Position: Director

Matthew joined Berrymans Solicitors in March 2000 and specialises in residential property transactions. He was appointed Director 1st February 2018.

Matthew previously worked for a regional firm in the Birmingham area. Matthew’s experience and friendly approach helps to make the process easy to understand and as quick and as simple to undergo as possible.

Matthew can help you with a wide range of issues including:

• Residential conveyancing
• Buying and selling property whether as a home or an investment (and including both freehold and leasehold)
• Remortgages
• Transfers of Equity and transfers as part of matrimonial proceedings
• Right to Buy transactions
• Concessionary purchases
• Declarations of trust and advising on joint ownership

Outside of work, Matthew enjoys spending time with friends and family, trying different cuisines and travelling

Position: Director

Matthew joined Berrymans Solicitors in March 2000 and specialises in residential property transactions. He was appointed Director 1st February 2018.

Matthew previously worked for a regional firm in the Birmingham area. Matthew’s experience and friendly approach helps to make the process easy to understand and as quick and as simple to undergo as possible.

Matthew can help you with a wide range of issues including:

• Residential conveyancing
• Buying and selling property whether as a home or an investment (and including both freehold and leasehold)
• Remortgages
• Transfers of Equity and transfers as part of matrimonial proceedings
• Right to Buy transactions
• Concessionary purchases
• Declarations of trust and advising on joint ownership

Outside of work, Matthew enjoys spending time with friends and family, trying different cuisines and travelling

Vivienne qualified as a solicitor at Berrymans Solicitors in 2013 and became a Director in 2017. She has been the head of the Personal Injury Department for almost 20 years and sits on the firm’s Executive and Marketing Committees. Vivienne has appeared as an adviser on BBC’s Watchdog and Sky’s Legal TV and given numerous local radio interviews. She also voices the firm’s commercial on Free Radio.

Working with Vivienne, you can be assured that she will leave no stone unturned in the pursuit of justice for you. You will be treated with understanding, kindness and sensitivity. She is renowned for her attention to detail and analytical mind, giving her an advantage over her competitors.

Vivienne can help you with a wide range of issues including:

• Negligent treatment in a range of specialisms to include Orthopaedic, Gynaecology, Urology, Obstetrics, Nephrology and Cosmetic Surgery
• Late or missed diagnosis of cancer and other conditions
• Birthing injuries where poor care has led to PTSD, retained placenta, bowel or bladder injuries, stillbirth
• Claims against GPs, NHS Trusts and private consultants
• Missed fractures on x-rays
• Accidents at work
• Catastrophic injuries from road traffic accidents, including paralysis & amputation
• Food poisoning claims
• Product liability claims
• Claims arising from defective beauty treatments
• Representation at Inquests
• Dental negligence claims

Vivienne lives locally and is married with three children. In her spare time she enjoys holidays with her family, music and running, having taken part in the Stratford 10k, Regency Run and the Two Castles Run (which is sponsored by Berrymans Solicitors).

Get in touch to find out how Vivienne can help you with your personal injury and medical negligence claims.

Gilson became head of the Berrymans Solicitors’ Commercial team in 1995 and is our Senior Partner. He chairs the firm’s Executive Committee. During his career, Gilson has dealt with a great number of corporate, commercial and property matters, many high value and complex transactions and has acted for well-known names and brands. Working with Gilson, you can be assured that you will be provided with sound commercial advice from someone who likes to understand client’s objectives and meet their aims in a timely and practical way.

Gilson can help you with a wide range of issues including:

• Commercial property matters (sales, leases, developments and secured lending)
• Company matters (formations, shareholders’ agreements, sales, purchases and financing)
• Commercial matters (partnership, agency, commercial agreements, terms and conditions and joint ventures)
• Estate agency terms and conditions and compliance
• Company share sales, purchases and re-organisations.

Get in touch to find out how Gilson can help you with commercial advice.

Donna joined Berrymans Solicitors in 2000 and has been a partner since 2008. Donna is the head of the Wills and Probate team. Donna has an in-depth level of experience in matters relating to Wills, probate, care funding and court of protection work. She offers practical, sensible advice to her clients when drafting their Wills and prides herself in providing an efficient, cost effective service. Donna has prepared Wills for all manner of clients and brings the same, personal touch to all of them. She advises families who need help and assistance with elderly vulnerable relatives.  Working with Donna, you will be provided with empathetic advice and clear guidance to ensure you achieve your objectives.

