Ashtons Legal is an award-winning law firm with a strong focus on customer service.  The legal teams provide a wide range of advice to businesses and private individuals regionally, nationally and internationally from offices across East Anglia and Leeds. 

Legal

Ashtons Legal

Ian Hylton

Tracey Brinkley

Natalie acts for families and individuals who have suffered baby loss and catastrophic injury as a consequence of substandard maternity and neonatal care. Natalie also has a specialist interest in mental health and the effect that grief, loss and trauma has following negligence.

Natalie joined the firm in 2022, having practised for over a decade as a specialist clinical negligence lawyer. More recently, Natalie has gained national attention for her work with many families in Nottingham and the surrounding area who have received substandard maternity care.

Natalie worked with The Independent Newspaper and Channel 4 News to bring the failures in care of many families whom she represented to national attention. She has since appeared on major news networks to discuss failures in maternity care in Nottingham and other areas in the UK. Natalie also worked with BBC Panorama in 2021 in relation to their investigation of maternity care in Doncaster and continues to do so.

As a consequence of this work, in 2021, Natalie was named Clinical Negligence Lawyer of the Year at the Personal Injury Awards and Clinical Negligence Lawyer of the Year at the Sheffield and District Law Society Awards in 2022.

Natalie regularly teaches for APIL and for MBL, as well as providing pro bono training for NHS England and other NHS bodies and rehabilitation units.

Natalie Cosgrove

She assists Natalie Cosgrove with all aspects of her cases and has a particular interest in supporting bereaved families. Amelia is a very calming presence in what is undoubtedly a very distressing time for families.

Amelia has had a varied career as a legal secretary, legal assistant, operations manager, and now paralegal, where she can focus on assisting directly on cases.

Amelia has dedicated her career to helping those in urgent need of support. Prior to working with Natalie in Medical Negligence, Amelia worked supporting those who faced disability discrimination. One such case was successful in the Supreme Court.

Amelia Dale

Working closely alongside Partners and Solicitors across a variety of Private Client matters, Kate has experience in the preparation of Wills and Lasting Powers of Attorney, alongside the administration of Estates and application for Probate. Kate enjoys helping guide clients through what can often be a difficult time for them.

Kate has been part of our Lifetime Planning team since 2016, when she joined Ashtons. Kate is professional and personable and is often the first point of contact for clients of the wider team.

Kate Lonergan

She specialises in contentious probate, Court of Protection and Wills and Trusts disputes.

Eloise has a First Class degree in Law & Criminology LLB (Hons) from the University of Sheffield, graduating in 2015.

Previously, Eloise worked as a Legal Secretary in a leading firm in Ireland specialising in defence litigation with claims at all Court levels dealing primarily with; motor, public, employer and product liability in addition to professional negligence cases.

Eloise works collaboratively with the wider team to ensure that work is carried out at the right level for her clients, with cost proportionality and client service being key.

As a service-minded individual, Eloise thrives on helping people and finding solutions to complex legal matters with a creative and empathetic approach.

Outside of work, Eloise is a keen artist specialising in portraiture and figurative work who takes commissions and has sold a vast array of paintings. She has a love of world travel, having visited Central and South America, South East Asia and has lived in Australia for six months.

Eloise Eddy

She supports the Lifetime Planning team with the Powers of Attorney, Inheritance Tax Planning, Wills and Probate.

Kate joined Ashtons in 2021 as an administrator and has since gained experience as a Legal PA and now as a Paralegal.

She listens carefully to client’s needs and concerns and aims to offer a compassionate yet professional service.

Kate enjoys supporting clients and easing their journeys through difficult and upsetting circumstances.

Kate Mallion

She specialises in Probate, Wills and Lasting Powers of Attorney matters.

Bethany worked as a Legal PA for six years and now beginning the next chapter in her legal career as a paralegal.

Outside of work, Bethany has a yellow Labrador called Bruiser, the name is inspired from Legally Blonde, who joins her for long walks/hikes and paddle boarding. She has a range of hobbies which include skateboarding, horse riding and sewing.

Bethany Mead

She joined Ashtons in January 2023 and assists the Lifetime Planning team with the drafting of Wills, preparation of Powers of Attorney, as well as Estate Administration and Probate.

Jana graduated from University in June 2022 with Law with Business Hons, and she is now studying the SQE with Masters.

Jana always does her best to assist her clients in any way she can and advises them with kindness and patience.

Jana Goodchild

She assists lawyers within her team and the wider Lifetime Planning department with a mix of all types of matters regarding Probate, Wills and Lasting Powers of Attorney.

Syeda joined the Lifetime Planning team in Cambridge in 2023 after obtaining a 1:1 in her law degree at Anglia Ruskin University in 2022. During her time at university, she volunteered at ARU Law Clinic, where she first began delivering advice and support across employment and family law matters.

She is approachable and personable and believes it is important to provide personalised service to every client by putting clients first.

Syeda has worked with charities such as the Samaritans, Food cycle, Citizen’s Advice Bureau and East Anglia’s Children Hospice and has a keen interest in providing support to charities through volunteering.

Syeda Mahfuz

He specialises in the drafting of Wills, Estate Administration and Probate, creating Lasting Powers of Attorney, and Inheritance Tax planning.

Since qualifying as a Solicitor in 2013, Richard has specialised in private client law, including the areas above. He has experience in a wide range of areas of private client law, including the administration of high-value estates and estates with international elements. Richard has previously worked for firms in Norwich and North Norfolk and has written articles for local newspapers.

