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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.

Vivien

Vivien Schveighardt

Paralegal, Dispute Resolution 

Vivien

Vivien Schveighardt

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. 

Qualifications: 

  • Bachelor of Law (LLB) from the University of Sussex in 2023
  • Honours Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Wilfrid Laurier University (Canada) 
Craig Shoosmith

Craig Shoosmith

Compliance Manager

Craig Shoosmith

Craig Shoosmith

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. 

CONTACT DETAILS 

Craig can be contacted by email: cfs@deanwilson.co.uk or on his direct dial: 01273 249269.

Molly Hamilton

Molly Hamilton

Senior Paralegal, Dispute Resolution

Molly Hamilton

Molly Hamilton

Senior Paralegal, Dispute Resolution

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

samantha brace dean wilson

Samantha Brace

Solicitor, Dispute Resolution

samantha brace dean wilson

Samantha Brace

Solicitor, Dispute Resolution

Samantha has recently qualified as a solicitor in June 2025 within the Dispute Resolution Department. Samantha works closely with Claire Whiteman on Property Litigation, Enfranchisement and General Litigation cases. 

During Samantha's training contract, she undertook the following seats: 

  • First seat was in our Personal Injury & Medical Negligence team, assisting Alex Brown, head of the Personal Injury department with claims in relation to severe and life changing injuries resulting in Brain Injury, Birth Injury, Severe Orthopaedic Injuries and Spinal Cord Injury. 

  • Second seat was in the Private Client department undertaking a range of work including Wills, Probates and Trust work under the supervision of Julian Potter.

  • Third and final seat was in the Dispute Resolution Department working on Property Litigation, Enfranchisement and General Litigation cases.

Samantha previously worked as a Paralegal in the Dispute Resolution team running her own possession claims assisting landlords recover their residential property along with any rent arrears owed and a successful Judgment for their legal costs. 

Samantha worked closely with a well-known local managing agents to help clients achieve the best possible outcome. She also assisted senior members in the team with more general litigation matters. 

Qualifications

  • Solicitor
  • 1st Class LLB Law (Hons)
  • LPC LLM with Distinction in Professional Legal Practice

Samantha can be contacted by email: slb@deanwilson.co.uk or on her direct dial: 01273 249298. 

Dimitris

Dimitris Foustanellis-Romero

Paralegal, Residential Conveyancing 

Dimitris

Dimitris Foustanellis-Romero

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.

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

Sarah Brown

Sarah Brown

Executive Assistant, Dispute Resolution

Sarah Brown

Sarah Brown

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

Jo Taylor Dean Wilson

Jo Taylor

Partner, Real Estate & Commercial Property and Development 

Jo Taylor Dean Wilson

Jo Taylor

Partner, Real Estate & Commercial Property and Development 

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. 

Rebecca Roberts

Rebecca Roberts

Associate Solicitor, Dispute Resolution

Rebecca Roberts

Rebecca Roberts

Associate Solicitor, Dispute Resolution

Areas of Specialism

Rebecca is a Solicitor in the General Litigation team and specialises in dispute resolution, breach of contract, construction disputes, property litigation - including possession claims and debt recovery and enforcement. 

Recent Client Matters

  • Rebecca successfully obtained a freezing injunction in the high court for her client to prevent the Defendant dissipating their assets ahead of high court action.
  • Rebecca settled a complex high court case reported in the media in respect of a construction dispute – Rebecca achieved a three-figure settlement figure for her client.
  • Rebecca settled a breach of contract dispute concerning bonus payments – this was settled ahead of a multi-track trial and achieved a very favourable financial result for the client.
  • Rebecca has been instructed by and defended high profile clients in the music industry where Rebecca had the claim against them dismissed.

Qualifications, Membership 

  • Solicitor (LLB Hons)

Rebecca can be contacted by email: RR@deanwilson.co.uk or on their direct dial: (0) 1273 249212. 

Ethan

Ethan Barlow

Paralegal, Dispute Resolution 

Ethan

Ethan Barlow

Paralegal, Dispute Resolution 

Areas of Specialism

Ethan is a recent law graduate and a paralegal in the Dispute Resolution team: He specialises in Landlord and Tenant Possession claims, including but not limited to Section 8 & Section 21 proceedings of the Housing Act 1988. Ethan is currently managing his own caseload of Possession Claims. 

