We are pleased to introduce Ruben Bakcsi, a Solicitor in the Private Client team at WBW Solicitors, based in our Paignton office.
Ruben joined the firm in 2025 and advises clients on a wide range of private client matters, including Wills, Probate, Estate Administration and Lasting Powers of Attorney. With a strong academic background and valuable experience gained in private practice, Ruben is passionate about providing clear, practical advice and supporting clients at important moments in their lives.
In this Q&A, we get to know Ruben a little better – from his career journey and legal specialisms to his interests outside of work and his commitment to serving the local community.
Q&A with Ruben Bakcsi
What attracted you to a career in law, and why did you choose to specialise in Private Client work?
I wanted to follow a career in law from a young age. Realising that the field of law is not always straightforward and can be ambiguous, I could help people navigate through the legal jungle and provide guidance and clarity. The decision of wanting to specialise in Private Client work came whilst I was studying on the Legal Practice Course. Whilst studying the Private Client course, I enjoyed learning about drafting Wills, Lasting Powers of Attorney and dealing with Administrations of Estates. I knew that by going into this area I can help clients and their families.
Can you tell us a bit about your legal journey, from studying law to qualifying as a solicitor?
I joined Plymouth University back in 2015 to study Law and Business as I considered the business aspect of the course to be very beneficial and would offer more opportunities. In my third year, I was working with the British Red Cross on the asylum seeker program. I graduated Plymouth University with a 2:1 degree in 2018.
A few months later I joined Gard & Co Solicitors in Plymouth. I worked as a legal assistant in the Conveyancing department for two years. After this time, I enrolled on the Legal Practice Course. I studied part-time whilst working full time as a legal assistant for two years. Once I graduated, Gard & Co Solicitors offered me the training contract. That is when I moved to working in the Private Client department and qualified as a Private Client solicitor on the 31st October 2024. I continued working at Gard & Co Solicitors until the 31st October 2025 and the joined WBW Solicitors on the 17th November.
What drew you to join WBW Solicitors, and what appealed to you about the Paignton office?
After one year of being a qualified solicitor, I realised what my work values were and still are to this day and I needed to find a firm which shared the same values. I wanted to work in a firm that was progressive and always seeks to become better for the employees and clients. I wanted to work for a firm that appreciated the work-life balance. I wanted to work for a firm where the progression path is made clear and there is support in place for this. I wanted to work for a firm where quality of service is prioritised over quantity thus offering a better service to clients. WBW met the criteria and more.
You specialise in Wills, Probate, Estate Administration and Lasting Powers of Attorney – which aspects of this work do you find most rewarding?
Regardless of the type of work done for a client, I find it rewarding when I can offer the best service I can offer to my clients and when the service the client receives meets their needs exactly.
Many clients find Private Client matters daunting. How do you help clients feel at ease during what can be a difficult time?
Indeed, many clients find Private Client matters daunting, whether we are talking about setting up Wills, Lasting Powers of Attorney or when family and friends are required to deal with Estate Administrations and that is why we as solicitors are here doing what we do. I try to make clients feel at ease when they come to see me regarding any of these matters by giving clear advice that is not ambiguous. Throughout the process I give out regular updates especially where matters take longer than usual due to matters out of our control. This puts the minds of my clients at ease knowing that their matter has not been left unattended. By doing this the clients know and are reassured that the matters are being dealt with efficiently and in a timely manner.
What do you think sets WBW Solicitors’ Private Client team apart from other firms?
I like to think that our Private Client team is approachable and each member always do their best to make the process as easy and straightforward as possible. Clients who instruct us can be reassured that the level of service they receive is always at the top.
How do you see your role supporting individuals and families in the local Paignton and wider South Devon community?
Paignton is such a wonderful place, with beautiful places to visit and enjoy especially Paignton Sands. I am very excited to have a positive impact in the lives of individuals and families that live local to Paignton and the wider South Devon community.
Are there any common misconceptions clients have about Wills, Probate or Lasting Powers of Attorney that you often come across?
It happens quite often for me to have meetings with clients who come in to instruct me in respect of any of the matters above, where they previously tried to do the work themselves, but are unable to do so due to how intricate this area of law is. It is very easy for clients to find themselves overwhelmed by it all and that is okay as we are there to help. I always remind clients how important it is to have a legal professional deal with these matters to make sure everything is done properly.
Outside of work, you enjoy tennis, badminton, reading and travelling. How important is having a good work-life balance to you?
Work-life balance is extremely important to me. It is so easy to carry on working long in the evening, just to send another quick email or just to finish drafting another Will, but this is not a sustainable way of working. I am the opposite of productive and efficient if I let this happen. By setting a boundary between work and home time, I can refresh my mind better and be productive the following day during my normal working hours. This also means that my mental health is good and I get to spend time with family and friends.
What would you say to someone who is considering putting a Will in place or seeking advice on estate planning for the first time?
I would say that putting a Will in place and engaging in estate planning is a highly recommended step to ensure that their wishes are met and most importantly that the loved ones are provided for. I would also reassure them by saying that they are not alone and seeking help and advice will make sure legal complications are minimized.
A Warm Welcome to Ruben
We are delighted to welcome Ruben to the firm and to our Paignton office. His experience, approachable manner and commitment to high-quality client care make him a valuable addition to our Private Client team.
If you would like advice on Wills, Probate, Estate Administration or Lasting Powers of Attorney, Ruben would be happy to help. Please do not hesitate to get in touch with our Paignton office to arrange an appointment.
