Who We Are

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. 

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

Areas of Specialism

Jessica Edwards is a Solicitor specialising in personal injury and medical negligence claims. She qualified as a Solicitor in March 2022, having previously spent four years working closely with the team on high‑value catastrophic injury matters, including complex brain and spinal cord injury claims.

Jessica regularly assists Ben Davey on catastrophic injury case. Alongside this, she manages her own caseload across a broad range of personal injury and medical negligence claims.

Acting exclusively for injured people, Jessica has experience supporting clients who have sustained serious, life‑changing injuries following:

• road traffic accidents (including those involving cars, cyclists, pedestrians and motorcyclists), 
• accidents at work, 
• accidents on public property and highways, 
• and medical negligence.

She understands that, following an accident, a client’s day‑to‑day life can be profoundly affected. Her role is not only to pursue compensation, but to provide practical support at an early stage, including securing interim payments to relieve immediate financial pressure and to fund private treatment, rehabilitation and care where needed. At the same time, Jessica keeps a clear focus on the long‑term position, working to recover damages for loss of earnings and future earning capacity, and to ensure clients have the resources required to support their recovery and long‑term independence wherever possible.

Jessica is committed to providing clear, practical advice and ensuring that clients feel supported, informed and confident throughout the claims process.

Recent Client Matters 

Jessica has successfully settled claims for clients who have suffered a wide range of serious injuries, including multiple fractures and musculoskeletal injuries, spinal injuries, amputations and traumatic brain injuries.

Personal Injury 

• Significant settlement for a passenger who sustained a brain injury in a road traffic accident - https://deanwilson.co.uk/news/ps400k-settlement-client-who-suffered-brain-injury-result-road-traffic-accident
• Six‑figure settlement for a motorcyclist - https://deanwilson.co.uk/news/six-figure-settlement-motorcyclist-injured-west-sussex
• Spinal Injury - A substantial settlement for a client left paralysed and wheelchair‑dependent following a spinal cord injury sustained as a passenger in a light aircraft - https://deanwilson.co.uk/news/dean-wilson-llp-secures-substantial-settlement-spinal-cord-injury-
• Compensation and early rehabilitation funding secured for seriously injured client despite liability being denied - Successful Personal Injury Claim Following Failure to Inspect and Repair | Dean Wilson LLP 

Medical Negligence 

• Complex Clinical Negligence claim involving amputation - Amputation clinical negligence claim settled despite liability denial | Dean Wilson LLP
• Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust agrees compensation protocol for families of David Fuller’s mortuary victims | Dean Wilson LLP

Inquests 

• Compassionate representation of a bereaved family at inquest, examining serious concerns surrounding care home failings - Family Represented in Inquest Following Fatal Care Home Incident | Dean Wilson LLP
• Missed opportunities by authorities to intervene and safeguard a vulnerable teenager prior to their death - Missed opportunities to intervene before 16 year old takes own life | Dean Wilson LLP

Feedback 

‘Thank you for allowing us to represent our father and mother and showing us how it can be done with respect and dignity even when we know what was happening behind the scenes was quite different.

You have all given dad the best chance to figure out what his future looks like and how to enjoy it without fear.’

‘The service we received from both Ben Davey and Jessica Edwards was exemplary. We cannot fault their professionalism and they kept us fully informed throughout the entire process in their dealing with what was an extremely complicated and lengthy case. Ben and Jessica constantly protected us from the stress and intimidation by the defendants over the course of the proceedings to ensure we felt safe and informed and their expertise, efficiency and attention to detail led to a positive outcome, one better than we could have ever hoped for.’

Memberships

• Member of the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL)
• Member of the Major Trauma Signposting Partnership (Brighton)

Contact

Jessica can be contacted by email at JVE@deanwilson.co.uk or by telephone on 01273 249292.

Areas of Specialism

Megan is a paralegal within our Residential Conveyancing team. She assists in all aspects of conveyancing transactions, specialising in sales, purchases, remortgages and transfers of equity. 

Megan graduated from the University of Sussex in 2024, achieving first-class honours in her Law degree. Whilst at university, Megan was a part of the Performing Arts Legal Clinic and provided legal advice and guidance to a variety of charities in the arts industry.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Law (LLB Hons) from the University of Sussex

Megan hopes to complete SQE 1 & 2 in the near future to fulfil her aspiration of becoming a solicitor. 

In her spare time, Megan enjoys playing piano and going to pilates classes.

Megan can be contacted by email: MBB@deanwilson.co.uk or on their direct dial: 01273 032324. 

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. 

Hattie joined the firm in January 2026 as a Trainee Solicitor and is currently undertaking her second training seat in the Dispute Resolution Department. 

Prior to joining the firm, Hattie undertook a range of legal experiences, including internships in commercial law and legal recruitment, and shadowing experiences in the criminal courts. Hattie was also a solicitor’s assistant flexibly supporting a small firm in Haywards Heath over a few years.

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor of Law: Graduated with first class honours from the University of Sussex. 

Master of Law: Graduated with merit from BPP University alongside passing the Solicitors Qualification Exam (SQE). 

CONTACT DETAILS 

Hattie can be contacted by email: HBS@deanwilson.co.uk or on her direct dial: 01273 032312. 

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. 

Areas of Specialism

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.

