Who We Are

Areas of Specialism

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. 

Qualifications

• Solicitor (LLB Hons)

Victoria can be contacted by email: VLS@deanwilson.co.uk or on their direct dial: (0) 1273 249204. 

Areas of Specialism

Duncan advises clients on a range of contentious issues relating to property including:

• Lease renewals
• Dilapidations
• Restrictive covenants
• Easements
• Boundary disputes
• Forfeiture
• Debt recovery
• Adverse possession
• Break rights
• Breaches of contract/lease terms
• Possession claims (both commercial and residential)
• Disputed mortgages and secured loans
• Trusts in land
• Tenants in administration/liquidation

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. 

Recent Client Matters

• Acting for a landlord in a successful application to the Land Tribunal for a declaration of breach of lease owing to the tenant (a housing authority) placing residents in their properties who abused drugs.
• Acting for a property owner who acquired a large commercial premises subject to an unregistered 999-year lease; brought a successful claim under s.29(1) of the Land Registration Act 2002 for a declaration that the client purchased free of the lease and thereafter recovered possession.  
• Bringing a successful action for forfeiture of a long residential lease owing to the tenant making unauthorised structural alterations.
• Defending a client against a high-street mortgage provider taking sale and possession proceedings; no possession was ordered and the claim was settled.
• Acting for the liquidator of a well-known company bringing a successful claim against a director for breach of fiduciary duties.
• Acting for a defendant company in its successful defence against a multi-million pound claim relating to unpaid commission for investment introductions.
• Bringing possession proceedings (and successfully defending an appeal) against a tenant who used the client’s property for holiday lettings.

Feedback

“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.

Areas of Specialism

Georgia is a Legal Executive in the Court of Protection Team. Since joining the team in 2018, Georgia is an emerging talent, rapidly establishing herself as a highly capable practitioner in high‑value and complex deputyship work. Her strong analytical skills, proactive approach, and natural ability to connect with clients and professionals alike have already made her an invaluable member of the department.

Georgia has experience with the following:

• Lay Deputyship for Property & Financial Affairs and Health & Welfare matters
• The management of client’s property and assets
• Coordinating with benefits agencies
• Complex Budgets and cashflow planning
• Collaborative support with Litigation Solicitors and Multi-Disciplinary Teams

Recent Client Matters

• Georgia has facilitated the support of a client with complex substance abuse issues. Georgia has provided consistent, reassuring support to the client and has overseen the input of a new multi-disciplinary team purpose built to support the client in their recovery.
• Georgia works alongside the deputy for an elderly gentleman with Dementia. Georgia has arranged for his property to be maintained, equipment to be installed, and for social activities to be re-introduced into his life.
• Georgia has provided thorough support for a vulnerable adult who is transitioning from a Care facility into private accommodation. Georgia has worked with the professionals involved to ensure that the private accommodation is prepared and suitable for the move. 
• Georgia played a pivotal role in a significant deputyship for a minor with complex cerebral palsy. She oversaw the procurement of highly specialised equipment tailored to the child’s evolving needs, ensuring compatibility with both clinical recommendations and the family’s home environment.
• Georgia successfully applied to the Court for Family Care Payments, securing long‑overdue funding for a family, following a previous rejected application and a two-year process.

Qualifications, Membership 

• Member of the Professional Deputyship Forum
• Dementia Friend

Georgia can be contacted by email: gk@deanwilson.co.uk or on their direct dial: (0) 1273 032316. 

Areas of Specialism

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.

Recent Client Matters

• Acting for a landlord to obtain possession of a property that was misused by the tenant for criminal activity and drug use, including various other breaches of the tenancy such as suspected subletting and abandonment.

Qualifications 

• First Class Honours Bachelor of Arts Degree in Geography, Durham University
• Was awarded Durham University’s Janet Townsend Award in 2025. This award is given to the student who undertook the most notable decolonial research across the cohort, recognising Matilda’s contributions to decolonial research within her dissertation as ‘outstanding’. 

Areas of Specialism

Natalia is a highly competent paralegal who has a range of transactional experience in corporate matters. She has been assisting the Company Commercial department in share and asset acquisitions and disposals, company restructuring and various other complex matters. Her main responsibilities include drafting legal documents, intensive researching, and providing assistance through due diligence processes. She has independently taken charge in leading matters and has previously completed transactions under supervision which has earned her great appreciation amongst clients. 

Recent Client Matters

• Regularly assists one of the largest property agents in the UK to acquire letting and block management agents across the country.
• Assisted on Company restructuring for a digitally based health clinic.
• Assisted a client on the acquisition of a real estate agency and completed the transaction under supervision.

Qualifications, Membership 

• LLB Hons

Natalia can be contacted by email: nxr@deanwilson.co.uk or on her direct dial: 01273 032332. 

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

• Final year Law with Business LLB student at University of Sussex
• Studying LPC and LLM with University of Law in September 2024

Recent Client Matters

• Block Lease extensions
• Post-completion matters, e.g. Notice of Transfer and Charge
• Transfers of Land 

Shannon can be contacted by email: smf@deanwilson.co.uk or on direct dial: 01273 032314

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

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.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Laws with Mandarin (LLB) from the University of Sussex - 2024

Dimitris can be contacted by email: DFR@deanwilson.co.uk or on her direct dial: 01273 032370

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.

