Skip to main content

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.

james chadburn dean wilson

James Chadburn

Managing Partner

james chadburn dean wilson

James Chadburn

Managing Partner

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. 

Josh

Joshua Baxendale

Senior Associate Solicitor, Corporate Department

Josh

Joshua Baxendale

Senior Associate Solicitor, Corporate Department

Areas of Specialism

Joshua works in the Commercial & Corporate team at Dean Wilson. He works in mergers & acquisitions and acts on both sides of the transactions. Many of these transactions are in the estate agency sector. He has a wide range of commercial experience, having worked for many recruitment companies in litigation matters. 

Joshua focusses on his client’s intentions and makes those work to ensure that transactions are a client led and not lawyer led process. 

Joshua has acted in cases involving cross-border jurisdictional issues involving many companies in the EU and further afield.

Joshua grew up in Brighton and Hove, and then studied at UEA and the College of Law in Guildford.

Joshua enjoys riding his bike slowly up hills, a dry riesling, and small cups of strong coffee and speaking conversational French.

Qualifications

  • Solicitor
  • LLB Hons

Recent Transactions

  • Large regional estate agent selling to a nationwide corporate acquirer;
  • Acting for the Buyer of a hospitality business in Brighton;
  • Acting for acquirers moving into new geographic areas and
  • Acting for an estate agent in taking over a local competitor on their retirement.

Joshua can be contacted by email: jjb@deanwilson.co.uk or on his direct dial: (0) 1273 032337. 

Joshua is assisted by Natalia Revesz, Senior Paralegal within the Corporate & Commercial Team. Natalia’s contact details are: Email: nxr@deanwilson.co.uk Direct Dial: 01273 032334.

Amanda Hayward Dean Wilson

Amanda Hayward

Finance Director

Amanda Hayward Dean Wilson

Amanda Hayward

Finance Director

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. 

erin boland dean wilson

Erin Boland

Trainee Solicitor, Commercial Property

erin boland dean wilson

Erin Boland

Trainee Solicitor, Commercial Property

Areas of Specialism

Erin assists our Corporate Commercial team in a wide range of corporate transactions including share and asset acquisitions and disposals, as well as shareholders’ agreements and company restructuring. Erin's main responsibilities include drafting legal ancillary documents, legal due diligence reports and carrying out research.  

Erin graduated from the University of Sussex in 2022 with a first class LLB. Erin aspires to qualify as a solicitor via the SQE route, solidifying her dedication to professional growth and contributing to the legal field with her expertise.  

Recent Client Matters

  • Regularly assists one of the largest property agents in the UK to acquire letting and block management agents across the country.
  • Assisting buyers in purchasing a hospitality business in Brighton;
  • Assisting sellers and buyers of estate agency businesses; 

Qualifications, Membership 

  • LLB Hons

Erin can be contacted by email: egb@deanwilson.co.uk or on her direct dial: 01273 249227.  

Rebecca C. Griffiths

Rebecca Griffiths

Associate Solicitor, Private Client 

Rebecca C. Griffiths

Rebecca Griffiths

Associate Solicitor, Private Client 

Areas of Specialism

Rebecca qualified into the Private Client team in 2019 after completing her training contract with Dean Wilson LLP. Rebecca studied the LPC at BPP Holborn London after studying Law LLB at the University of Nottingham. Rebecca is working towards full membership with the Society of Trusts and Estate Practitioners (STEP) and has further qualifications in Administration of Estates, Administration of Trusts and Taxation of Trusts and Estates.

Rebecca has experience in dealing with:

  • Wills
  • Trusts
  • Probate
  • Tax

Rebecca can provide advice on the best type of Wills taking account of a client’s personal circumstances, tax position and inheritance planning. 

Rebecca has a broad range of experience in probate cases including high value probates, intestacies, Ad Colligenda Bona (limited grants usually required for the quick sale of property), and fractious families.

Qualifications and Memberships

  • Solicitor
  • LLB
  • Affiliate of STEP

Rebecca can be contacted by email: RCG@deanwilson.co.uk or on their direct dial: (0) 1273 249280. 

Alice Davis

Alice Davis

Paralegal, Court of Protection 

Alice Davis

Alice Davis

Paralegal, Court of Protection 

AREAS OF SPECIALISM

Alice is a Paralegal in the Court of Protection team. She previously worked within Private Client services, gaining experience in the drafting of Wills and Lasting Powers of Attorney. This work introduced her to the complexities of assessing mental capacity and the various legal pathways available to support clients and their families.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Post Graduate Diploma in Law
  • Police Station Representative 
  • Currently studying for the SQE
  • Member of the professional deputies forum

CONTACT DETAILS 

Alice can be contacted by email: ard@deanwilson.co.uk or on her direct dial: 01273 249200.

Rachel Makore

Rachel Makore

Associate Solicitor, Personal Injury & Medical Negligence

Rachel Makore

Rachel Makore

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.

 Expertise

  • Birth injury claims
  • Obstetric injury claims
  • Amputation claims
  • Cauda Equina claims
  • Sepsis claims
  • Cancer claims
  • Fatal Accidents Act

Qualifications, Membership & Directory Rankings

  • Solicitor - Admitted 2016 (LLB Hons)
  • Member of Association of Personal Injury Lawyers
  • Recognised in the Legal 500 (2025) for exceptional client care

Rachel can be contacted by email: RAM@deanwilson.co.uk or on their direct dial: 01273 249290

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. 

