Who We Are

Experience

Clare works with employers of all sizes and across all industries as well as senior executives and other individuals, advising on both contentious and non contentious aspects of employment law. This ranges from the provision of ongoing advice on disciplinary and grievance procedures, performance management processes and statutory rights to drafting contracts of employment, service agreements and staff handbooks to representing clients before the Employment Tribunal or civil courts in cases of unfair dismissal, breach of contract, claims to enforce post termination restrictive covenants and breaches of confidentiality. Clare has experience of representing clients in complex discrimination claims at first instance and in the appeal courts.

Clare designs and delivers client training on any aspect of employment law as well as undertaking regular public speaking engagements.

Recent Notable Cases

Clare recently acted for an employer and two individual Respondents in a multi million pound discrimination claim. She also successfully defended a client against a claim of race discrimination arising of out allegedly discriminatory Photoshopped images being circulated within the workplace.

She is currently advising on the design and implementation of redundancy consultation processes, including where collective consultation obligations have been engaged. 

Clare also works closely with the Dean Wilson Company and Commercial team providing employment law support to its successful mergers and acquisitions function. 

Background

Clare read Law at the University of Reading and achieved distinction in the Legal Practice Course at the College of Law, Guildford. She trained at HRJ Law in Hitchin and qualified in 1999. She obtained a Masters degree in Employment Law from the University of East Anglia in 2006. She became a Partner at HRJ in 2002, joined Hewitsons in Cambridge and Northampton in 2010 and then joined Dean Wilson to head up its employment law team in October 2019.

Areas of Specialism

Unfair dismissal, discrimination, breach of contract, post termination restrictions, contracts of employment, company handbooks, disciplinary and grievance procedures.

Areas of Specialism

Jasmine is currently in her second training seat in the Commercial Property team.

Prior to starting her training contract, Jasmine had previously paralegalled in the Dispute Resolution department specialising in residential re-possession claims in which she acted for Letting agents as well as private landlords on a national scale. Jasmine routinely advised on s8 and s21 proceedings, disrepair claims and debt recovery/ enforcement matters. 

Jasmine has also had extensive experience in the firm’s Personal Injury & Clinical Negligence department where she assisted the Head of Department, Alex Brown, with claimants who had suffered Personal Injuries, Criminal Injuries & Medical Negligence resulting in:

• Brain Injuries
• Spinal Cord injuries
• Birth Injuries
• Amputations
• Severe Orthopaedic Injuries

Jasmine also had conduct of her own cases, securing settlements for client’s who have suffered injuries arising from the following circumstances:

• Road traffic accidents
• Accidents at work
• Falls in public places
• Clinical negligence 
• Criminal Injuries 

Jasmine is known for her commitment to her clients and ability to quickly understand key issues in resolving disputes. She is able to work collaboratively with clients to help them achieve the best outcome for their case.

Recent Client Matters

• Jasmine assisted in securing a settlement for a client who was incorrectly advised to undergo bladder surgery incorrectly for urinary incontinence which led to further difficulties including chronic pain.
• Jasmine assisted in settling a significant claim on behalf of a client who was left wheelchair bound after Maidstone Hospital failed to carry out a falls risk assessment which led to his injury.

Qualifications, Membership 

• LLB Hons Law
• LPC with LLM 

Jasmine can be contacted by email: jlc@deanwilson.co.uk or on her direct dial: 01273 249246.

Areas of Specialism

Tom is a Paralegal in the Personal Injury and Medical Negligence team, assisting Ben Davey and Jessica Edwards with a variety of cases ranging from minor to severe. Tom has assisted on the successful settlement of a number of cases involving severe orthopaedic and psychiatric injuries.

Recent Client Matters

• Tom assisted in securing a successful settlement for two secondary victim claims, where the Claimants were witnessed to the aftermath of a close family member sustaining severe orthopaedic injuries arising out of a road traffic collision.
• Tom is assisting in the ongoing Article 3 (torture & degrading treatment) & Article 8 (private & family life) group action claim for more than 120 family members of David Fuller’s mortuary victims.

Areas of Specialism

Faye is a paralegal specialising in Lease extensions and enfranchisements. Faye deals with matters such as Deeds of Covenant, Licences to Assign and Notices of Transfer and works closely with Claire Whiteman and Lisa Osborne.

