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, Commercial Property
Melissa has over 10 years of experience helping clients complete matters efficiently and effectively.
Melissa acts on a wide range of commercial transactions including;
Melissa works with a range of clients and is known for her proactive approach to transactions. Clients value her straight-talking advice, responsiveness and focus on commercial outcomes.
Melissa can be contacted by email: mrr@deanwilson.co.uk or on her direct dial: 01273 032375
Paralegal, Dispute Resolution
Matilda recently graduated from Durham University and has now started her legal career at the firm, working as a paralegal within Dispute Resolution.
Matilda currently specialises in residential possession claims, managing her own caseload to assist landlords in gaining possession orders and cost awards. Her work also includes issuing Section 8 and Section 21 notices and proceedings under the Housing Act 1988.
Paralegal, Dispute Resolution
Areas of Specialism
Shannon is a Paralegal in the Dispute Resolution Department working specifically with matters related to Land including transfers of whole or part property and Land Registry applications. Shannon has experience dealing with matters concerning Lease extensions, Notices of Transfer and Charge and Deeds of Covenant.
Qualifications
Recent Client Matters
Shannon can be contacted by email: smf@deanwilson.co.uk or on direct dial: 01273 032314
Apprentice Solicitor, Commercial Development
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.
LLB LAW Degree
Freya Sethi can be contacted by email: FNS@deanwilson.co.uk or on her direct dial: 01273 032389
Partner, Personal Injury & Medical Negligence and Practice Lead in Serious Injury Claims
Partner, Personal Injury & Medical Negligence and Practice Lead in Serious Injury Claims
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.
Personal Injury
Medical Negligence
Inquests
Human Rights
Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority
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
Ben can be contacted by email: BD@deanwilson.co.uk or on his direct dial: (0) 1273 249287.
Senior Associate Solicitor, Personal Injury & Practice Lead in Abuse Claims
Senior Associate Solicitor, Personal Injury & Practice Lead in Abuse Claims
Areas of specialism:
Claire is a Senior Associate in the Personal Injury & Medical Negligence team. She specialises in complex and high value serious injury claims, including claims for sexual assault perpetrated by high-profile individuals.
Claire only ever acts for claimants, and her clients have suffered severe, sometimes fatal, injuries, including brain, spinal, orthopaedic, and psychiatric injuries, and injuries leading to amputation. She is passionate about using the litigation process to get practical help, support, and treatment in place for her clients as quickly as possible. She seeks early financial assistance from defendant insurers, in particular, funded rehabilitation programmes and interim payments of damages. This support helps clients financially while they cannot work and allows them access to specialist medical treatment while their claim is ongoing.
Claire has dealt with a number of high-profile matters which have been reported in the national media and has been interviewed by TV, radio and press regarding her work.
Claire’s clients live in Sussex, London and across the UK, she also works with overseas clients who have sustained injury in the UK.
Sexual assault claims against high profile individuals
Claire has particular expertise representing clients who are claiming compensation for psychiatric injuries and other substantial losses arising out of sexual assault perpetrated by high-profile individuals.
Claire is currently acting on behalf of claimants who have made allegations of sexual assault against Mohammed Al-Fayed and the financier Crispin Odey. She has previously successfully represented female and male victims of sexual assault against other perpetrators who are well-known in the world of film, TV, sport and business. Claire works on these cases with sensitivity and compassion and has a strong desire to use the law to achieve recognition of the human damage caused by the abuse of power and position.
In 2006, she was part of the legal team that took a personal injury claim for rape to trial, one of only a handful of such cases to be litigated in the civil courts and won at trial.
Road traffic collisions, accidents at work and E.coli O157 claims
Many of Claire’s clients have been injured in road traffic accidents, as drivers, passengers, cyclists and pedestrians. In some cases, the driver causing injury is not identified or insured, and she assists her clients with claims to the Motor Insurer's Bureau, gathering as much police, video, witness and other documentary evidence as possible to establish liability on the part of the defendant driver, and this includes instructing accident reconstruction experts when needed.