Richard is friendly and approachable and gives clear advice in an understandable manner. He has experience in dealing with sensitive matters and matters with more complex family setups.

Richard finds it rewarding to be able to assist and advise individuals during a very challenging time.

Richard Tinkler

Megan Howard

Antonia Ridley-Hughes

Sophie Allinson

Isha White

Elizabeth Fletcher

Rebecca Kooyman

Zinzi Hoxsie

Ina Beurich

Katie Emerson

Ruth Sparkes

Charlotte Welling

Georgia Wilks

Alanis James

Ismail Bell

Mandy Francis

Alexandra Aizlewood

Alisha Begum

Craig Fiddaman is an Associate at [Ashtons Legal](/org/ashtons-legal). Craig has over eight years of experience working as a solicitor, advising and assisting clients in matters of debt, insolvency, and civil proceedings. 

Craig began their career in 2010 as a Solicitor at Darbys Solicitors LLP. Craig advised corporate clients on both contested and uncontested debt, insolvency, and civil proceedings. In 2013, Craig moved to Thompson Smith and Puxon Solicitors where they worked as a Civil and Commercial Litigation Solicitor. 

In 2015, Craig joined Howes Percival as a Property Litigation Solicitor. Craig worked there for just over a year before moving to Blocks Solicitors in 2016. At Blocks, Craig worked as a Corporate & Commercial Solicitor for two years before joining [Ashtons Legal](/org/ashtons-legal) in 2018.

Craig Fiddaman's educational career includes completing a Legal Practice Course at BPP Law School, an LLB Hons at [University of East Anglia](/org/university-of-east-anglia), and A Levels in Law, Psychology and Theirtory (A-C) at Chantry High School & Sixth Form Centre. Craig also completed GCSEs in 11 Subjects (A-C) at Chantry High School & Sixth Form Centre.

Craig Fiddaman

Annastasia is a Paralegal in the Lifetime Planning Team, based in the Bury St Edmunds office, having joined the firm in 2017 as an administrative assistant before moving to the Lifetime Planning Team in 2019.

Annastasia holds an LLB degree in Law and Criminology from the [University of Liverpool](/org/university-of-liverpool) and her LPC LLM through BPP Law School. She has secured a training contract with the firm and will qualify as a solicitor in the next few years.

Annastasia is an approachable individual who assists the lawyers in the Bury St Edmunds office as well as the wider Lifetime Planning team across the region. She understands that clients all have different requirements, often assisting people at distressing times in their lives, and, with this in mind, she aims to get to know her clients as individuals and tailors her advice to suit each one.

Annastasia Christoforou Fox

She acts for commercial and private clients to resolve difficulties in connection with their property assets.

Kirsteen specialises in resolving property disputes and advises private, commercial and public sector clients.

She deals with commercial property matters, such as the termination and renewal of leases under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954, break options, the enforcement of leasehold covenants, recovery of rent arrears and dilapidation claims. She also advises on residential matters such as termination and breach of assured or assured shorthold tenancies, enfranchisement and the right of first refusal. Kirsteen has particular expertise in matters that arise in both commercial and residential situations, such nuisance claims, restrictive covenants, adverse possession, rights of way and issues which fetter development schemes.

Kirsteen advocates for clients in Court, represents them mediation and delivers training. She has written articles on Air B&B, Tenant Deposit Schemes and unilateral variation of tenancy agreements for publication and has been quoted in the Guardian. She recently acted for a defendant in successfully dismissing a claim for possession at first instance and on appeal (Clarion Housing Association v Louise Carter [2021] EWHC 2890 (QB)).

Kirsteen is a trained mediator and a member of the Property Litigation Association.

She believes it is a privilege to help people through difficult situations and to lighten some of the burden – whether it be to achieve a commercial objective or to resolve an emotive residential dispute.

Kirsteen spends her spare time with her husband, their three young boys and their dog and, occasionally, she fits in some art or embroidery.

Kirsteen Durrant

Ruth Houghton

Felicity Sparkes

Heather Williams

Poppy Lee

Carrie Clements

Serena Mockford

Natasha Balaam

Fenella Eddell

Gino Ballestracci

Jasdeep Rai

Stefan Mitham is the Head of Business Development & Marketing at [Ashtons Legal](/org/ashtons-legal). Stefan has over 12 years of experience in client development and management, gained at The Møller Centre where they were the Client Development Manager. 

In this role, Stefan was responsible for researching and exploring business development opportunities, conducting regular client development meetings, managing the client journey, preparing proposals and contracts, monitoring client feedback, and representing the organisation at awards ceremonies. Stefan also played a key role in the strategic sales and business planning of the organisation, and worked closely with the Marketing Team on delivering the tactical marketing plan. 

Stefan has a proven track record in successfully developing relationships with clients and delivering positive outcomes. Stefan is passionate about providing an excellent customer journey and ensuring that clients are kept happy and satisfied with the service they receive.

Stefan Mitham has a diploma in management from the Chartered Management Institute, with a focus in management accounting, sales, marketing, performance management, information systems, and recruitment. Stefan also has a bachelor's degree in business and marketing from [Anglia Ruskin University](/org/anglia-ruskin-university), with a focus in marketing, finance, international marketing, strategy, and sales management. Additionally, they have a bachelor's degree in business studies from the [University of Hertfordshire](/org/university-of-hertfordshire). Finally, they have GCSE's in maths, English, science, geography, history, and art from Sawston VC. Stefan is also a business skills mentor and facilitator, teaching sales and marketing techniques.