Qualifications, Membership & Directory Rankings

• Faye is currently studying with CILEX alongside her work

Areas of Specialism

Poppy is a Paralegal in the Court of Protection team. Poppy spent two and a half years in the Commercial Property Department and recently moved to Cout of Protection to apply her caring and conscientious approach to:

• Deputyships for Property & Financial Affairs 
• Liaison with the Court of Protection
• Providing collaborative support to Litigation Solicitors 
• The management of client’s property and assets 

Recent Client Matters

• Poppy works alongside the deputy for an elderly gentleman with Dementia. Poppy has arranged for his property to be maintained, equipment to be installed, and for social activities to be re-introduced into his life. 
• Poppy works collaboratively with litigation solicitors, architects, surveyors, and the client’s parents to purchase and renovate a ‘forever home’ which was adapted for the young client to meet his complex needs both now and long into his future. 
• Poppy provided collaborative support and information sharing to litigation solicitors to evidence the expenditure and losses experienced by a client for his multi-million-pound settlement.

Qualifications, Membership 

• Member of the Professional Deputies Forum
• Dementia Friend 

Areas of Specialism

Leon joined Dean Wilson LLP in January 2022, having worked in Uckfield for approximately 7 years prior. Leon specialises in all aspects of Residential property transactions. 

Leon’s specialist areas are residential and buy to let sales, purchases, re-mortgages and transfers of equity’s. Leon does also have experience in dealing with commercial property transactions to include the sale and purchase of businesses, although has predominantly practiced within residential conveyancing areas of law. 

Leon also provides Independent Legal Advice on Guarantees and Indemnities, where required. 

Qualifications, Membership 

• Solicitor
• LLB Hons

Leon can be contacted by email: lpm@deanwilson.co.uk or on his direct dial: 01273 032338.

Leon is assisted by Danielle Bean, Paralegal within the Property Department. Danielle’s contact details are: Email: djb@deanwilson.co.uk Direct Dial: 01273 249208.  

Areas of Specialism

Lucy has worked for Dean Wilson LLP for over 7years and specialises in all aspects of Residential property transactions. 

Lucy’s specialist areas are residential sales, purchases and re-mortgages as well as transfers of equity’s. 

Lucy can be contacted by email: lac@deanwilson.co.uk or on her direct dial: 01273 249272. 

Lucy is assisted by Jacob Pratley, Paralegal within the Property Department. Jacob’s contact details are: Email: jap@deanwilson.co.uk Direct Dial: 01273 032336.  

Areas of Specialism

Nicholas is a Partner in our Dispute Resolution team.

Having been admitted as a solicitor in 1982 he has  a wealth of experience and there are few areas of Litigation and Dispute Resolution with which he has not been involved over his long career with the firm be it general contract or building disputes lease renewals equine law or even Admiralty matters 

He has in particular always specialised in Landlord and tenant matters – both residential and commercial – and has a substantial practice advising and acting for letting and managing agents  and their landlord clients locally, and both  in London and throughout the Country 

He is also an acknowledged expert in Liquor Licensing matters for Pubs clubs and restaurants and regularly appears before Licensing committees both locally and  further afield  promoting his client’s applications 

Underpinning all his dealings for his clients is a determination to be efficient and most importantly, cost effective.

Recent Client Matters

• Acting for a well-known and respected agent in a multi-party dispute and achieving settlement
• Obtaining  a complicated Premises License for the social areas of a multimillion pound residential development 
• Successfully defending a Review application brought by the Police seeking to revoke a large Public House’s Premises license.
• Advising a national chain of letting and estate agents on a review of their legal procedures and documentation

Qualifications

• Solicitor
• LLB Hons

Areas of Specialism

Khushi is a dedicated trainee solicitor who is passionate about assisting clients in effectively navigating legal challenges.

She has gained valuable experience in our Personal & Medical Injury and Commercial Property teams as a paralegal where she contributed to various complex legal matters. As a trainee, Khushi currently in the Dispute Resolution team and is committed to continuously developing her skills.

In addition to English, being fluent in Hindi allows Khushi to communicate effectively with a diverse range of clients.

Qualifications

• SQE
• LLB Hons

Areas of Specialism

I am a Solicitor specialising in personal injury and medical negligence claims. I qualified as a Solicitor in March 2022, having previously spent 4 years working with the team assisting on high value catastrophic injury cases involving brain and spinal cord injury.

