In our Staff Spotlight series, we highlight key members of our team and learn more about them and their contributions.
Today, we meet Charlotte Bandawe, a Solicitor and Head of the Wills and Probate Department.
We are thrilled to announce that Charlotte has been appointed to the GOV.UK Court of Protection Panel of Deputies for the North of England. This prestigious appointment is a testament to Charlotte’s expertise and her unwavering dedication to supporting vulnerable individuals.
Name
Charlotte Bandawe
Job title
Solicitor and Head of Wills and Probate Department
Professional Background
As the Head of our Wills and Probate Department, Charlotte Bandawe leads an expert team dedicated to providing compassionate and comprehensive private client services.
With years of experience in the field, Charlotte has become a core foundation of the firm, known for her ability to navigate complex legal landscapes with empathy and precision.
Advocacy and Expertise
Charlotte’s work goes beyond standard legal advice; she is a dedicated advocate for the vulnerable.
- Providing Dementia Support: Having spent many years working with clients living with Dementia and providing advice to their family members, Charlotte provides advice and guidance to our staff to ensure that they are equipped with the skills and sensitivity to support clients and carers living with dementia.
- Lifetime Lawyer: She is a proud member of the Association of Lifetime Lawyers (formerly Solicitors for the Elderly), a specialist group dedicated to providing the highest quality legal advice for older and vulnerable people.
- BME Dementia Forum: Charlotte is a member of the Leeds local community panel working with Leeds City Council to ensure that people within Leeds can live well with Dementia.
What are Wills and Probate?
Oakwood Solicitors provides a comprehensive range of estate planning services tailored to your unique circumstances. Our specialist team is dedicated to guiding you through every stage of end-of-life planning with sensitivity and expertise.
When you choose Oakwood Solicitors, you are assigned a dedicated advisor who oversees your wishes from start to finish. Your case handler will provide regular updates throughout the process, ensuring your experience is as seamless and stress-free as possible.
We specialise in all aspects of Wills and Probate, including:
- Will Writing & Trusts
- Inheritance Tax Planning
- Intestacy & Estate Administration
- Lasting Power of Attorney
While we are based in Leeds, our specialists support families throughout England and Wales with the care and professionalism they deserve.
Latest Achievement: A Prestigious Appointment
We are incredibly proud to share Charlotte’s most recent milestone: her appointment to the GOV.UK Court of Protection Panel of Deputies for the North of England.
This is a rare and prestigious recognition of her expertise. As one of a select group of panel deputies, Charlotte is officially recognised by the Office of the Public Guardian as a trusted professional capable of managing the affairs of those who lack the capacity to do so themselves.
This appointment is a testament to her career-long dedication to safeguarding the interests of others.
What does a panel deputy do?
The court can choose a panel deputy to manage the property and financial affairs, or welfare matters for a person who is unable to manage these for themselves, and there is no other suitable person to do this for them.
The Deputy is then responsible for making a wide range of decisions in the person’s best interests, which can often be complex.
What do you enjoy the most about this area of law?
“It is very different from other areas of law, as we know each individual has their own needs and requirements, and it is therefore essential to know your client to ensure that you can make all decisions in their best interests and to manage their affairs, which are personal to the client.” – Charlotte Bandawe.
What does this appointment mean for Oakwood clients?
Charlotte is supported by a caring, knowledgeable and professional team, so Oakwood clients can be assured that they will receive the required expertise for the bespoke service they require.
What does being appointed to the GOV.UK panel mean to you?
“It is an immense privilege to be selected as a Panel deputy, which is a position of great responsibility when providing essential safeguarding assistance to a vulnerable person whilst managing their affairs.” – Charlotte Bandawe.
Abbie Keech, Managing Director of Oakwood Solicitors, commented:
“I am really pleased with the appointment of Charlotte Bandawe to the Court of Protection Panel of Deputies for the North of England. Charlotte is such a knowledgeable and understanding solicitor to all her clients, future clients and their families.”
“She is a great asset to us, here at Oakwood Solicitors, and this appointment only goes to highlight the hard work and dedication that she has put into her field of work. She always gives the best to her clients in a sympathetic and empathetic manner, and we are so very proud of this achievement.”
Further information:
Oakwood Solicitors: Wills.
Oakwood Solicitors: Trusts.
Oakwood Solicitors: Court of Protection.
Oakwood Solicitors: Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPA).
Panel deputies working in the north of England.
WHAT TO DO NEXT:
Charlotte’s work in the Court of Protection is defined by care, precision, and advocacy for vulnerable individuals. Her appointment to the GOV. The UK panel reflects years of hard work and a milestone achievement.
For any Wills and Probate legal matters, contact our dedicated team on enquiries@oakwoodsolicitors.co.uk or call our office on 0113 200 9720.
Abbie Keech originally studied and completed a degree in Medical Microbiology at Newcastle University before converting to a law degree. She became Head of the Road Traffic Accident department at …
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