At Larcomes, our Private Client team support individuals and families with some of life’s most important decisions, helping clients plan for the future and navigate sensitive matters through various stages of their lives with clarity and confidence.
In this staff spotlight, we speak to Chloe Saunders about her journey into law, her role within the firm, and why putting the right legal documents in place can make all the difference.
Meet Chloe Saunders – Chartered Legal Executive & Director of Larcomes Legal Limited
Q: Chloe, for anyone who hasn’t had the pleasure of working with you yet, how would you describe what you do at Larcomes in your own words?
I work within the Private Client Department at Larcomes. I specialise in Wills, Lasting Powers of Attorney, Court of Protection, and Probate and Estate administration.
Chloe’s Journey into Law
Q: You graduated from the University of Portsmouth in 2011. What drew you to law in the first place, and did you always see yourself specialising in private client work?
During my time at University, I always enjoyed criminal and family law. My first job was in Court of Protection, and this evolved into Private Client, to still include Court of Protection, and then I never ventured anywhere else. If I am honest, back then I saw myself as an Elle Woods from Legally Blonde – who wouldn’t want a career in law?!
Q: You’ve built strong relationships with local care homes and authorities over the years. How important are those relationships to the quality of service your clients receive?
It is so important to build relationships within the community, both in terms of offering my services to them and also for them to offer theirs in return. Where we are appointed as Professional Attorneys/Deputies for clients, it is good to have connections who can help us navigate the care system and make best interest decisions for our clients.
Life at Larcomes
Q: You’ve been part of the Larcomes team for over a decade now. What has kept you here, and what does the firm do that you think sets it apart from others on the South coast?
It has to be the people I work with. A large number of staff members have been with Larcomes for many years, some for all of their working life, so I think that says a lot.
Chloe’s Role and Areas of Expertise
Q: Your caseload spans Wills, Lasting Powers of Attorney, Deputyship applications and estate administration. Is there a particular area you feel most passionate about, and why?
I would have to say Court of Protection, as this is something I have been involved with since I started my legal career.
Q: What does a typical week look like for you? Is there even such a thing as a typical week in your world?
There is no such thing. I am very organised and have schedules in my calendar, but you can always get something unexpected, which means you need to adapt last minute, but it makes my job interesting.
Chloe’s Advice: Wills, LPAs and Planning Ahead
Q: In your experience, what is the single biggest misconception people have when it comes to making a Will, and what would you say to someone who keeps putting it off?
A common misconception is that just because someone is considered as a next of kin, there is no legal basis to this terminology, and actually, there is a hierarchy of people who automatically inherit your estate if you die without a Will under the Intestacy Rules.
Q: Lasting Powers of Attorney are something many people don’t think about until it’s too late. What would you want everyone reading this to understand about why putting one in place sooner rather than later matters so much?
It is so important to get a Lasting Power of Attorney in place whilst you have the capacity to do so. If it is left too late, and you no longer have the capacity to make decisions and enter into a Lasting Power of Attorney your family could be faced with having to apply to the Court of Protection for a Deputyship Order. By making a Lasting Power of Attorney while you are able to do so you remain in control of who you appoint and on what terms.
Q: If you could put together a shortlist of the top legal documents every adult should have in place in 2026 (regardless of age or wealth), what would be on that list and why?
- Will
- Property and Financial Affairs Lasting Power of Attorney
- Health and Welfare Power of Attorney
Having a Will and Lasting Power of Attorney’s (LPA’s) in place is incredibly important as these are vital documents to ensure that in the event that you lose capacity while you are still alive that your family can manage your finances or health on your behalf and equally having a Will ensures that your wishes are met following your death.
Read some of our previous blogs for information on the importance of these documents:
- Managing Your Legal Affairs After a Dementia Diagnosis
- Frequently Asked Questions About Wills
- Frequently Asked Questions About the Court of Protection
- Prepare for the ‘Three Ds’, Urges Martin Lewis
A Bit More About Chloe
Q: If you could only watch one TV show for the rest of the year, what would it be?
Friends, as it’s familiar and an easy watch.
Q: Tea or coffee, and is there a particular order that gets you through a busy Monday morning?
Always coffee.
Q: What’s the best piece of advice you would give someone wanting to start a career in law?
Be open to any area of law, you may find yourself in an area you never expected but that you really enjoy. Be prepared to do the groundwork to work your way up and build on your skills.
Q: Finally, if someone reading this is sitting on the fence about getting their affairs in order, what would you say to them to give them that nudge?
Once my clients have signed, they always comment that they feel a sense of relief, and they don’t know why they didn’t do it sooner.
You can find out more about Chloe and her experience on her profile page here: Our People – Chloe Saunders (TEP).
Need Advice? Speak to our Private Client Team
If you would like advice on Wills, Lasting Powers of Attorney, Court of Protection matters or estate administration, our Private Client team at Larcomes is here to help. Our team includes fully accredited members of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP), a global professional body, comprising lawyers, accountants, trustees and other practitioners who help families plan for their futures.
As STEP members, we follow the Code for Will Preparation in England and Wales, giving you added confidence in the advice you receive. Please click here to find out more about the Code.
To speak with one of our Wills and Probate team, please call 023 9244 8100 or make an online enquiry.
Please note that this article is not intended to be legal or professional advice. It is for general guidance only, and updates to the law may have changed since it was published.
