Sophie Palk Shortlisted for Community Champion of the Year

Posted on 28 July 2025 in General

We are delighted to announce that Sophie Palk, a paralegal in the firm’s Wealth Management team, has been shortlisted for Community Champion of the Year at the 2025 National Paralegal Awards.

Sophie began her legal career at Tozers in 2019 as a Legal Secretary before being promoted to Paralegal in 2022. She now manages her own caseload, supporting clients with Wills, Lasting Powers of Attorney, and estate administration. Sophie is a highly valued member of the team and is known for her calm, clear approach and dedication to excellent client care.

Alongside her legal work, Sophie plays an active role in firm life and the wider community. Over the past two years, she has co-led Tozers’ involvement with the Hospiscare 40 Club, helping to organise a wide range of creative fundraising events, including quiz nights, music bingo, and a firewalk, where the total for the year 2024/25 raised a total of £4,639.26, far exceeding the target of £1,000. Her efforts have significantly boosted the firm’s charitable giving and helped bring people together in support of a vital local cause.

Sophie also supports newer colleagues with training and development, contributes to the firm’s social committee, and regularly takes part in Free Wills campaigns for local and national charities. Her consistently strong client feedback highlights her empathy, clear communication, and thoughtful approach.

Gráinne Staunton, Partner and Head of Wealth Management at Tozers, said:

“Sophie is an exceptional member of our team. She brings real heart to everything she does - whether it’s guiding clients through sensitive issues, supporting her colleagues, or working with the community. This shortlisting is richly deserved and reflects the meaningful impact she makes every day.”

The winners of the National Paralegal Awards will be announced on Thursday, 18 September 2025, at a Gala Dinner in Birmingham.

We are proud to celebrate Sophie’s well-earned recognition and wish her the very best of luck at the awards ceremony.

Caroline Bateman

Posted by
Caroline Bateman
Head of Business Development

Recent cases

Wills and Succession Advice

Gráinne was instructed to review a high-value portfolio of land and business assets for a parks client, including leisure and renewable energy interests. She created flexible Wills designed to reflect recent family changes and accommodate future business developments.

High-value estate Administration

Sue administered a £2.3 million estate with complex assets, including a Grade II listed property and valuable chattels. The administration involved working through extensive financial records to ascertain the assets in the estate. She navigated specialist valuations, historical documents, and cross-border beneficiary issues, ensuring efficient estate management.

Multi-jurisdiction Estate Administration

Sue successfully managed a complex cross-jurisdictional estate, securing probate in the UK and Isle of Man for a person residing in Spain.

Estate Administration

Administered a £2.2 million estate with 150+ shareholdings and complex financial records. Requiring detailed investigation Sue navigated the necessary work to establish applicable tax exemptions and ready the estate to be left to charity.

Significant Inheritance Tax Savings

Naomi recently advised on the administration of an estate left in trust involving over 70 charity and non-charity beneficiaries. Through strategic trust appointments, Naomi secured the reduced charitable IHT rate at 36%, resulting in a substantial tax saving exceeding £230,000 for the beneficiaries.

Business Property Relief

Achieving successful claims for Business Property Relief in estates, resulting in a reduction of Inheritance Tax on one estate by nearly seven figures.

Estate Administration and Tax Structuring

Assisting the Executors of a farming estate which contained numerous parcels of farmland. Careful thought was needed not only on the structuring of the Inheritance Tax claims but also the overall management of the estate administration with many of the family involved and little ready cash in the estate.

Estate Administration and Tax Planning

Successfully administered an estate involving Business Property Relief and Agricultural Property Relief claims for a holiday park owner. Despite complex issues, including lifetime gifts and associated company activities, the Inland Revenue accepted the claims, ensuring the family business continued without tax burdens.

Estate Administration

Management of a complex estate worth over £2M, addressing investment portfolios and foreign tax issues. Rachael and the team identified a missed £130,000 tax saving and meticulously corrected previous steps, ensuring a successful resolution.

Estate Planning

Advised a non-domiciled client with £3.5M in cross-border assets on UK residency, inheritance tax, and succession planning. She provided tailored strategies, navigating complex tax changes and delivering timely, detailed advice for transferring assets.

What our clients say

“The team takes the time to get to know and understand you and to ensure that you understand your options, making you think deeply about what it is you want or need. This is something I value.”

“Tozers are clearly very well-organised and understand the importance of good teamwork. I always feel that they have my interests at heart, and they use clear, simple language.”

"We highly recommend Sophie-Dominique... Her professionalism, knowledge of the law, friendly demeanour, and remarkable sense of humour make her an exceptional choice. Sophie-Dominique was a pleasure to work with..."

Matt

"I am very impressed with the very efficient and professional service I have received from Mr Graeme Manfield over many years dealing with a family trust. Graeme is efficient and professional and he is a great ambassador for Tozers, Exeter. Thank you."

Richard

"My mother's estate was efficiently dealt with by Naomi who was helpful and very approachable. Any questions were dealt with in good time and without difficulty. The process has been professional and inspired confidence, without being impersonal. Professionalism with a human face!"

Mr James

"Matt and the team were approachable and helpful in helping me draft my will, ensuring I had thought of everything that needed to be included and that it was tailored to my needs. Responded to my questions quickly and it was a smooth process."

James

"Sasha Brennan was extremely professional, efficient and friendly in helping my spouse and I draw up our Wills. I would highly recommend her and Tozers."

Emma

"I found everyone very friendly and helpful. I was made to feel very welcome. Sophie was so nice and made me feel at ease. Very pleased all round."

Myra

"Sue made creating our will straightforward and stress free. She was professional, clear, and patient, answering all our questions and helping us think through important details. The process was quick and efficient, and we now feel much more at ease. Highly recommend!"

Simon

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Sophie Palk Shortlisted for Community Champion of the Year

Recent cases

Wills and Succession Advice

High-value estate Administration

Multi-jurisdiction Estate Administration

Estate Administration

Significant Inheritance Tax Savings

Business Property Relief

Estate Administration and Tax Structuring

Estate Administration and Tax Planning

Estate Administration

Estate Planning

What our clients say

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