Movers and Shakers
GL Law
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GL Law reports a marked increase in the number of people seeking advice about organising their affairs and planning for later life. This summer the established Private Client team welcome Senior Associate Solicitor Ben Coulson and Paralegal Lauren Downs to help them meet demand and support their already impressive estate administration offering.
Heledd Wyn, Head of Private Client and a director at GL Law, said “I believe the pandemic has had a profound effect on the way people think about their future and planning for the unexpected. Knowing that you have organised your affairs and protected yourself and your family brings great peace of mind.”
Ben Coulson agrees “As lawyers we are acutely aware of how important it is for a Will and Lasting Powers of Attorney to be put in place. A carefully drafted Will can ensure that your last wishes are accurately reflected and can help mitigate any potential tax consequences. When we talk to people about the consequences of not having these documents in place when the worst happens, we are reminded of just how devastating it can be for them and their family.”
The GL Law Private Client team provides advice and guidance on all aspects of estate planning including making a Will, Lasting Powers of Attorney, trusts, probate and estate administration. The team also offers specialist advice to those facing long term or elderly care, with particular experience in care funding and Court of Protection matters.
Marc White & Co
Nigel was born and educated in the United Kingdom, and worked in government departments across HMRC and DWP before he changed career and studied for a Law Degree and Legal Practice Course at Staffordshire University.
Following University, Nigel spent many years working for prominent law firms in South Cheshire. Here he was responsible for the planning and administration of private clients’ diverse estates, including business and agricultural assets. Whilst working in those areas he studied for and obtained the full Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP) qualification. He has also studied for and obtained the Association of Contentious Trusts Practitioners (ACTAPs) qualification.
Nigel has a working knowledge of French, German and Italian and spends his spare time studying foreign languages and literature, the fortunes of Atalanta B.C., and World Cup Skiing.
Meade King
We are delighted to welcome two new starters to Meade King LLP - Alex Rossiter and Arti Vadher.
Alex joins our thriving Commercial Property team as Senior Associate. Qualifying in 2012, he has worked for two other medium-sized Bristol firms before joining Meade King in August 2021.
We are delighted to welcome two new starters to Meade King LLP - Alex Rossiter and Arti Vadher.
Alex joins our thriving Commercial Property team as Senior Associate. Qualifying in 2012, he has worked for two other medium-sized Bristol firms before joining Meade King in August 2021.
He advises on a broad range of commercial property matters including acquisitions and disposals, landlord and tenant work, portfolio management, financing, pension property, property development and corporate support.
Alex is also part of our busy Dental team, assisting with property matters.
Outside of work, you might find him at the chessboard, doing a quiz or chasing after his toddler.
Arti is a Solicitor and will play a vital role in our Corporate team. She has experience advising on a range of matters, including commercial contracts and corporate documents. Since qualifying in 2020, Arti has worked on commercial transactions for businesses in a variety of sectors.
At Meade King, she will additionally act for clients in the dental and healthcare sector, including the purchase and sale of dental practices.
Outside of work, Arti enjoys archery and Muay Thai, and is a keen forager.
St John's Chambers
We are pleased to announce that Darren Lewis and Louise Asprey will be deputy heads of our Personal Injury team.
Darren has over 17 years’ experience in personal injury law, and has developed a specialist defendant practice focusing on fundamental dishonesty, S57 & fraud in employers, public liability and industrial disease litigation. He represents local authorities from Plymouth to Walsall, privatised public services and NHS Trusts across the South West, Wales and West Midlands. Darren acts for large real estate investment portfolios owning retail premises from Reading to Swansea. Read more here.
Called to the Bar in 2007, Louise joined us from Walnut House Chambers in 2020. A highly regarded member of the Circuit she has many years’ experience representing both claimants and defendants in personal injury and clinical negligence matters. Instructed by both national claimant and defendant firms on fast-track and multi-track trials, Louise also has extensive experience of acting and advising on high-value claims with issues such as complex loss of earnings and pension calculation. Louise is a member of the Treasury Solicitor’s Panel Counsel and is frequently instructed in complex Article 2 inquests including those arising as the result of clinical negligence, road traffic accidents and deaths in custody. Read more here.
Rachel Russell appointed Head of Personal Injury. Rachel has had a successful career since joining St John’s Chambers in 2005, and is highly respected both in Chambers and on circuit. She was recently appointed Recorder on the Western Circuit sitting in the civil jurisdiction. Rachel has gained a reputation for her robust advocacy, well-reasoned but no nonsense approach to complicated issues, and her friendly manner with clients.
She has 20 years’ experience of personal injury cases, acting for both claimants and defendants, with extensive expertise in claims concerning catastrophic injuries of the utmost severity. She is currently instructed as junior counsel to Christopher Sharp QC in a particularly complex traumatic brain injury case. Rachel’s regular clients include national insurers and top-tier claimant firms, as well as numerous local authorities throughout England and Wales.
St John’s Chambers is pleased to announce that Dominik Morton, formerly of Queen Square Chambers, Bristol, has joined the St John’s Family & Divorce team.
Dominik specialises in children public and private law, assisting clients in highly emotional and complicated care proceedings in courts across the Western Circuit. Dominik has also been instructed on many occasions to represent privately paying and legally aided clients in all disputes relating to the welfare of the children.
He has supported and represented a number of vulnerable individuals in proceedings relating to non-molestation orders and occupation orders.
Dominik is praised by many of his lay and professional clients as well as members of the judiciary for his personable, empathetic, and down-to-earth approach.