I only act for the injured party (Claimants). My specialism is working with people who suffer serious injuries, which may have been caused by:

• Road traffic accidents including Cars, Bicycles and Pedestrians
• Accidents at work
• Accidents on public property/highways
• Medical Negligence/Injury

Recent Client Matters

I have previously reached settlement for my clients who have suffered a range of injuries including fractures, soft tissue injuries and PTSD. Following an accident, a client’s day to day life is affected. My role is to secure compensation for client’s whose ability to work and earn has been impacted and to help them meet future treatment needs on a private basis to assist their recovery.

I am currently assisting my colleague, Ben Davey, with the David Fuller inquiry and compensation scheme, and we act for many the affected family members.

• Personal Injury
• Medical Negligence 
• Inquests

Qualifications, Membership 

• Solicitor (LLB Hons)
• Member of Association of Personal Injury Lawyers
• Major Trauma Signposting Partnership (Brighton)

Areas of Specialism

Ben is a Senior Chartered Legal Executive in the Personal Injury & Medical Negligence team. He specialises in complex personal injury and medical negligence claims, acting for the injured party or the families. He specialises in a wide range of life-changing injuries ranging from road traffic accidents, employment claims to severe injury medical negligence claims. Ben is also frequently instructed to represent families at inquest. 

Ben has dealt with a number of profile matters which have been reported in the regional, national, and international media. 

Recent Client Matters

Personal Injury

• Securing a £2million pound settlement for a man left brain damaged after a road traffic accident. The Defendant initially offered just £40,000 alleging that the Claimant was exaggerating his injuries.
• Settling a case for £1.3million on behalf of the family of a man killed by a hit and run driver.
• A substantial confidential sum for a Claimant who suffered a traumatic brain injury following a road traffic accident.
• Acting for Keith Tarry in a high profile claim against easyJet.
• £450,000 for a protected party who suffered a brain injury after his a chair he was sitting on collapsed.
• Settling a ‘secondary victim’ case two weeks before trial. Liability was denied on the basis that the Claimant had no right in law to damages but despite this, a favourable settlement was achieved.
• Obtaining £225,000 for a client who seriously injured his back during unsafe lifting practices at work.
• Acting for a client who suffered severe pelvic, wrist and head injuries after a fall from height at work.
• A substantial six figure claim on behalf of three daughters after their mother was killed in a road traffic accident.

Medical Negligence

• Concluding a claim at a settlement meeting before trial for £3.5 million where the Claimant, a young boy, suffered a significant brain injury after a brain abscess was missed by his GP.
• Obtaining a million pound settlement in respect to a failure to treatment an infection after orthopaedic surgery. 
• A six figure sum plus an apology on behalf of the family of a woman who died in hospital after mismanagement of a stomach ulcer.
• Obtaining a substantial six figure sum for a woman going blind though medical negligence.
• Settling a chronic pain claim in the Claimant’s favour two days into a four-day trial.
• Settlement and an apology on behalf of the family of a woman who died after a delay in diagnosing sepsis.
• Acting on behalf of the estate of a father who died as a result of a delay in diagnosing bowel cancer. The case was defended vigorously throughout but the settlement was achieved before trial.

Inquests

• Archie Jesty – 18 year old who took his own life following mental health failings
• Oscar Riley – a two year old who died after a brain tumour was not identified by medical professionals treating him – pro bono
• Reece Lapina Amarelle – who took his own life after he was discharged from a secure unit. A successful civil claim was later pursued.
• Catherine Robinson – a finding of neglect against a health trust who failed to provide appropriate treatment to a woman who later took her own life. Civil claim ongoing.
• Marcella Walton – a 16 year old girl who took her own life after failings in mental health treatment. The Coroner concluded that there were missed opportunities to intervene. Civil claim ongoing.

Human Rights

• Article 2 (right to life) claims on behalf of the family of Reece Lapina Amarelle
• Article 3 (torture & degrading treatment) & Art 8 (private & family life) group action claims on behalf of more than 70 family members of David Fuller’s mortuary victims. Ongoing.

Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority

• First Tier Tribunal appeal on behalf of a man left with a traumatic injury following an attack with a bottle. 812% increase on compensation achieved.

Feedback

Ben works hard to get the best possible results for his clients. He is organised, has good analytical skills and a good eye for detail – Chambers & Partners 2024

Thinks outside the box – he sees and acknowledges my struggles – The Legal 500 2023

Years of relevant experience and can take cases forward and to successful conclusions with vigour – The Legal 500 2022

Truly outstanding professional – he is willing to go the extra mile and you can always rely on him to ensure clients get justice - Chambers and Partners 2022

Ben Davey was highly professional, diligent and constructively helpful in his explanations. Ben quickly identified the issues and provided a practical approach to deal with the issues in question and accordingly I have no hesitation in recommending him and his firm – Google review

Qualifications, Membership (& Directory Rankings)

• Senior Chartered Legal Executive (FCilex)
• Member of Association of Personal Injury Lawyers
• Headway Panel Solicitor
• Major Trauma Signposting Partnership (Brighton)

Areas of Specialism

Francesca joined Dean Wilson in July 2022 as a solicitor in the commercial property team.

