Contentious Trust, Probate and Inheritance Act Claims

Jane specialises in commercial litigation and employment law acting for both employers and employees in both contentious and non-contentious matters. She has also over recent years carved out something of a niche in the field of mobile homes legislation acting for an owner with a number of sites.

Having studied geography at University College London Jane worked for a number of years in the aviation industry which has given her a real insight into the challenges faced by most businesses. Jane qualified as a Solicitor in 2004 before joining Hart Brown in 2011 and becoming a Partner in July 2018. Not only is Jane our specialist in employment law but she is also a prolific blogger within Hart Brown. You can find many of her articles on the 'News' section of the website.

Jane often receives praise from her clients:

“I appreciated the clarity of advice given at a stressful time”.

“A sensitive and highly professional approach and efficient work in the interests of the client”.

“Your advice, conduct and assistance have been indeed outstanding and very professional but also – and most importantly – very humane”.

And outside work:

1. What was your first car?

Mini Metro – I did not drive it much as it was always on the back of a tow truck.

2. Where is your favourite travel destination?

San Francisco because it has a relaxed atmosphere.

3. What advice would you give to a trainee solicitor starting their career now?

Be certain of the choices that you make.

As Head of Dispute Resolution Paul has extensive experience of dealing with a wide range of disputes focusing in particular on professional negligence, contentious trust and estate cases and Inheritance Act claims where he acts for both claimants and defendants, trustees, executors and beneficiaries.

He is a member of the Professional Negligence Lawyers’ Association and the Association of Contentious Trust and Probate Specialists. He is also an ADR Group Accredited Mediator. Paul has, in the past, appeared on local radio as a “legal eagle” responding to listeners’ queries.

Passing his Law Society finals with First Class Honours Paul originally trained at Hart Brown. Having spent two years sharpening up his advocacy skills at another firm Paul returned to Hart Brown as a partner.

As one client put it: “I am very impressed with his thoroughness” and another: “A very professional service delivered in a very personal way”.

“With Hart Brown I had complete success with my claim against my former solicitor. At all stages I had the confidence to proceed based on the clear analysis and communication of my position. I have no hesitation in recommending Hart Brown and particularly Paul Grimwood”.

And outside work:

1. What are your interests outside of work?
Racquetball, badminton, watching rugby, travel and music.

2. What is your favourite travel destination?
We once did a house exchange holiday to San Francisco and there was such a lot to see and do that I felt slightly sorry for the American family staying at our house in Surrey.

Simon is a barrister within our Dispute Resolution department having been called to the bar in 1987. He was a tenant in chambers in the Middle Temple for ten years where he had a broad practice in general commercial and civil litigation before increasingly specialising in property litigation. Before he joined Hart Brown in June 2012 he was in private practice in central London.

Simon has substantial expertise in all aspects of property disputes as well as property related professional negligence claims and insolvency.

Simon is a trained mediator and a keen advocate of alternative dispute resolution as a way of resolving claims. He is also a member of the Property Litigation Association in the Middle Temple.

And outside work …

What is your favourite film?
Ferris Bueller’s day off.

What are your interests outside of work?
Running a small holding which includes pigs, bees and chickens. Sailing and cycling (but not at the same time!).

What would you have done if you had not become a lawyer?
Advertising.