Areas of Specialism

Tom is a Senior Paralegal in Dean Wilson LLP’s Personal Injury and Medical Negligence department. He assists Ben Davey, Jessica Edwards, Lyubov Nikolchova, and Alice Bradshaw on a variety of cases ranging from moderate injuries to high-value catastrophic injury claims.

Tom assists on a broad range of personal injury and clinical negligence matters, including cases involving brain injuries, spinal injuries, amputations, complex musculoskeletal injuries, and psychiatric injury. These cases often arise from road traffic accidents, workplace accidents, and accidents on public or private premises.

He assists throughout the legal process, supporting the team's solicitors with establishing liability, gathering evidence, instructing rehabilitation professionals and medico-legal experts, and assessing the value of claims.

He also provides support to clients throughout the legal process, offering guidance and a sympathetic ear. He is committed to ensuring that every client feels listened to, understood, and supported throughout their claim.

Recent Client Matters

• £1.81 million settlement | Dean Wilson
• £400k settlement for client who suffered brain injury as a result of a road traffic accident | Dean Wilson LLP
• £360k Settlement For Children After Negligent Health Care Of Mother | Dean Wilson LLP
• Dean Wilson Secures Settlement for Spinal Injury Following Aircraft Crash
• Six-figure Settlement for Motorcyclist Injured in West Sussex | Dean Wilson
• Successful Personal Injury Claim Following Failure to Inspect and Repair | Dean Wilson LLP
• Dean Wilson obtain settlement for e-scooter case
• Dean Wilson obtain £249,000 settlement for employee injured whilst at work | Dean Wilson LLP
• Compensation for Wife Injured in Accident | Dean Wilson LLP

This includes the 5-day inquest into the death of Archie Jesty, an 18-year-old who sadly took their own life after failings by mental health services. 18 year old takes his own life following mental health failings | Dean Wilson LLP

He also assisted with the inquest into the death of Issy Phipps, a 17-year-old who took her own life. During the inquest, the Coroner ruled that failures by mental health services and NHS trusts had contributed to Issy’s death. Young Girl Takes Own Life Despite Warnings - Dean Wilson

Tom previously assisted in the conclude Article 3 (torture and degrading treatment) and Article 8 (private and family life) group action claim for more than 160 family members of David Fuller’s mortuary victims. 

Tom can be contacted by email: TSG@deanwilson.co.uk, or on his direct dial (0) 1273 032346.

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:

• Traumatic brain injury sustained in road traffic collision (pedestrian/vehicle) - £2.86 million settlement
• Traumatic brain injury/polytrauma in road traffic collision (pedestrian/vehicle) – MIB Untraced - £2 million settlement
• Psychiatric injury claim (secondary victim/fatal road traffic collision) - £500,000
• Lower limb amputation (violent assault) – CICA - £500,000 (maximum award) achieved on appeal at the First Tier Tribunal
• Traumatic brain injury/polytrauma (cyclist/vehicle) - £720,000 settlement
• Traumatic brain injury (pedestrian/vehicle) - £2.6 million settlement

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

• Solicitor – admitted September 2007
• Chambers & Partners 2026 – Up and Coming (Personal Injury: Mainly Claimant)
• Centre for Women’s Justice Legal Panel - Member
• Association of Personal Injury Lawyers – Member
• Headway Panel Solicitor
• Major Trauma Signposting Partnership (Brighton)

Claire can be contacted by email on: ceg@deanwilson.co.uk or by direct dial on (0)1273 032345

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.

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

Umair is a solicitor within our Corporate team, advising on a range of transactional and advisory matters. His work has a particular focus on M&A transactions, including deals in the estate agency sector, as well as corporate governance.

Umair trained at a central London firm, where he gained experience across corporate and commercial work, dispute resolution, and landlord & tenant matters before qualifying as a solicitor in October 2025.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Degree – Law (LLB)
• LPC/LLM
• SRA – Qualified 

CONTACT DETAILS 

Umair can be contacted by email: usu@deanwilson.co.uk or on his direct dial: 01273 032369

Beth has worked at Dean Wilson LLP for over eight years and specialises in plot sales, including off-plan transactions.

She works closely with David Hodge (Partner), Sinead Dye (Senior Associate Solicitor) and Amy Edwards (Solicitor) as part of an experienced team that takes a proactive, flexible and pragmatic approach to property development. The team focuses on finding practical solutions to help transactions progress, even when obstacles arise.

The team has extensive experience in acquiring land, including site assembly, and supporting developments through to the sale of individual units. Their experience ranges from single-unit developments to schemes comprising more than 150 units.

They are also experienced in land transactions and are comfortable dealing with substantial development sites with a gross development value (GDV) in excess of £100 million.

Beth can be contacted by email: bxa@deanwilson.co.uk or on her direct dial: 01273 249263

Areas of Specialism

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.  

Qualifications

• CMCIPD

Sarah can be contacted by email, sjs@deanwilson.co.uk or on her direct dial, 01273 032318.