Francesca deals with a broad range of commercial property work ranging from sales and purchases, landlord and tenant matters, secured lending and due diligence title investigations in corporate transactions.

Francesca advises on all aspects of the landlord and tenant relationship and has experience acting for clients from private landowners, limited companies, charities and pension companies.

Qualifications

• Solicitor 
• BA Hons

Francesca can be contacted by email: fl@deanwilson.co.uk or on her direct dial: 01273 032345.

Samantha is currently undergoing her first seat as a trainee Solicitor in our Personal Injury & Medical Negligence team, assisting Alex Brown, head of the Personal Injury department with claims in relation to severe and life changing injuries resulting in: 

• Brain Injury 
• Birth Injury 
• Severe Orthopaedic Injuries  
• Spinal Cord Injury 

Samantha previously worked as a Paralegal in the Dispute Resolution team running her own possession claims assisting landlords recover their residential property along with any rent arrears owed and a successful Judgment for their legal costs. 

Samantha worked closely with a well-known local managing agents to help clients achieve the best possible outcome. She also assisted senior members in the team with more general litigation matters. 

Qualifications

• 1st Class LLB Law (Hons)
• LPC LLM with Distinction in Professional Legal Practice

Samantha can be contacted by email: slb@deanwilson.co.uk or on her direct dial: 01273 249298. 

Areas of Specialism

Rebecca is a Solicitor in the General Litigation team and specialises in dispute resolution, breach of contract, construction disputes, property litigation - including possession claims and debt recovery and enforcement. 

Recent Client Matters

• Rebecca successfully obtained a freezing injunction in the high court for her client to prevent the Defendant dissipating their assets ahead of high court action.
• Rebecca settled a complex high court case reported in the media in respect of a construction dispute – Rebecca achieved a three-figure settlement figure for her client.
• Rebecca settled a breach of contract dispute concerning bonus payments – this was settled ahead of a multi-track trial and achieved a very favourable financial result for the client.
• Rebecca has been instructed by and defended high profile clients in the music industry where Rebecca had the claim against them dismissed.

Qualifications, Membership 

• Solicitor (LLB Hons)

Areas of Specialism

Natasha is a Paralegal in the Personal Injury and Medical Negligence team, and assists Ben Davey and Jessica Edwards with a variety of cases involving:

• Severe orthopaedic injury
• Brain injury
• Amputation
• Inquests
• Psychiatric injury

Recent Client Matters

• Natasha is assisting in the Article 8 (private & family life) group action claim for more than 120 family members of David Fuller’s mortuary victims.
• Natasha has recently assisted on the settlement of a case involving a pedestrian who was struck by a car resulting in orthopaedic, dental and brain injuries. 

Qualifications, Membership

• LLB (Hons)
• LLM Law – International Human Rights Law
• Currently studying towards the SQE (Solicitor Qualifying Exam)

Areas of Specialism

Sara is a Senior Paralegal within the Dispute Resolution department and has extensive experience in all matters concerning residential possession claims. Sara represents both landlords and tenants and also works with providers of insurance cover for landlords. 

Additionally, Sara has experience in regard to breaches in relation to running Holiday Lets, from a lease perspective, acting for both leaseholders and freeholders. 

Sara is fluent in English and Norwegian and has a working knowledge of the Scandinavian languages. 

Recent Client Matters

• Acting for the landlord in a defended section 21 of the Housing Act 1988 claim with disrepair dispute and successfully obtaining possession order and costs
• Acting for the landlord in a defended section 8 of the Housing Act 1988 claim with subletting breach

Qualifications, Membership & Directory Rankings

• Bachelor of Law from University of Sussex (LLB)

Sara can be contacted by email: sn@deanwilson.co.uk or on her direct dial: 01273 249276

Areas of Specialism

Duncan advises clients on a range of contentious issues including commercial lease renewals, dilapidations, rent disputes, forfeiture, construction disputes and trusts in land.  He also advises on property related professional negligence disputes and development issues such as boundary disputes and easements.

