Legal adviser to private clients – meet our expert Elin Dukes

Elin Dukes is a Solicitor and Director of Legal Services who joined the firm in December 2023. Based in the Horsham office and working with clients across the South East, Elin specialises in Wills, Powers of Attorney, Probate and Estate Administration and Trusts.

Elin explains: “It’s been a busy few months since the Budget last year, with clients wondering how the changes will affect them and the plans they have made. We are still awaiting further details from the Government on some of the announcements. It’s probably the biggest budget I can remember in terms of how many people might be impacted and wanting to revisit their estate planning. We are helping to guide them through the changes to achieve the future they want for them and their family.”

“One aspect of my work which I particularly enjoy is dealing with some of our more vulnerable clients. This might be elderly and vulnerable people, or disabled children who need a trust setting up on their behalf. I get an enormous sense of satisfaction in helping people through these difficult times and being there to support them.”

“I also enjoy the complexity of my work. Trusts are fascinating and can be up to 125 years old, so some of the older trusts have some complex legal documents which need to be interpreted correctly to allow the trustees and beneficiaries to achieve their goals, such as making certain payments to a beneficiary. Some of these older trusts don’t give trustees the power to do what they need to do for the beneficiary, but we can usually find a way to work through the issue.”

“I’ve always found law interesting and my route into it was to do a law conversion course after my degree, to enable me to become a solicitor. I worked with a couple of firms before becoming a self-employed locum which at the time suited me and enabled me to get involved with tutoring law, writing legal course manuals and marking exam papers – mainly for STEP, a global professional body. I also enjoy helping people with their own career in law and I help people to study for and pass the Solicitors Qualifying Examination.”

“I decided to join Kreston Reeves as I had been looking to move back into a firm and I wanted to join one that I knew and liked. I particularly like the values of Kreston Reeves and its B-Corp status. I love that I work with great people, we have a really good team, and there is a focus on values which are important to me such as supporting local charities and reducing the firm’s environmental footprint. Also, the work is very interesting, and I get to work with several other departments across the firm so that we can provide a seamless service to our clients.”

“Outside of work I’ve got lots of interests, including dancing and performing, but many people are surprised when I tell them I am a huge darts fan. I’ve even been to New York to see the US Darts Masters. My friends and I do also dress up to watch matches here in the UK at Alexandra Palace. We are looking for some extras to perfect our Pina Colada group costume, so if anyone wants to be a pineapple or cocktail umbrella, please let me know!”

To learn more about how our dedicated Legal team can help you and your family, contact us today.