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Who We Are

Get to know us

Dean Wilson LLP’s reputation has been built upon our ability to deliver and exceed our clients’ expectations. For over 100 years our success has been founded upon our client focused approach, backed by the knowledge and expertise of our lawyers.

We make it our business to know yours

Having your needs and goals in mind

We aim to deliver outcomes and resolutions efficiently and cost effectively. So whether you need assistance with a business or personal matter we can provide a responsive service delivered to you with expertise and clarity.

Claire Whiteman Dean Wilson

Claire Whiteman

Partner, Dispute Resolution

Claire Whiteman Dean Wilson

Claire Whiteman

Partner, Dispute Resolution

Areas of Specialism

Claire’s expertise is in property related disputes, landlord and tenant matters, and enfranchisement matters.

Claire’s clients include commercial and private landlords, property agents, tenants’ associations, trusts and other commercial entities in the leisure and retail sector nationwide. Her work is derived almost entirely from recommendations.

She is recommended in Chambers & Partner.  Claire has a good eye for those all-important details, undertakes advocacy and has a practical working relationship with other professionals. Her strong belief in looking after her clients' best interests is her motivating force.

Qualifications, Membership 

  • Solicitor
  • Member of the Property Litigation Association
  • Member of ALEP
  • Chambers & Partner recommended solicitor 2024 (ranked for 9 years) 

Claire can be contacted by email: CLW@deanwilson.co.uk or on her direct dial: (0) 1273 249229. 

Whiteman, Claire

Dimitris

Dimitris Foustanellis-Romero

Paralegal, Residential Conveyancing 

Dimitris

Dimitris Foustanellis-Romero

Paralegal, Residential Conveyancing 

Dimitris graduated from Sussex University, having studied Law with Mandarin. During his studies, he partook in various projects with international students based in China.

In his role as a paralegal in the Residential Conveyancing team, he assists fee-earners and Solicitors with sales, purchases, re-mortgages and transfers of equity, from the start of the transaction through to completion. He also assists on some transactions of a Commercial nature.

Dimitris is fluent in both English and Spanish, with some proficiency in Mandarin and Greek, enabling him to communicate effectively with a diverse range of clients. He hopes to sit the SQE1 in 2026.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor of Laws with Mandarin (LLB) from the University of Sussex - 2024

Dimitris can be contacted by email: DFR@deanwilson.co.uk or on her direct dial: 01273 032370

Rory

Rory Lindsay

Solicitor, Dispute Resolution

Rory

Rory Lindsay

Solicitor, Dispute Resolution

Areas of Specialism

Rory is a solicitor in the Dispute Resolution team specialising in construction law.

Within the construction field, he has experience in both contentious and non-contentious transactional matters.

In dispute resolution, he has experience in a wide range of areas, including breach of contract, insurance, dilapidations, trust and cohabitation disputes, and contested probate matters.

Recent Client Matters

  • Helped a residential client in a construction dispute with a contractor over defective works, undertaking a high-value extension and renovation. The claim proceeded to trial and resulted in a judgment in favour of the client, ordering the builder to cover the costs of remedial works undertaken by an alternative contractor.
  • Assisted a land developer in an insurance claim after the insurer refused to pay out, alleging that there had been a failure of fair presentation when the policy was entered. The case involved a grey area on the legal position under the Insurance Act 2015. A settlement was achieved in mediation before proceedings were issued, resulting in the developer receiving the majority of the sums originally claimed.
  • Involved in a dispute over a land investment in which the defendant denied the claimant's (Rory’s client) entitlement to one-half of the property and/or the proceeds of sale. At trial, the court found in favour of the claimant, recognising a resulting trust over half of the property and ordering the defendant to pay the claimant’s costs.
  • Drafts various contractual documents for clients, including Bespoke terms and conditions for a high-end landscaper; An amended RIBA 2018 contract for the construction of a new build property; Amended 2016 and 2024 JCT contracts and subcontracts.
  • Instructed on multiple adjudications (representing employers, contractors and subcontractors) over the terms of a contract, payment cycles and notices, claims of contra charges for alleged overpayment and the validity of a contract termination. These resulted in the adjudicators finding in favour of his client
  • Led three mediations in contested probate matters over the last year involving claims of proprietary estoppel and claims under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975. All three resulted in the settlement of the claims.

Qualifications

Bachelor of Arts, History, Literature and Culture

Solicitor (SQE)

Rory can be contacted by email: RFL@deanwilson.co.uk or on his direct dial: 01273 032336

Lily Hossani Dean Wilson

Lily Hossini

Associate Solicitor, Dispute Resolution

Lily Hossani Dean Wilson

Lily Hossini

Associate Solicitor, Dispute Resolution

Areas of Specialism

Lily is a Solicitor in the firm’s Dispute Resolution department, specialising in Landlord and Tenant matters. She assists with leasehold disputes, lease extensions (both statutory and informal), freehold acquisitions (both collective enfranchisement and first right of refusal claims), right to manage claims, licences for alterations and deeds of variation. 