His other main area of practice corporate insolvency and bankruptcy and in particular, litigation arising out of transactions at undervalue, preferences and issues regarding directors.

Duncan has good experience of broader commercial issues including contractual disputes and debt recovery.  

Recent Client Matters

• Acting for a landlord in a successful application to the Land Tribunal for a declaration of breach of lease owing to the tenant (a housing authority) placing residents in their properties who abused drugs. 
• Acting for the liquidator of a well-known company bringing a successful claim against a director for breach of fiduciary duties.
• Successfully acting for a defendant company in a multi-million pound claim relating to unpaid commission for investment introductions.
• Successful defence against a winding up petition on the basis of unfair prejudice brought against company and its sole director
• Numerous successful outcomes to arrears and insurance claims for both tenant and landlord arising out of the Covid-19 pandemic.  

Duncan can be contacted by email: drw@deanwilson.co.uk or on his direct dial: 01273 249236. 

Areas of Specialism

Gabrielle is a solicitor in the firm’s Dispute Resolution team with over 20 years of experience in property litigation. 

Gabrielle’s commercial landlord and tenant practice makes up a core part of her workload. She acts for  both landlords and tenants on various issues, including breach of covenant, dilapidation claims, contentious lease renewals  and forfeiture. 

Gabrielle has a strong interest in real property disputes, especially arising from development of land. She acts in many cases concerning restrictive covenants, boundary disputes, easements and adverse possession. 

Gabrielle is the firm’s specialist on fire safety following the implementation of the Building Safety Act 2022 and associated legislation. She regularly delivers seminars to Managing Agents to keep them abreast of the changes in the law affecting all aspects of residential block management. 

Gabrielle also overseas the team’s insurance funded work where we act for Landlords in recovering possession of their properties let on shorthold tenancies.  

Gabrielle’s practice area is UK-wide and she conducts cases in various courts and Tribunals to include the Technology and Construction Court. 

Recent Client Matters

• Acting for an overseas company with a portfolio of UK properties in several dilapidation claims, including claims against the Secretary of State and Lloyds Bank PLC
• Acting for a group of flat owners in an action against its freeholder for remedial works to address fire safety defects at the building 
• Acting for developer in an application under Section 84 of the Law of Property Act 1925 to discharge restrictive covenants on land that preventing the construction of new houses 

Qualifications, Membership & Directory Rankings

• Solicitor LLB Hons
• Advanced Diploma in Litigation 
• Member of Property Litigation Association 

Recognition 

Gabrielle is ranked as a leading lawyer and next generation partner for property litigation by both Chambers and Partners and Legal 500. 

‘Dedicated and excellent in addressing the issues and working to resolve the dispute. Good communication and tailored service. Highly recommend.’

‘We are being advised by Gabrielle Moffatt. She has been supportive and extremely helpful in dealing with the complex and continuing problems we are facing, in a situation which involves dealing with some extremely aggressive and difficult people. We have received excellent advice and Gabrielle Moffatt’s thoroughness, helpfulness, professional and personable approach has been very supportive and beneficial during that time we have been seeking advice from her.’

"I have been extremely impressed and reassured by Gabrielle's attention to detail and professionalism. She has made an extremely stressful process vastly more bearable."

Gabrielle can be contacted by email: grm@deanwilson.co.uk or on her direct dial: 01273 249253. 

Gabrielle’s secretary Vanisha Parekh’s can be contacted by email: vxp@deanwilson.co.uk or her direct dial 01273 032355.

Areas of Specialism

Helena joined Dean Wilson LLP in June 2022, having worked previously in Bristol and Cardiff. 

Helena’s specialist areas are residential sales, purchases and re-mortgages as well as transfers of equity’s. 

Helena can be contacted by email: hb@deanwilson.co.uk or on her direct dial: 01273 032333 

Areas of Specialism

Jo trained and practised at a silver circle corporate law firm for a decade before moving to a regional firm in Gatwick. When the opportunity finally arose to practise in Brighton 7 years ago, Jo jumped at the chance of joining Dean Wilson LLP. 

With almost 20 years’ experience, Jo specialises in all areas of non-contentious commercial property, property finance and development. She acts for a variety of clients: investors, developers, landlords, tenants, assignees in relation to refinancing, acquisitions, disposals, leases, management matters and development contracts.

