Our People

Belinda is a Senior Associate in our Godalming office.

Belinda has over 10 years’ experience in advising private clients, specialising in dealing with a wide variety of matters including wills and testamentary issues, estate planning and the administration of estates and all Court of Protection matters such as Lasting Powers of Attorney and Deputyships.

In dealing efficiently with the legal processes, Belinda aims to put clients at their ease and by being sensitive to their situations, to provide clear advice in a way that clients are easily able to understand.

Belinda previously had experience at the Care Quality Commission, she has advised at the Citizens Advice Bureau and she has also represented clients at Court.

Belinda feels most rewarded by having satisfied and happy clients.

What do clients say?

"My thanks to Belinda Packer on behalf of myself and my family for her assistance in recently dealing with the Probate of my late mother's estate. She was professional and efficient throughout the process, which was greatly appreciated by all of us during that difficult time."

"Belinda was extremely good.... we told her what we wanted and she did the rest."

"We were so relieved to have our wills and power of attorney completed , Thank you."

"Belinda was extremely thorough and helpful and explained everything I needed to know about making a will and explained any queries I might have had."

Carol began her financial career in Banking gathering knowledge in all areas of the banking system. She then moved into the HR Department of the Local Head Office to work on projects within the local area. She left banking to have, and concentrate on her family.

Following her career break she briefly returned to banking, but in 1996 changed direction and joined Hart Brown where she has found that her experience in banking and relationships made within the industry have proved invaluable to her role. In 2002 she was made Finance Administration Manager with responsibility for managing the legal cashiers and in January 2022 Carol was appointed the firm's Compliance Officer for Finance and Administration (COFA).

Her role is to ensure that all aspects of the firm's finances runs smoothly, making sure that at all times the firm adheres to the Solicitors Accounts Rules ensuring the safety of client monies. She works closely with the board on all financial decisions, and enjoys working with, and building strong relationships with both the banking industry and accountants.

Celia has a wealth of experience in commercial property and in particular in acquisition of developments sites, acting for both landlord and tenants on commercial leases of industrial units and offices and acting for landowners on the granting of options. Two of her most memorable cases have been the negotiating of sale of land at Battersea Power Station and acting on the acquisition and disposal of a major development site which included negotiation with the office of the Mayor of London.

Celia joined Hart Brown in 2007 and she became a consultant in 2015.

Celia’s clients provide excellent feedback: “From the start of this project to the end you have dealt with everything that has been thrown at you and given me impeccable advice on all matters from buying the sites to obtaining the planning permission through to completing a section 106 on such a massive development and working tirelessly ….. thank you once again for your sound advice”

Debbie, who is a Partner, specialises in residential property. After joining Hart Brown in 1984 she quickly progressed through the ranks qualifying as a Legal Executive in 1996. She was admitted to the Fellowship in 1997. Debbie is well known in the Godalming area and receives high praise both from clients and agents who come back to her time and time again.

Her most memorable case was the purchase of a property for clients who were looking for a quick turnaround. It was a mere 3 working days from instructions to exchange of contracts.

Debbie often receives excellent feedback from her clients, here are just a few of their statements:

"This is the second time we've used Debbie at Hart Brown, and yet again she has given us fantastic service. Shall certainly be using you again."

"It's a quick, efficient and friendly service - just right for the somewhat fraught process of buying and selling property."

"We had our smoothest sale ever thanks to Debbie Beswick."

"Second time we've used you, second time we've been impressed."

Dimple is a Senior Associate Solicitor in the family law department. She qualified as a solicitor in 2007 after reading law at City University and has worked as a family solicitor in both Surrey and London. She joined Hart Brown in 2022.

Her practice involves advising on all aspects of family law and in particular the financial aspects of divorce and dissolution of civil partnership. She has extensive experience in negotiating financial settlements and advises clients with substantial assets including family businesses, pensions, trusts, foreign assets and inherited wealth as well as clients with more modest income and assets. She also deals with the variation and enforcement of existing financial orders.

Dimple assists clients to protect assets and family wealth through prenuptial and postnuptial agreements. She also assists cohabiting couples with cohabitation agreements, financial and property disputes as well as financial claims for children of unmarried parents under Schedule 1 Children Act.

Dimple has considerable experience advising on arrangements for children following divorce and separation including relocation of children both within England and Wales and abroad. She also assists clients where there are concerns around domestic abuse through personal protection injunctions such as Non-Molestation and Occupations Orders.

Dimple is a member of Resolution, a national organisation of family lawyers and other professionals committed to the constructive resolution of family disputes. She aims to provide practical, tailored advice to enable her clients to make informed choices with a focus on early settlement.

Dimple often receives wonderful feedback from her clients, here are just a few testimonials.

