John Makim is an experienced legacy manager and probate professional, with 15 years in the legacy team at British Heart Foundation.
John studied for a law degree in Australia and was admitted as a Solicitor in 1984, specialising in Wills, Probate and Estate Administration, Tax and Trusts and associated Litigation. He moved to the UK quickly passing his Qualified Lawyers Transfer Test with a distinction, and was admitted as a Solicitor in 2000.
During his first job in private practice, John found he was often liaising with charity beneficiaries and making contacts with colleagues in the charity sector. Admiring and appreciating the valuable work performed by Legacy Officers at various charities, John decided to move into the charity sector himself and into the world of charity legacy giving.
Over the last 17 years, John has worked for 3 charities, both as a Legacy Officer and Legacy Manager, and most notably with the British Heart Foundation for 15 years.
As a Manager, John was responsible for training, supervising and managing Legacy Officers as well as managing a full legacy caseload. As a result he has become very familiar with the sector, with charity law and its requirements and obligations and has dealt with a high caseload often involving many difficult, complex, sensitive and contentious matters.
This experience has helped John to develop a good understanding of a charity’s need to balance legal entitlement with public relations and proportionality considerations. At the same time he has also developed a good eye for “value added” work. John believes that working efficiently, accurately and independently to tight deadlines and maintaining good interpersonal relations with a team are essential requirements, as well as a sensitivity and concern for other stakeholders and beneficiaries.
Dear John, I’m aware you’ve been supporting our Legacy Management team over several months and would like to take this opportunity on behalf of NSPCC to thank you for all your work. I know Louise and the team have enjoyed working with you and found your diligent hard work and considerable expertise on the cases a huge help. Your support really does enable us to fight for every childhood and keep more children safe. Executive Director of Income Generation
Fundraising and Engagement, NSPCC
John has been brilliant and a massive help. His years of experience is a huge asset to Legacy Link. I would be very happy to have John back anytime we need Legacy Link again.
Legacy Administration Manager, Marie Curie