APS Legal & Associates

APS Legal & Associates is one of the most widely recognised and trusted brands in the will writing and estate planning profession. Since being acquired by Simply Biz in 2014, a large company offering support to over 10,000 financial advisers, we have more resource than ever for both our in-house staff and associates. As well as being able to offer more training and mentoring, it also gives Associates peace of mind that we are a company with a solid foundation.

As one of the largest members of the IPW (Institute of Professional Will Writers), and with circa 530 qualified associates across the country, our approach in a traditionally fragmented industry has allowed us to build a strong brand name with rapidly increasing recognition.

All of our ‘in house’ staff are full IPW members, with the senior staff also being STEP qualified, and our associates are Associate IPW members and follow the Trading Standards Institute approved code of practice. The need for our services in protecting our client’s estates is becoming ever more important as it provides peace of mind, particularly at a time when this sector is often discussed and in the media.

A new business opportunity is currently available in the Peterborough area. Complete the form below to learn more!

“APS Legal & Associates offers a business in a box service with extensive professional technical expertise to aid our Associates in each aspect. We pride ourselves on our ethical approach and the relationships we hold with our Associates. We have aligned ourselves with the Institute of Professional Will writers whose code of practice is approved by the Trading Standards Institute, this gives Clients peace of mind that not only are they gaining a personal, affordable service but one with impeccable proficiency.”

Scarlett Musson, Business Development Director

Why consider APS Legal & Associates as a career?

As an associate, you’ll be joining one of the largest estate planning and will writing companies in the UK. Currently over half of our population do not have wills in place and, of those that do, often further support is needed in other areas, such as lasting powers of attorney.

We differ from other companies in that we have the full support of the Simply Biz group, our training is ongoing and although this sector is not regulated, we opt to follow a code of practice recognised by trading standards to act in a regulated way.

What support is available?

You’ll benefit from having full back office support and we will personally draft each document for you. This will enable you to focus your attention on the growth of your client bank and, consequently you will see the return as your business thrives. Although we are here to assist, you will have the freedom of running your very own business built around Wills, Trusts and Lasting Powers of Attorney.

Our dedicated Training and Marketing departments are to hand to advise you on the marketing and development of your business and our Training Manager will share his vast knowledge of how to gain leads, who to approach in the sector and will demonstrate the most effective ways to grow your client bank. We have ready-made marketing materials available to purchase through our online Associate shop; however you will find that most of your clients will be gained through networking. . As well as having access to our technical hub, all of our Associates have complimentary 24/7 access to an online platform holding a wealth of information for personal and business development, including networking skills, problem solving and management expertise.

At APS Legal & Associates we are now excited to be able to offer extended referral opportunities, a referral system has always been in place for our associate partners however, after reviewing this we are now able to offer further support to enable you to grow your business through our referral opportunities.

Would it suit me?

Becoming an associate won’t suit everyone, therefore serious consideration must be taken by both parties before being accepted as a representative of our company. We speak with all associates, ensuring that only those that meet our requirements are able to advise clients.

It is for these reasons that all of our associates are truly handpicked. The final decision on every applicant is made by the Senior Management Team.

Attributes required:

• The company operates a strict anti-sales policy. We therefore look for an applicant who can educate their clients without a sales approach.
• We look for someone is approachable, fluent in conversation and showing a friendly attitude to clients.
• Honesty and integrity are paramount, meaning that all Associates must be trustworthy and reliable.
• Applicants must show a strong degree of professionalism, and a keen interest in estate planning & legal services.

What services will I be able to advise on?

We specialise in professional, efficient & cost effective estate planning legal services to both the public and financial services companies around the U.K including:

• Simple wills
• Lasting power of attorneys
• Protective property trusts
• Inheritance tax planning
• Asset protection trusts
• Revocable life interests
• Children's trusts
• Disabled discretionary trusts
• Advanced decision
• Estate preservation
• Deed of severance
• Probate
• Funeral plans - available through our strategic partners

Comprehensive Business Package Available

Our all-inclusive start-up fee of £2900.00 + VAT will enable you to benefit from the following:

• Ongoing professional back office support
• Initial training course (for Scottish law, separate courses are run off site, ask for more details)
• Run-off PI insurance
• Access to the AIC (Associate Information Centre) giving you access to all technical information and application instruction forms
• Membership with the IPW covered until the February after joining us (£110 per annum following this)
• Continued professional development via workshops, courses and webinars
• Advice on how to market your business and where to network

The start-up fee mainly contributes to purchasing your run-off professional indemnity insurance as an associate of our company as well as covering the cost of training, ongoing technical support and access to our online hub. The company ethos is in achieving success through our associates' activity in the market place and not from start-up costs and management fees.

In return you can expect unrivalled support from our business development team and legal centre. With the opportunity of developing a professional, rewarding, flexible and lucrative business that you are able to run from home or office.

We are now excited to announce that, based on our research, we have made some amendments to our business model and pricing.

We are now able to take a lower initial fee from prospective associates, as this is something we can make up in documentation fees, and for the first time, we are introducing the option of a monthly payment plan.

As before, you will be able to pay the new cost of £2900 + VAT upfront prior to attending the course, or you would now be able to pay us £500 before the course, and then £200 a month for 12 months thereafter, totalling £2900.00 + VAT, if this is a more suitable option for you.

For this lower cost, as an associate you will still gain access to:

• Initial 4-day training course, complete with training materials and IPW examination.
• First year’s IPW membership (Just £110.00 per year after year 1).
• PI Insurance.
• Day-to-day contact with staff by email and phone for both legal & business queries.
• Ongoing face-to-face training.
• Ongoing webinar sessions.
• Access to the associate helpline for legal queries.
• Access to the associate hub for technical support and documentation.
• Compliance support.
• Business cards.
• Use of our company logo and contact details if necessary.