Stefan Mitham works with Colin Makin - Partner, Geoff Hazlewood - Partner, and Tim Ridyard - Partner. Stefan Mitham reports to James Tarling, CEO.

Stefan Mitham

Ali Masterson is currently a paralegal at [Ashtons Legal](/org/ashtons-legal). Prior to this, they worked as an assistant to the head of dispute resolution at Hatch Brenner LLP from October 2003 to February 2022. Masterson has also worked as a secretary at Reynolds Porter Chamberlain from January 2001 to December 2003 and at Henry Milner & Co from January 1999 to December 2001. In addition, they have experience as a PA to the Hon. Secretary at Norfolk & Norwich Medico Legal Society from January 2003 to December 2011.

Ali Masterson attended Thorpe St Andrew School. Ali then went on to get a certification in Personal Injury Law from Society of Specialist Paralegals. After that, they got a certification from CILEX in 2022.

Ali Masterson

Alice Trainor is an associate at [Ashtons Legal](/org/ashtons-legal). Alice previously worked as a solicitor at Fosters Solicitors from November 2014 to February 2020. During their time at Leathes Prior, they spent time in the Franchising, Employment, and Dispute Resolution teams. Alice was able to experience different approaches to the law when providing services for individuals and businesses, and developed their commercial awareness. During their placement, they worked with Ed Savory on a case summary which was later published on the Leathes Prior website.

Alice Trainor's educational career includes studying for a Legal Practice Certificate at BPP Law School, a Law with European Legal Systems degree at the [University of East Anglia](/org/university-of-east-anglia), and a law degree at the [University of Groningen](/org/university-of-groningen). Alice also has GCSEs in law, maths, history, environmental science and chemistry from [Sussex Downs College](/org/sussex-downs-college)- Park Campus and St Richards Catholic College.

Alice Trainor

Sophie Hearle is an Associate at [Ashtons Legal](/org/ashtons-legal). Prior to this, they worked as a Paralegal at Fieldfisher and BLM. Sophie has experience in sorting and analysing medical records, undertaking legal and medical research, liaising with experts, drafting client correspondence, interviewing witnesses and drafting witness statements, preparing quantum reports, attending conferences with Counsel, drafting defences, witness statements and applications to court, preparing allocation questionnaires, lists of documents and statements of costs, negotiating liability and quantum, applying relevant case law and legal principles, maintaining sound file management through accurate and consistent billing and time recording, and management of WIP and monitoring of Management Information.

Sophie Hearle has a degree in law from the [University of Leeds](/org/university-of-leeds), where they studied law and French. Sophie also has a degree in French law from Université Jean Moulin (Lyon III). Sophie is currently a qualified solicitor in England and Wales.

Sophie Hearle

Naomi Everett is an Associate Solicitor at [Ashtons Legal](/org/ashtons-legal). Naomi has over 20 years of experience in conveyancing, and has a strong track record of meeting personal billing targets year on year. Naomi is experienced in sales, purchases, re-mortgages, equity release, and transfers of equity for both freehold and leasehold properties. Naomi is also conversant with the conveyancing process for registered and unregistered properties. Naomi provides a high level of client contact, which has resulted in the majority of new matters coming from personal recommendations. In addition to their work as a solicitor, Naomi has also overseen and guided trainees who have undertaken a conveyancing seat as part of their training contract.

Naomi Everett completed their Bachelor of Laws (LLB) at the University of Essex in European Law. Naomi then went on to get their certification from the [University of Central Lancashire](/org/university-of-central-lancashire) in LPC.

Naomi Everett

Janette has helped hundreds of families in dealing with estates of deceased relatives.

Janette deals exclusively with private client issues, approximately 60% of which is in handling probate work.

Janette deals with a full range of probate work, the majority of which include complex legal and tax-based issues.

She has a particular specialism in advising elderly and vulnerable clients and their families on issues surrounding succession, tax and mental capacity. She also deals with deputyship applications at the Court of Protection.

Janette is the Programme Secretary and Vice-Chair of the local STEP committee. She is also Chair of the Corporate Social Responsibility Committee at [Ashtons Legal](/org/ashtons-legal).

Janette Wand

Tina has a vast amount of experience in family law including divorce, relationship breakdown and the resolution of financial issues. She has a sympathetic approach to issues involving children to include both private and public law proceedings acting for both Parents and Grandparents. Tina is also experienced and sensitive to the needs of families who have been through issues of domestic abuse.

Tina is a member of Resolution, an organisation with a code of conduct promoting a conciliatory approach in family law matters. She is a Resolution trained Mediator and is able to mediate in family issues, ranging from relationship breakdown to resolving arrangements for children.

Tina Inniss

Amanda has dedicated her career to building experience and expertise in Family matters.

Amanda joined Ashtons in 1985. Amanda is a Fellow of the Institute of Paralegals (F.Inst.Pa).

Amanda has developed her position within the Family team and now assists senior members of the team with divorce, domestic violence, private and public law Children Act 1989 applications and finances following separation/divorce.

Amanda Cook

Gillian is a member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP) and has over 30 years of experience in the administration of Trusts, Estate Administration and Personal Taxation.

She joined the firm in 2000 and qualified as a Society of Trust and Estate Practitioner (STEP) in 2005.

Gillian has been recommended in the Legal 500.

Gillian offers her clients understanding and empathy with clear concise guidance and advice in language they can understand, which is not always easy when you are explaining tax regimes.