“Dimple is very professional and reliable. I was able to always count on her excellent advice, quick responses to my queries and sympathetic balanced communications with all parties. I would whole heartedly recommend her to anyone dealing with family legal issues”

“Dimple quickly understood the challenges I was facing and we spoke a lot on the phone which I found helpful and calming. She is very bright, professional and warm and just the person one needs when dealing with difficult and unfamiliar issues. Dimple is committed, has good judgment and eye for detail. She is a highly competent solicitor and I highly recommend her.”

“Thank you so much for your help, support and advice through this difficult process. I appreciate all you’ve done and look forward to a brighter future, thanks to your help”

“Thank you so much for everything you’ve done for me. You were so easy to work with at every stage of the game and I really appreciated having you to turn to. I still can’t believe how smoothly everything went! And the good news is, I’m genuinely finding happiness again in my life.”

“Thank you for your assistance and support over the last few years in relation to my difficult and challenging divorce proceedings and help to conclude the child matters with the best result I could have hoped for. I appreciate all your efforts on my case. I am so happy that I am spending quality time with my son and that he is getting to know his extended paternal family. Thank you for helping to make this happen.”

Elizabeth is the holder of a honours degree in History from The University of London and after attending the University of Law Elizabeth gained an honours degree in Law, a Graduate Diploma in Law and completion of the Legal Practice Course.

Elizabeth is a business development and marketing professional with more than 14 years’ experience spanning the legal services industry, luxury retail market and charity sector. Throughout her career, Elizabeth has specialised in legal business development, premium sales, business management, brand development and marketing within legal practice, large corporations, charities and SMEs.

As the Head of Marketing at Hart Brown Solicitors, Elizabeth is responsible for helping ensure the continued long-standing reputation of the firm as the law practice of choice among many individuals and businesses throughout Surrey and beyond.

Elizabeth is always keen to hear from external advertising and digital service providers that can strengthen our marketing and brand development efforts, or local organisations that we can work alongside and support.

Emily specialises in inheritance tax planning, the administration of estates, trusts, wills and lasting powers of attorney.

She is a member of the Law Society Probate Section and takes the opportunity to write articles and has been published in the local, regional and national press.

Her clients are delighted by her kind approach and efficient way of dealing with their matters, regularly writing to the head of department to comment on how pleased they have been with the service.

Having trained in the City, Emily joined Hart Brown in 2004.

Emily 's clients have commented: "Emily was very helpful and a pleasure to work with - she made the experience very easy we will happily recommend Hart Brown."

Emma is a Partner in the residential property department at our Cobham office. She has over 25 years' experience in helping clients move house as smoothly as possible.

Emma qualified as a solicitor in 1998 after studying for an LLB (Hons) Law Degree.

Her specialism within residential property involves dealing with a wide range of sales and purchase of houses and flats, ranging from first time buyers to high net worth properties.

Emma is a proactive member of the team, moving transactions forward as quickly as possible. She strives to find solutions to a range of problems that arise, ensuring her clients achieve their desired goals.

An example of feedback received from clients:

"Thank you for all your help with this. It's a pleasure to work with you. You are responsive, action oriented and straight forward - all behaviours which I value!"

Emma-Rose qualified as a solicitor in September 2023, although she has been with Hart Brown since graduating with her first-class honours Bachelor of Law Degree in 2019. Emma-Rose completed her Master of Law in Professional Legal Practice and obtained a distinction whilst working full-time as a paralegal at Hart Brown.

Emma-Rose has trained in the Commercial and Corporate, Leasehold Enfranchisement, Residential Property and Commercial Property departments and is now working full-time as a solicitor in her chosen field, Commercial Property.

Emma–Rose advises clients in relation to the acquisition and disposal of commercial property, granting and taking new leases, lease renewals, assignments of existing leases, grants of easements and deeds of covenant.

Emma-Rose prides herself in providing a straightforward, efficient and pragmatic approach to her matters so that she can deliver the best possible level of service to her clients.

Some client testimonials:

“I would like to thank you Lewis and Emma for your help, support, and advice in this matter, it did seem a bit daunting at first but you made it easy and I really appreciate what you have done for me so thank you again”

“Emma was a breath of fresh air always nice to speak to very helpful in me understanding the process.”

“Thank you so much for putting this together and sending it on to me. I am really very thankful. I have been so impressed with the communication from your firm throughout this whole process and have found you to be so easy and friendly to work with. I would have no hesitations in using Hart Brown in the future and would highly recommend you to others.”

“I just wanted to say thanks so much for doing this so quickly and efficiently… this is a great help.”

“It was an absolute joy and a pleasure working with you, where it's a small world and so if there are other times of my requiring excellent Solicitors, then I shall of course contact you.”

“Our interaction with you throughout was professional and efficient and we particularly appreciated your responsiveness/keeping us informed as matters progressed.”

“A huge thank you to Debbie and Emma for their absolutely incredible service during our house purchase. They were fantastic from start to finish, very thorough, regularly updated us and were always available by phone and email and answered all of our questions. We felt very well looked after and would highly recommend them!”