Claire also acts for those injured in accidents at work or premises outside the home, including those who have sustained serious injury as a result of negligent exposure to the bacteria E.coli O157. Claire has acted for a number of children who have sustained Haemolytic Uraemic Syndrome as a result of an E.coli O157 infection, and has claimed for the ongoing health complications that that condition can cause
Victims of serious violent assault and acts of terrorism
Claire has represented seriously injured victims of violent assault and acts of terrorism, making applications on their behalf to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority. She has claimed compensation for UK victims of overseas terrorism, both from overseas governments and from the UK Victims of Terrorism Overseas Compensation Scheme.
Having worked in the field of serious injury for many years, Claire understands the impact that accidents and assaults have on her clients and their families. In each case, she works hard to gather all relevant evidence to ensure that she can show the full extent of her clients' injuries. She works with experienced barristers and instructs well-respected medical witnesses to prepare expert reports. She also works with forensic accountants and others to value other complex financial losses. She aims to maximise her clients' damages while supporting them through the litigation process.
Feedback:
‘Claire is assertive, provides clear direction and firm advice, and is a collaborative communicator.’ Chambers & Partners 2026
‘Claire is very good: she works very hard, has good medical knowledge and is very practical.’ Chambers & Partners 2026
‘Claire and her team have been phenomenal during my time with them. They have been thorough and meticulous, responsive, empathetic and understanding, proactive, and did a brilliant job with my case from beginning to end. I have been thoroughly impressed with how they handled my case and grateful to have been recommended them. I could not have wished for a better team and better care.’ – Client, polytrauma
‘Claire’s client was seriously injured in an RTA and showed incredible stoicism, determination, and an inspirational attitude towards rehab and recovery. The rehab funding was provided without any quibble, and her client was supported by a great case worker. Claire was brilliant in her approach, and I am pleased that her client now has the means to continue their life post-accident. I have no doubt her client will succeed in everything they choose to pursue.’ – Defendant insurer
‘Whilst no amount of money will ever bring Ben* back, the outcome of the settlements will allow us to move forward, albeit slowly, with our lives without having the immediate financial pressures to endure as well as everything else. I cannot understate the importance of this outcome to us as we face the array of huge challenges in living the rest of our live without Ben*. The support from Claire has been outstanding in guiding us through this hugely challenging and intrusive process. We cannot thank you enough. The very tragic circumstances make this a highly emotive process - you and your team have been keenly attuned to this and have been very sensitive. This has made it far more tolerable for us that’s for sure.’ Client, fatal accident
‘When Claire … took on my case with the integrity and intelligence that they/she did. I felt supported, clearer and no longer alone in my battle. Claire and the entire team helped me get to the other side. Her compassion, patience and knowledge grounded me, heard me and I knew that my very best outcome, well-being and sense of justice was what they were striving to attain at all points of the now closed case.’ Client, high profile sexual assault claim
‘Claire is an advocate for true justice, a voice for the vulnerable and above all hope. She and her team truly supported me in my case. They helped find professionals to diagnose my current condition and future needs, highlighted my difficulties and even, unbeknown to me, covered all the costs until settlement because I could not afford them. Against constant denial, pushback and lack of clarity in CICA rules, they fought for me. I felt valued when all things became dire, I was even told I was to blame for my own injuries. Claire continued and helped me clear my name. I deeply cannot express how wonderful she is, when I felt all was lost and a fair outcome would never be reached.’ Client, amputation, CICA
‘When dealing with a difficult emotional subject as mine, I felt empathy, understanding and care … Thank you from the bottom of my heart for being so kind and gracious.’ Client, high profile sexual assault claim
Key recent settlements:
Voluntary positions
Claire is a trustee for Headway Sussex, a charity that provides advice and support for those living in Sussex with acquired brain injury.
Claire is a member of the Sussex Acquired Brain Injury Forum (SABIF) steering committee
Claire is also a trustee for Core Arts, a charity based in Hackney which promotes positive mental health and wellbeing through a college-like environment of creative learning.
Qualifications, membership and directory rankings
Claire can be contacted by email on: ceg@deanwilson.co.uk or by direct dial on (0)1273 032345
Partner, Employment Law
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.
