and wills matters competently and pleasantly. We apologise for any inconvenience caused by delays from the Office of The Public Guardian. We appreciate your recommendation and are here to assist you further if needed. Best regards, Birkett Long LLP

Was this review helpful? Yes

Terry Hitchcock
Verified Terry Hitchcock Added 4 months ago Report to admin
Collected whilst working at Birkett Long LLP
December 19, 2023 20231219191219

Professional, friendly advice.

5

Claire has been our personal solicitor for many years. She has advised us on several issues, particularly inheritance tax planning. Claire has been clear, friendly and responsive to our needs.

Solicitor named in this review: Claire Read

A representative from Birkett Long LLP responded to this review on 03 January, 2024

Dear Terry, Thank you for your long-term trust and positive feedback! We're pleased to hear that Claire has provided clear, friendly, and responsive advice on various matters. If you have any more questions or need further assistance, feel free to reach out. Best regards, Birkett Long LLP

Was this review helpful? Yes

David
Verified David Added 4 months ago Report to admin
Collected whilst working at Birkett Long LLP
December 19, 2023 20231219163858

Long association with the firm

4

We have used Birkett Long over many years using its expertise in various areas including property transactions, mortgage advice, IHT planning and preparation of our wills. In all areas we found the firm very efficient and helpful.

Solicitor named in this review: Claire Read

A representative from Birkett Long LLP responded to this review on 03 January, 2024

Dear David, Thank you for your continued trust and positive feedback! We're pleased to hear that Claire and the team have been efficient and helpful in various areas over the years. If you have any more needs or questions, feel free to reach out. Best regards, Birkett Long LLP

Was this review helpful? Yes

melanie
melanie Added 5 months ago Report to admin
Collected whilst working at Birkett Long LLP
November 19, 2023 20231119175411

Review for Claire Read, Partner at Birkett Long, LLP

5

I've had the pleasure of receiving Claire Read's services as a private client on an ad hoc basis for many years - I've always received excellent service, combining a professional with a personable approach - and having matters clearly explained to me - Melanie.

Solicitor named in this review: Claire Read

A representative from Birkett Long LLP responded to this review on 21 November, 2023

Thank you for your continued trust and kind words about Claire Read's services, Melanie. We're pleased to hear that our professional and personable approach, along with clear explanations, have met your expectations over the years. Your feedback is greatly appreciated.

Was this review helpful? Yes

Annmarie WOODCRAFT
Verified Annmarie WOODCRAFT Added 6 months ago Report to admin
Collected whilst working at Birkett Long LLP
November 05, 2023 20231105081733

POA and Will

5

Excellent support and knowledge provided by Claire, every question asked was provided with concise information, to allow me to make the decisions required.

Solicitor named in this review: Claire Read

A representative from Birkett Long LLP responded to this review on 06 November, 2023

Thank you for your kind words, Annmarie. We are delighted that Claire could assist you effectively with your power of attorney and will. Best Wishes, Birkett Long.

Was this review helpful? Yes

Anonymous
Verified Anonymous Added 7 months ago Report to admin
Collected whilst working at Birkett Long LLP
September 18, 2023 20230918103122

Estate of Late Parents.

5

The service provided was both professional, and efficient, but also allowed consideration, and respect, for the circumstances in which matters were being addressed. I found it very reassuring to have my Late Parents Estate addressed in a competent, and personalised, manner. Claire made sure that she was able to accommodate requests for both Teams Meetings, and a home visit to my Late Mothers property prior to her demise, which made matters much easier for my Family, and in particular for my elderly Mother at the time. Given the situation we all faced with the Covid Lockdowns too, I felt our procedures were never compromised, and matters were dealt with as promptly and effectively as they could be.

Solicitor named in this review: Claire Read

A representative from Birkett Long LLP responded to this review on 19 September, 2023

Thank you for your kind words. We are pleased to hear that our team, especially Claire, provided you with a professional, efficient, and considerate service during a challenging time. Your feedback is greatly appreciated. Best Wishes, Birkett Long.

Was this review helpful? Yes

Kathryn
Verified Kathryn Added 8 months ago Report to admin
Collected whilst working at Birkett Long LLP
August 22, 2023 20230822065820

Review Solicitors - Claire Reed

5

Claire is a consummate professional, personable and kind yet with practised skilled client focused leadership; a shining asset to Birkett Long LLP

Solicitor named in this review: Claire Read

A representative from Birkett Long LLP responded to this review on 23 August, 2023

Dear Kathryn, Thank you for your kind words. We are delighted to hear that Claire's professionalism, personability, and client-focused approach stood out. She is a valued member of our team. Your feedback is greatly appreciated. Best wishes, Birkett Long

Was this review helpful? Yes

John
Verified John Added 10 months ago Report to admin
Collected whilst working at Birkett Long LLP
June 21, 2023 20230621075957

Taking Care of our Family

5

The legal support and advice we received as a family from Claire Read, through Birkett long over the years has been faultless, Claire always had great empathy and understanding, particularly at emotional times when the right decision and advice was needed, even when it wasn’t her field of expertise she would know a solution within Birkett Long. We will always be indebted to you, for your support and kindness. Thank you

Solicitor named in this review: Claire Read

A representative from Birkett Long LLP responded to this review on 22 June, 2023

Thank you, John, for sharing your experience with Birkett Long. Your kind words and appreciation mean a lot to us. It's wonderful to hear that Claire has consistently shown great empathy and understanding throughout your interactions. We are honoured to have been able to assist your family and provide support and kindness during your journey. Thank you again for trusting Birkett Long with your legal matters and we wish you all the best.

Was this review helpful? Yes

About Claire Read

I care about clients and finding a solution that is right for them. I constantly deliver on the friendly and personal approach! I break down complex tax areas into understandable language. I specialise in trusts, administration of estates, and tax planning for the elderly, vulnerable and disabled. I first chose the area of probate because I got a real sense of satisfaction in knowing that I was helping someone in a time of need. I am Head of the Private Client Department, a Partner, TEP (Trusts and Estate Practitioner – STEP),and I am the Vice Chair of the Essex Branch of STEP.

Languages Spoken: English

Contact Claire Read

Address

Birkett Long LLP

Faviell House

1 Coval Wells

CM1 1WZ



Phone 01245 453835

Website

Publications

Publication name

Title

Date

Legal 500

Hall of fame and Leading individual

2023

Speaking Engagements

Conference Name

Title

Date

Resume

LICENSE

Country

Status

Acquired

Updated

United Kingdom

Currently Registered

15/08/00

03/01/24

We found no instances of professional misconduct for this solicitor

WORK EXPERIENCE

Title

Name

Duration

SRA-approved manager - Member

Birkett Long

?-present

Trust and Estate Practitioner (TEP)

STEP (Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners)

?-present