Recent Client Matters

• Acquisition of multi-let office block
• Financing and refinancing of commercial portfolios
• Business acquisitions 
• Leases and regears

Qualifications, Membership 

• Solicitor 
• BSocSc Hons
• Masters
• PgDL

Jo can be contacted by email: jnt@deanwilson.co.uk or on her direct dial: 01273 249252. 

Jo is assisted by Poppy Spencer, Paralegal within the Real Estate Department. Poppy’s contact details are: Email: ps@deanwilson.co.uk Direct Dial: 01273 249225. 

Areas of Specialism

Court of Protection Deputy and Professional Trustee, Catastrophic Personal and Medical Injury Litigation and CEDR accredited Mediator. Frances has a passion for making a difference to lives and has dedicated her whole career to helping clients and their families who suffer from life changing injuries including birth injury, acquired brain injury, spinal, amputees and those with PTSD.

Frances really cares about her clients, who are often extremely vulnerable and need her protection, expertise, and care. She is a formidable litigator and advocate, and often calls upon her mediation skills to assist her clients and team members with disputes and issues.

Many catastrophic personal injury and medical negligence litigation solicitors and Deputies nationally, trust her and seek her advice and support with their vulnerable clients.

• Professional Deputy managing £164 million of assets on behalf of vulnerable clients.
• Personal Injury Trust management
• Specialist in overseeing rehabilitation and building care teams, property purchase and adaptations.
• Professional Deputy Expert Witness Statements

Recent Client Matters

• Acting as a Professional Trustee for a young woman during and following a multi-million-pound settlement. Frances has supported the purchase of a ‘forever home’ and is currently adapting this with the assistance of specialist teams. Frances is working closely with the beneficiary of the Trust to ensure she is supported, protected, consulted, and can maximise her independence.
• Frances has been appointed by another firm as Financial Deputy for a young boy they represent in medical injury litigation. Frances has provided detailed robust expert evidence which has enabled significant damages to be recovered for Deputyship costs for the client’s lifetime. Frances is managing the multi-million-pound interim payment and will manage the final award to benefit the client including adapting his home to accommodate carers, a hydro pool, finding and working with his multidisciplinary rehabilitation team, employing a case manager, carers, managing investments, budgeting and ensuring an excellent quality of life for him.
• Frances was chosen as the “go to” Deputy for a solicitor in another firm who was retiring from Deputyship work. She has been trusted to take on all the deputyship work and every client has been happy with the transition. Frances and the dedicated team are skilled in managing changes for severely damaged clients.

Qualifications

• “Fellow” of the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (“APIL”) 1996 - date
• Member of the Forum of Complex Injury Solicitors (“FOCIS”) 2013- date
• Member of the Professional Deputies Forum
• Kent Law Society (Member 1990 – date) Honorary Secretary (2003- 2010), President (2011-2012) TWDLS President (2010-2011).
• Ranked Band 1 Chambers and Partners – Personal injury - recognised as a leader nationally.

Areas of Specialism

David Barling is one of the Partners in the Property Department and has considerable experience in all types of Commercial Property Law.

David acts for a number of property investors and property companies on a wide scale and is used to dealing with very high value transactions.  David also deals with mortgages and in particular, high value loan market association type mortgages.  

David is also experienced in Local Government work having been a member of a number of Councils over the years latterly West Sussex County Council.

Areas of Specialism

Katiee is a paralegal in the Dispute Resolution team assisting on a variety of major and routine legal matters within the department. Katiee manages her own cases and prides herself on getting the best outcome for our clients. Katiee is experienced in rent mediation and section 21 and section 8 claims. 

Katiee also leads the Welsh matters within the team giving her experience in both English and Welsh claims.

Recent Client Matters

• Supporting landlords who have not received rent payments from tenants for an extensive period of time. Drafting notices and proceedings to obtain rent arrears, possession orders and costs in the case.
• Advocating for a client who wishes to obtain their property back from a tenant who refuses to move out after the fixed term has ended.
• Working closely with a wide range of letting agents to assist landlords and tenants with property disputes.
• Drafting letters before action and filing claim forms to help clients get the best outcomes.

Qualifications, Membership 

• Bachelor of Law (LLB Hons)
• LLM Master of Law Degree
• Currently undergoing her LPC (Legal Practice Course)

Areas of Specialism

Martina has worked at Dean Wilson LLP since July 2019, having previously had over 10 years of property and civil litigation experience at Brighton Law firms.

Martina runs a caseload of residential possession claims, service charge arrears matters and general property Litigation matters including Freeholder / Leaseholder disputes, Breach of Lease matters and Housing Disrepair claims. 

