A solicitor dedicated to helping people get their personal affairs in order has extended the long arm of the law to police officers in his new role with regional practice BHP Law.
James McMillan was keen to specialise in wills, trusts and probate, advising clients on setting up lasting powers of attorney (LPAs) and planning for what happens to their assets when they die.
Within his specialism and after growing up in a family of police officers, he has become an adviser to members of Durham Police Federation, advising them on how to plan for their futures, as well as for other private clients.
“Many people, police officers included, don’t have adequate provisions for wills or lasting powers of attorney in place and it is of great importance, particularly for serving officers and those in other potentially dangerous employment, to ensure plans are in place” said James.
“There’s a misconception that LPAs are only for the elderly, but anyone can be involved in an accident or incident that could leave them incapacitated. In those circumstances, most of us would wish to have people we know and trust in charge of our affairs.”
James, 27, is based at BHP Law’s Darlington office with partner and team leader Helen Biglin.
He will also work alongside partner Karen Pratt in Court of Protection work, representing people who, typically, have won considerable damages following serious injury or negligence that has left them lacking the mental capacity to make decisions for themselves.
Originally from Darlington, James qualified in 2013 having graduated in law at Northumbria University and completed his training contract with another County Durham firm.
He added: “I wanted to do law initially to help people, and wills, trusts and probate is a specialism in which you get to know your clients well and can use your knowledge to assist them in arranging their affairs in the best way possible.”