Qualifications, Membership & Directory Rankings

  • Law Degree, LLB Hons
  • Legal Practice Course, LPC
  • Law, Business and Management, MSc

Memberships

Dean Wilson is a member of the Association of Leasehold Enfranchisement Practitioners (“ALEP”). ALEP promotes best practice by vetting organisations to ensure a consistently high level of service so that leaseholders and freeholders can contact ALEP members with confidence.

Lily can be contacted by email: LSH@deanwilson.co.uk or on her direct dial: 01273 032326 

Lily is assisted by Molly Hamilton, Senior Paralegal within the Dispute Resolution department. Molly's contact details are - email: MOH@deanwilson.co.uk and direct dial: 01273 249264.

Katie B

Katie Barnes

Paralegal, Court of Protection 

Katie B

Katie Barnes

Paralegal, Court of Protection 

Katie is a Paralegal in our Court of Protection Team with a focus on supporting clients with acquired brain injury to manage their finances. Assisting client's with anything from paying a dog-walker to buying a house, arranging insurance to applying for benefits. Since joining the team in 2023, Katie has become a reassuring and trusted presence for clients and their wider team, offering consistent support and confidence in all matters. 

Katie has experience with the following:

  • Deputyships for Property & Financial Affairs
  • Liaison with the Court of Protection and Senior Court Costs Office
  • Management of client assets and finances
  • Deputyship Applications
  • Complex property adaptations

Recent Client Matters

  • Katie has worked on building the projects of bespoke homes, specially adapted for adolescent clients with complex physical and domestic needs. These properties represent build costs in excess of £3.6m.
  • Katie collaborated with Litigation Solicitors to evidence expenditure and losses in a minor’s multi‑million-pound settlement, while providing ongoing support to the family throughout.

Membership 

  • Member of Professional Deputies Forum
Hattie Silverman

Hattie Silverman

Trainee Solicitor, Dispute Resolution

Hattie Silverman

Hattie Silverman

Trainee Solicitor, Dispute Resolution

Hattie joined the firm in January 2026 as a Trainee Solicitor and is currently undertaking her second training seat in the Dispute Resolution Department. 

Prior to joining the firm, Hattie undertook a range of legal experiences, including internships in commercial law and legal recruitment, and shadowing experiences in the criminal courts. Hattie was also a solicitor’s assistant flexibly supporting a small firm in Haywards Heath over a few years.

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor of Law: Graduated with first class honours from the University of Sussex. 

Master of Law: Graduated with merit from BPP University alongside passing the Solicitors Qualification Exam (SQE). 

CONTACT DETAILS 

Hattie can be contacted by email: HBS@deanwilson.co.uk or on her direct dial: 01273 032312

Craig Shoosmith

Craig Shoosmith

Compliance Manager

Craig Shoosmith

Craig Shoosmith

Compliance Manager

Craig joined Dean Wilson in March 2026, after a 20 year career in the financial services industry, providing regulatory and financial crime guidance to a number of high-street firms. 

Craig is now providing that expertise to Dean Wilson to help the firm achieve the ‘gold standard’ in the legal sector for compliance with regulatory and legislative requirements, assisting the Managing Partner and Finance Director with data protection, complaint management, and other related activities. 

CONTACT DETAILS 

Craig can be contacted by email: cfs@deanwilson.co.uk or on his direct dial: 01273 249269.

Mulberry Dimery

Mulberry Dimery

Conveyancing Executive, Residential Property Department 

Mulberry Dimery

Mulberry Dimery

Conveyancing Executive, Residential Property Department 

Areas of Specialism

Mulberry joined Dean Wilson LLP in January 2022, having worked in Uckfield with Leon Mumford for approximately 5 years prior. Mulberry specialises in all aspects of Residential property transactions. 

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

Qualifications, Membership 

  • Chartered Legal Executive (CILEX) 

Mulberry can be contacted by email: md@deanwilson.co.uk or on her direct dial: 01273 032339. 

Natalia

Natalia Revesz

Senior Paralegal, Corporate Department

Natalia

Natalia Revesz

Senior Paralegal, Corporate Department

Areas of Specialism

Natalia is a highly competent paralegal who has a range of transactional experience in corporate matters. She has been assisting the Company Commercial department in share and asset acquisitions and disposals, company restructuring and various other complex matters. Her main responsibilities include drafting legal documents, intensive researching, and providing assistance through due diligence processes. She has independently taken charge in leading matters and has previously completed transactions under supervision which has earned her great appreciation amongst clients. 

