Welcome Amanda Farley, new Solicitor at our Sidmouth office

16th April 2020

Today, Gilbert Stephens Solicitors would like to tell you about Amanda Farley, new Solicitor at our Sidmouth office.

Amanda is a solicitor at our Sidmouth office and deals with a broad spectrum of Private Client work, such as Wills, Inheritance Tax Planning, Lasting Powers of Attorney, Deputyship Applications, Court of Protection work, Elderly Client and trusts. In her role, Amanda enjoys supporting clients through difficult times and being able to communicate her knowledge to clients.

We asked Amanda a few questions to get to know more about her career here at Gilbert Stephens and why she chose to work in the Private Client Department.

What made you choose to progress your career with Gilbert Stephens Solicitors?

Gilbert Stephens’ reputation and commitment to their clients. It is important to me to provide good quality service to clients and this is at the heart of what Gilbert Stephens do. Just read their testimonials!

Can you tell us more about what you do day-to-day?

There is no typical day in the office. One day you could be meeting a range of clients and advising them on all aspects of their Wills or Lasting Powers of Attorney, and on others you could be drafting documents for the Court.

I usually start my day by checking the calendar for any appointments, calls, training sessions that day, or to-dos from the day before. Then I simply dive into it, ticking one job off at a time.

Why did you choose Private Client work as your specialist area, and if you had to choose another, which would it be?

I chose Private Client work due to the client contact and helping clients to fulfil their wishes. You really get to know who you are working for, opposed to other areas where client contact is often by telephone or email.

I strive on client satisfaction. Private Client work is often shied away from as individuals fear that they are ‘tempting fate’ by planning for the future. This simply is not true. I talk clients through every step of the process to reassure them and be as informative as possible. Once the work is completed, clients often comment that they don’t know why they left it so long to put their wishes in place.

My work is very fulfilling personally and challenging professionally. I see a range of client wishes as well as different family dynamics and I need to apply the law accordingly. This keeps it interesting and It would be very hard for me to move away from the Private Client work.

What do you like about working at Gilbert Stephens Solicitors?

There are several reasons why I like working at Gilbert Stephens LLP. To name a few, being part of a team, and always having someone in any of the offices to confer with or discuss any specific legal points that may come up. The firm supports their staff in both training and developing a friendly working environment. All staff work together, and I am very glad to be working with such a great firm.

What do you find most satisfying about your work?

Taking the stress away from individuals and families whether they are making Wills, Lasting Powers of Attorney, Court of Protection Applications or administering a person’s Estate. It can be a very difficult time for clients, and I aim to make the process as pain free as possible.

What advice would you give to someone considering a career in law?

Work experience is essential. Experience of the practicalities of a certain area of law such as making a Will or selling a property is not always learned from A-Level or Degree level.

Always ask questions. This will enhance your knowledge and there is never a silly question.

The Law is a fantastic profession. It is challenging as well as rewarding.

What are you passionate about outside of work?

Spending time with family, coastal walks, baking and boogie bounce fitness classes!

We are very pleased to have Amanda on board our team here in Sidmouth and would like to wish her the very best of luck with her career at Gilbert Stephens.

If you would like advice on Wills, Inheritance Tax Planning, Lasting Powers of Attorney, Deputyship Applications, Court of Protection work, Elderly Client or trusts, get in contact with Amanda at or call 01395 512 443.