Eva is CIPD qualified having worked for several years within an HR setting, she also has a great deal of client facing experience. Alongside the day to day HR administration, Eva works to support the firm's wellbeing initiatives, Health & Safety obligations and the firm-wide learning and development programme.

Gerard qualified with a large regional firm in 1991. Since 1995 he has specialised exclusively on claimant personal injury work. More recently he has focused on complex higher value clinical negligence and personal injury claims, achieving seven figure settlements in personal injury cases involving amputation, multiple orthopaedic injuries and head injuries.

His greatest success has been winning the high profile case of Delaney-v-The Secretary of State for Transport where after almost 9 years of litigation involving two Court of Appeal hearings and an application to the Supreme Court he was finally able to establish that the Motor Insurers’ Bureau Agreement was incompatible with EEC law. As a direct result of the decision in this case the agreement has had to be amended to the benefit of many future victims of uninsured drivers.

Gerard is a member of the Law Society’s Personal Injury Panel and he appears in the latest Legal 500 rankings in the fields of personal injury and clinical negligence.

Gerard’s other professional qualifications include a Diplome D’Etudes Juridiques Francaises from Strasbourg University.

What do people say about Gerard?

“I have the highest regard for you and your company.” – Dr Philip Steadman , Consultant Psychiatrist.

“He is a pleasure to work with and always gains the absolute best outcome for those who instruct him. He is highly responsive and he has an eye for detail with a sensible overview of the global issues.” – Colin McDevitt, Barrister, 3 Paper Buildings.

“I think that is an excellent outcome!. You have phenomenal negotiation skills. I work with insurers every day and to say the very least they are a challenge!” – client.

“It has been an unbelievably difficult time over the past few years. The decision to have my leg amputated was not particularly easy, nor was the rehabilitation. To do all of that whilst worrying about my case would have quite simply been overwhelming. Having you there meant that I had none of that worry. I have always known as I was in incredibly good hands and that I had nothing to be concerned about… You have made a unfathomably difficult situation immeasurably easier, and I will be forever grateful to you.” – client.

Irene joined us here at Hart Brown in 2021 as a Senior Associate in our Woking Office and specialises in residential property.

Irene has an LLB (Hons) in Law and qualified as a Solicitor in 1992. She started her career in family and childcare work and following almost 10 years living abroad in Tokyo, Singapore and the USA she returned to work as a Solicitor in Surrey as a Locum Solicitor with long lasting appointments. Irene then worked for the past 7 years in a Surrey and Hampshire based firm and was promoted to Head of the Residential Property department.

Over the years Irene has dealt with all types of clients and properties, from first-time buyers starting out on the property ladder to people downsizing from larger properties and moving to assisted living accommodation and everything in-between.

Irene takes a lot of pride in clients returning to her for repeat business and she likes to build relationships with clients and local estate agents to ensure good and effective communication throughout each transaction. Irene’s careful but pragmatic approach makes the house moving process as stress-free as possible.

Legal Expertise:

James has specialised in corporate and company commercial law for twenty years advising on new business ventures, legal structures, sales & acquisitions, mergers, buy-outs, corporate investments and a wide range of commercial contracts.

He represents a wide variety of clients across various sectors including in media & advertising, branding & web design, engineering & manufacturing, transport & logistics, technology & software solutions, professional services, property investment, the drinks & fashion industries and sports & entertainment. He is known for his commitment to his clients, sound business sense and calm legal authority.

Recent transactions include the sale of a number of technology and IT businesses, acquisition of a transport and logistics business (aviation), acquisition of an event management company, acquisition of a business solutions provider and subsequent joint venture with a leading international management consultancy firm, sale of an energy technology business, restructuring of a property investment portfolio and the sale of a technology, media and communications group.

Background:

James was educated at Eton College and Bristol University. He then trained at the College of Law before qualifying with Cumberland Ellis LLP an established London firm and joining their commercial department in 2000, becoming a partner there in 2006. James joined the partnership at Hart Brown in October 2010 and now heads up the Commercial & Corporate Department.

Other business related positions include (i) member of the Havaianas Club (an exclusive entrepreneurs business club) (ii) involvement in Euro juris and related international legal networks and (iii) trustee of the Betty Riseley Trust and The Woodspring Trust.

Past times and hobbies include a fair amount of sport, particularly tennis and cricket and hiking, sailing, surfing or skiing whenever the chance arises. More sedate interests include reading (preferably historical novels), the occasional game of chess or poker and, hiking in the South Downs or days on the water in Chichester Harbour.

Jane is a Partner based in the Guildford office and she is also Head of the Dispute Resolution team here at Hart Brown. Jane specialises in employment Law and commercial litigation and brings more than 15 years' experience to her role.

Prior to entering the legal profession, Jane was employed in the aviation industry. This experience is appreciated by many of Jane's clients who note that she is able to take a commercial and pragmatic approach to any legal issue that they face.

