"nationallythere are fewfirms that canmatch theprivate clientservicesoffered byCripps HarriesHall. Only avery selectband of lawfirms in thecountry offerthe breadthand quality ofskills whichthis rankingrecognises."roundupCRIPPSLIFE3Gifts to charities on deathTo encourage philanthropy, the Governmentintroduced changes in the 2011 Budgetdesigned to give people an incentive to leavemore to charities in their wills. With effectfrom April 2012, a reduced rate of inheritancetax (IHT) of 36%, insteadof 40%, will applywhere 10% ormore of aperson's netestate isleft tocharity.We willexamine,byillustrations,howattractive thisnew relief is in thenext edition ofCrippsLife.Contact:Hetty MaherT:01892 506046E:hetty.maher@crippslaw.comPilot trusts for life assuranceproceeds and pension deathbenefitsIt pays to be aware of the possibility of puttingpension death benefits and life assuranceproceeds into trust during your lifetime. AtCripps Harries Hallwe have been busymaking pilot trusts for clients to ensure thatthe proceeds payable on your death can betaken out of your own estate for IHTpurposes. Often we use a series of pilot trustsso as to take advantage of the nil rate bandfor IHT (currently £325,000) available for eachtrust to make significant IHT savings.Contact:Clare SavoryT:01892 506213E:clare.savory@crippslaw.comCripps Harries Hall named inTop 25 Law FirmsCripps Harries Hall is delighted to announcethat the firm's Private Client Division has onceagain been acknowledged as one of the 'Top25 Law Firms' by Private Client Practitionermagazine. This ranking recognises the largestand most successful legal practices in theprivate client world and describes them as"leading examples in the field of specialistprivate client legal practice." Cripps was ranked alongside some of theleading private client law firms in Londonincluding Withers, Speechly Bircham andFarrer & Co.Head of the Private Client Division, MylesMcIntosh said "nationally there are few firmsthat can match the private client servicesoffered by Cripps Harries Hall. Only a veryselect band of law firms in the country offerthe breadth and quality of skills which thisranking recognises."Cripps Harries Hall to sponsorParalympic athleteCripps Harries Hall is proud to announce thatthe firm will be sponsoring Paralympic tabletennis player Will Bayley. Will was born with arare congenital disorder calledArthrogryposis, which has affected all four ofhis limbs. Will is now ranked at number 2 in the worldfor his disabilityclass and is oneof thefavourites for aGold Medal atLondon 2012.You can readmore aboutWill In the nextissue ofCrippsLife.

"None of us is as good as all of us" was themantra of Ray Kroc, the entrepreneur who turnedthe small-scale McDonald's Corporationfranchise into the most successful fast-foodbusiness in the world. In the same way, team workcoupled with investment in training and a focuson personal development are key features ofservice delivery and fulfilling careers at CrippsHarries Hall.Paul Smith and Laura Smail are associates indifferent specialist areas in the Private ClientDivision and both well illustrate those keyfeatures of the approach at Cripps.Laura is an associate solicitor working within ourspecialist family team. She trained at the firm,qualifying in 2005 before being promoted to hercurrent role in 2010. Laura wasattracted by Cripps' status as amajor regional law firm with astrong family team - thearea that she wanted tospecialise in. "In the specialistfamily team atCripps", says Laura"there is a depth ofknowledge andexperience gainedfrom resolving allaspects of familydisputes." Laura isexperienced in dealingwith divorce,cohabitation and childrendisputes. Along with the restof the team, Laura is able toguide clients through the courtprocess as well as advising them on otheroptions for resolving disputes by agreementwhere possible such as mediation andcollaboration.Paul has recently been promoted to associatehaving joined Cripps in 2004. He specialises inhandling complex regulatory work. This includesadvising on personal injury claims, acting both forpeople who have suffered injuries and recoveringcompensation on their behalfand also on behalfof defendants. Paul'sclientsincludeinsurers andnational constructioncompanies and he uses his experience gained inacting for both claimants and defendants to thebenefit of his clients.Paul also regularly advises both individuals andcompanies prosecuted within the Magistratesand Crown Courts.Paul is recognised as a leading individual in theChambers Guide to the UK Legal Profession,which is a prominent independent legal directoryidentifying the best law firms and solicitors.4CRIPPSLIFEwith Paul Smith & Laura Smailassociates in the Private Client Division"Noneof us isas goodas all of us"onthe spot