Gillian enjoys building relationships with the different generations of a family involved with a Trust, combined with the sense of achievement having prepared the annual Year End Trust Accounts and Tax Returns, knowing that all of the Trust Compliance has been dealt with and the Trustees are protected.

Outside of work, Gillian enjoys spending time with her family, gardening and Yoga.

Gillian Brasher

Greg has extensive experience in all aspects of commercial property practice including: landlord and tenant, residential and commercial development, property finance and secured lending, and portfolio management.

He achieved  LLB (hons) and LLM, both from the University of Dundee, and his LPC from College of Law, York, before qualifying as a solicitor in September 2013.

Greg studied law in his native Scotland and qualified with a leading regional firm in Norwich in 2013 and remained there until moving to Ashtons in March 2022.

Greg prides himself on his responsiveness and is passionate about helping clients to find commercial solutions to complex legal problems.

He enjoys helping clients achieve their goals and working as a key part of their team.

Outside of work, Greg is chair of governors at a primary school in Suffolk and enjoys days out and holidays with his wife and son and beach and countryside walks with his dog.

Greg McCurday

Graham is a member of the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers and has over 40 years’ experience in personal injury law, spending the majority of this time dealing with complex claims arising from road traffic accidents, employer and public liability cases. He particularly specialises in brain injury, amputation and spinal injury cases.

Graham takes great pride in helping those unfortunate enough to have suffered injuries to receive the treatment, care and support they require and works closely with clients and their families throughout to ensure their needs continue to be met.

Outside of work, Graham writes crime thrillers and has three published works. He also has a particular interest in classic cars.

Graham Heywood

She advises on Wills, Inheritance Tax, Estate Planning and Probate, Lasting Powers of Attorney and the creation and administration of trusts.

Karen has a particular specialism in the agricultural sector, including agricultural property matters.

She has been a member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP) since 1996.

Client care has always been very important to Karen, and she prides herself on keeping clients updated and providing practical solutions for them in a down to earth way.  She continues to act for many clients she has known since the 1980s, and also acts for some of their children too.

Karen manages the Diss office Lifetime Planning team who have a strong local reputation for providing an efficient, professional and friendly service.

Away from work, Karen enjoys walking in the countryside around the beautiful Waveney Valley, planning routes on maps and exploring rights of way – which also helps with her knowledge of the area for her agricultural clients! She has a strong interest in history and likes to visit East Anglia’s famed Round Tower churches.

Karen Bacon

Victoria qualified as a solicitor in April 2015 and trained at a boutique firm in the City gaining experience in commercial seats including property, corporate, dispute resolution and employment. Victoria qualified into practising both commercial and residential property.

Victoria offers clients a personable yet practical approach, being able to communicate legal terminology clearly and being perceptive to clients’ commercial requirements. She enjoys being able to work with a broad range of clients including individuals, businesses as well as lenders.

Victoria enjoys working with her clients through the challenges that can arise during a commercial property matter, and completing a transaction to the satisfaction of the client.

Victoria joined the Norwich Commercial Property team as a solicitor in 2018.

Outside of work, Victoria enjoys exploring the North Norfolk coast and countryside in her spare time, and importantly trying out the many great restaurants the county has to offer. She also takes part in races to raise money for charity, including Race for Life and the Royal Parks Half Marathon.

Victoria Harnett

Denise is mainly instructed by employers and assists them in drafting Contracts of Employment and Company Handbooks as well as advising on any issues that arise during day to day business. This can be concerning grievance or disciplinary procedures, assisting clients who have to go through a redundancy process or advising and taking action in respect of a breach of restrictive covenants.

Denise is also experienced in drafting and negotiating Settlement Agreements, both acting on behalf of an employer and advising employees on the obligations contained in a Settlement Agreement.

Denise deals with a wide range of Tribunal claims from unfair dismissal cases to cases involving discrimination. The majority of Tribunal work Denise carries out is on behalf of employers defending Tribunal claims brought against them, however, has had some involvement in assisting ex-employees in bringing claims against their employers.

Denise also offers a bespoke debt recovery service within the team as well as assisting the dispute resolution team with its general litigation matters.

Denise Traube

Before coming to [Ashtons Legal](/org/ashtons-legal), Joanna ran a care team for individuals with severe learning difficulties. This included one to one individualised care and support, training staff, observing and recording patients conditions, assisting in all care and progression to recovery, home transitions and supporting the ward sisters on shift. No day was ever the same and Joanna loved working with all the different multi-disciplinary team members, being able to work closely with patients, building good rapports, gaining trust and making a difference in the care that they received.

Joanna is experienced in individualised client care and being adaptable to each person’s individual needs. She is calm, patient, with good communication skills and can build good rapports easily and loves getting to know the client, hear what they need/want and makes sure she goes above and beyond to assure they are happy with the service they receive.

Joanna Bradshaw

Amy spends time getting to know every client so that she can provide a bespoke service tailored to their circumstances, needs and objectives.

She loves helping her clients make sense of complex legal concepts so that they can decide what the best option is for them.

Outside of work, Amy loves cooking, baking and entertaining. She enjoys spending time with family, friends and her adorable (but challenging) terrier.

Amy Pettitt

Annabel is keen to promote the resolution of a dispute at the earliest possible stage to mitigate against the stress and upset that a potential long-running land dispute can entail. She is experienced in a number of different alternative dispute resolutions option and has good contacts with a number of different land agents and surveyors within the region to help achieve this.

Annabel Mayer

Faye Stolls studied Law at Reading University and the Legal Practice Course at BPP University Law School in London.

