Citywealth Leaders List interview: 60 seconds with Matthew Briggs, Boyes Turner
This week’s 60-second piece is dedicated to Matthew Briggs, Partner, Wills, Trusts and Probate at Boyes Turner.
Tell Citywealth readers a bit about your role.
I am a partner at Boyes Turner, a leading law firm with a strong presence in the Thames Valley and international reach. Within our Private Wealth team, I specialise in tax, trust and estate planning for high-net-worth individuals and their families. Collaboration is central to my approach as I work closely with other professional advisers to develop tailored strategies that protect and preserve family wealth.
I am the deputy chair of the STEP Philanthropy Advisors Global Special Interest Group Steering Committee and have a particular focus on philanthropic estate planning – an area that not only strengthens family engagement but also creates lasting impact.
What does a typical day look like for you?
The daily life of a private client lawyer is full of variety but revolves around building and maintaining client relationships. There are often meetings with clients – whether in the office, at a client’s home, or virtually – and cross-disciplinary collaboration with colleagues. Maintaining strong professional networks – both within and beyond the firm – is essential to delivering comprehensive advice, and my diary usually features a networking event of some kind.
Staying organised is key, especially as I balance my professional responsibilities with family life – my four children (aged 11, 9, 5, and 1) certainly keep me on my toes! Between school runs and bedtime routines, my day is shaped as much by my role as a father as it is by my role as a lawyer. Thankfully, a hybrid working approach allows me to structure my time in a way that ensures my clients and my family receive the attention they deserve.
Tell us about some recent, interesting client instructions/requests you have received.
The recent UK budget has prompted discussions with business owners around the proposed changes to business property relief. Clients are seeking strategic advice on the best steps to take ahead of next April, with many considering ownership transfers to the next generation. These transitions, however, aren’t always straightforward – family dynamics, existing company structures and governance concerns all require careful navigation. Taking a holistic approach is essential, assessing not just the legal and tax implications but also the practical impact on business operations and how the shift aligns with broader estate planning goals.
What challenges do your clients face and how are you helping your clients to overcome them?
One of the key challenges I help clients navigate is finding meaningful ways to ‘bridge the gap’ between generations when it comes to family philanthropy. Encouraging open discussions about wealth, purpose and social responsibility can strengthen intergenerational ties and ensure philanthropic goals remain relevant across time. Equally important is addressing the knowledge gap amongst advisers. Philanthropy is an increasingly sophisticated area that requires a multidisciplinary approach, bringing together legal, financial and tax expertise to create impactful and sustainable giving strategies. Working closely with philanthropy advisers and other professionals ensures clients receive well-rounded advice that aligns their philanthropic ambitions with effective governance and tax efficiency. By fostering collaboration across advisory networks, we help clients create legacies that are both financially sound and socially transformative.
What is your proudest professional achievement?
Securing a training contract was one of my proudest professional achievements. Thinking back to those early days, it really did set me on my path and reinforced the importance of resilience – it wasn’t easy securing a position and took multiple attempts. The process was highly competitive, demanding persistence and a clear sense of direction, but when I finally received the offer, I was so stunned that HR had to call me twice to confirm I had actually accepted! That moment still reminds me of the value of perseverance.
What do you consider to be the most important attributes for a leader?
Effective leadership requires a combination of vision, integrity and the ability to inspire confidence in others. A strong leader must balance strategic thinking with emotional intelligence, understanding the needs of both their team and the individuals they advise. Leaders should also be open to feedback, creating an environment where open communication is encouraged. By actively listening, reflecting on feedback, and implementing necessary changes, leaders can continuously improve and build stronger relationships within their team.
Who do you most admire and why?
The person I admire most is my wife. She has been a constant source of support and perspective over the last 20 years, helping me navigate both professional challenges and the responsibilities of family life. Whether I’m managing a heavy caseload or the demands of a busy home, she is the foundation that keeps everything grounded.
Where was the last place you travelled to for work or pleasure?
My most recent trip was to Suffolk for a family break, with time spent at Lowestoft Beach. It was the perfect opportunity to step away from work and enjoy moments of reflection with my family. The trip was a reminder of how important it is to find balance between professional responsibilities and personal life. Having these moments to recharge helps ensure I bring fresh perspective and energy to my roles as a parent and a lawyer.
If you weren’t in this industry, what else might you be doing?
I’d likely be in a field that still involves strong people connections – perhaps within tourism. During my Geography BA, I was particularly drawn to tourism geography and even considered pursuing a master’s degree in the subject. As part of my dissertation, I trained as an open-top bus tour guide, a role where you are engaging with people, sharing knowledge and creating meaningful experiences for visitors. The ability to connect, inform and help people remains a core part of what I do today.
How do you relax after a long day?
After a long day, I find relaxation in simple moments. Spending time with family is always a priority – whether it’s helping with homework, catching up on the day’s events or just enjoying a bedtime story with my children. When I have the chance, I also appreciate taking time for myself, whether that’s reading, getting outdoors or listening to music. Finding ways to switch off is essential, allowing me to fully reset as much as I can before the next day.
Key Takeaways
- Matthew Briggs is a partner at Boyes Turner, specialising in tax, trust, and estate planning for high-net-worth individuals.
- His role involves collaboration with other professionals to develop strategies that protect family wealth, with a focus on philanthropic estate planning.
- Briggs faces challenges like bridging generational gaps in philanthropy and the knowledge gap among advisers, providing clients with multidisciplinary strategies.
- He values resilience, citing his training contract achievement as a proud moment, and believes effective leadership combines vision, integrity, and emotional intelligence.
- Outside of work, he relaxes by spending time with family, enjoying nature, and pursuing personal hobbies.
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