Jane acts for a wide range of individuals and businesses and her areas of specialism include aviation, property related industries and IT. Jane regularly advises on aspects of employment law, such as settlement agreements, employment contracts, policies and procedures, redundancies, equal pay, data protection, issues arising from TUPE and reorganisations, the calculation of holiday pay, bonus and commission payments, disciplinary and grievance issues, dismissal and termination issues, the protection of confidential information and the enforcement of restrictive covenants. Jane gets involved in GDPR training for her clients and she is able to deliver tailored employment law training sessions upon request.

As a commercial litigation lawyer, Jane also deals in shareholder and directors disputes, commercial contract disputes and the enforcement of restrictive covenants.

Jane has been involved in successful high value commercial litigation for clients in the High Courts, she is an accredited mediator and she is a member of the Employment Lawyers Association.

Jane is often asked to write for a number of well known publications, including The Daily Mail, The Telegraph and The Week and she has been interviewed on BBC Radio 4.

Here is small selection of the feedback that Jane has received:

“Jane, I cannot sincerely thank you enough for your wise counsel and am delighted to have made your acquaintance. If I am blessed with a new position somewhere I will hand over my contract in the first instance to you. Likewise, any of my friends, peers, romans and countrymen wanting advice, I will point them in your direction.”

“Jane, you have been most resilient on my behalf for which I sincerely thank you for all your endeavours. I have a tremendous working relationship with Hart Brown and you have undoubtedly compounded this further."

“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”.

Jeremy has extensive knowledge in Residential Property. He qualified in 1992 as has worked for the last 25 years in various locations across Surrey, including Guildford, Godalming, Woking and now Cranleigh.

He is committed to providing a proactive, friendly and positive approach, with nearly 30 years’ experience as a residential property specialist. Jeremy strives to communicate clearly and effectively with all those involved in transactions he deals with, in order to achieve the best outcome for his clients. He endeavours to find pragmatic solutions to problems wherever possible.

Jeremy believes in building up a strong relationship with his clients in order to understand their aims and needs, and work with them to achieve these so far as possible.

Memorable cases Jeremy has worked on include completing a purchase within a week from instruction where his client was given a great incentive on a new build property if he completed that quickly.

Another involved the sale of a property where a Local Authority had acquired a strip of land along the frontage in the 1960s for potential road widening. They had granted a license over the land in exchange. The road widening never took place and the scheme had been abandoned, however, the buyers’ solicitors were not happy with the license arrangement that remained in place. Jeremy drafted a conditional contract clause which gave his client 9 months to resolve the issue with the Local Authority and to pay any premium agreed out of the exchange deposit. After lengthy negotiations with the Local Authority which involved taking Counsel’s Opinion in relation to the status of the license, an agreement was reached with the Local Authority just in time to enable him to give notice to the buyers’ solicitors to complete the sale.

John started his career at Hart Brown in 2016 before becoming a Partner in 2024. John has more than 21 years post qualification experience in property.

He is a member of the Law Society and has written articles for the local press in Kent, Sussex and Surrey.

John's specialisms:

The full cycle of business leases, buying and selling businesses as a going concern, specific expertise in the leasing and disposal of licensed premises, development work and residential leasehold extensions.

His most memorable case:

Handling the property aspects of a £20 million company acquisition and restructuring the leaseback arrangements to achieve a substantial SDLT saving.

Jordan is a Partner with more than 5 years' post-qualified experience, specialising in Wills, lasting powers of attorney and the administration of trusts and estates. He is based in the Trusts & Estates department in Guildford and Woking.

Jordan studied law at the University of Southampton, graduating in 2013. Whilst completing his LPC on a part time basis, Jordan worked in the firm’s quality and compliance department as the firm’s Chief Internal Auditor, before commencing his training as a Solicitor in 2016.

What does Jordan regard as his specialism?

"The administration of estates and inheritance tax planning in equal measure. My experience of administering estates and calculating inheritance tax liabilities has provided me with valuable insight into how this particularly unpopular tax applies. This type of work has given me the tools to advise clients as to the steps they can take in advance to mitigate their exposure to inheritance tax. I pride myself on providing legal advice in a straightforward manner, cutting through the legal jargon. I always endeavour to work as efficiently as I can in order to provide the best level of service."

Jordan frequently receives great feedback from his clients:

"In updating our Wills after having prepared our double LPAs, Mr Jordan Page has shown an in-depth grasp of the subjects in question and the required work processes. He has been prompt and authoritative in dealing with all our questions and queries to our satisfaction and in the preparation and delivery of the required outputs. It was a pleasure dealing and interacting with him throughout."

"Just thought I’d email to say thank you really - it’s been a long 11 months but some of the horror stories I have heard from friends who have had to deal with these affairs makes us all realise how efficient and effective you have been so I'd like to thank you on behalf of all our family."

"“Thank you above all for all your exemplary and conscientious work on my mother’s estate, carried out with great patience and attention to every detail.”

