Who We Are

Areas of Specialism

Julian is a highly experienced family practitioner who heads up the Family Department. Julian is a trained Collaborative lawyer and Mediator. Julian is Top Ranked in the Chambers Legal Directory with testimonials including “a really good lawyer, experienced, calm and can fight his client’s corner with flair and creativity without making the dispute intractable.”

Julian’s focus is on resolving, not creating conflict, encouraging negotiation, and finding solutions.  Julian is adept at bringing a calm, focused and if necessary, robust approach to contentious and complex financial situations. Julian will bring empathy and solutions to child related matters. Julian will strive to find the approach which will best benefit the individual and to prepare them for life after separation.

Julian’s specialties :

• advising on high net worth and complex separations, involving businesses, Trusts, and pension issues

• dealing with cases using the Collaborative model

• resolving childcare disputes

• advising on pre and post nuptial agreements

• advising on cohabitation disputes

Recent Client Matters

• Acted for a Wife in Financial Remedy proceedings overcoming Husband’s refusal to provide full financial disclosure and comply with the Court timetable. Secured Penal Notices and multiple Cost Orders against the Husband and an excellent outcome for the Wife.
• Acted for a Wife in Financial Remedy proceedings that involved 5 hearings including obtaining a Legal Services Order. Secured significant lump sum for housing, repayment of debts and spousal periodical payments throughout the child’s minority.
• Acting for a Husband following a long marriage where Wife has issued Financial Remedy application. Included instruction of a single joint expert to value a company in which both parties are shareholders, a dispute in relation to matrimonial and non-matrimonial assets and the treatment of foreign assets. Successfully resolving matters outside of the Court process.

Notable Cases

• X v D [2023] EWFC 332 (B)

Qualifications

• Solicitor BA (Hons)
• Member of Resolution
• Founding member of Brightpod ( Collaborative Group) & Sussex Family Solutions (inter-disciplinary network of family professionals)

Recognition

Chambers ranked No 1 in Family/Matrimonial - “extremely experienced, sensible and really resolution-focused.” ‘Julian is one of the toughest negotiators but one of the most charming men you will ever meet.’

Legal 500 Ranked – “an experienced practitioner who is well known and respected by opponents and the judiciary.” “straight talking, trustworthy and well respected locally.” 

Julian can be contacted by email: JBH@deanwilson.co.uk or on their direct dial: (0) 1273 249223. 

Areas of Specialism

Amy joined the Commercial Development team in 2023, after successfully completing her training contract with Dean Wilson LLP. Amy studied the LPC after completing the GDL with the University of Law part-time whilst working at Dean Wilson LLP as a paralegal.

Amy has experience in dealing with a variety of commercial and residential property transactions, including acquisitions and sales of freehold and leasehold land for both Landlords and Tenants, refinances and re-mortgages for commercial and residential properties and dealing with development site set-up requirements. 

Amy works closely with the team which comprises David Hodge (Partner) Sinead Dye (Associate Solicitor), Isabelle Svendsen (Paralegal), Samanda Mazreku (Legal Assistant) and Beverley McLoughlin (Assistant). The team always look for solutions and take a flexible and pragmatic approach – the team are proactive, not reactive and the culture is “how” can we make this deal happen when obstacles are presented. The Team are experienced in acquiring land (often site assembling) and taking the development through to the sale of individual units and we deal with developments comprising single units to in excess of 150 units.  The team are also experienced in land trades and are not fazed in dealing with sites with a GDV in excess of £100m.

Recent Client Matters

• Involved in the ongoing plot sales at a large residential development site;
• Completion of a simultaneous headlease surrender and the grant of five sub-leases in a large commercial unit; and
• Involved in an ongoing refinance of a commercial portfolio worth over £32m.

Qualifications, Membership 

• Solicitor
• BA
• MA

Amy can be contacted by email: ae@deanwilson.co.uk and her direct dial is  01273 249 268.

Aibhlinn is an Solicitor Apprentice within our Personal Injury & Medical Negligence. 

Having previous experience as a paralegal within our Corporate Commercial team, working on various aspects of corporate transactions, including company restructuring, share and asset acquisitions and disposals, and shareholders’ agreements. Some of Aibhlinn’s responsibilities include drafting legal ancillary documents, legal due diligence reports and carrying out research.

