Clara Staunton
Clara specialises in advising high-net-worth individuals on their estate planning, will structuring and trusts. Known for her personal and professional approach, Clara has extensive experience handling complex and taxable estates. She is used to dealing with sensitive family situations.
Specialisms & Areas of Work
Legal 500
Biography
Clara joined Myerson in 2013 and has gained extensive experience in dealing with complex estate planning and trust and estate administration. She completed the STEP diploma in Trusts and Estates in 2014. Clara was promoted to Senior Solicitor in 2016 and became a Partner in 2020.
Clara specialises in estate planning, Wills and trusts, as well as the administration of estates. She is a full member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP). She regularly assists clients in drawing up Wills which are tailored to their specific circumstances and advises on inheritance tax issues. Clara has many years of experience dealing with high-net-worth individuals or those with complicated personal circumstances. She takes an active role in the firm's agricultural and private wealth sectors.
Clara has extensive experience handling complex and taxable estates. She is also able to advise on the use of trusts and set up trusts within the Will or during a lifetime. She also administers trusts and advises Trustees.
Clara has valuable experience dealing with different family circumstances and is used to dealing with sensitive issues and vulnerable individuals.
Clara is described by clients as approachable, professional, and offering an excellent service. She is regularly ranked in the Legal 500.
Client Feedback
Mr J. Sharkey
I have found Clara, Janine and the rest of the team extremely helpful and professional. An excellent service and a very satisfied customer.
Mrs S. O'Connor
Myerson have been my Solicitors for several years. They have guided my husband and I through making Wills, Lasting Powers of Attorney and the process of probate. I was guided through this difficult time by Clara Staunton in a quiet, thoughtful and considerate manner. The procedure was completed quickly and professionally. I am pleased to retain Myerson as my Solicitors.
Anonymous
Clara was a pleasure to deal with and most efficient.
David, David M Robinson Jewellery & Watches
From Amanda through to Clara - friendly, professional, and patient!
Mrs C
Clara dealt with us very professionally She exhibited a good breadth and depth of knowledge. She worked hard to meet our needs and dealt with two clients with changing and differing ideas with tact and diplomacy
Mr B
Friendly professional, great communication and the expertise given by Clara Staunton made the process of Will and Probate services run smoothly.
Would recommend
Mr J
Clara helped me through the process of probate and the settlement of the estate in a very professional way and kept me in touch with issues as the arose. The level of communication throughout the process was very good and the whole process was dealt with in a very efficient manner.
Anonymous
Approachable, professional, friendly firm, who I went to, to review my will etc. Lots of information and good advice given. Peace of mind was what I needed, and which I obtained. Thank you to Clara for all her help. I would highly recommend Clara and Myerson.
Legal 500, 2022
Clara Staunton has always been someone who we know will work with ourselves and our clients with their very best interests at the centre of any advice that is provided. Friendly and professional approach which is valued by the clients in what can be difficult circumstances.’
Legal 500, 2022
The team dealing with probate and IHT is very knowledgeable and also very approachable. Clients have been delighted with the service.
Legal 500, 2024
I have worked with Bik-ki Wong and Clara Staunton both of whom are very experienced, have a great manner with clients and highly skilled technically.
Legal 500, 2024
Clara Staunton is very clear and knows what she's doing.
Legal 500, 2024
Not only are Clara Staunton and Bik-ki Wong a standout team themselves, they also feel like they are part of our team as well.
Ms Calmonson
We found Clara Staunton to be most efficient, helpful and knowledgeable during a difficult time. We would highly recommend her.
Legal 500, 2027
Clara Staunton is the main person I've dealt with, and she's been great with the client work we've done together.
Recent Experience
High Value Trust Work for Family Investment Company
Working with our corporate team, who were creating the corporate structure, Clara created discretionary trusts to fit into the structure. She advised the clients on the terms and practicalities of the trusts and liaised with the tax advisor regarding specialist tax treatment. She also created the right to income for certain trusts.
Complex Agricultural Estate
Clara was the lead partner on a large complex agricultural estate where Myerson Trust Corporation were appointed as independent administrators. The case was complicated due to the large amount of land and assets, and the lack of planning and paperwork by the Deceased. She project managed the estate administration, calling in experts from property, litigation and rural agents where required. She was able to steer the administration to a successful conclusion despite various complexities and disputes between beneficiaries.
Wills for a Couple with Children from a Previous Marriage
Clara advised a couple on their Will structure, where they were concerned about looking after the surviving spouse but protecting capital for the children. Using trust structures, Clara was able to draw up Wills that were tax efficient but also met the needs of the various beneficiaries.
HNW Wills and Estate Planning
Clara prepared a will leaving assets to a discretionary trust in order to provide asset protection on the death of the second spouse. She also advised on lifetime tax planning, including gifts out of capital and gifts out of surplus income. She created a lifetime trust to receive a lifetime gift and advised the clients accordingly.
Trust Administration
Clara oversees the administration of a trust with a vulnerable beneficiary. She advises the trustees on their compliance obligations and ensures that the HMRC requirements are met. She liaises with the financial advisor in respect of investments in the trust and also with family members to assess the needs of the beneficiary.
Awards & Rankings
Legal 500 — Next Generation Partner
2027
Legal 500 — Next Generation Partner
2026
Private Client Modern Law Awards — Private Client Team of the Year – North of England
2026
Private Client Modern Law Awards — Private Client Trusts, Tax & Wealth Planning Team of the Year
2026
Private Client Modern Law Awards — Highly Commended Recognition for Probate & Estate Administration Team of the Year
2026
Legal 500 — Next Generation Partner
2023
Legal 500 — Next Generation Partner
2022
Legal 500 — Rising Star
2021Memberships
- STEP Accredited
Meet Our Wills, Trusts, and Probate Lawyers
Home-grown or recruited from national, regional or City firms. Our wills, trusts, and probate lawyers are experts in their fields and respected by their peers.
Darren Christopherson-Smith
Darren is a Solicitor in our Wills, Trusts and Probate Team