Katy Bolton

In my current role, I advise corporates, high-net-worth individuals, and their families alike on a range of tax and estate planning issues. This includes drafting technical opinions and memoranda, reviewing structuring proposals, and preparing core legal instruments such as wills, trust deeds, and shareholder agreements.

I am often involved in planning transactions with a cross-border element, requiring consideration of South African tax and exchange control rules, alongside international structuring.

My work is both technical and client-facing, whereby I research and analyse complex legislation, translate it into pragmatic solutions, and assist with the practical steps needed to implement strategies.

I work closely with clients to mitigate tax risks and ensure long-term tax efficiency, drawing on technical knowledge and a pragmatic, solutions-driven approach. My work contributes to delivering holistic advisory services that support our clients' goals, while maintaining compliance with ever-evolving tax legislation.

Progressed to a senior role within Nolands’ tax team, where I managed the preparation of detailed tax opinions and restructuring proposals for both individuals and corporates. I was responsible for overseeing the drafting and review of technical deliverables, including trust deeds, wills, shareholder agreements, and restructuring documents. My work extended beyond advisory into ensuring practical implementation, and assisting with new client proposals.

Advised on the tax and estate affairs of a broad client base, identifying opportunities for optimisation and risk management. Drafted extensive technical opinions and a wide range of legal and structuring documents, from wills and trust deeds to succession plans. This role entailed interpreting legislation and translating it into clear, client-ready deliverables.

I worked as an independent legal consultant while pursuing my LLM in tax, with a focus on commercial drafting. Drafted and reviewed finance and banking agreements (including facility agreements, ISDA documentation, and intercreditor agreements) during the global LIBOR transition. Prepared a range of corporate and private client documentation, such as shareholder agreements, MOIs, option agreements, leases, buy-and-sell agreements, wills, and trust deeds.

Ran a diverse caseload independently, spanning commercial, litigation, and private client matters. Produced clear, tailored advice and drafted commercial agreements, shareholder agreements, and estate planning documentation. This role enhanced my ability to manage clients directly while ensuring documents were accurate, legally sound, and commercially practical.

Completed articles of clerkship with exposure to litigation, estate administration, and commercial drafting. Extensively involved in preparing agreements such as sale of business agreements, sale of shares agreements, MOIs, and shareholder agreements. Built a solid foundation in drafting and client advisory that underpins my current tax and fiduciary focus.