Aibhlinn graduated from the University of Oxford in 2024 with a BA in Jurisprudence. 

Recent Client Matters

• Regularly assists one of the largest property agents in the UK to acquire letting and block management agents across the country.
• Assists in the sale and purchase of estate agency businesses.  
• Assists sellers and buyers of hospitality businesses. 

Qualifications, Membership 

• BA (Hons) in Jurisprudence

Aibhlinn can be contacted by email: ALC@deanwilson.co.uk or on her direct dial: 01273 032335

Areas of Specialism

Daniel is a Senior Associate Solicitor who specialises in Property Litigation matters. Daniel has experience in dealing with landlord and tenant disputes for both residential and commercial properties, real estate disputes, lease extensions and enfranchisement. Daniel also deals with contractual disputes, debt collection, claims under the Consumer Credit Act, and takes a keen interest in taxi licensing having been instructed in the leading case of Kaivanpor v Sussex Central Justices (High Court).

Recent Client Matters

• Claim for possession of a residential property upon the grounds of redevelopment;
• Opposing a claim for a new lease of a commercial property (pursuant to the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954) based upon alleged breaches of leasehold covenants;
• Appeal against a noise abatement notice served by the Local Authority upon a well-known and highly regarded local restaurant;
• Appeal against the revocation of a taxi licence by Brighton & Hove City Council.

Qualifications, Membership & Directory Rankings

• Solicitor (LLB Hons)
• Committee of the Sussex Law Society
• “Solicitor Daniel Dickson is well regarded for his work on disputes involving forfeiture and breach of contract”; “A well led property team has meant that there are various up and coming junior solicitors learning from talented partners and are being prepared to be the next stars. Daniel Dickson requires particular mention” – Legal 500, 2022

Daniel can be contacted by email (djd@deanwilson.co.uk) or on his direct dial (01273 249232)

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

Nicholas can be contacted by email: NP@deanwilson.co.uk or on their direct dial: (0) 1273 249203. 

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

Megan is a paralegal within our Residential Conveyancing team. She assists in all aspects of conveyancing transactions, specialising in sales, purchases, remortgages and transfers of equity. 

Megan graduated from the University of Sussex in 2024, achieving first-class honours in her Law degree. Whilst at university, Megan was a part of the Performing Arts Legal Clinic and provided legal advice and guidance to a variety of charities in the arts industry.

Qualifications

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

Megan hopes to complete SQE 1 & 2 in the near future to fulfil her aspiration of becoming a solicitor. 

In her spare time, Megan enjoys playing piano and going to pilates classes.

Megan can be contacted by email: MBB@deanwilson.co.uk or on their direct dial: 01273 032324. 

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 Katherine Glasson, Legal Secretary within the Real Estate Department. Katherine’s contact details are: Email: kg@deanwilson.co.uk Direct Dial: 01273 249266. 

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.

Freya assists on a broad range of commercial property matters, including acquisitions and disposals, commercial leases, and property refinancing transactions.

A graduate of the University of East Anglia, Freya is currently working towards qualification as a solicitor through the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE).

She supports clients at all stages of commercial property and development transactions and has recently assisted with the disposal of plot sales on a large-scale development site. Freya is committed to providing practical and efficient support to help clients achieve their commercial objectives.

Qualifications

LLB LAW Degree 

Ccontact Details 

Freya Sethi can be contacted by email: FNS@deanwilson.co.uk or on her direct dial: 01273 032389

Areas of Specialism

Amanda is the Finance Director for Dean Wilson LLP and has over 20 years of experience in both this field and practice management.   She is responsible for the overall financial management and performance of the firm.  She enjoys looking at new and improved ways to make the financial process and reporting more efficient and seamless from both a management and fee earning perspective.  She works closely with the James Chadburn, the Managing Partner in supporting the firm’s plans for future growth and development. 

Strategic Employment Law Advice for Employers
Bespoke, solicitor-led solutions for ambitious businesses
 

Experience

Clare Waller is an experienced employment lawyer who acts primarily for employers, ranging from SMEs and owner-managed businesses to HR directors and business owners, across the South East and beyond. Clare’s approach is strategic, commercially focused, and tailored to the unique needs of each client.

