Who We Are

Areas of Specialism

Amy joined the Commercial Development team in 2023, after successfully completing her training contract with Dean Wilson LLP. Amy studied the LPC after completing the GDL with the University of Law part-time whilst working at Dean Wilson LLP as a paralegal.

Amy has experience in dealing with a variety of commercial and residential property transactions, including acquisitions and sales of freehold and leasehold land for both Landlords and Tenants, refinances and re-mortgages for commercial and residential properties and dealing with development site set-up requirements. 

Amy works closely with the team which comprises David Hodge (Partner) Sinead Dye (Associate Solicitor), Isabelle Svendsen (Paralegal), Samanda Mazreku (Legal Assistant) and Beverley McLoughlin (Assistant). The team always look for solutions and take a flexible and pragmatic approach – the team are proactive, not reactive and the culture is “how” can we make this deal happen when obstacles are presented. The Team are experienced in acquiring land (often site assembling) and taking the development through to the sale of individual units and we deal with developments comprising single units to in excess of 150 units.  The team are also experienced in land trades and are not fazed in dealing with sites with a GDV in excess of £100m.

Recent Client Matters

• Involved in the ongoing plot sales at a large residential development site;
• Completion of a simultaneous headlease surrender and the grant of five sub-leases in a large commercial unit; and
• Involved in an ongoing refinance of a commercial portfolio worth over £32m.

Qualifications, Membership 

• Solicitor
• BA
• MA

Amy can be contacted by email: ae@deanwilson.co.uk and her direct dial is  01273 249 268.

Areas Of Specialism

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.

Qualifications

Bachelor of Arts in History & Politics: Graduated with Upper Second-Class Honours from the University of Warwick

Contact Details 

Edward can be contacted by email: eja@deanwilson.co.ukor on his direct dial: 01273 249222

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

Rory is a solicitor in the Dispute Resolution team specialising in construction law.

Within the construction field, he has experience in both contentious and non-contentious transactional matters.

In dispute resolution, he has experience in a wide range of areas, including breach of contract, insurance, dilapidations, trust and cohabitation disputes, and contested probate matters.

Recent Client Matters

• Helped a residential client in a construction dispute with a contractor over defective works, undertaking a high-value extension and renovation. The claim proceeded to trial and resulted in a judgment in favour of the client, ordering the builder to cover the costs of remedial works undertaken by an alternative contractor.
• Assisted a land developer in an insurance claim after the insurer refused to pay out, alleging that there had been a failure of fair presentation when the policy was entered. The case involved a grey area on the legal position under the Insurance Act 2015. A settlement was achieved in mediation before proceedings were issued, resulting in the developer receiving the majority of the sums originally claimed.
• Involved in a dispute over a land investment in which the defendant denied the claimant's (Rory’s client) entitlement to one-half of the property and/or the proceeds of sale. At trial, the court found in favour of the claimant, recognising a resulting trust over half of the property and ordering the defendant to pay the claimant’s costs.
• Drafts various contractual documents for clients, including Bespoke terms and conditions for a high-end landscaper; An amended RIBA 2018 contract for the construction of a new build property; Amended 2016 and 2024 JCT contracts and subcontracts.
• Instructed on multiple adjudications (representing employers, contractors and subcontractors) over the terms of a contract, payment cycles and notices, claims of contra charges for alleged overpayment and the validity of a contract termination. These resulted in the adjudicators finding in favour of his client
• Led three mediations in contested probate matters over the last year involving claims of proprietary estoppel and claims under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975. All three resulted in the settlement of the claims.

Qualifications

Bachelor of Arts, History, Literature and Culture

Solicitor (SQE)

Rory can be contacted by email: RFL@deanwilson.co.uk or on his direct dial: 01273 032336

Aaron is a Paralegal in the Personal Injury & Medical Negligence team. He has experience assisting with complex and high-value serious injury claims, including claims arising from alleged sexual assaults perpetrated by high-profile individuals. His work also includes supporting clients with claims relating to medical negligence, road traffic accidents and other serious injuries.

Aaron has a background in the charity sector, having previously served as an area lead for a charity providing critical aid to people seeking asylum in the UK and abroad.

Aaron is passionate about making the client experience as straightforward and supportive as possible. A key part of his role involves working closely with clients, helping them understand the claims process, addressing their concerns and ensuring they feel informed and supported throughout their case.

QUALIFICATIONS

Aaron holds an undergraduate degree in History and a Master of Laws (LLM). He has successfully passed SQE1 and is currently preparing for SQE2, with the aim of qualifying as a solicitor through a future training contract with Dean Wilson LLP.

CONTACT DETAILS 

Aaron can be contacted by email: AHM@deanwilson or on her direct dial: 01273 032376.

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.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Law with Criminology (LLB Hons) from Oxford Brookes University

William can be contacted by email: wgs@deanwilson.co.uk or on direct dial: 01273 032354

Areas of Specialism

Sara is a Paralegal in the Commercial Property Department. Sara assists Scott Gair in a wide range of Commercial Property matters such as handling the initial onboarding for clients, undertaking legal research and preparing and negotiating legal documents. 

