Law firm strengthens team with wills, trusts and probate appointment

Independent northern law firm Harrison Drury has appointed Bethany Wood as an associate chartered legal executive as it continues to grow its wills, trusts, and probate offering.   

Bethany joins the team following 10 years at Oglethorpe Sturton & Gillibrand where she trained and qualified as a chartered legal executive. She is also a full member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP), earning the internationally recognised Trust and Estate Practitioner designation in February 2024.

While she will be based at Harrison Drury’s Lancaster office, Bethany will advise individuals and families across Lancashire, Cumbria and beyond as they plan for the future and navigate significant life events. 

Her role will cover all areas of private client law, including wills and estate planning, powers of attorney, Court of Protection matters, probate and taxation.

Jennifer Couchman, partner and head of Harrison Drury’s wills, trusts and probate team, said: “Bethany’s strong work ethic, significant private client expertise and commitment to supporting local charities here in Lancaster already make her a natural fit for Harrison Drury. 

“Her broad technical expertise, together with her specialist STEP qualification, will be a real asset to our clients and colleagues. We’re delighted to welcome her as we continue investing in our private client services across the north.”

Bethany added: “Harrison Drury’s commitment to its people and career development made this a very appealing opportunity, especially because it has such a well-established specialism in my area of the law.

“I love this region, and I’m looking forward to building on my experience as part of such a highly regarded team that helps people protect what matters most to them.”

Harrison Drury’s wills, trusts and probate team achieved a Band 1 ranking in the Private Wealth Law category in Lancashire within the Chambers and Partners High Net Worth 2026 Guide. The company also ranked in tier three for personal tax, trusts and probate in the 2026 edition of the Legal 500, which describes the team as providing a “thorough and effective service”.