Recent Client Matters

  • Regularly assists one of the largest property agents in the UK to acquire letting and block management agents across the country.
  • Assisted on Company restructuring for a digitally based health clinic.
  • Assisted a client on the acquisition of a real estate agency and completed the transaction under supervision.

Qualifications, Membership 

  • LLB Hons

Natalia can be contacted by email: nxr@deanwilson.co.uk or on her direct dial: 01273 032332. 

duncan wilks dean wilson

Duncan Wilks

Partner & Head of Dispute Resolution 

duncan wilks dean wilson

Duncan Wilks

Partner & Head of Dispute Resolution 

Areas of Specialism

Duncan advises clients on a range of contentious issues relating to property including:

  • Lease renewals
  • Dilapidations
  • Restrictive covenants
  • Easements
  • Boundary disputes
  • Forfeiture
  • Debt recovery
  • Adverse possession
  • Break rights
  • Breaches of contract/lease terms
  • Possession claims (both commercial and residential)
  • Disputed mortgages and secured loans
  • Trusts in land
  • Tenants in administration/liquidation

Duncan’s other main area of practice is litigation arising out corporate insolvency and bankruptcy and in particular, transactions at undervalue, preferences, director conduct and trustee possession claims. 

Duncan has extensive experience of broader commercial issues including contractual disputes, debt recovery and professional negligence. 

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 a property owner who acquired a large commercial premises subject to an unregistered 999-year lease; brought a successful claim under s.29(1) of the Land Registration Act 2002 for a declaration that the client purchased free of the lease and thereafter recovered possession.  
  • Bringing a successful action for forfeiture of a long residential lease owing to the tenant making unauthorised structural alterations.
  • Defending a client against a high-street mortgage provider taking sale and possession proceedings; no possession was ordered and the claim was settled.
  • Acting for the liquidator of a well-known company bringing a successful claim against a director for breach of fiduciary duties.
  • Acting for a defendant company in its successful defence against a multi-million pound claim relating to unpaid commission for investment introductions.
  • Bringing possession proceedings (and successfully defending an appeal) against a tenant who used the client’s property for holiday lettings.
Feedback

“Duncan Wilks goes the extra mile. He takes the pressure from your shoulders and happily puts it on his.  He is excellent in his field.”

Legal 500, 2024

“Duncan took over a difficult and complex dispute for me.  He cut through the background noise, identified the real issues and formed a strategy.  He took control and found a solution which resulted in a favourable outcome.” 

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

sarah phillips dean wilson

Sarah Phillips

Partner, Family Department

sarah phillips dean wilson

Sarah Phillips

Partner, Family Department

Areas of Specialism

Sarah is a Partner in the Family team, who specialises in complex Children Act litigation (private law), Financial Remedies on divorce, cohabitation agreements and disputes, and protection from domestic abuse. Sarah has a particular interest in advising in cases where allegations of coercive control are in play. 

  • Child arrangements orders – living and spending time arrangements.
  • Children – urgent applications, specific issue and prohibited steps orders -  vaccination, education, name change, temporary and permanent removal from the jurisdiction, enforcement of orders, instruction of experts and working with family consultants. 
  • Financial remedies on divorce / dissolution of civil partnership -  business and trust assets, pension sharing orders, non-disclosure, litigation conduct and financial conduct.
  • Pre and Post-nuptial agreements.
  • Separation and cohabitation agreements.
  • Domestic violence injunctions.

Recent Client Matters

  • Sarah regularly represents parents in private law proceedings where mental health issues, SEN, substance misuse, implacable hostility and allegations of coercive control, narcissistic abuse and alienating behaviours are a central feature.
  • Sarah negotiated a financial settlement in which the client received an 80% share of the equity in the family home, and maintenance for five years to provide the client with time to attain financial independence without undue hardship.
  • Sarah recently represented a mother at a Fact Finding hearing in which the very serious findings against the father of physical, emotional, sexual and psychological abuse and coercive control were made by the Judge after 4 days of oral evidence.
  • Sarah has an interest in international relocation cases and has successfully obtained permission for her clients to relocate to Hong Kong, Greece and Malaysia. 
  • Sarah regularly settles financial remedy cases by way of advice during mediation, voluntary disclosure and solicitor-led negotiations, avoiding the cost and stress of contested proceedings for her clients.

Qualifications, Membership 

  • Solicitor (PGDL) City University
  • Resolution Accredited Specialist Family Lawyer – Complex Financial Remedies
  • Resolution Accredited Specialist Family Lawyer – Children Law Private
  • Resolution qualified Collaborative Lawyer
  • Member of Resolution
  • Recommended in Chambers and the Legal 500

Recent client testimonials 

Sarah was wonderful throughout she was very knowledgeable of the Law but also very relatable as a person.  Sarah took her time to understand me and what my concerns were and was empathetic throughout.  Sarah was efficient and effective in representing me always giving me the best advice that I felt I could rely on.  I have no hesitation in recommending Dean Wilson. 

