Case Studies
Case study 1
Gareth was 1 year into his new career and had recently passed entrance exams to one of the professional bodies within the unregulated market. Although he enjoyed the work, it was a genuine struggle trying to be consultant, drafter, businessman, compliance manager and trainer to an – all be it very small – team of consultants. Fee income was low and client outcomes were limited. Gareth was also concerned about the validity or effectiveness of some of his early, already attested documents.
Castle analysed needs and met for coffee and a chat. Gareth’s budget was limited but he was determined to succeed, he also accepted that to succeed he needed ongoing help, perhaps for a year or more. He’d been on numerous courses but didn’t always fully understand how to apply what he had learnt. Sometimes he wasn’t even entirely certain what he’d learnt!
Castle and Gareth agreed a two-year, rolling program. No tie in contractually, but 100% commitment on both sides.
Year 1 would include a monthly 3 ½ hour technical training session, based around 6 core modules, and a weekly 1 hour catch up session to discuss live cases and other matters that may have arisen in the intervening period. This kept learning on the agenda as a full-time commitment.
Year 2 saw the technical sessions become quarterly and the weekly sessions continue.
Castle has seen incremental learning over the sustained period of the program, Gareth has evidenced growth, technically and in terms of fee income arising from better client outcomes. Gareth now has the confidence to grow the business knowing that Castle can continue to provide ongoing support to him and any new associates he brings into the business.
Case study 2
The Wills Woman have been a successful business for some time but wanted to reach the next level. We had a good client offering but wanted to expand the range of options we discussed. We could only do this if we were reassured that the conversations were right and that the drafting supported those conversations.
As Will writers we are in such a position of privilege, confidentiality and trust that it is vital that we give the soundest advice to each and every client. Even with many hundreds of clients we are still sometimes surprised and challenged by unusual family set ups, financial pictures or plans.
We already have technical support from a legal standpoint but to support our knowledge and opinions and put the human angle on the advice we offer, we could not have anyone better than Peter (from Castle). He is one of the leading trainers and his wealth of experience and compassion shine through.
He is still understated, caring, patient and kind. We truly ‘lucked out’ when we found him and he has been a game changer for this firm.
He echoes our ethos or care and compassion for clients, carefully examining the challenges and implications of each case we discuss and gently training us all, as well as brightening our day.
Peter’s advice is practical and heartfelt while being legally secure and up to date. He researches case law, quotes government websites and his peers’ recent opinions, and it’s a relief and pleasure to have an experienced estate planning expert to bounce ideas off and explore solutions with. He is our unsung hero.