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.
Book a free 30-minute Employer Risk Review
Email: CRW@deanwilson.co.uk
Direct dial: (01273) 249277
Partner, Dispute Resolution
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.
Nicholas can be contacted by email: NP@deanwilson.co.uk or on their direct dial: (0) 1273 249203.
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, Private Client
Linh is a paralegal in our Private Client team, supporting the partner and solicitors in the team. Prior to joining the Private Client team, Linh worked in our Dispute Resolution team, specialising in Landlord and Tenant possession claims, dealing with matters arising under Sections 8 and 21 of the Housing Act 1988.
LLB Law (Hons) from University of Sussex
Linh can be contacted by email: LGP@deanwilson.co.uk or on her direct dial: 01273 249244.
Trainee Solicitor
Christiana joined the firm in January 2025 as a Trainee Solicitor and is currently in her final training seat within our Corporate team.
Throughout her training contract, Christiana has completed seats in Personal and Medical Injury, Dispute Resolution, and Commercial Property, gaining valuable experience across a diverse range of legal matters. This broad exposure has enabled her to develop a well-rounded understanding of both contentious and non-contentious work as she approaches qualification.
Prior to Christiana joining the firm, she worked in the Residential and Commercial Property department at another local Brighton firm, gaining hands-on experience with drafting TR1 forms, filing SDLT returns, managing client communications, and handling initial case administration. This experience has enhanced Christiana's attention to detail and developed her organisational and client management skills.
Christiana is fluent in both English and Greek, which enables Christiana to communicate effectively with a diverse range of clients.
Christiana can be contacted by email: CRC@deanwilson.co.uk or on their direct dial: (0) 1273 032365.
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.
Senior Associate Solicitor, Dispute Resolution
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).
Daniel can be contacted by email (djd@deanwilson.co.uk) or on his direct dial (01273 249232)
Partner & Head of Corporate Department
Neel has diverse transactional experience advising clients on share and asset acquisitions and disposals, secured and unsecured lending, joint ventures, shareholders’ agreements and company restructuring. He also advises on a wide range of commercial contracts for the supply of goods and services for well-established local and national clients covering music, arts and culture, close protection security, education and training, recruitment, travel and so forth.
Neel has a strong focus on client care and a commercially focused approach, which has led to him establishing a reputation for always completing matters on time and within budget. Neel dedicates himself to providing clients a personal service and creating long-standing relationships to help businesses continue to succeed during their life cycles.
Solicitor
LLB Hons
Neel can be contacted by email: nku@deanwilson.co.uk or on his direct dial: 01273 249 224.
Associate Solicitor, Personal Injury & Medical Negligence
Rachel is an Associate Solicitor in the Personal Injury & Medical Negligence team assisting Alex Brown, as well as running her own caseload. Rachel qualified as a solicitor in April 2016 and joined Dean Wilson LLP in January 2026 having previously worked at a highly reputable firm in Berkshire.
Rachel is skilled at building good working relationships with clients. She can explain complex legal issues in straightforward language, ensuring that her advice is comprehensive and clear. She is passionate about providing a high-quality service and achieving positive outcomes for clients and was recognised in the Legal 500 (2025) for going the “extra mile” for her client.
Rachel can be contacted by email: RAM@deanwilson.co.uk or on their direct dial: 01273 249290
Senior Associate Solicitor, Residential Property Department
James joined Dean Wilson LLP in February 2022, having worked in the Eastbourne area for approximately 10 years prior. James specialises in all aspects of Residential property transactions.
James’ specialist areas are newbuild sales and purchases with or without help to buy involvement, as well as residential and buy to let sales, purchases, re-mortgages and transfers of equity’s.
James also provides Independent Legal Advice on Guarantees and Indemnities, where required.
James can be contacted by email: jf@deanwilson.co.uk or on his direct dial: 01273 032341
James is assisted by Charlotte Hazeldine, Paralegal within the Property Department. Charlotte’s contact details are: Email: cbh@deanwilson.co.uk Direct Dial: 01273 032330.
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