During her career, Julia – who is also a qualified chartered tax adviser, and trust and estate practitioner – has worked in both law and accountancy firms, and has been named a top trust and tax adviser in The Spear’s 500 private client guide for the past four years.

Julia said: “I am really excited to be joining such a well-respected law firm in order to help grow and develop its tax function. I am triple qualified as a solicitor, chartered tax adviser, and trust and estate practitioner. As such, I am well-placed to offer support to colleagues across the firm and their clients, as well as offering tax advice to new clients of the firm.

“Shakespeare Martineau has an excellent reputation, particularly in relation to private wealth, and a strong Midlands presence. Being part of the firm’s Ampa group and its ‘house of brands’ strategy offers significant commercial advantages over other professional services firms. I feel privileged to be joining a fantastic private client team and I am looking forward to helping to strengthen our private client offering as part of the firm’s wider strategy.”

With a deep knowledge of business exits, succession planning and corporate reconstructions, in her new role, Julia will be helping to grow and develop Shakespeare Martineau’s tax team, while also providing tax support to existing and new clients.

Julia, who will primarily be based at the firm’s Birmingham hub but will be working with clients nationally, said: “Tax was not part of the plan when I started my legal training contract. However, ultimately, I found myself attracted to the technical and problem-solving aspects of the subject. It requires a good understanding of various commercial and legal matters and when everything comes together, it is incredibly satisfying.”

Shakespeare Martineau is proactively seeking talented people to join the firm on its growth journey, including mergers, team recruitment and lateral hires nationally.

Julia’s appointment is the latest in a string of new partner hires as part of the firm’s growth strategy, broadening its footprint both north and south.

Suzanne Leggott, partner and head of Shakespeare Martineau’s private client team, said: “We are delighted to welcome Julia to the firm; her technical knowledge, broad experience, and triple qualification will be a real asset to our team as we look to grow our private client offering and cement our reputation in tax matters.”