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Inheritance Tax Planning: Deeds of Variation and nil rate band discretionary Will trusts - less common but still useful?
Jim Sawer
"He doesn't fog one with technical legalese - he interprets the law for the layman extremely well. He's very savvy, very commercial. He's excellent."
Chambers High Net Worth Guide, 2018
Jim Sawer has a broad private client practice which is predominantly tax and trust driven.
Having qualified as a solicitor in 1983, Jim has acted as principal trusted adviser to families, both in the UK and overseas, and with commercial and landed interests, for over 30 years. Clients and fellow professionals appreciate his ability to identify the true crux of a matter promptly and his inventive, can-do, and results orientated approach to resolving private client issues in the commercial and family context.
He is described as “accomplished” and an “expert on tax and trusts” by the Legal 500. His practice continues to grow with referrals not only from existing clients but from private banks, law firms and accountants based both in the UK and worldwide, particularly Southern and Eastern Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.
Jim is registered as a will draftsman in the Dubai International Financial Centre’s (DIFC) Wills and Probate Registry where he is authorised to draft and advise on the production of DIFC-compliant wills. He is a frequent visitor to Dubai.
Publications
For many years Jim was the principal writer/presenter of training films on private client issues for the Law Society, he writes regularly for the press, and is in demand as a speaker on tax and trust issues for the financial services/wealth management industry.
Some of Jim's many articles and quotes published in the Press include:
- Modern Family supplement (published with the Guardian), 16 February 2019, Inheritance tax and wills
- The Telegraph, 6 January 2019, Five ways worried parents can protect their family money from messy divorces
- Family Law (LexisNexis), 26 April 2018 - Inheritance rights of Stepchildren
- The Financial Times, 27 February 2018 - Can I change my will to leave everything to my daughter?
- The Financial Times, 8 March 2017 - Should I give my children a lump sum now? I'm concerned they might squander the money. Jim provides the answer in this Q&A section.
- The Times, 31 December 2016 - Ensure your inheritance ends up in the right hands. Jim is quoted within the article, giving his thoughts on the issues raised.
PROFESSIONAL SOCIETIES AND MEMBERSHIPS
Jim Sawer ... is practical, sensible and has loads of common sense which is based on experience."
Legal 500 2019
He's very personable, he's got a great sense of humour."
Chambers High Net Worth Guide 2018
He advises a number of landed, entrepreneurial and business clients on tax, trust and succession issues."
Legal 500 2019
Practical, creative and no-waffle."
Legal 500 2017