Qualifications, Membership

Martina is currently an Associate member of the Charted Legal Executives.

Recent Client Matters

Regularly Assist Managing Agents in Brighton with service charge arrears recovery.

Assists National Letting Agents recover possession of properties for their client’s via Section 8 and Section 21

Assist the Department with new enquiries by taking on varied property matters.

Areas of Specialism

Jennie is a Solicitor in the Family team, who advises in relation to Children Act litigation (private law), Financial Remedies on divorce, cohabitation agreements and disputes, and protection from domestic abuse/injunctive relief. 

• Child arrangements orders
• Children – specific issue and prohibited steps orders - temporary or permanent removal from the jurisdiction, enforcement
• Financial remedies on divorce / dissolution of civil partnership - pension sharing, litigation and financial conduct
• Pre and Post-nuptial agreements
• Separation and cohabitation agreements 
• Domestic violence injunctions

Recent Client Matters

• Jennie regularly represents parents in private children law proceedings where mental health issues, substance misuse, and allegations of domestic abuse are a feature.
• Jennie has recently successfully defended a Specific Issue application by a mother to remove a child from the jurisdiction and secured a Port Alert Order. She has also acted for the Applicant in a Specific Issue application to permanently remove children from the jurisdiction.
• Jennie has experience of acting for parents in Children Act proceedings that include Fact-Finding hearings.
• Jennie has experience of acting for clients in both long and short marriages and recently acted for the Applicant Husband in Financial Remedy proceedings following a very short marriage of 7 months’ duration where all the assets were in the wife’s name including the Family Home. A very successful outcome was secured for the client which enabled him to rehouse and settle significant liabilities.
• Jennie is often instructed to prepare Financial Consent Orders following agreements reached between parties directly, in mediation, or as a result of solicitor-led negotiation.

Qualifications, Membership 

• Solicitor (PGDL)

Qualifications, Membership 

Legal 500 “Star in the making”

Areas of Specialism

Christina is a proficient Legal Assistant, supporting Jennie Apsey (Solicitor), and the Family Team, in cases where advising about Children Act litigation (private law), Financial Remedies on Divorce, Cohabitation Agreements and disputes, and protection from domestic abuse/injunctive relief. Christina is reputable for her excellent client service, being the first point of call to take all new enquiries.

• Child arrangement orders
• Financial remedies on divorce/dissolution of civil partnership
• Pre and Post-Nuptial Agreements

Qualifications

• Student of Law Society of New South Wales Australia

Christina can be contacted by email:  cb@deanwilson.co.uk or on her direct dial:  01273 249 293

Areas of Specialism

Neel has diverse transactional experience advising clients on share and asset acquisitions and disposals, secured and unsecured lending, joint ventures, shareholders’ agreements and company restructuring. He also advises on a wide range of commercial contracts for the supply of goods and services for well-established local and national clients covering music, arts and culture, close protection security, education and training, recruitment, travel and so forth. 

Neel has a strong focus on client care and a commercially focused approach, which has led to him establishing a reputation for always completing matters on time and within budget. Neel dedicates himself to providing clients a personal service and creating long-standing relationships to help businesses continue to succeed during their life cycles. 

Recent Client Matters

• Neel regularly assists one of the largest property agents in the UK to acquire letting and block management agents across the country.
• Neel acted for a property developer in raising circa £40 million for a new property development in Hove.

Qualifications, Membership 

• Solicitor

• LLB Hons

Neel can be contacted by email: nku@deanwilson.co.uk or on his/her direct dial: 01273 249 224. 

Areas of Specialism

Georgia is a Paralegal in the Court of Protection team. Georgia has been overseeing the administration in the team for four years and provides caring, comprehensive support to clients including:

• The management of client’s property and assets 
• Liaison with the Court of Protection
• Liaison with Cost Draftsman and SCCO
• Administrative support to whole team

Recent Client Matters

• Georgia has facilitated the support of a client with complex substance abuse issues. Georgia has provided consistent, reassuring support to the client and has overseen the input of a new multi-disciplinary team purpose built to support the client in their recovery. 
• Georgia works alongside the deputy for an elderly gentleman with Dementia. Georgia has arranged for his property to be maintained, equipment to be installed, and for social activities to be re-introduced into his life. 
• Georgia has provided thorough support for a vulnerable adult who is transitioning from a Care facility into private accommodation. Georgia has worked with the professionals involved to ensure that the private accommodation is prepared and suitable for the move. 