Unlike mass HR providers, Clare delivers legally robust advice from a qualified solicitor who gets to know your business and your strategic priorities. Her solutions are designed to protect your business, your people, and your reputation, and stand up in court if challenged.
 

Expertise

• Drafting and enforcing contracts of employment and restrictive covenants
• Managing disciplinary and grievance processes
• Advising on redundancy and restructuring, including collective consultation
• Representing employers in Employment Tribunal and civil court proceedings
• Delivering employment law training for managers and HR teams
• Supporting mergers and acquisitions with employment law expertise
   

Recent Notable Cases

• Successfully defended a multi-million pound discrimination claim for an employer and individual respondents
• Defended a client against a race discrimination claim involving workplace images distributed via WhatsApp
• Advising on complex redundancy consultation processes for growing businesses

Background

Clare read Law at the University of Reading, achieved distinction in the Legal Practice Course at the College of Law, Guildford, and holds a Masters in Employment Law from the University of East Anglia. She qualified in 1999 and became a Partner at HRJ LLP in 2002, later joining Hewitsons LLP and then Dean Wilson LLP to head up its employment law team.
 

Why Choose Clare Waller?

• Strategic, not generic - solutions tailored to your business and risk profile
• Full legal protection - advice from a qualified solicitor, not a call centre
• Proactive risk management - helping you prevent disputes before they escalate
• Continuity of representation - consistent support throughout any dispute

Contact Clare

Book a free 30-minute Employer Risk Review
Email: CRW@deanwilson.co.uk
Direct dial: (01273) 249277

Areas of Specialism

Ethan is a recent law graduate and a paralegal in the Dispute Resolution team: He specialises in Landlord and Tenant Possession claims, including but not limited to Section 8 & Section 21 proceedings of the Housing Act 1988. Ethan is currently managing his own caseload of Possession Claims. 

Qualification

• Second Class Honours LLB Degree from the University of Sussex

Ethan can be contacted by email: EJB@deanwilson.co.uk or on his direct dial: 01273 249245

Areas of Specialism

James has over 20 years’ experience in the legal sector, with a strong focus on mergers and acquisitions, particularly within the estate agency and residential lettings industries. Having started his career at Dean Wilson LLP as a paralegal, James completed his training contract with the firm and qualified as a corporate solicitor. He has remained with the firm ever since and now leads as Managing Partner.

James is passionate about driving positive change, both within Dean Wilson and across the wider legal profession. He is committed to creating a more rewarding and efficient working environment for legal professionals, while ensuring clients continue to receive practical, commercially focused advice.

His leadership is underpinned by a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing modern law firms, and he brings a forward-thinking approach to both client service and internal culture.

James also serves as the firm’s COLP and MLRO.

Key Client Matters

• Advised on a £35m acquisition of an estate agency group
• Advised on a £15m acquisition of an estate agency group
• Advised on the restructuring and investment into digitally based health platform

Qualifications, Membership 

• Solicitor
• LLB Hons

James can be contacted by email: jc@deanwilson.co.uk or on his direct dial: 01273 249267. 

Areas of Specialism

Nikki has been with Dean Wilson for over 10 years working across various departments and most recently in Private Client specialising in wills, probate, estate administration, and lasting powers of attorney. 

Prior to joining Dean Wilson, Nikki has experience working with another local law firm, the Brighton & Hove City Council and the Victim Support Unit and HR departments of Sussex Police.

Nikki has a wealth of knowledge and over the years has built strong client relationships and developed a deep understanding of sensitive, high-value matters. Nikki supports  solicitors and clients with particular emphasis on providing one-to-one assistance with regards to assisting clients in relation to Probate/Estate Administration, Wills and LPAs.

Nikki can be contacted by email nr@deanwilson.co.uk; or on her direct dial:  01273 249216 

Areas of Specialism

Michaela is a Senior Paralegal in the Dispute Resolution team who specialises in Landlord and Tenant disputes.

Michaela graduated from the University of the West of England in 2014 and has nearly 10 years’ experience in the legal industry. Michaela joined Dean Wilson in January 2024 and has built her background in general litigation, including property litigation, personal injury, debt recovery and clinical negligence matters.

Qualifications

• LLB Hons (2.1) 

Michaela can be contacted by email: MCT@deanwilson.co.uk or on her direct dial: 01273 249250.