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 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.
Partner & Head of Dispute Resolution
Duncan advises clients on a range of contentious issues relating to property including:
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.
“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.
Solicitor, Dispute Resolution
Mollie is a solicitor in the firm’s dispute resolution department, specialising in property litigation. She has experience with landlord and tenant disputes (both commercial and residential), and other property disputes such as dilapidations, boundary disputes and TOLATA 1996. Mollie also has experience with enfranchisement.
Bachelor of Laws (LLB)
LPC LLM with Distinction in Professional Legal Practice
Mollie can be contacted by email: mcd@deanwilson.co.uk or on her direct dial: 01273 249234
Paralegal, Private Client
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.
Fleur can be contacted by email FRJ@deanwilson.co.uk; or on her direct dial: 01273 249214
Paralegal, Commercial Property
James is a Paralegal in the Commercial Property team. He joined the firm in August as a Legal Assistant and was promoted to Paralegal in February. Prior to joining the firm, James worked as a project manager for over a year following his graduation from the University of Bristol.
RECENT CLIENT MATTERS
James is currently managing a number of matters under supervision, including leases, sales and other commercial property transactions.
In one recent matter, James was involved in the grant of leases for three commercial units which were required to complete before the end of the financial year. He opened and completed all three matters within a 10‑day timeframe in order to meet the deadline.
James also assists the fee earners within the department with drafting documents, managing completions, Land Registry applications and preparing Stamp Duty Land Tax returns.
QUALIFICATIONS
LLB (Hons) 2:1, University of Bristol
CONTACT DETAILS
James can be contacted by email at JMM@deanwilson.co.uk or on his direct dial +44 (0)1273 249210.
Partner, Dispute Resolution
Gabrielle is a solicitor in the firm’s Dispute Resolution team with over 20 years of experience in property litigation.
Gabrielle’s commercial landlord and tenant practice makes up a core part of her workload. She acts for both landlords and tenants on various issues, including breach of covenant, dilapidation claims, contentious lease renewals and forfeiture.
Gabrielle has a strong interest in real property disputes, especially arising from development of land. She acts in many cases concerning restrictive covenants, boundary disputes, easements and adverse possession.
Gabrielle is the firm’s specialist on fire safety following the implementation of the Building Safety Act 2022 and associated legislation. She regularly delivers seminars to Managing Agents to keep them abreast of the changes in the law affecting all aspects of residential block management.
Gabrielle also overseas the team’s insurance funded work where we act for Landlords in recovering possession of their properties let on shorthold tenancies.
Gabrielle’s practice area is UK-wide and she conducts cases in various courts and Tribunals to include the Technology and Construction Court.
Gabrielle is ranked as a leading lawyer and next generation partner for property litigation by both Chambers and Partners and Legal 500.
‘Dedicated and excellent in addressing the issues and working to resolve the dispute. Good communication and tailored service. Highly recommend.’
‘We are being advised by Gabrielle Moffatt. She has been supportive and extremely helpful in dealing with the complex and continuing problems we are facing, in a situation which involves dealing with some extremely aggressive and difficult people. We have received excellent advice and Gabrielle Moffatt’s thoroughness, helpfulness, professional and personable approach has been very supportive and beneficial during that time we have been seeking advice from her.’
"I have been extremely impressed and reassured by Gabrielle's attention to detail and professionalism. She has made an extremely stressful process vastly more bearable."
Gabrielle can be contacted by email: grm@deanwilson.co.uk or on her direct dial: 01273 249253.
Gabrielle’s secretary Vanisha Parekh’s can be contacted by email: vxp@deanwilson.co.uk or her direct dial 01273 032355.
Partner & Head of Department, Property Department
Siobhan is the Head of the Residential Property Department.
Siobhan has worked for Dean Wilson LLP for over 20 years and specialises in both Residential and Commercial property transactions.
Siobhan has a vast amount of clients worldwide and has an excellent reputation with estate agents, mortgage brokers, surveyors and the like.
Siobhan can be contacted by email: sac@deanwilson.co.uk or on her direct dial: 01273 249205.
Siobhan is assisted by Fatima Hussain, Paralegal within the Property Department. Fatima’s contact details are: Email: fyh@deanwilson.co.uk Direct Dial: 01273 249209.
Chartered Legal Executive, Private Client
Ashleigh has worked at Dean Wilson LLP for 8 years and specialises in a range of Private Client matters.
Having completed her CILEX qualification in 2021, Ashleigh has grown within the department and has experience in dealing with all aspects of Private Client work including Estate Administration, Wills and Lasting Powers of Attorney.
Ashleigh always supports her clients with sensitivity and expertise.
Chartered Legal Executive (FCilex) 2021.