Qualifications, Membership 

• Member of the Professional Deputyship Forum
• Dementia Friend

Areas of Specialism

Olivia is a Paralegal in the Dispute Resolution Department working specifically in LPG possession claims. Olivia has experience dealing with residential landlord and tenant disputes, conducting her own matters for LPG possession claims.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Law (LLB Hons) from the University of Exeter

Recent Client Matters

• Conducting claims for possession of residential property based on breach of tenancy including:
  • Subletting
  • Drug misconduct
  • No Right to Rent
  • Arrears 

Olivia can be contacted by email: oeg@deanwilson.co.uk or on direct dial: 01273 032349

Areas of Specialism

Becca supports Alex Brown and the Personal Injury and Medical Negligence Team in cases involving severe and life changing injuries to claimants who have suffered personal injuries, criminal injuries & medical negligence resulting in:

• Brain Injury
• Spinal Cord Injury
• Birth Injury
• Amputations
• Severe Orthopaedic Injuries

Recent Client Matters

• Becca assisted Alex Brown to secure a six-figure sum for a client who suffered a severe leg injury in a road traffic accident.  On taking the case over from another firm of solicitors, it became clear there were evidential issues, including urgent and complex disclosure, which were swiftly dealt with to enable the claim to progress to a successful resolution.
• Becca supported Alex who acted for an amputee injured in a motorcycle accident.  Compensation of approximately £2,000,000 was achieved.
• With a personal interest in neurodivergence, Becca has supported the Team in several brain injury cases, including for clients with birth injuries.  One recent case included recovering sums to fund physiotherapy, occupational therapy, psychiatry, psychology, pain management, vestibular therapy, speech and language therapy, hydrotherapy, assistive technology, care and case management, amongst other heads of damage.  Some of the cases Becca has worked on involve anonymity orders to protect the identity of vulnerable clients, which is why these cases are not publicised on our website.
• In numerous cases, Becca has supported Alex and the team utilising her extensive experience of disclosure and Schedules of Special Damage.

Qualifications, Membership 

• BA (Hons)

Areas of Specialism

Sophie is the Head of the Court of Protection team specialises in professional deputyships for acquired brain injury and elderly clients, with over 10 years’ experience handling complex Court of Protection cases. Sophie is also a Professional Trustee. Sophie regular advises on:

• Professional Deputy for elderly and vulnerable clients. 
• Lay Deputyships for Property & Financial Affairs and Health & Welfare matters. 
• The management of client’s property and assets 
• Lasting Power of Attorneys

Recent Client Matters

• Sophie has been appointed as a Professional Deputy for an elderly gentleman with dementia following a referral from Social Services. Sophie’s appointment has protected the gentleman’s assets from fraud, to which he was previously a victim of, and has ensured security for his future. Sophie has aided an increase to his care, equipment and allowed access to funds for social activities, greatly improving his quality of life. 
• Sophie has offered expert guidance to parents who wished to be lay deputies for their child. Sophie drafted complex applications for both Health & Welfare and Property & Financial Affairs and secured the required Court Orders to allow the parents to best support their child. 
• Sophie was appointed as a Professional Deputy for a young man as his previous Deputy was retiring. Sophie has utilised her warm and compassionate nature to build a strong trusting relationship with the young man to provide assurance that his finances will continue to be managed in his best interests.

Qualifications, Membership 

• Ranked in Chambers since 2020
• Dementia Friend
• QEF Legal Clinic Advisor
• Member of the Professional Deputyship Forum

Areas of Specialism

Sarah is a highly experienced HR generalist with a full and comprehensive knowledge of all HR practices and employment law.  With over 30 years of experience in the field of HR, Sarah has established a reputation for providing excellent service, with strong commercial awareness and a pragmatic approach to outcomes.

Sarah specialises in coaching and mentoring, assisting others to reach their full potential, whether that be through training, career development, performance or people management practice.  

Sarah has a passion for fostering a professional, engaging and supportive culture, through working practices, recruitment, retention, succession planning, well-being and learning and development.  

Sarah is known for her practical, resourceful approach, always seeking the most efficient and productive outcomes and solutions for all.  

Qualifications

• CMCIPD

Sarah can be contacted by email, sjs@deanwilson.co.uk or on her direct dial, 01273 032318. 

Sarah works with her colleague Melissa Frankling within the Human Resources Team.  Melissa’s contact details are mjf@deanwilson.co.uk, direct dial, 01273 032334.