Faye completed her training contract with [Ashtons Legal](/org/ashtons-legal) and qualified as a Solicitor in September 2010. She now works in the Lifetime Planning department specialising in Wills, Trusts, Tax and Estate Planning and Lasting Powers of Attorney. Faye receives referrals from all over the England and Wales for the preparation of Personal Injury Compensation Protection Trusts.

Faye is a member of the Society of Trusts and Estate Practitioners (STEP) having passed the post-graduate [STEP](/org/step-oil-gas) Diploma in Trusts and Estates in 2015. She is also a member of Bury Abbey Rotary Club raising funds for local organisations and charities.

Faye regularly assists clients with complex circumstances and she is understanding whilst remaining professional. She is easy to work with and is able to use her technical expertise to offer clients practical solutions to achieve their aims.

Faye enjoys meeting clients and establishing longstanding relationships with them; often advising many generations of the same family.

Outside of work Faye enjoys spending time with her husband, two young daughters and miniature dachshund, and can often be seen at weekends at Nowton Park. She is also a keen skier.

Faye Stolls

Fabienne studied law in France and moved to the UK where she gained a MA in Business Law and completed her Legal Practice Course. She qualified as a Solicitor of England & Wales 10 years ago and has extensive knowledge and experience of French law.

Fabienne advises clients and professionals on the French legal system and on how to avoid its pitfalls. Her areas of expertise include French conveyancing, French property law, French inheritance law and tax including cross-border estate planning advice and preparation of French Wills.

Fabienne is a [STEP](/org/step-oil-gas) member and regularly provides seminars and publishes articles for French specialised press.

Fabienne Atkin

She focuses on the more complex issues that arise out of family and marriage breakdown, child arrangements, and the preparation of pre and post nuptial agreements.

Her work in relation to the financial aspects of divorce includes cases where there is a complex jurisdiction issue. She regularly advises on cases involving family-run businesses, trusts, and where there may be an international element.

Matters relating to children encompass the representation of Special Guardians both in public and private law cases – these regularly contain issues of alienation and domestic violence. Additionally, she advises where applications concern the removal of children to a different country.

Joanna Cotgrove

Tom is privileged to act for injury victims across the length and breadth of the country and passionate about the work he does for them.

Tom advises on all aspects of injury litigation but has a particular professional interest in complex polytrauma and causation cases arising from employers’ liability, public / occupiers’ liability and road traffic accidents. Tom also specialises in cases involving chronic pain, psychiatric trauma and traumatic brain injury (especially at the subtle end of the spectrum).

Tom is committed to ensuring his clients get the best treatment, support and service right from the start and takes great pride in ensuring they get the best possible results within the legal framework. He is often asked to provide “second opinions” for clients (of other Firms) on matters falling within his sphere of expertise (and is happy to do so.)

Tom has extensive litigation / trial experience in the High and County Courts and has had a number of cases reported. In addition, he has secured many millions of pounds’ worth of compensation for clients through negotiation and whilst recognising that money cannot change the past, it can make a difference to the future.

Tom Ranson

Louise qualified in 2008 and joined the firm in March 2014. She is a qualified member of [STEP](/org/step-oil-gas) (Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners), ATT (Association of Taxation Technicians), and SFE (Solicitors for the Elderly). She is also the Treasurer for Suffolk and North Essex Law Society (SNELS) and has volunteered at the Age UK Legal Advice Surgery, Citizens Advice Bureau, and Suffolk Law Centre.

Louise specialises in estate administration, will drafting, powers of attorney, tax advice, and the preparation and management of trusts. Her particular niche is advising business owners, farmers, high net worth individuals, and people with complex succession issues including the effective use of trusts. Approximately 60% of Louise’s work is handling probate work.

Louise Cardwell

His focus is on preventing disputes or unnecessary complications in a succession, using clear advice and documents that families can rely on in the longer term. Legitimate tax planning forms a part of this, but equally so does the family dynamic.

Chris has a particular interest in acting for clients with an overseas connection, having worked in law firms in both France and Belgium, and has experience handling cross border Wills, tax and succession matters for a number of clients with international concerns. He works closely with the firm’s French Property, Trust and Tax, Agriculture and Contentious Probate teams.

He is a longstanding trustee of equality charity ISCRE and the Suffolk Law Centre, and took a Masters by Research in Charity Law to broaden his understanding of their voluntary work.

Chris Cumberbatch

She qualified as a Legal Executive in 2006 having originally trained with the firm; re-joining in January 2019 and became a Senior Associate in April 2022. Joanna has worked in both private practice and in-house at a national consulting engineering business where she was the sole disputes practitioner for this business.

Her varied work involved complex and high value contractual and professional negligence disputes and the conciliatory management of these. She successfully utilises the payment and suspension mechanisms available under the Construction Act to positively conclude disputes.

Joanna provides timely and cost effective advice to her clients, looking for proactive solutions to their problems. She has broad experience in general litigation with a particular interest in construction disputes, Inheritance Act claims, property disputes and trust of land disputes.

Joanna Baker

Jasmine joined the Lifetime Planning team in Norwich in 2016 and is now studying her LPC and Masters qualification, after obtaining a 2:1 in her law degree at the [University of East Anglia](/org/university-of-east-anglia) in 2019. She has recently secured a training contract with the firm to qualify as a solicitor.

Jasmine has worked up through various roles in the team and is currently a Paralegal. She assists with a mix of all the types of matters undertaken by the LTP team in Norwich. Jasmine enjoys speaking with the clients and has a particular interest in the vulnerable and elderly client matters.