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.

Leon Mumford Dean Wilson

Leon Mumford

Associate Solicitor, Residential Property Department

Leon Mumford Dean Wilson

Leon Mumford

Associate Solicitor, Residential Property Department

Areas of Specialism

Leon joined Dean Wilson LLP in January 2022, having worked in Uckfield for approximately 7 years prior. Leon specialises in all aspects of Residential property transactions. 

Leon’s specialist areas are residential and buy to let sales, purchases, re-mortgages and transfers of equity’s. Leon does also have experience in dealing with commercial property transactions to include the sale and purchase of businesses, although has predominantly practiced within residential conveyancing areas of law. 

Leon also provides Independent Legal Advice on Guarantees and Indemnities, where required. 

Qualifications, Membership 

  • Solicitor
  • LLB Hons

Leon can be contacted by email: lpm@deanwilson.co.uk or on his direct dial: 01273 032338.

Lucas Adams

Lucas Adams

Paralegal, Dispute Resolution

Lucas Adams

Lucas Adams

Paralegal, Dispute Resolution

Lucas is a Paralegal in the Dispute Resolution Department, supporting the team on a wide range of property litigation matters. His work primarily centres on Service Charge disputes, including advising on and assisting with Lease forfeiture claims brought under Sections 146 and 147 of the Law of Property Act 1925. 

QUALIFICATIONS

1st class LLB from the University of Sussex

CONTACT DETAILS 

Lucas can be contacted by email: LWA@deanwilson.co.uk or on his direct dial: 01273 249273.

Sara Nilsen

Sara Nilsen

Senior Paralegal, Dispute Resolution

Sara Nilsen

Sara Nilsen

Senior Paralegal, Dispute Resolution

Areas of Specialism

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. 

Qualifications, Membership & Directory Rankings

  • Bachelor of Law from University of Sussex (LLB)

Sara can be contacted by email: sn@deanwilson.co.uk or on her direct dial: 01273 249276

daniel dickson dean wilson

Daniel Dickson

Senior Associate Solicitor, Dispute Resolution

daniel dickson dean wilson

Daniel Dickson

Senior Associate Solicitor, Dispute Resolution

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)

Melissa

Melissa Frankling

HR Officer

Melissa

Melissa Frankling

HR Officer

Areas of Specialism

Melissa is a dedicated HR Officer with a passion for fostering a positive and supportive work environment. Melissa has a strong background in Law, having joined the firm as a Paralegal in Dispute Resolution before transitioning into human resources. 

Melissa oversees the general day-to-day employee relations, arranges training for the firm and manages the recruitment and onboarding process while ensuring a seamless employee experience. 

Melissa brings Percy, her adorable Golden Retriever pup, into the office. One of the firm's benefits is having a dog-friendly office. 

Qualifications

Melissa has completed her Level 3 CIPD and is currently undergoing Level 5. 

Melissa can be contacted by email mjf@deanwilson.co.uk, or on her direct dial, 01273 032329.

Scott Gair Dean Wilson

Scott Gair

Partner & Head of Commercial Real Estate

Scott Gair Dean Wilson

Scott Gair

Partner & Head of Commercial Real Estate

Areas of Specialism

Scott is a highly experienced solicitor and heads up the firm’s Commercial Real Estate team.  With over 20 years of experience in the legal sector, Scott has established a reputation for providing excellent service, achieving positive outcomes for his clients and prides himself on taking a detailed yet commercial and pragmatic approach to his work.

Scott specialises in a wide range of commercial real estate transactions and the bulk of his day-to-day work involves working with property investors and landlords with considerable portfolios and dealing with the ongoing legal work that this typically involves.  

Scott specialises in licensing too.  Scott used to teach the BIIAB Level 2 Award for Personal Licence Holders (APLH) at City College in Brighton and the Award for Licensing Practitioners (ALP) to Sussex Police and Sussex based Licensing Authorities.  This experience allows Scott to act for a number of clients with licensed premises, advising them on not only the commercial property aspects, but also the licensing elements too.  This places him in a unique position within the industry, specialising in both disciplines.

Scott is known for his dedication to his clients and his ability to provide clear and practical advice.  He takes the time to understand his clients’ needs and works closely with them to achieve their goals.

Recent Client Matters

  • Involved in a large corporate acquisition which included over 55 commercial properties;
  • Multiple eight figure portfolio refinances;
  • Acquisition of a retail portfolio for over £10m;
  • Refinance of commercial and residential portfolio worth over £5m

Qualifications, Membership 

  • Solicitor
  • LLB Hons
  • PTLLS

Scott can be contacted by email: sg@deanwilson.co.uk or on his direct dial: 01273 249265. 

Siobhan Cox

Siobhan Cox

Partner & Head of Department, Property Department 

Siobhan Cox

Siobhan Cox

Partner & Head of Department, Property Department 

Areas of Specialism

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.

Recent Client Matters

  • Sale of London Residence worth in excess of £5m,
  • Refinance of commercial and residential portfolio worth in excess of £20m
  • Purchase of block of residential units worth in excess of £50m

Qualifications, Membership 

  • Solicitor
  • LLB Hons

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. 

There are no news articles about this topic yet.