Susanne Furness, manager of the Wills, Probate and Planning for the future team, is retiring this month after working at Bromleys Solicitors for nearly 35 years.
Susanne started at Bromleys in 1988 working part-time doing various roles across the then three offices in Ashton, Dukinfield and Glossop. In January 1997 Susanne started in the newly created Wills, Probate & Court of Protection team headed up by John Longworth. The team went from strength to strength, with the Wills & Probate separated out and Susanne took the helm managing the day to day running of the department.
When asked what advice she would give to anyone pursuing a career in Wills & Probate Susanne said
“This area of law is extremely interesting and varied. At the forefront of my mind is helping all of my clients, be it with planning for their future which gives them peace of mind, or assisting them at times of great distress when I can remove any concerns they have in dealing with their loved ones affairs. As I look at it, my role is all about the individuals.
I like nothing more than when someone comes into my office with a couple of large black plastic bags of papers and I have to unravel things for them. I have also administered estates in a whole range of interesting circumstances – dealing with livestock on farms; resolving valuations for shares in family companies; selling rare and unusual articles such as firearms (Other examples); arranging for boats to be transported and sold; dealing with foreign properties; tracing beneficiaries worldwide. No job is ever the same. The role has also enabled me to build great relationships with other professionals. Perhaps the most satisfying aspect, though, is when I have been able to help several generations of the same family with their affairs.”
Over the years Susanne has seen Bromleys evolve around her, paper wills moved to typewriters, which then went to the first computers with floppy disks, to what we know today. Even though she will miss talking to clients and the office comradery, Susanne is looking forward to not answering emails or calls and pursuing her many interests including golf, shooting, long lunches, spending time with her grandchildren, continuing to volunteer as a magistrate and many holidays!
Mark Hirst, Managing Partner said “Susanne is one of our longest serving team members, and has become one of the “fixtures and fittings” here! She has an unparalleled reputation locally for her skill and expertise, and she has far and away the highest number of 5 star reviews of anyone at Bromleys.
This reflects her complete dedication to looking after every one of her clients, as well as her skill, expertise, and empathy. She is the consummate professional. We have a clear succession plan in place and we are sure that Susanne’s successors will live up to her high standards.
Susanne’s clients and professional contacts, as well as all of the team here at Bromleys, will miss her unfailingly happy and positive presence in the office. On behalf of all of the team, I want to thank her for her dedication and service to the firm and our clients, and wish her a long, happy, and exciting retirement.”