Who We Are

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.

Qualifications

• LLB Hons – University of Sussex

Fatima can be contacted by email: FYH@deanwilson.co.uk or on her direct dial: 01273 249209

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. 

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

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)
• 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

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.

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

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.

Recent Client Matters

• Acting for a well-known and respected agent in a multi-party dispute and achieving settlement
• Obtaining  a complicated Premises License for the social areas of a multimillion pound residential development
• Successfully defending a Review application brought by the Police seeking to revoke a large Public House’s Premises license.
• Advising a national chain of letting and estate agents on a review of their legal procedures and documentation

Qualifications

• Solicitor
• LLB Hons

Nicholas can be contacted by email: NP@deanwilson.co.uk or on their direct dial: (0) 1273 249203. 

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

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

Ben is a Senior Chartered Legal Executive in the Personal Injury & Medical Negligence team. He specialises in complex personal injury and medical negligence claims, acting for the injured party or the families. He specialises in a wide range of life-changing injuries ranging from road traffic accidents, employment claims to severe injury medical negligence claims. Ben is also frequently instructed to represent families at inquest.

Ben has dealt with a number of profile matters which have been reported in the regional, national, and international media. 

Recent Client Matters

Personal Injury

• Acting for a protected party with brain and spinal cord injuries. Claim settled for £5.6 million.
• Securing a £2million pound settlement for a man left brain damaged after a road traffic accident. The Defendant initially offered just £40,000 alleging that the Claimant was exaggerating his injuries.
• Achieving a settlement of £1.81 million for a Claimant following a road traffic accident, despite the driver having be acquitted in the criminal proceedings.
• Settling a case for £1.3million on behalf of the family of a man killed by a hit and run driver.
• A substantial confidential sum for a Claimant who suffered a traumatic brain injury following a road traffic accident.
• Acting for Keith Tarry in a high profile claim against easyJet.
• £450,000 for a protected party who suffered a brain injury after his a chair he was sitting on collapsed.
• Settling a ‘secondary victim’ case two weeks before trial. Liability was denied on the basis that the Claimant had no right in law to damages but despite this, a favourable settlement was achieved.
• Obtaining £225,000 for a client who seriously injured his back during unsafe lifting practices at work.
• Acting for a client who suffered severe pelvic, wrist and head injuries after a fall from height at work.
• A substantial six figure claim on behalf of three daughters after their mother was killed in a road traffic accident.

Medical Negligence

• Concluding a claim at a settlement meeting before trial for £3.5 million where the Claimant, a young boy, suffered a significant brain injury after a brain abscess was missed by his GP.
• Obtaining a million pound settlement in respect to a failure to treatment an infection after orthopaedic surgery.
• Securing a seven figure sum for a client who had undergone above-knee amputation during hind foot surgery. Liability, causation and quantum all denied.
• A six figure sum plus an apology on behalf of the family of a woman who died in hospital after mismanagement of a stomach ulcer.
• Obtaining a substantial six figure sum for a woman going blind though medical negligence.
• Settling a chronic pain claim in the Claimant’s favour two days into a four-day trial.
• Settlement and an apology on behalf of the family of a woman who died after a delay in diagnosing sepsis.
• Acting on behalf of the estate of a father who died as a result of a delay in diagnosing bowel cancer. The case was defended vigorously throughout but the settlement was achieved before trial.

Inquests

• Jonathan O’Shea – Article 2 Inquest where a man was able to take his own life whilst in a secure unit. Finding of neglect made by the Coroner.
• Isobelle ‘Issy’ Phipps – 17 year old who took her own life. Missed opportunities by GP & mental health services to intervene.
• Archie Jesty – 18 year old who took his own life following mental health failings
• Oscar Riley – a two year old who died after a brain tumour was not identified by medical professionals treating him – pro bono
• Reece Lapina Amarelle – who took his own life after he was discharged from a secure unit. A successful civil claim was later pursued.
• Catherine Robinson – a finding of neglect against a health trust who failed to provide appropriate treatment to a woman who later took her own life. Civil claim ongoing.
• Marcella Walton – a 16 year old girl who took her own life after failings in mental health treatment. The Coroner concluded that there were missed opportunities to intervene. 

Human Rights

• Article 2 (right to life) claims on behalf of the family of Reece Lapina Amarelle
• Article 3 (torture & degrading treatment) & Art 8 (private & family life) group action claims on behalf of more than 160 family members of David Fuller’s mortuary victims. 

Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority

• First Tier Tribunal appeal on behalf of a man left with a traumatic injury following an attack with a bottle. 812% increase on compensation achieved.

Feedback

Ben works hard to get the best possible results for his clients. He is organised, has good analytical skills and a good eye for detail – Chambers & Partners 2024

Thinks outside the box – he sees and acknowledges my struggles – The Legal 500 2023

Years of relevant experience and can take cases forward and to successful conclusions with vigour – The Legal 500 2022

Truly outstanding professional – he is willing to go the extra mile and you can always rely on him to ensure clients get justice - Chambers and Partners 2022

Ben Davey was highly professional, diligent and constructively helpful in his explanations. Ben quickly identified the issues and provided a practical approach to deal with the issues in question and accordingly I have no hesitation in recommending him and his firm – Google review

Qualifications, Membership (& Directory Rankings)

• Senior Chartered Legal Executive (FCilex)
• Member of Association of Personal Injury Lawyers
• Headway Panel Solicitor
• Major Trauma Signposting Partnership (Brighton)

Ben can be contacted by email: BD@deanwilson.co.uk or on his direct dial: (0) 1273 249287. 