“Thanks again for all your hard and conscientious work on the estate and then the will. You have made what could have been a stressful process extremely easy and constructive. I really appreciate the time you have devoted to helping me navigate this.”

"Hart Brown comes up trumps yet again"

“I appreciate your efforts and thank you for helping me to understand the process!”

"Thank you for your help, your ears will be burning, as I have been ringing your praises!!"

“Thank you for all your input, help and time - it has been much appreciated.”

“May I take this opportunity to thank you for your hard work and professionalism - it is a testament to all those who worked so hard on this case that it looks as though it will all be settled by the first year Anniversary. Quite remarkable!”

"I would like to place on record my appreciation of the efficient and quick service you have provided, particularly as I wished to have the new will in place before my departure on holiday."

“I have been impressed by the way you have dealt with the estate and the thorough way each step has been handled”

"Thank you for the way you have handled my father’s estate. It made a potentially difficult task stress free. You may recall that I was executor for my Scottish aunt’s estate at the same time - let’s just say that was a far more unpleasant experience".

Kerry is a barrister in our Woking office.

Kerry was called to the Bar (Middle Temple) in 1999. She practised at 3 Stone Buildings (now Three Stone following a merger) until 2018 when she took a planned career break to spend time with her young family. During her time at the Bar, she specialised in private client work, both contentious and non-contentious. She has a wealth of experience advising on: trusts and estates; Wills, LPAs, probate and family provision (1975 Act claims); related inheritance taxation and professional negligence claims; Court of Protection and Elder Law; and co-ownership disputes.

An experienced litigator and advocate, Kerry also qualified as a mediator in 2008 and is keen to work with clients to find sensible, cost-effective solutions to problems as they arise. She is experienced at advising clients across the spectrum, including HNW and UHNW clients.

Kerry was a full member of STEP from 2005 to 2017 and will be reactivating her membership in due course. She was a committee member of the STEP Mental Capacity SIG from 2016-2017.

Kerry is keen to give back to the community and was on the panel for the Bar Pro Bono Unit (now Advocate) from 2006-2017, volunteered at Surrey Law Centre and at Refugee Action Kingston. She is happy to give talks to the wider community, including care settings and at local schools.

What do Kerry's clients say?

"...it’s such a relief. I feel like a big shadow has been lifted and I can move on. Thank you for all your help. I knew the instant I spoke to you that you were the right person to help us. I appreciated your understanding and compassion for our situation coupled with your extensive knowledge of the law and your no nonsense approach."

"We were treated very well. Kerry was so kind and understanding, could not have wished for better."

"Very thorough and clear, and responded well to my tight timetable and somewhat complex requirements."

Lawrence is a Partner based in the Guildford office, and he is also Head of the Residential Property team at Hart Brown LLP.

Lawrence qualified as a solicitor in 2001 and has extensive experience in a broad range of residential property work, including very high value transactional work and acquisitions for international investor clients. He also has considerable experience in dealing with property work originating from, or ancillary to, private client matters and family/matrimonial matters.

He is committed to providing a proactive, friendly and positive approach and he strives to communicate clearly and effectively with all those involved in the transactions he deals with in order to achieve the best outcome for his clients. He endeavours to find pragmatic and commercially viable solutions to problems wherever possible.

A Partner based in Cranleigh, Louise is also Head of the Trusts & Estates team at Hart Brown and has extensive experience in a broad range of Private Client work.

Louise helps clients with all aspects of Private Client work and deals with the formation and administration of trusts, lifetime and post death planning and will drafting. She also works with other professional advisors to provide a complete package of advice.

Louise has considerable experience of applications for probate and estate administration often including complex issues and overseas assets. Additionally, she can help clients with Court of Protection matters including lasting powers of attorney and court applications for gifts.

"Louise Harrhy is highly experienced in probate applications and estate administration especially matters involving offshore assets. She is skilled in Court of Protection matters, including deputyships and lasting powers of attorney." (Chambers UK 2016)

"Louise Harrhy is a really driven and committed lawyer. She advises clients on a wide range of areas, including the creation of wills, the establishment of trusts and the administration of estates. Her work also incudes Court of Protection matters." (Chambers UK 2017)

Louise is also a member of The Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners.

What do clients say?

"Having Louise Harrhy give me very sound professional advice on a previous occasion, I did not hesitate in approaching her to update my Will and to prepare LPA's on my behalf. Once again she expertly undertook all the required work and has left me completely satisfied and with peace of mind that all is in order.”

"Louise at Hart Brown helped me enormously in sorting out my deceased relatives affairs. I would not have been able to cope without her generous patience and understanding."

"Louise Harrhy was recommended to me as a highly professional and knowledgeable solicitor when I was seeking some advice on Estate Planning. This she certainly is and her advice regarding Wills, Trusts and LPAs has been reassuring and helpful in planning the way forward. I have been left with the impression of Hart Brown as a firm of solicitors that can be respected and trusted."

