Top qualification for wills experts

Two Lancashire solicitors have completed a key qualification which recognises the specialist skills required to support older and vulnerable clients.

Kathryn Harwood, partner and head of the Wills and Estate Planning team at Napthens, and Victoria Taylor, solicitor in the team, have achieved the Older Client Care in Practice (OCCP) award.

The qualification, which is completed by Solicitors for the Elderly (SFE) members, reflects good older client service and communications.

It comprises three key areas: the client relationship, safeguarding older and vulnerable people and older client communication techniques.

SFE is the leading training and best practice organisation for lawyers who specialise in older and vulnerable clients, with over 1,500 members.

Kathryn Harwood said: “It’s extremely important to ensure we are fully equipped to respond to the needs of all of our clients, and naturally these needs will differ depending on the individual.

“With older clients, there can be additional considerations which demand a sound understanding of factors which could affect the way in which legal advice is delivered. “This qualification reflects that we have the skills required to go above and beyond in supporting older and vulnerable clients, and demonstrates our experience and expertise in this area.”