Areas of Specialism

Sarah is a Partner in the Family team, who specialises in complex Children Act litigation (private law), Financial Remedies on divorce, cohabitation agreements and disputes, and protection from domestic abuse. Sarah has a particular interest in advising in cases where allegations of coercive control are in play. 

• Child arrangements orders – living and spending time arrangements.
• Children – urgent applications, specific issue and prohibited steps orders -  vaccination, education, name change, temporary and permanent removal from the jurisdiction, enforcement of orders, instruction of experts and working with family consultants. 
• Financial remedies on divorce / dissolution of civil partnership -  business and trust assets, pension sharing orders, non-disclosure, litigation conduct and financial conduct.
• Pre and Post-nuptial agreements.
• Separation and cohabitation agreements.
• Domestic violence injunctions.

Recent Client Matters

• Sarah regularly represents parents in private law proceedings where mental health issues, SEN, substance misuse, implacable hostility and allegations of coercive control, narcissistic abuse and alienating behaviours are a central feature.
• Sarah negotiated a financial settlement in which the client received an 80% share of the equity in the family home, and maintenance for five years to provide the client with time to attain financial independence without undue hardship.
• Sarah recently represented a mother at a Fact Finding hearing in which the very serious findings against the father of physical, emotional, sexual and psychological abuse and coercive control were made by the Judge after 4 days of oral evidence.
• Sarah has an interest in international relocation cases and has successfully obtained permission for her clients to relocate to Hong Kong, Greece and Malaysia. 
• Sarah regularly settles financial remedy cases by way of advice during mediation, voluntary disclosure and solicitor-led negotiations, avoiding the cost and stress of contested proceedings for her clients.

Qualifications, Membership 

• Solicitor (PGDL) City University
• Resolution Accredited Specialist Family Lawyer – Complex Financial Remedies
• Resolution Accredited Specialist Family Lawyer – Children Law Private
• Resolution qualified Collaborative Lawyer
• Member of Resolution
• Recommended in Chambers and the Legal 500

Recent client testimonials 

Sarah was wonderful throughout she was very knowledgeable of the Law but also very relatable as a person.  Sarah took her time to understand me and what my concerns were and was empathetic throughout.  Sarah was efficient and effective in representing me always giving me the best advice that I felt I could rely on.  I have no hesitation in recommending Dean Wilson. 

(Applicant Father – PSO) - 26 March 2026

Sarah can be contacted by email at SCP@deanwilson.co.uk or by telephone on 01273 249295

Areas of Specialism

Tom is a Senior Paralegal in the Personal Injury and Medical Negligence department. He currently assists Ben Davey and Jessica Edwards and assists on a variety of cases ranging from moderate to high-value catastrophic injury cases involving brain injury and spinal cord injury.

Recent Client Matters

• Tom recently closely assisted in securing a successful seven-figure settlement for a Claimant who had suffered life-changing and permanent injuries arising out of a road traffic accident. Part of the claim included obtaining the cost of single-level accommodation and future care until the Claimant’s end of life.
• He has also assisted in several and various five and six-figure settlement sums for injuries arising out of road traffic accidents, clinical negligence cases, accidents at work, and secondary victim claims for psychiatric injury.
• Tom assists Ben Davey with pro bono work assisting families of the deceased to obtain legal representation at inquests, primarily for cases arising out of the failure of mental health services.
• 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.
• 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.
• Tom is assisting in the ongoing Article 3 (torture & degrading treatment) & Article 8 (private & 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 their direct dial: (0) 1273 032346. 

Kobe is a recent first-class law graduate from the University of Portsmouth and is at the beginning of his legal career. In his first role with Dean Wilson, he assisted with a range of Landlord and Tenant matters, including possession proceedings under Section 8 and Section 21 of the Housing Act 1988 in the Dispute Resolution team. Kobe has since moved into the firm’s Commercial Property Department, where he continues to develop his legal knowledge and practical experience.

Qualifications

LLB Law Graduate from the University of Portsmouth

CONTACT DETAILS 

James can be contacted by email at KJD@deanwilson.co.uk or on his direct dial 01273 032377.

Areas of Specialism

Georgia is a Senior Paralegal in the Court of Protection team. Georgia has been overseeing the administration in the team for four years and provides caring, comprehensive support to clients including:

• The management of client’s property and assets
• Liaison with the Court of Protection
• Liaison with Cost Draftsman and SCCO
• Administrative support to whole team

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. 

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. 

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

Karl is the Head of Department of the Residential Property Department and manages the fee earners within the team as well as the paralegals/support staff. 

Karl has worked for Dean Wilson LLP for over 13 years and specialises in all aspects of Residential property transactions. 

Karl has an excellent reputation with estate agents, mortgage brokers, surveyors and the like and is sought after by property developers and local estate agents.  

Karl’s specialist areas are newbuild sales and purchases with or without help to buy involvement, although Karl does deal with residential and buy to let sales, purchases and re-mortgages on a day to day basis and has a wealth of knowledge in this respect. 

Qualifications, Membership 

• LLB Hons

Karl can be contacted by email: ksp@deanwilson.co.uk or on his direct dial: 01273 249248.