Qualifications

Sara went to the University of Brighton from 2014 to 2017 doing Accounting & Finance. In 2023 Sara completed her Master of Laws (LLM) achieving a 2:2.

Following on from Sara's LLM she started studying for her Solicitors Qualifying Exam's and has completed (SQE1) and is preparing to undertake her Solicitors  (SQE2) to qualify as a Solicitor. 

Sara can be contacted by email smh@deanwilson.co.uk or on direct dial 01273 032317 

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

Molly is a Senior Paralegal in the Dispute Resolution team, and specialise in Landlord and Tenant matters. Molly assists with lease extensions (both statutory and informal), freehold acquisitions, deeds of variations and a variety of Landlord and Tenant issues. 

Molly has over 5 years’ experience working in the legal industry, having previously worked in a local firm, which included working in Residential Property.

QUALIFICATIONS

History BA (Hons) 2:2 

Postgraduate LLM Merit 

CONTACT DETAILS 

Molly can be contacted by email: moh@deanwilson.co.uk or on her direct dial: 01273 249264

Areas of Specialism

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. 

Recent Client Matters

• Neel regularly assists one of the largest property agents in the UK to acquire letting and block management agents across the country.
• Neel acted for a property developer in raising circa £40 million for a new property development in Hove.

Qualifications, Membership 

• Solicitor

• LLB Hons

Neel can be contacted by email: nku@deanwilson.co.uk or on his direct dial: 01273 249 224. 

Areas of Specialism

Jo trained and practised at a silver circle corporate law firm for a decade before moving to a regional firm in Gatwick. When the opportunity finally arose to practise in Brighton 7 years ago, Jo jumped at the chance of joining Dean Wilson LLP. 

With almost 20 years’ experience, Jo specialises in all areas of non-contentious commercial property, property finance and development. She acts for a variety of clients: investors, developers, landlords, tenants, assignees in relation to refinancing, acquisitions, disposals, leases, management matters and development contracts.

Recent Client Matters

• Acquisition of multi-let office block
• Financing and refinancing of commercial portfolios
• Business acquisitions
• Leases and regears

Qualifications, Membership 

• Solicitor
• BSocSc Hons
• Masters
• PgDL

Jo can be contacted by email: jnt@deanwilson.co.uk or on her direct dial: 01273 249252. 

Jo is assisted by Katherine Glasson, Legal Secretary within the Real Estate Department. Katherine’s contact details are: Email: kg@deanwilson.co.uk Direct Dial: 01273 249266. 

Joseph joined the firm as a Legal Assistant and has since been promoted to Paralegal within the Dispute Resolution team. He specialises in landlord and tenant possession matters and also assists with a broad range of general litigation work.

QUALIFICATIONS

Degree – Politics, Philosophy and Economics from the University of York 

CONTACT DETAILS 

Joseph Phillips can be contacted by email: jcp@deanwilson.co.uk or on his direct dial: 01273 249 243.

Areas of Specialism

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. 

Recent Client Matters

• Acting for an overseas company with a portfolio of UK properties in several dilapidation claims, including claims against the Secretary of State and Lloyds Bank PLC
• Acting for a group of flat owners in an action against its freeholder for remedial works to address fire safety defects at the building
• Acting for developer in an application under Section 84 of the Law of Property Act 1925 to discharge restrictive covenants on land that preventing the construction of new houses 

Qualifications, Membership & Directory Rankings

• Solicitor LLB Hons
• Advanced Diploma in Litigation
• Member of Property Litigation Association 

Recognition 

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.

Areas of Specialism

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 

Katie is a Paralegal in our Court of Protection Team with a focus on supporting clients with acquired brain injury to manage their finances. Assisting client's with anything from paying a dog-walker to buying a house, arranging insurance to applying for benefits. Since joining the team in 2023, Katie has become a reassuring and trusted presence for clients and their wider team, offering consistent support and confidence in all matters. 

Katie has experience with the following:

• Deputyships for Property & Financial Affairs
• Liaison with the Court of Protection and Senior Court Costs Office
• Management of client assets and finances
• Deputyship Applications
• Complex property adaptations

Recent Client Matters

• Katie has worked on building the projects of bespoke homes, specially adapted for adolescent clients with complex physical and domestic needs. These properties represent build costs in excess of £3.6m.
• Katie collaborated with Litigation Solicitors to evidence expenditure and losses in a minor’s multi‑million-pound settlement, while providing ongoing support to the family throughout.

Membership 

• Member of Professional Deputies Forum

Laily graduated from Sussex University in 2024 after completing her Law with a business and management degree. While at university, Laily took part in the legal clinic providing legal advice and guidance to clients on immigration matters. 

In Laily's role as a paralegal in Residential Conveyancing, she assists fee-earners and Solicitors with all aspects of a sale, purchase, re-mortgage, transfer of equity and general administrative duties.

Laily's future plans are to take the SQE 1 & 2 LLM to become a solicitor. In Laily's spare time, she enjoys travelling and taking long walks. 

Qualifications

• Law with business and management LLB (Hons) at Sussex University 2024.

Laily can be contacted by email: LT@deanwilson.co.uk or on her direct dial: 01273 032364