My Essex

Solicitor, Fiona Ashworth, who leads the Private Client team at Thompson Smith and Puxon (TSP), has, from an early age, embraced the “Essex Girl” label. Having been born and brought up in Essex, the county runs through her veins and she has made it her mission to be well-known across the county for helping and caring for people of all ages, through all walks of society; a real Essex Girl!

As a Farmer’s daughter Fiona joined the Colchester Young Farmers club at 14 and soon became involved in local events, winning awards for her fundraising efforts. At 18, she married her husband David, also a Farmer, and got her first job as PA to the harbour master at Bradwell yacht marina.  Whilst working there Fiona became interested in HM Coastguard and the work they do patrolling the Essex coastline, saving lives. She became the first woman auxiliary coastguard and had her portrait drawn in charcoal by John Worsley, the marine artist (below).

Having raised her family, Fiona is the proud Mum of three boys, she went back to school and qualified as a solicitor in July 1999, choosing private client work as her specialism, and, in particular, working with elderly and vulnerable clients.

She is a fully qualified member of both Solicitors for the Elderly (SFE) and the Society for Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP), a Dementia Friend, and listed on the panel of recommended Solicitors for the Alzheimer’s Research Society in the eastern region.

Fiona is a great supporter, member and ambassador for the Essex Community Foundation (ECF). When given an opportunity, as an impartial professional, to discuss charitable giving with clients, her knowledge of the ECF means that she is able to explain their work and the benefits for Essex, which can be achieved through a bequest.  

Essex agriculture, as you might expect, is also very close to Fiona’s heart. She has always been involved, whether as a former Trustee of the Essex County Young Farmers Federation, current council member of the Essex Agricultural Society, or by winning awards for her agricultural themed cakes!

Fiona advises on personal tax, trusts and probates, but, in particular advises farming families on their succession planning. She feels very strongly about protecting the position of daughters in farming families.

Fiona has recently been singled out as a Leading Individual in the Legal 500’s guide to outstanding lawyers nationwide. Her team is also recommended and “proficient in handling high-value and often uniquely challenging transfers of inter-generational wealth.”

Fiona can be contacted on 01206 574431 or by email fiona.ashworth@tsplegal.com