Search

Frances completed her training contract at Dixon Ward Solicitors in Richmond, South West London and is now a Principal Associate in our Private Wealth team based in our Birmingham office. She is a full member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP).

Frances has experience in advising her clients on a broad range of private client matters, including:

  • Complex estates including high value testate and intestate estates, quantifying and applying for the relevant exemptions and reliefs for inheritance tax, reporting complex lifetime gifting and assisting with estates with assets in multiple jurisdictions.
  • Applying for unique Grant applications such as for Attorneys, handling renunciations of professional Executors, and applications by Creditors of an estate.
  • The day-to-day administration of a variety of trusts, to include discretionary trusts, interest in possession trusts, vulnerable beneficiary trusts and bare trusts.
  • The annual compliance for Trustees and Executors including TRS, annual tax returns, administration accounts and advising on Trustee/Executor duties.
  • Executors, Trustees and beneficiaries on post-death options including variations, appropriations and utilising general powers of appointment.
  • Individuals on their estate planning, to include bespoke Will structures and Lasting Powers of Attorney.
  • Individuals on inheritance tax planning tailored to their individual circumstances, to include advising on and the drafting of lifetime trusts.
  • Scheme Trustees of Death in Service Benefits Schemes on their due diligence, drafting a report of recommendation(s) and assisting with the notification and payment process.

Frances has a diligent and calm approach towards her work. Frances takes care to give clear and concise advice and is mindful of an individual’s particular needs which ensures a bespoke and holistic solution for each of her clients.

  • Frances Brickwood has excellent attention to detail, and helps to keep all matters moving along at pace. She keeps all parties fully informed during the legal process.

    Legal 500 2025

  • I've worked with Frances Brickwood for probably five years and find her level of technical knowledge and attention to detail, coupled with a warm personal approach to advice, is hard to come by elsewhere.

    Legal 500 2025

  • The knowledge of Sarah Louise Walker in particular is second to none. She always goes above and beyond for clients, ensuring that their needs and requirements are always put first. She has a deep understanding of taxation and trusts, which is embedded by her knowledge.'

    Legal 500 2025