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 wills. 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 used to dealing with difficult family situations. Clara is also able to advise on the use of trusts and set up trusts within the Will or during a lifetime. She has valuable experience in administering trusts and advising Trustees.
Clara is described by clients as approachable and professional, and offering an excellent service. She is regularly ranked in the Legal 500, receiving comments such as: "Clara Staunton is an exceptional private client lawyer. She combines a natural rapport with clients with an ability to articulate complex matters in a straight forward manner."
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Expertise and Past Cases
Examples of Clara’s notable work:
- Advising business clients on structuring of their Wills to make the most of any inheritance tax reliefs available while, at the same time, protecting assets for the family.
- Dealing with a taxable estate and with assets in different jurisdictions.
- Advising a wealthy family on gifting for IHT purposes and creating lifetime trusts for them.
- Dealing with an estate where there were very difficult family circumstances and the executors did not get along.
- Guiding elderly clients through the process of making Wills and Lasting Powers of Attorney, ensuring that they understand the legal implications.
Clara is known for putting clients at ease, giving practical advice and explaining complicated legal principals.
History
Testimonials
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.
Ms Calmonson
We found Clara Staunton to be most efficient, helpful and knowledgeable during a difficult time. We would highly recommend her.
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.
Specialist Areas
Our legal services are underpinned by our knowledge and expertise in the following areas.
Blogs By Clara Staunton
Myerson Shortlisted in Three Categories at the Modern Law Private Client Awards 2026
Myerson is delighted to have been shortlisted in three categories at the Modern Law Private Client Awards 2026, recognising the strength, expertise and client-focused approach of our Private Client team. The shortlist celebrates our continued growth and reputation as a leading private client law firm, supporting individuals, families, business...
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Inheritance Tax Changes for Farmers and Rural Businesses: What They Mean for You
Significant changes are coming to inheritance tax (IHT) that will affect farmers and rural business owners from 6 April 2026. Agricultural property relief (APR) and business property relief (BPR) are very valuable reliefs from IHT. However, in the 2024 Autumn Budget, the government announced major changes to the relief , which have sent...
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Budget 2024 – No Inheritance Tax Changes but Other Property-Related Tax Amendments
The Chancellor has announced his most recent budget. Our clients have been most concerned about potential changes to the UK Inheritance Tax (IHT). There was no mention of any changes to IHT; however, some tax amendments would affect our clients, particularly those involved in property transactions. The main changes are highlighted below by our...
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