Richard Cussell

I am a solicitor qualifying in 1987.  I joined Chubb Bulleid in 1990 and I have been a partner here since 1992.    I am proud to be the current managing director.   I lead our Private Client team, and my particular expertise is in connection with Trusts, Tax Planning, Wills and Lasting Powers of Attorney.    I also have a good background working knowledge of property matters generally having at some stages during my career majored on both residential and commercial property matters.

It has been incredibly satisfying to have been with Chubb Bulleid over the last 30 years or so.   I have watched the firm grow and thrive.  Throughout my career I have been driven by a simple goal to offer clear, compassionate advice that helps clients plan with confidence and protect what matters most.  Communication is, in my opinion, the most important aspect of what we do.

I originate from North Devon.   I am married with five children and now eight grandchildren (so far).   Family life is very important to me.    Our house remains the main centre point of the entire family.

My hobbies include golf, rugby, music, walking, cycling and motor-homing.

In the community I have been a member of the local Rotary Club for over 30 years.  It has been a privilege to be able to offer service to our community as a result of this.  Amongst other things I have been able to go to Nepal through Rotary helping to build a health centre.  Mainly at the instigation of my wife, Angela, who is also a member, we have also completed a number of sponsored events including cycles rides from Wells Cathedral to Notre Dame and another from Wells Cathedral to Durham Cathedral raising money for, amongst other things, defibrillators in Wells, helping an Indian orphanage and providing first aid kit, equipment and training for the Wells High Street.

My Favourites.

Dogs or cats – Dogs – We have always had a family dog. Our current family friend is Bella a 4 year old Cockapoo.  I am actually allergic to cat’s hair and their rather solitary life style does not fit with my idea of a family pet.

First single bought – American Pie by Don McLean. I seem to recall it cost me 47p from the local Boots store in 1971!

Favourite Film – There are so many to choose from. I am a great lover of the cinema.  Slightly tongue in cheek (my wife despairs of my watching old cowboy films) but I have to say The Searchers – John Wayne set in Monument Valley, Utah is up there amongst the best of the cowboy films.

Dream Car – At the moment I would have to say a VW Camper Van. I have just acquired one and I am about embark on my mini-sabbatical (four weeks) with my wife and youngest son on a tour of Britain!    It has already been earmarked as the Cussell Family Adventure Van!

If you could travel back in time, what period would you go to – This is a very difficult one. It would be lovely to be able to be a fly on the wall in almost every century.  I am greatly impressed by our Victorian industrialists, it would be great to see Brunel at work.  I would equally love to have been a ‘cool dude’ in the 1950s following Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and the jazz artists of that time.

Favourite Book – Actually when I was a child I remember being absolutely riveted by the Lord of the Rings Trilogy. I could not put it down. Not particularly fashionable but I do recall it really got me reading.