Qualification

  • Second Class Honours LLB Degree from the University of Sussex

Ethan can be contacted by email: EJB@deanwilson.co.uk or on his direct dial: 01273 249245

Rosie Harfield

Rosie Harfield

Paralegal, Personal Injury & Medical Negligence

Rosie Harfield

Rosie Harfield

Paralegal, Personal Injury & Medical Negligence

Paralegal in the Personal Injury and Medical Negligence team, assisting Alex Brown, Rachel Makore and Lyubov Nikolchova with a variety of cases involving:

  • Severe Orthopaedic Injury
  • Brain Injury
  • Spinal Cord Injury
  • Birth Injury 
  • Psychiatric Injury
  • Amputation 

 RECENT CLIENT MATTERS

  • Assisting with matters signposted by the Royal Sussex County Hospital via the Major Trauma Signposting Partnership.
  • Assisting with a mixed caseload of claims as a result of road traffic accidents, accidents-at-work, criminal injuries, accidents on public property, sexual assault and clinical negligence.

QUALIFICATIONS

LLB (Hons) Law with Criminology and a Study Year abroad 

CONTACT DETAILS 

Rosie can be contacted by email: RCH@deanwilson or on her direct dial: 01273032357.

CW

Clayton Weir

Paralegal, Dispute Resolution 

CW

Clayton Weir

Paralegal, Dispute Resolution 

Areas of Specialism

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. 

Qualifications

  • University of Leeds (LLB Hons)
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)

Sara Haroun

Sara Haroun

Paralegal, Commercial Property 

Sara Haroun

Sara Haroun

Paralegal, Commercial Property 

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 

Zoe Garrard

Zoe Garrard

Paralegal, Dispute Resolution

Zoe Garrard

Zoe Garrard

Paralegal, Dispute Resolution

Areas of Specialism

Zoe graduated from Queen Mary University of London in 2024, achieving an upper-class honours. Zoe is a paralegal within our Dispute Resolution team, providing support to the team, while taking on her own caseload. Zoe specialises in Landlord and Tenant Possession Claims, related to the Section 21 and Section 8 proceedings of the Housing Act 1988.

Qualifications

  • Global Law LLB (YA at HKU): Graduated with Upper Second-Class Honours from Queen Mary University of London
  • Currently undergoing SQE 1&2 with LLM at BPP University

Zoe can be contacted by email: ZYG@deanwilson.co.uk or on her direct dial: 01273 249262

Lily Hossani Dean Wilson

Lily Hossini

Associate Solicitor, Dispute Resolution

Lily Hossani Dean Wilson

Lily Hossini

Associate Solicitor, Dispute Resolution

Areas of Specialism

Lily is a Solicitor in the firm’s Dispute Resolution department, specialising in Landlord and Tenant matters. She assists with leasehold disputes, lease extensions (both statutory and informal), freehold acquisitions (both collective enfranchisement and first right of refusal claims), right to manage claims, licences for alterations and deeds of variation. 

Qualifications, Membership & Directory Rankings

  • Law Degree, LLB Hons
  • Legal Practice Course, LPC
  • Law, Business and Management, MSc

Memberships

Dean Wilson is a member of the Association of Leasehold Enfranchisement Practitioners (“ALEP”). ALEP promotes best practice by vetting organisations to ensure a consistently high level of service so that leaseholders and freeholders can contact ALEP members with confidence.

Lily can be contacted by email: LSH@deanwilson.co.uk or on her direct dial: 01273 032326 

Lily is assisted by Molly Hamilton, Senior Paralegal within the Dispute Resolution department. Molly's contact details are - email: MOH@deanwilson.co.uk and direct dial: 01273 249264.

Will I

William Irvine

Paralegal, Dispute Resolution 

Will I

William Irvine

Paralegal, Dispute Resolution 

Area of Specialism

William is a recent first-class law graduate from West of England University. This is Williams's first role in law and he is currently assisting the team on Landlord and Tenant matters including the possession proceedings by way of Section 8 and/or Section 21 of the Housing Act 1988.

Qualifications

  • First Class Honours LLB Degree from the University of the West of England

William can be contacted by email: WXI@deanwilson.co.uk or on his direct dial: 01273 249255

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