North Yorkshire solicitor, Steph Potter , has earned a national accreditation recognising specialist expertise in supporting older and vulnerable clients and their families to plan for the future. Care needs and costs are increasing, and with an ageing population, trusted legal advice is more critical than ever to help in preparing for later life with confidence.

Steph Potter, a wills and probate solicitor at our Knaresborough office, has achieved Accredited Lifetime Lawyer status. This positions her in the top 1% of solicitors nationwide. It is recognition of Steph’s in-depth understanding of vulnerable and elderly people and her ability to give high-quality legal advice to help them plan for later-life and care-related needs.

Awarded by the Association of Lifetime Lawyers, the accreditation is widely regarded as a gold standard for practitioners working in areas such as wills , Lasting Powers of Attorney , inheritance planning and care fee considerations .

Fewer than 1,500 solicitors nationwide hold the accreditation. It is awarded to practitioners who complete a rigorous assessment demonstrating their advanced technical knowledge and the skills needed to guide clients through difficult conversations about ageing, loss of capacity, and death. Accredited solicitors must also demonstrate a detailed understanding of the complex personal and financial issues affecting older and vulnerable clients.

Steph Potter says: “I’m proud to have achieved this accreditation, which gives clients confidence they’re receiving the highest standard of legal support. Planning for later life can involve difficult decisions for individuals and families. It's important that people have access to clear, specialist advice and to someone they trust to guide them through the process. It’s a reflection of my commitment to helping people receive clear, specialist advice at what can often be a very sensitive and complex time.”

Lakshmi Turner, chief executive of The Association of Lifetime Lawyers, says: “When it comes to planning ahead for later life, getting the right advice is essential. An Accredited Lifetime Lawyer is an expert in this area of the law and understands the broader, often sensitive, issues surrounding health, care and family that may require consideration. Lifetime Lawyers understand the issues affecting older and vulnerable clients and follow a strict code of practice with respect and dignity at its heart.

“Ultimately, choosing a Lifetime Lawyer means you’ll be guided through this complex and sensitive area of law and will enable you to lay solid foundations to protect you and your loved ones in later life.”