"I have had excellent attention from Louise Harrhy and her team at the Cranleigh Office recently, dealing with the Wills , Probate and Estate of 2 close relatives. These matters are never easy to deal with , but the combination of professionalism and kindness shown to me by Louise has been a huge help. I would not hesitate to recommend Hart Brown to anyone finding themselves needing help with such matters."

"I found Louise Harrhy to be very helpful and professional in her dealings with my late mother's estate. I would definitely recommend her and Hart Brown."

"Excellent!! Friendly and professional service by Louise Harrhy."

Lucy qualified as a solicitor in 1995 and has practised since then at a variety of firms, both in Central London and regionally. She joined Hart Brown in 2024 as a Senior Associate in our Commercial Property Department based at our Guildford office.

Lucy has 29 years’ post qualification experience in a wide variety of non-contentious property related matters, covering commercial and residential property and leasehold enfranchisement.

She currently focuses on all aspects of commercial property matters – where the property itself is for commercial use or the transaction has a commercial slant to it. This includes sales, purchases, leases, re-finance, auctions, property support for corporate transactions, development related work, sales and purchases of going concerns and more miscellaneous matters, such as Licences, Deeds of Easement and Covenant and more general property advice.

One of her most logistically challenging cases was the simultaneous completion of a re-write of all the leases in a block of 45 flats. Whilst one of her more interesting sales involved land at the Brooklands Race Track and the peculiarities it threw up.

Lucy prides herself on giving her clients a first class, well rounded, pragmatic, efficient, accessible service and cuts through the legal jargon to communicate with her clients in the best way she can. Her clients come back time and again and invariably recommend her to others, as do the other professionals she deals with on a regular basis.

Some recent testimonials from clients:

"Thank you, I’m really pleased I went with Hart Brown. You and Rod have been nothing short of excellent."

"I wanted to Thank you very much for your assistance in getting the contract signed at 6.55pm today. It was a really great effort on your behalf and you dealt with all the various complexities very well. I would be very happy to be advised by you again or to recommend you."

Margaret is a Senior Associate and specialises in wills, the establishment and administration of trusts, probate, tax planning and powers of attorney.

Margaret joined Hart Brown in 2017, bringing with her a wealth of experience to the Trusts & Estates department in Cobham. She has worked as a Private Client lawyer in Surrey for over 30 years, and is also a member of STEP and the Law Society Private Client Section.

Mark is a Senior Associate specialising in clinical negligence and serious injury claims.

Mark’s role is to investigate allegations of negligence including at inquests to try and get his clients any additional help they may need and to recover for them the compensation they deserve. He guides his clients carefully through the litigation and alternative dispute resolution process always setting out clearly what the options are and which is the best one.

He has over 30 years’ experience of working for both claimants and defendants including working on secondment for a number of insurers dealing with employers’ liability, public liability, product liability and road traffic accident claims. He has over that time recovered substantial damages for his many clients including over £3 million for one of them.

Mark is a Fellow of the Institute of Legal Executives and qualified at the Inns of Court Temple as a solicitor in 2004.

Mark really listens to what his clients want to achieve and will always tries to ‘go the extra mile’ to secure a successful outcome.

What do Mark's clients say?

"...thank you so very much for handling my case and getting me an unexpected outcome even with its complexity! The settlement has afforded me to cut my hours and afford to take early retirement..."

"A huge thank you for all of your guidance and support. Throughout you have been patient, explaining everything, never offering false hope, always approachable. We can now move forward..."

"I just wanted to say a massive thank you to you for all the hard work you have done for me... I really appreciate it and wasn't expecting anywhere near the final figure, all due thanks to you!"

"Thank you for all your efforts in sorting out my personal injury claim... I also thank you for your clear and concise explanation of legal speak which is hard to understand. All of my meetings with you were productive and interesting and you kept me well informed throughout."

Nick qualified as a solicitor in 1984 and lives with his family in Cornwall. Nick loves boats, watersports and motorcycles. He is hoping to find more time for reading and just enjoying views.

He is part of the Hart Brown commercial and corporate team acting for a variety of clients, some of whom he has been acting for over a period of many years. Nick is what is known as Group Counsel, but he uses his experience to quickly apply a process of narrowing down the requirements and opportunities that each client’s unique circumstances will bring.

He has helped a variety of clients from small SMEs to larger multi-national companies, but his approach is always the same – sensible, down-to-earth and pragmatic. Nick applies himself with vigour, energy, enthusiasm and pragmatism, as well as sympathy for the individual client’s circumstances and he never loses sight of the ultimate aim in each case. He has a deep sense of fairness and will apply that for his clients.

Nick's specialisms are buying and selling businesses, whether by way of shares or asset based deals, Shareholders’ Agreements or Cross Option Agreements.

Nigel read Psychology and Politics in South Africa. He went on to qualify as a solicitor in 1995 and initially practiced as a prosecutor before moving into private practice where he specialised in commercial work. He then moved into the business recovery and restructuring department at Pricewaterhouse Coopers broadening his understanding further of the problems and challenges a business faces.

