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.
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.
Solicitor Apprentice, Corporate Department
Fatima is a Solicitor Apprentice in the Corporate Department having commenced her first 6 months in the Dispute Resolution department, while undergoing her SQE to qualify as a Solicitor.
Prior to Fatima commencing her Solicitor Apprenticeship, was previously a paralegal within the Residential Conveyancing Department assisting Siobhan Cox on Residential Conveyancing and Commercial Property matters.
Before joining Dean Wilson Fatima worked for HMCTS. Her primary role was as Clerk to the Circuit and District Judges.
Fatima has a bachelor’s degree in law from the University of Sussex and hopes to be completing a Master’s degree in the near future. Away from work and studies, Fatima enjoys traveling and badminton.
Fatima can be contacted by email: FYH@deanwilson.co.uk or on her direct dial: 01273 249209
Partner and head of Private Client
Jonathan has recently joined us as Head of the Private Client Department, following 25 years at his previous firm.
Jonathan is able to deal with all types of private client work, whether you require assistance with Wills, Estate Planning, Inheritance Tax, Lasting Powers of Attorney or administration of estates. Jonathan is experienced in dealing with the most complex cases, which often involve tricky family dynamics.
Jonathan has acted for many of his clients for many years, which is testimony to his passion, which is for exceptional, communication-led, client service. Jonathan has managed and grown, high performing teams with regular communication at the heart of everything.
Jonathan also has a background in property work, contentious probate and Court of Protection matters, and therefore has a good working knowledge of how different areas can interlink. Being able to recognise nuances, and the interrelationship between different aspects in cases, Jonathan believes, is hugely beneficial to providing proactive, joined-up, advice.
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.
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.
Craig can be contacted by email: cfs@deanwilson.co.uk or on his direct dial: 01273 249269.
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.
Trainee Solicitor, Commercial Property
Erin joined Dean Wilson as a Paralegal in the Corporate Commercial team before commencing her Training Contract. She is currently undertaking her final training seat in our Commercial Property team, where she hopes to qualify upon completion of her training contract.
During her Training Contract, Erin has gained experience across Commercial Property and Dispute Resolution, developing a broad understanding of both transactional and contentious legal work.
Prior to starting her Training Contract, Erin assisted the Corporate Commercial team on a wide range of corporate transactions, including share and asset acquisitions and disposals, shareholders' agreements, and company restructurings. Her responsibilities included drafting ancillary legal documents, preparing legal due diligence reports, and carrying out legal research.
Erin graduated from the University of Sussex in 2022 with a first class LLB.
Erin can be contacted by email: egb@deanwilson.co.uk or on her direct dial: 01273 249227.
Senior Paralegal, Private Client
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
Executive Assistant, Dispute Resolution
Sarah is the Executive Assistant to Duncan Wilks, Head of our Dispute Resolution team, providing high‑level, proactive support to ensure the smooth and effective day‑to‑day management of his practice commitments.
A highly experienced Executive Assistant, Sarah has a strong track record of supporting senior leaders across a range of sectors, including within a FTSE 250 global insurance company. She is accustomed to operating in fast‑paced environments and is recognised for her discretion, sound judgement and meticulous attention to detail.
Her role encompasses complex diary management, meeting and event coordination, travel planning, and the preparation and formatting of correspondence and documentation. She liaises confidently with internal stakeholders, manages competing priorities effectively, and supports the wider team through clear, accurate and timely communication.
Sarah Brown can be contacted by email: SZB@deanwilson.co.uk or on his direct dial: 01273 249293
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
Paralegal, Corporate Department
Abigail has recently graduated from the University of Southampton with an LLB (Hons) Degree in Law and has now begun her legal career at the firm, within the Corporate Department. In her role, she assists the team with various aspects of corporate transactions, including drafting legal ancillary documents, assembling legal due diligence reports and conducting research.
LLB Hons
Abigail can be contacted by email: alb@deanwilson.co.uk or on her direct dial: 01273 249256.
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
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.
Dimitris can be contacted by email: DFR@deanwilson.co.uk or on her direct dial: 01273 032370
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
Finance Director
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.
Partner & Head of Commercial Real Estate
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.
Scott can be contacted by email: sg@deanwilson.co.uk or on his direct dial: 01273 249265.
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