(Applicant Father – PSO) - 26 March 2026

Sarah can be contacted by email at SCP@deanwilson.co.uk or by telephone on 01273 249295

Rado

Radosveta Stoeva

Solicitor, Corporate Department

Rado

Radosveta Stoeva

Solicitor, Corporate Department

Areas of Specialism

Radosveta works in the Commercial & Corporate team at Dean Wilson. She qualified as a solicitor in June 2024, having experience in various complex transactions, including mergers and acquisitions, setting up joint ventures, and corporate reorganisations. 

Radosveta also has considerable experience working with startups, assisting with structuring investment rounds (including advising on SEIS and EIS), and advising on and implementing investment agreements and shareholders' agreements. She has expertise in lending and financing transactions, advising both lenders and borrowers. 

Radosveta takes a commercial perspective on matters, ensuring that legal solutions are not only compliant but also beneficial for clients' business goals. Radosveta's expertise and meticulous approach ensure that clients receive comprehensive legal support, tailored to their unique business needs.

Recent Transactions

  • Overseeing a corporate reorganisation for a group of companies looking to demerge their operations.
  • Implementing bespoke articles of association for a company looking to become a B Corporation.
  • Acting for buyers and sellers in various company and asset acquisitions.

Qualifications

  • Solicitor
  • LLB Hons

Radosveta can be contacted by email at rts@deanwilson.co.uk or on her direct dial: (0) 1273 249237

dean wilson placeholder staff profile

Umair Uddin

Solicitor, Corporate Department

dean wilson placeholder staff profile

Umair Uddin

Solicitor, Corporate Department

AREAS OF SPECIALISM

Umair is a solicitor within our Corporate team, advising on a range of transactional and advisory matters. His work has a particular focus on M&A transactions, including deals in the estate agency sector, as well as corporate governance.

Umair trained at a central London firm, where he gained experience across corporate and commercial work, dispute resolution, and landlord & tenant matters before qualifying as a solicitor in October 2025.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Degree – Law (LLB)
  • LPC/LLM
  • SRA – Qualified 

CONTACT DETAILS 

Umair can be contacted by email: usu@deanwilson.co.uk or on his direct dial: 01273 032369

Fleur

Fleur Jeffries

Paralegal, Private Client

Fleur

Fleur Jeffries

Paralegal, Private Client

Areas of Specialism

Fleur has three years experience as a Paralegal specialising in Private Client law, bringing a rich and varied background to her legal practice. Fleur draws on experience gained at her previous firm, alongside a strong foundation in healthcare and communications—having previously worked as a healthcare practitioner and as a medical journalist reporting on institutions such as the Royal College of Nursing and The Royal Marsden.

In addition to her legal and medical experience, Fleur has taught English across a range of levels, including to non-native speakers, GCSE, and A-Level students. This diverse skill set enables her to communicate complex legal concepts in a clear, accessible way particularly valuable when supporting lay clients navigating probate law.

Fleur is especially committed to guiding bereaved families through the probate process with sensitivity and clarity. She also provides crucial support on matters involving mental capacity and the safeguarding of estates, advocating with empathy and precision on behalf of her clients.

Qualifications

  • 1:1 BA Joint Hons in English Literature & Creative Writing - Royal Holloway University of London
  • CertTESOL English teaching qualification - Trinity College London

Fleur can be contacted by email FRJ@deanwilson.co.uk; or on her direct dial:  01273 249214

Jasmine C

Jasmine Cattigan

Solicitor, Personal Injury & Clinical Negligence

Jasmine C

Jasmine Cattigan

Solicitor, Personal Injury & Clinical Negligence

Areas of Specialism

Jasmine is a Solicitor specialising in both personal injury and clinical negligence claims. Jasmine qualified as a Solicitor in May 2025, having previously spent 2.5 years assisting Alex Brown, Head of Department, with Claimants who had suffered Personal Injuries, Criminal Injuries & Clinical Negligence resulting in:

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

Jasmine continues to assist Alex Brown as well conducting 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

Qualifications and Memberships

  • LLB Hons Law
  • LPC with LLM
  • Major Trauma Signposting Partnership (Brighton)

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

ben davey

Ben Davey

Partner, Personal Injury & Medical Negligence and Practice Lead in Serious Injury Claims

ben davey

Ben Davey

Partner, Personal Injury & Medical Negligence and Practice Lead in Serious Injury Claims

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

Medical Negligence

Inquests

Human Rights

Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority

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)

Ben can be contacted by email: BD@deanwilson.co.uk or on his direct dial: (0) 1273 249287. 

Davey, Ben

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