Relocating to England in 1999 Nigel joined Hart Brown in 2002 and became a partner in 2004.

Nigel often received praise from his clients, these are just a few of the comments:

"Very efficient, cost effective service."

"This marks the end of a very long (15 years) and successful relationship with Hart Brown on the liquidation of the company. We thank the partners and staff at Hart Brown for all the advice and wise counsel they have given us over the years."

"You have an excellent team of people who make sure they understand the needs of the client."

Nitasha is a Senior Associate and holder of an LLB (Hons.), with over 15 years’ experience dealing with a broad range of legal matters. She has been a Solicitor for over 13 years, having qualified in 2011 and she specializes in Residential Conveyancing.

Nitasha has widespread knowledge of sales and purchases of freehold and leasehold properties, buy to let investment properties, transfers of equity, re-mortgages, right to buy schemes, new build purchases, auction purchases and equity release transactions.

Nitasha’s clientele ranges from first time buyers, property investors, corporate and individual clients from the UK and abroad, together with high net worth individuals.

Nitasha fully understands how stressful moving home can be, so she prides herself on providing a personal level of service with effective communication throughout the transaction in order to make each client's experience a positive one.

Peter Burtwell is the Head of IT at Hart Brown Solicitors, with responsibility for ensuring maximum uptime of the firms systems, security for client and business data and advising the board on future technology decisions.

With 20 years’ experience inside Hart Brown, Peter has seen, and been involved in many changes at all levels of the business.

Peter also enjoys working with external providers, blending the insights they bring from outside the sector with the long-standing traditions of Hart Brown.

Peter’s specialism is residential property.

He qualified as a Solicitor in 1991 and worked for a number of firms as a locum and then full time before joining Hart Brown in 2000. His experience as a locum he says gave him a good insight into the kind of firm that he wanted to settle down in. “It is amazing how different firms are in terms of the service they offer their clients” says Peter.

Peter receives excellent feedback from his clients:

"We would like to thank you very much for acting for us in this matter...we have been impressed with your timely and straightforward handling of the various stages of the process and your effective dealing with any issues arising. Once again thank you very much – it has been a pleasure doing business with you."

"I found all my dealings with Peter Howe very useful, he is very down to earth and explained and answered all my queries very clearly, which took away a lot of the stress. Thank you."

Roderick has specialised in property law for 30 years. He trained with Hart Brown, qualifying in 1985 and became a Partner in 1990.

He specialises in all aspects of non-contentious commercial property work including freehold and leasehold acquisitions and disposals; residential development work; options; conditional contracts, development agreements and land promotion agreements. He acts for a broad range of clients including property companies, developers, owner/occupiers and SMEs.

Hart Brown is recognised in the Legal 500 2024 edition for real estate work in the South East and the entry states “Practice head Roderick Campbell is experienced in handling all aspects of non-contentious commercial property work for a broad range of clients, recently specialising in acting for large residents’ associations that manage freehold estates."

In 2008 he published a book on “Methods of Securing Development Land Overage”. He also holds an LLM Masters Degree in Advanced Commercial Property Law with distinction.

He is a member of the Law Society Property Group and LawNet Commercial Property Group.

His most memorable case was acting for a landowner on the grant of an Option Agreement concerning an M25 service area which lasted for some 12 years between exchange and completion!

Rosie specialises in residential property, with experience acting for individuals in all aspects of conveyancing including freehold and leasehold sales, purchases, re-mortgages, transfers of equity, matrimonial transfers, equity release and shared ownership.

Rosie qualified as a solicitor in 2004, initially practising in family law for 3 years and has specialised in residential property since 2007.

Rosie has a 2:1 BMus (Hons) music degree from The University of Sheffield but went onto obtain commendations for both the PgDL and LPC from the College of Law, Guildford after deciding to peruse a career in law.

Outside of work, Rosie enjoys running and has completed numerous trail and road running events including 3 marathons.

Sharon has over 20 years experience in all aspects of family law and in particular the financial aspects of high value divorces. Sharon is a trained collaborative lawyer and she is particularly experienced in resolving medium to high net worth finances as well as children disputes including alienation.

She is a Resolution member and qualified in mediation and collaborative family law.

“A break up of a relationship is very sad for everyone concerned” says Sharon. “I believe that our role is to try and help both parties reach a solution which they are both happy with. When feelings are running high this can sometimes be difficult but I believe we can make a difference”.

Sharon is often thanked by her clients for her sympathetic and supportive approach through a traumatic time in their lives.

Her most memorable case was in a divorce where financial matters involving significant assets were resolved amicably yet parties persisted to argue about kitchen utensils!

Sharon qualified as a solicitor in 1986 and joined Hart Brown in 2007 becoming a partner a few months later.

Sue is a Senior Associate in the Trusts and Estates department, primarily dealing with wills, estate administration, inheritance tax planning, powers of attorney and Court of Protection work.