Ashleigh can be contacted by email: AHS@deanwilson.co.uk or on her direct dial: (0) 1273 249275.
Senior Paralegal, Dispute Resolution
Sara is a Senior Paralegal within the Dispute Resolution department and has extensive experience in all matters concerning residential possession claims. Sara works with both landlords and tenants and also works with providers of insurance cover for landlords.
Additionally, Sara has experience in regard to breaches of lease in relation to running Holiday Lets, with Dean Wilson LLP acting for both leaseholders and freeholders.
Sara is fluent in English and Norwegian and has a working knowledge of the Scandinavian languages.
Sara can be contacted by email: sn@deanwilson.co.uk or on her direct dial: 01273 249276
Head of HR
Sarah is a highly experienced HR generalist with a full and comprehensive knowledge of all HR practices and employment law. With over 30 years of experience in the field of HR, Sarah has established a reputation for providing excellent service, with strong commercial awareness and a pragmatic approach to outcomes.
Sarah specialises in coaching and mentoring, assisting others to reach their full potential, whether that be through training, career development, performance or people management practice.
Sarah has a passion for fostering a professional, engaging and supportive culture, through working practices, recruitment, retention, succession planning, well-being and learning and development.
Sarah is known for her practical, resourceful approach, always seeking the most efficient and productive outcomes and solutions for all.
Sarah can be contacted by email, sjs@deanwilson.co.uk or on her direct dial, 01273 032318.
Paralegal, Dispute Resolution
Clayton is a Paralegal in the Dispute Resolution team, specialising in residential property repossession under Section 8 and Section 21. Clayton helps landlords navigate the legal process with clear advice and practical support, making complex procedures feel more manageable.
Paralegal, Dispute Resolution
Vivien is a dedicated Paralegal in our Dispute Resolution Department, specialising in possession proceedings. She assists with rent mediation, as well as Section 21, Section 8, and Section 146 claims. Committed to delivering outstanding support, Vivien ensures her clients receive expert guidance throughout the legal process.
Vivien has just over a year of Legal Assistant experience supporting with drafting and legal research in Canada, prior to joining us at Dean Wilson.
Apprentice Solicitor, Commercial Property
Will is an Apprentice Solicitor in our Commercial Property department, having previously been a Paralegal within the department. Will is assisting with all manner of property transactions including acquisitions, disposals, lettings, assignments, refinancing and development work.
Previously, Will spent over a year in our Dispute Resolution Department specialising in Landlord possession claims. Will was managing up to 60 claims at one time and had a 100% success rate. Will brings this experience, attention to detail and commercial awareness to the Commercial Real Estate team.
Will enjoys learning new skills, understanding different areas of the law and working within a collaborative team which is highly focused on delivering a top-class service and aiding their client’s to reaching their goal.
William can be contacted by email: wgs@deanwilson.co.uk or on direct dial: 01273 032354
Senior Associate Solicitor, Commercial Property
Victoria is an experienced solicitor specialising in Commercial Property and, prior to Dean Wilson, Victoria worked in the City.
Victoria has broad experience with acquisitions and disposals of commercial and mixed-use premises, acquisition and granting of commercial leases, asset management matters and secured lending/refinancing.
Victoria provides clear and commercially focussed advice tailored to each client and their needs.
Victoria can be contacted by email: VLS@deanwilson.co.uk or on their direct dial: (0) 1273 249204.
Paralegal, Dispute Resolution
Edward began his legal career with the firm after graduating from the University of Warwick, currently working as a Paralegal in the Dispute Resolution team.
Edward specialises in residential property matters, where he manages his own caseload and supports landlords through the process of obtaining possession orders and recovering costs. His work also includes handling Section 8 and Section 21 claims under the Housing Act 1988.
Bachelor of Arts in History & Politics: Graduated with Upper Second-Class Honours from the University of Warwick
Edward can be contacted by email: eja@deanwilson.co.ukor on his direct dial: 01273 249222
Paralegal, Commercial Property and Development
Tara graduated from the University of Sussex in 2023 with a degree in Law and Business Management. Since graduating, she has gained valuable experience as a Paralegal, joining Dean Wilson LLP in 2026 from a regional law firm where she worked within Commercial Property. During this time, Tara has assisted with and managed a wide range of commercial property transactions.
At Dean Wilson LLP, Tara primarily supports Jo Taylor, Partner in Real Estate, Commercial Property and Development, assisting with a broad range of matters and providing valuable support across the team.
LLB (Hons)
Tara Dewey can be contacted by email: tid@deanwilson.co.uk or on her direct dial: 01273 249 206
Managing Partner
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.
James can be contacted by email: jc@deanwilson.co.uk or on his direct dial: 01273 249267.
There are no news articles about this topic yet.