Recent Client Matters

• Involved in a large corporate acquisition which included over 55 commercial properties;
• Multiple eight figure portfolio refinances;
• Acquisition of a retail portfolio for over £10m;
• Refinance of commercial and residential portfolio worth over £5m

Qualifications, Membership 

• Solicitor
• LLB Hons
• PTLLS

Scott can be contacted by email: sg@deanwilson.co.uk or on his direct dial: 01273 249265. 

Tara graduated from the University of Sussex in 2023 with a degree in Law and Business Management. Since graduating, she has gained valuable experience as a Paralegal, joining Dean Wilson LLP in 2026 from a regional law firm where she worked within Commercial Property. During this time, Tara has assisted with and managed a wide range of commercial property transactions.

At Dean Wilson LLP, Tara primarily supports Jo Taylor, Partner in Real Estate, Commercial Property and Development, assisting with a broad range of matters and providing valuable support across the team.

Recent Client Matters

• Refinancing of Hospitality Portfolio
• Disposition of multi-let Industrial Unit
• Disposition of new build plots
• Leases and Assignments for both tenants and landlords

Qualifications 

LLB (Hons)

Contact Details  

Tara Dewey can be contacted by email: tid@deanwilson.co.uk or on her direct dial: 01273 249 206

Areas of Specialism

Siobhan is the Head of the Residential Property Department. 

Siobhan has worked for Dean Wilson LLP for over 20 years and specialises in both Residential and Commercial property transactions. 

Siobhan has a vast amount of clients worldwide and has an excellent reputation with estate agents, mortgage brokers, surveyors and the like.

Recent Client Matters

• Sale of London Residence worth in excess of £5m,
• Refinance of commercial and residential portfolio worth in excess of £20m
• Purchase of block of residential units worth in excess of £50m

Qualifications, Membership 

• Solicitor
• LLB Hons

Siobhan can be contacted by email: sac@deanwilson.co.uk or on her direct dial: 01273 249205. 

Siobhan is assisted by Fatima Hussain, Paralegal within the Property Department. Fatima’s contact details are: Email: fyh@deanwilson.co.uk Direct Dial: 01273 249209. 

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.

Areas of Specialism

James has over 20 years’ experience in the legal sector, with a strong focus on mergers and acquisitions, particularly within the estate agency and residential lettings industries. Having started his career at Dean Wilson LLP as a paralegal, James completed his training contract with the firm and qualified as a corporate solicitor. He has remained with the firm ever since and now leads as Managing Partner.

James is passionate about driving positive change, both within Dean Wilson and across the wider legal profession. He is committed to creating a more rewarding and efficient working environment for legal professionals, while ensuring clients continue to receive practical, commercially focused advice.

His leadership is underpinned by a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing modern law firms, and he brings a forward-thinking approach to both client service and internal culture.

James also serves as the firm’s COLP and MLRO.

Key Client Matters

• Advised on a £35m acquisition of an estate agency group
• Advised on a £15m acquisition of an estate agency group
• Advised on the restructuring and investment into digitally based health platform

Qualifications, Membership 

• Solicitor
• LLB Hons

James can be contacted by email: jc@deanwilson.co.uk or on his direct dial: 01273 249267. 

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

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. 

Areas of Specialism

Julian is a highly experienced family practitioner who heads up the Family Department. Julian is a trained Collaborative lawyer and Mediator. Julian is Top Ranked in the Chambers Legal Directory with testimonials including “a really good lawyer, experienced, calm and can fight his client’s corner with flair and creativity without making the dispute intractable.”

Julian’s focus is on resolving, not creating conflict, encouraging negotiation, and finding solutions.  Julian is adept at bringing a calm, focused and if necessary, robust approach to contentious and complex financial situations. Julian will bring empathy and solutions to child related matters. Julian will strive to find the approach which will best benefit the individual and to prepare them for life after separation.

Julian’s specialties :

• advising on high net worth and complex separations, involving businesses, Trusts, and pension issues

• dealing with cases using the Collaborative model

• resolving childcare disputes

• advising on pre and post nuptial agreements

• advising on cohabitation disputes

Recent Client Matters

• Acted for a Wife in Financial Remedy proceedings overcoming Husband’s refusal to provide full financial disclosure and comply with the Court timetable. Secured Penal Notices and multiple Cost Orders against the Husband and an excellent outcome for the Wife.
• Acted for a Wife in Financial Remedy proceedings that involved 5 hearings including obtaining a Legal Services Order. Secured significant lump sum for housing, repayment of debts and spousal periodical payments throughout the child’s minority.
• Acting for a Husband following a long marriage where Wife has issued Financial Remedy application. Included instruction of a single joint expert to value a company in which both parties are shareholders, a dispute in relation to matrimonial and non-matrimonial assets and the treatment of foreign assets. Successfully resolving matters outside of the Court process.

Notable Cases

• X v D [2023] EWFC 332 (B)

Qualifications

• Solicitor BA (Hons)
• Member of Resolution
• Founding member of Brightpod ( Collaborative Group) & Sussex Family Solutions (inter-disciplinary network of family professionals)

Recognition

Chambers ranked No 1 in Family/Matrimonial - “extremely experienced, sensible and really resolution-focused.” ‘Julian is one of the toughest negotiators but one of the most charming men you will ever meet.’

Legal 500 Ranked – “an experienced practitioner who is well known and respected by opponents and the judiciary.” “straight talking, trustworthy and well respected locally.” 

Julian can be contacted by email: JBH@deanwilson.co.uk or on their direct dial: (0) 1273 249223. 

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’.