Sue qualified as a solicitor in 1994 and has worked for Hart Brown since 1997 apart from a 4 year career break.

Sue’s clients provide excellent feedback: “An excellent and efficient service. Would highly recommend to friends and family”.

Sunil is a Senior Associate within the Trusts & Estates team. He is based at the Cranleigh office. Since Sunil qualified as a solicitor, he has worked in firms with offices in Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Berkshire and Surrey.

After graduating from Sussex University with a degree in Law with French, he decided to travel abroad for a year or so. Nineteen years later, after having set up an English language school/consultancy a stone’s throw from the Amalfi Coast, he returned to the UK to fulfil his childhood ambition of qualifying as a solicitor.

Sunil has worked in the Private Client field since 2011, specialising in Wills, Estate Administration, Lasting Powers of Attorney and Deputyship applications to the Court of Protection, all the while taking courses and qualifications to improve his skills and knowledge.

He is a full member of STEP (the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners) and also achieved a distinction in the STEP Advanced Certificate in Will Preparation.

Susan is a qualified CIPD HR professional and is responsible for the firm's HR and Facilities functions. She has a wealth of generalist HR and pensions experience gained in the Legal sector, charities and publishing.

Susan joined Hart Brown in 2014 and works closely with the senior management team, giving advice at both operational and strategic level.

Susanna is a Senior Associate in our Trusts & Estates department in Cranleigh. Susanna had a previous career in Marketing and Business Development before pursuing her route to Law.

She was a College of Law (now University of Law) prize winner and qualified as a Solicitor in 2006.

Highly-experienced in a range of Private Client work, Susanna specialises in Wills, lasting powers of attorney, probate, administration of estates and Inheritance Tax planning.

Her estate administration work is wide and varied from simple estates to those of far greater complexity with foreign assets, business interests and gifts to charity. Aware that this work involves assisting clients at such a difficult and challenging time in their lives, Susanna provides practical and clear advice in a sensitive and empathetic manner, helping her clients to navigate through the complexities of the administration process as easily as possible.

Prior to joining Hart Brown, Tamzin had worked for a local authority and for both regional and national firms.

Tamzin is a Partner with over 23 years' experience and she is based at our Woking office. Tamzin specialises in all aspects of commercial property including the sale and purchase of shops, offices and restaurants, landlord and tenant matters (from granting the new lease, through to the various licences for works, transfers and so on) and dealing with the eventual termination of a lease. She is also experienced at dealing with development work including option agreements and acquisitions.

Hart Brown is recognised in the Legal 500 2024 edition for real estate work in the South East and the entry states “With substantial experience in sales and purchases of properties, landlord and tenant matters and development agreements, Tamzin Mandelli 'provides a high level of service’ and ‘is able to deliver what is needed’.”

What do Tamzin's clients say about her?

"We have just worked on a commercial transaction together, which was by far the most challenging case I have dealt with (for a variety of reasons). Tamzin was extremely efficient and salvaged the transaction multiple times... I highly recommend her!"

“Thank you very much for all of your help and support. It has been an absolute pleasure working with you and hope to do so again in the future!”

"...thank you for your support with X, it's been good fun. Wish you were handling a commercial purchase for me! … lesson learnt, will place with you next time!"

“The service I received was efficient, professional and the members I dealt with both past and present have been helpful…and very personable.”

Yara is a Solicitor in the Dispute Resolution team here at Hart Brown, having qualified in September 2024.

Yara obtained her degree in Law in 2020 at the University of Surrey before completing her Legal Practice Course and Masters in Law in 2021 at the University of Law.

Yara joined Hart Brown in 2022 and practices in property litigation, employment and commercial litigation.

Yara is committed to understanding her client’s needs and providing efficient advice and solutions.

Some client testimonials:

“Thank you again for going above and beyond to get this done for me.”

“I’d like to make a special point of thanking Yara as well, she has been there too almost from the beginning! We have been lucky to have her.”

Yiskah joined Hart Brown in January 2023 as a Trusts & Estates Solicitor based in our Cobham office. Yiskah assists clients in the preparation of their Wills and Lasting Powers of Attorney and in the administration of a loved one’s estate.

After studying Criminology and Sociology at Roehampton University, Yiskah completed the Graduate Diploma in Law and Legal Practice Course at the University of Law in Bloomsbury, gaining a distinction in Private Client.

Yiskah qualified as a solicitor in 2010, having completed training seats in family, property, commercial and private client matters and returned to law in 2022 following a career in the childcare sector, where Yiskah established and ran an Ofsted Good rated registered childcare setting in south west London.

Yiskah is an experienced and patient communicator, committed to assisting her clients with clarity, care and sensitivity. She enjoys pilates, property renovation, 5k runs and networking.

What do clients say about Yiskah?

"Both Yiskah Butcher and X have been fantastic with their communication... would absolutely use them again."