Jasmine Allen

Brooke joined Ashtons as an Apprentice in 2016 which she completed within a year and then went on to study with CILEx.

Originally working within the Corporate and Commercial team and the Commercial Property team as a Legal Secretary, Brooke is now a Paralegal, studying to become a Chartered Legal Executive, specialising in Commercial Property. She is building up her own caseload as her knowledge and skills develop.

Brooke works on a variety of matters for corporate and individual clients and manages lower value transactions on her own. She is friendly and approachable, always ensuring her clients’ are given clear and considered advise, whilst meeting their needs efficiently. Brooke enjoys seeing a matter through from start to finish and overcoming any complications that may crop up.

Brooke Nembhard

She is involved in advising on a range of contentious and non-contentious employment issues, for both employers and employees, including representing clients in their claims before the Employment Tribunal, such as for wrongful and unfair dismissal.

Jessica also has experience in advising on directors’ service agreements, employment contracts, policies and procedures, settlement agreements, and within corporate transactions.

Jessica is a regular speaker at [Ashtons Legal](/org/ashtons-legal)’s HR events and is currently President of the Norwich & Norfolk Law Society.

Jessica Piper

Mandy has worked in Ashton Legal’s Medical Negligence team since 1998 and comes from a forces background having served as a Safety Equipment Fitter in the Royal Air Force for nine years.

She has successfully concluded many varied medical negligence claims over the years and is passionate about seeking and obtaining justice for her clients. She takes great pride in knowing that she has done all she can to fight her client’s corner and get them the outcome they’re after, whether this be compensation, an apology or reassurance that the same mistakes will not be made again.

Amanda Cavanagh

Emily specialises in a wide range of private client work, including the preparation and registration of Lasting Powers of Attorney, registrations of Enduring Powers of Attorney, and Will drafting.

Emily is a member of the local Bury St Edmunds Rotaract Club which supports local charities. She has done various career day talks with local schools about the different areas into law.

Emily Barnard

Kerry is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (qualified in 2009) and she acts on behalf of injury victims. She particularly specialises in road traffic collisions and is adept at those involving complex medical or legal issues.

Kerry is a firm believer in clients having access to early treatment, care and support and works closely with them and their families throughout the claim process to ensure their needs are met. Kerry is also tireless in her pursuit of achieving the highest level of compensation for her clients, whether through negotiation or awards by the court.

Kerry is a member of the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers and the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives.

Outside of work, Kerry enjoys spending time with her family.

Kerry Jones

James is a paralegal in the Lifetime Planning team in Diss and Norwich.

James is studying for his CILEx qualifications, completing his Level 3 Diploma with a focus on the Law of Wills and Succession and Probate Practice. James will be the first point of call for many of the department’s clients, providing first-class client care, while assisting fee earners across all aspects of the private client law.

James has over three years’ experience within the legal field, working for a regional law firm in a client relations role.

James Brighton

Debbie is a Senior Associate at [Ashtons Legal](/org/ashtons-legal) and is the Team Manager for the Court of Protection Team.

Debbie joined the team in 2005 having previously worked within various legal areas including Clinical Negligence, Personal Injury, Family, Care and Commercial.

Debbie Holmes

Roger has over 30 years’ personal injury experience, helping injury victims in a wide variety of cases. He mainly specialises in higher value and complex claims arising from road traffic and workplace accidents, public liability incidents and accidents abroad.

Roger is passionate about what he does and firmly believes in obtaining early access to rehabilitation, care and support for his clients.

Roger is a member of the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers and the Ipswich & Suffolk Medico-legal Society.

Roger has four daughters, three grandchildren, a dog and wife all of whom keep him happy and busy outside of work! As well as involvement in local church and charity projects, Roger loves the theatre (but no longer stage side!) and enjoys golf and cycling.

Roger Loomes

Elizabeth really enjoys being a private client lawyer, working as part of a close team that specialises in estate administration. She aims to get to know her clients well and understand their concerns and particular needs. She gets enormous satisfaction from helping her clients through the administration of the estate of a family member or friend. She cannot take away their loss but hopes that her sympathetic and tactful approach makes the legal process easier.

She qualified as a solicitor in 1988 and is a member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP). She is secretary of the Suffolk and North Essex branch of [STEP](/org/step-oil-gas).

Elizabeth is a Governor at Thurston Community College, a large secondary school with a role in excess of 1,700, and also treasurer of her local tennis club.

Elizabeth Dunn

Mark has a wealth of experience in leading numerous corporate transactions and has a particular specialism in corporate restructurings and share options, including the legal aspects of EMI schemes.

Mark advises clients on sale and purchase agreements and disclosure letters in relation to various share and asset mergers, acquisitions and disposals, as well as confidentiality agreements, heads of terms, due diligence and managing the transactional processes as lead adviser.

Mark also advises a number of franchisors and franchisees on franchise business sales.

This corporate experience extends to advising on shareholders rights and protections, including drafting and negotiating shareholders agreements and investment agreements.

In addition, Mark also advises a wide range of business clients on their commercial arrangements, including distribution and agency agreements and supply agreements, as well as drafting terms and conditions for a variety of businesses.

Mark lives in Norfolk with his young family and is a keen cyclist.

Mark Watson

Paul liaises directly with clients, their families, case managers, and other professionals in order to assist her clients to ensure their needs are met, whilst always giving consideration to the financial implications of any decision made.

