Andrew Buckingham

Significant experience in HNW/UHNW client stewardship including: refinement of advisory skills and drafting abilities; practical case management and developing familiarity with appropriate tools; detail orientated work and complex workflow management, including working across teams with professionals of all levels, gained in the following seats:

Trainee - Sinclair Gibson LLP - London

(2024-09)

Significant experience in HNW/UHNW client stewardship including: refinement of advisory skills and drafting abilities; practical case management and developing familiarity with appropriate tools; detail orientated work and complex workflow management, including working across teams with professionals of all levels, gained in the following seats:

• Private Client - HNW/UHNW estate planning focused seat, including advising (under supervision) on and drafting wills, LPAs, deeds and various trust documents
• Expanding research skills to provide effective support to complex tax planning and structure management, including proactive and reactive measures to Budget provisions
• Family - HNW/UHNW matrimonial matters, including divorce, pre- and post-nuptial agreements
• Extensive forensic data analysis across complex matters, commended by counsel and instrumental in securing generous settlement for the firm's clients
• Drawing on underlying tax awareness and previous commercial experience to assist in creating bespoke settlement agreements
• Probate - HNW/UHNW estate administration including complex cross-border elements and liaison with foreign jurisdiction advisors/lawyers to ensure efficient and timely progress
• Key responsibility for document review and drafting/review of initial IHT and probate applications
• Litigation - Contentious trusts focussed including VTA applications and Court of Protection work
• Key role in managing case deadlines and document reviews, including initial drafting of application documents and bundle management for contemplated/ongoing litigation

Paralegal - Stephen Thomas Law - Kent

(2019-04 - 2019-09)

• Supporting solicitor advocate across ongoing litigation matters, in preparing documents, noting interviews and organising files
• Undertook legal research for licensing and DVSA matters, as well as preparing analyses of opposition responses to ongoing litigation matters

Immigration Advisor - Immigration Law Solutions - Leeds

(2016-08 - 2017-09)

• Overall responsibility for completing applications and collating relevant evidence in a timely fashion
• Principal responsibility for French-speaking clients, building on my year's legal study in Paris
• Conducted confidential client interviews under supervision situation and options, conducted confidential client interviews
• Ensured clients were fully informed at each stage of the process, including engagement, throughout the application process and billing
• Discussed ongoing applications with relevant Home Office representatives and other legal professionals

Office Manager - Direct Mediation Services - Leeds

(2017-08 - 2018-07)

• Drafting compliance documentation and processes including data security, non-discrimination and file management; generation of client-facing policies in clear, coherent language
• Sole responsibility for legal aid contract application, ensuring accuracy and adherence to deadlines and standards

Dispensing Manager - Dr T J Buckingham Ltd - Ilkley

(2005-06 - 2024-09)

Optometrist practice

• Public facing role as Dispensing Optician advising on Frames, Lenses, and Contact Lenses
• Financial management of ophthalmic practice, preparation of annual accounts and balance sheet for submission to company accountants
• Management role directing staff, financial planning, stock purchase, improving patient service and handling confidential files
• Overall responsibility for process refinement, company advertising, and communication; held important role in major re-design of business premises
• Management of commercial property portfolio, including lease negotiation liaising with solicitors, surveyors and commercial agents, including preparation of Land registry compliant plans

Head of Operations - Buckingham Mercantile Ltd - Leeds

(2018-09 - 2024-09)

• Managed development and launch of new commercial venture, including completion of compliance requirements, establishment of financial structure and accounts
• Advised on acquisition of commercial premises and terms for lease
• Project-managed conversion and redevelopment of the building to align with brand presentation, including contractor management
• Liaised with stakeholders, including specification and budgeting with investors, planning and building regulations concerns with contractors, and future managing agents

Set Design/Graphic Design - Broken Glass Ltd - London/Cambridge

(2008-04 - 2019-12)

• Overall physical and graphic design responsibility for all productions, including co-operation on and delegation of construction to a small team
• Incorporation of feedback from playwright, director and cast to drive process and delivery
• Adapting to changing venue requirements and deadlines, improving ease of transport and on-site set-up in construction methods
• Overcoming unexpected constraints of site/transport and deadline challenges

LPC/MSc - Law & Business - University of Law (Leeds)

LLB - Law with French - University of Birmingham

Higher Certificate - French and European Law - Université de Paris II Panthéon-Assas

FdSc - Ophthalmic Dispensing - Bradford College A Levels - French; English Literature, History, Latin - Leeds Grammar School (2005 - 2006)

GCSEs - Leeds Grammar School