Paul Humphries

Rhian deals with a range of commercial property transactions including all aspects of sales, purchases, leases and investment property, with particular expertise in Landlord and Tenant work.

She qualified as a solicitor in 2007 after training at the firm and worked for nearly 5 years in the legal department of an international technology company before coming to Ashtons.

Rhian is committed to giving the best service and often goes the extra mile for clients.

Outside of work, Rhian is on the local scout executive committee.


Rhian Brook

Mick trained with [Ashtons Legal](/org/ashtons-legal) and then worked for many years in a personal injury team at Cambridge. Until recently he was a Partner at an injury law firm but returned to [Ashtons Legal](/org/ashtons-legal) in November 2021.

During his career, Mick has worked exclusively for injured clients to ensure that they receive not just the right level of compensation but also the support, treatment and rehabilitation they need.

The majority of his work has been in relation to those suffering a traumatic brain injury.

Mick Upton

She also advises on development land including promotion agreements and/or options and overage provisions. Rebecca’s legal background also includes experience in residential and commercial property as this is often required by farming clients.

Rebecca has extensive experience in chancel repair issues, and how landowners and churches should treat these aspects of property law. She has acted for church councils as well as landed estate owners on these and other related issues and has lectured regionally on chancel and related matters to national banks.

Rebecca is a member of the ALA and the SAA. She is a Steward for the SAA and the Treasurer of the Suffolk branch of the GWCT.

Rebecca Gatens

Over the course of her career, Louisa has advised hundreds of clients in relation to probate matters and most recently spends around half of her time advising clients on more complex estate administration issues. The remainder of her time is spent giving advice in relation to the preparation of Wills involving trusts and estate planning aspects together with advising on Lasting Powers of Attorney.

Louisa is regarded by her clients as sensitive, approachable and giving peace of mind and reassurance at what can be a stressful and upsetting time.

She is a fully qualified member of [STEP](/org/step-oil-gas) (Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners) and is currently a student member of ATT (Association of Tax Technicians).

Louisa Bradberry

Christina is a Senior Associate who has a particular interest in Cross Border work and specialises in probate administration, Wills, powers of attorney, trusts and estate planning.

She has worked in this area of law since she qualified as a solicitor in 2001.

She has a law degree from the [University of Warwick](/org/university-of-warwick) and completed the Graduate Diploma in Law and the Legal Practice Course at Nottingham.

Christina is a fully qualified Trust and Estate Practitioner (TEP), is a member of the [STEP](/org/step-oil-gas) Cross Border Special Interest Group, has passed the Associate of Taxation Technicians (ATT) exam on Inheritance tax and has completed numerous professional development courses in probate and estate administration, Wills and tax planning.

Christina handles complex matters and supervises other members of the team. She has helped thousands of families and individuals throughout her career.

Christina Duck

Alexandra undertook her training contract with [DLA Piper](/org/dla-piper) in London and qualified as a solicitor in 2009.

Following qualification, she continued to work there for four years in the dedicated property team of the Restructuring Department. She joined [Ashtons Legal](/org/ashtons-legal) in 2014.

Alexandra specialises in Commercial Property focusing on the sale and purchase of freehold and leasehold premises, management of investment properties, development work and Landlord and Tenant matters.

Alexandra Chater

Nick is a Senior Associate, who has acted on behalf of injury victims since 1991.

He specialises in all types of road traffic accident injury cases, regularly acting for cyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians, as well as vehicle drivers and passengers.

Nick believes in providing his clients with early access to rehabilitation, care and support, so as to give them the best chance of improving the quality of their lives and the lives of those close to them. As well as working hard to ensure his clients get all the help they need, he is passionate about achieving the best results for them by way of compensation through the claim process.

Applying his wealth of skill and experience, Nick has successfully settled numerous cases through negotiation, as well as litigating others to trial, to secure clients the settlements they deserve.

Nick Peake

She joined the firm in 2006 having previously assisted a senior partner for a law firm in Cardiff specialising in Estate Administration.

Sally has over 20 years’ experience in the Private Client field.

Sally-Ann Walsh

Chloe is a Paralegal in the Medical Negligence team at [Ashtons Legal](/org/ashtons-legal), assisting Sandra Patton with the day to day running of her cases.

Chloe graduated with a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) 2015. She is very ambitious, passionate and strong willed, which has helped dramatically during the completion of her degree. These attributes along with her skills and experience gained at University and previous work in Civil Litigation help Chloe to continue to develop her career in the Medical Negligence team at [Ashtons Legal](/org/ashtons-legal).

Chloe has been a member of National Association of Legal Professionals since 2011.

Knowing she assists in helping others in unfortunate situations means a great deal to Chloe.

Outside of work, Chloe enjoys reading, spending time with family and friends, completing charity walks every year such as The St Nicholas Hospice ‘Girls Night Out Walk’ and supporting McMillan Nurses and raising money for Breast Cancer Research UK.

Chloe Moules

Abby assists in all aspects of buying and selling a property in France.

She studied LLB Law with French Law at the [University of Leeds](/org/university-of-leeds), which included a year abroad studying French law at Université Jean Moulin Lyon 3 in Lyon, France.

Abby enjoys the fact that every client has a unique situation, so although the team will have worked on many transactions of the same type, they are different every time.

Outside of work, Abby loves reading, baking, running and is a red belt in aikido (a martial art). She is also a qualified Leader with Girlguiding UK.

Abby Broderick

She primarily focuses on Company Incorporations and Company Secretarial services, in addition to supporting the team on Corporate Acquisitions and general commercial matters.

She is studying to become a Legal Executive in her own time with CILEx, the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives.

Whitney Crow

Loren joined the Lifetime Planning team in 2017 and has risen quickly to the role of Paralegal. She is currently studying for the CILEx qualification to become a Chartered Legal Executive.

Loren assists the solicitors in both the Norwich office and the wider Lifetime Planning Team. She spends an equal amount of time dealing with Wills and Lasting Powers of Attorney as she does on Probate. She is well thought of by clients and goes out of her way to explain clearly and concisely the nature of work she is undertaking to clients, who greatly appreciate her warmth and understanding.

In the wider office, Loren is also an active member of the Social Committee. Outside of work Loren is an avid Norwich City fan and pretends to be a vegetarian to her parents!

Loren Clapham

Nicki is a Paralegal within the Business Law Group working alongside Polly Stephenson and Joanna Baker in the Dispute Resolution Team.

Nicki works on a variety of disputes, from general commercial issues to contested wills. She started working in Law in 2000 as an office junior and has worked to become a Paralegal with on the job training.

Nicki Frearson

Paula joined the firm is 2016 as a paralegal, having previously worked here in 1995 as a legal secretary.

Paula supports Julie Crossley with all aspects of her cases, which are mostly of medium value, including those involving brain injury, orthopaedic claims in respect of hip and knee surgery, ankle and foot surgery, delays in diagnosis of cancer, surgical errors, ophthalmic cases, pressure ulcer cases and consent claims.

Paula Hassey

Helen Fullerton is a law graduate and studied French law at the University of Nantes in France.

Helen has been with Heslop & Platt (now trading as [Ashtons Legal](/org/ashtons-legal)) for ten years and is a senior paralegal with a wealth of knowledge and experience.


Helen Fullerton

Her work includes Wills, Lasting Powers of Attorney, Care Funding, and advising on Deputyship applications and Probate matters (both taxable and non-taxable) – approximately 65% of Patricia’s time is spent on probate matters.

Over the years Patricia has built up long lasting relationships with her clients resulting in them returning to Ashtons and recommending her to their friends and family.

Patricia is a Dementia Friend and has been invited to give talks to members of the public attending the Sue Ryder Synergie Cafes and Arthur’s Shed at the Arthur Rank Hospice. She particularly enjoys the interaction with the people she meets at these events who often go onto to become clients.

Patricia is adept at helping clients navigate the complexities of their legal cases with her down to earth manner.

Patricia Gray

Sarah Lawrence

Nicky’s employment at [Ashtons Legal](/org/ashtons-legal) began in 2002 where she worked within the Costings Team until 2009, transferring to the Court of Protection and then to the Medical Negligence Team in 2011 to assist with their costs. Nicky also works as a paralegal supporting Sharon Allison in all aspects of her cases, particularly in cases of deaths caused by failures in the mental health system and fatal cases relating to stillbirth.

Outside of work, Nicky enjoys reading, spending time with family and friends and supporting a local football team that her son plays with.

Nicola Littlewood

Alice joined the firm in 2009 as a typist within the Medical Negligence department. After completing her training she became a paralegal and provided support to a number of lawyers.

Alice now supports Ben Ward with all aspects of his cases, such as adult brain injury claims, birth injuries, amputation and paraplegia. She finds the variety in her work hugely rewarding and has gained vast experience as a result of no two cases ever being the same.

Alice Binks

Karen has worked at Ashtons since 1994 and has held various roles within the Medical Negligence department, all of which have allowed her to gain vast experience and knowledge in this area of law.

She is the first point of contact for new potential clients and it gives her great satisfaction to know that she has done all she can to assist an individual, whether this be through reassuring them and being a trusted ear to listen to the details of the medical care received or through signposting them to the most suitable organisation for their specific needs.

Karen Turner

She is experienced in French property sale and purchase, French property transfer on divorce, French succession (bank accounts only) and general French legal matters.

Anne is a French national and was born and educated in France. She has previously worked in an estate agency in France and she ran her own estate agency in Spain dealing with sales and legal requirements.

Anne’s goal is to get to know her clients in order to ascertain their specific needs. Her reward is to have satisfaction from helping clients through what can be an anxious time for them.

Anne Hale

Amy works in our Residential Conveyancing department and specialises in dealing with property matters for a wide range of clients including freehold and leasehold sales and purchases, mortgages and remortgages, transfers of equity, deeds of gift and Equity Release.

Amy graduated with a degree in Law and French in 2008, and completed her legal practice course in 2010. Following this she worked extensively at local law firms before qualifying as a solicitor in 2013.

Amy Hutchinson

David enjoys working closely with businesses over a long time to help structure and manage their commercial relationships to achieve their objectives.

In particular he helps businesses to licence, use, buy and sell technology and steers them through regulatory frameworks such data protection laws. He has particular interest in advising innovative, high-growth start-ups get going and scale up through creating the right business structure, exploiting their technology, taking on investment, and growing organically.

David also advises SMEs on corporate matters, such as the sale and purchase of businesses, financing and, restructuring.

David Sloman

The leadership team at Ashtons Legal has a long history of experience in the legal industry. The team has worked at some of the biggest law firms in the world, including Mills & Reeve and Howes Percival. They have also held high-level positions at LawNet Limited. In addition to their work experience, the team holds degrees from some of the top law schools in the UK, including Brighton University and Hertfordshire University.

Leadership Team

About

Team members

Other teams at Ashtons Legal

CEO and Executive Team

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