Donna has been a member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP) since 2005 and is also a fully accredited member of Solicitors for the Elderly. Donna is a trained Dementia Friend and has undertaken Bereavement training.

Donna can help you with a wide range of issues including:

• Drafting Wills and Codicils
• Advising on inheritance tax planning and safeguarding of assets
• Administering estates
• Preparing Deeds of Variation
• Preparing Powers of Attorney and Deputyship applications
• Advising on the creation and administration of lifetime trusts and those arising on death
• Elderly client advice including contested Statutory Will applications and contested Deputyship and Power of Attorney matters in the Court of Protection
• Assisting clients where family members have lost capacity
• Care funding issues

Donna is married with a young family and lives locally. She is an active member of the community sitting on committees in her local area and helps at local fundraising events. In her spare time she enjoys going to the gym, skiing and horse riding.

Get in touch to find out how Donna can help you.

Position: Associate Solicitor

Fareen joined Berrymans Solicitors in 2024 as an Associate Solicitor in the Litigation Department. Fareen has undertaken her BA in Human Rights in Surrey with her Graduate Diploma in Law from the University of Law. She then went on to take her LPC LLM at the University of Law, qualifying as a Solicitor in December 2019. Fareen has acted for both Claimants and Defendants in the County Court and High Court.

Experience

1. High value cases in Royal Courts of Justice
2. Experience with contentious probate matters which includes a dispute arising from the powers of an attorney and seeking to make a property transfer void. Chandler v Lombardi [2022] EWHC 22 (Ch) (10 January 2022) (bailii.org)
3. Successfully obtained a High Court injunction on behalf of the Claimants to prevent the Defendants from selling a home in which they all lived in. Uddin & Begun v Hussain & Islam (2023).

Fareen is able to provide clients with a down to earth approach while ensuring the best outcome.

Fareen can help you with wide range of issues including:

• Contentious trust and probate claims
• Claims under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependents) act 1972
• Professional negligence claims
• Property disputes
• Breach of contract claims
• Injunctions

Fareen enjoys travelling, reading, hiking and working with various charities when she is not enjoying quality time with her family and friends.

Position: HOD Conveyance

Helen joined Berrymans Solicitors in 2001 and specialises in residential property transactions. She has been helping people move home for many years. Helen previously worked in-house for a mortgage lender, dealing with property sales and has an indepth understanding of all areas of residential property law. Helen’s experience and approach helps to make the process easy to understand and as quick and as simple to undergo as possible.

Helen can help you with a wide range of issues including:

• Residential conveyancing
• Buying and selling property whether as a home or an investment (and including both freehold and leasehold)
• Remortgages
• Transfers of Equity and transfers as part of matrimonial proceedings
• Shared Ownership Leases
• Lease extensions and leasehold enfranchisement
• Declarations of trust and advising on joint ownership
• Mortgage finance matters
• Advising on Stamp Duty Land Tax issues that may arise

Helen enjoys walking, cycling, travel, and gardening. She has recently completed a garden design course – and she is still improving her horticultural skills by signing up to study  another one!

Get in touch with Helen to find out if she can help you with your residential property queries.

Jacqui has worked in the County Court process for over 20 years and has extensive knowledge of the system. Jacqui specialises in the recovery of commercial and consumer debt acting for both large businesses and private individuals.  Jacqui is tenacious in her work and her advice is always commercially sound.

Jacqui brings a calm efficiency to her work and focuses on getting her clients the result they are after.

Jacqui can help you with a wide range of issues including:

• Debt recovery
• Return of goods
• Property re-possession
• Rent recovery actions
• Tracing assets where there have been attempts to hide them
• Enforcement of Judgments

Jacqui is passionate about the countryside and horses. In her spare time Jacqui has competed in most equestrian disciplines, including dressage, show jumping and eventing.

Get in touch to find out how Jacqui can help you.

Position: Partner

Jagdeep is the Head of the Civil Litigation Department at Berrymans Solicitors and joined us from a well-regarded regional firm in the Thames Valley. Jagdeep was also awarded the Legal 500 Recommended Lawyer status in 2017. Jagdeep has acted for both Claimants and Defendants in the County Court and High Court and has extensive experience in assisting clients at Mediation.

Jagdeep is sensible and pragmatic when advising clients and always considers the commercial reality of litigation when advising.

Jagdeep can advise you on a wide range of issues including:

• Boundary Disputes
• Breach of Contract Claims
• Contentious Probate Disputes
• Standard of Works and Construction Disputes
• Joint Venture, Partnership and Quasi- Partnership Disputes
• Debt Claims
• Adverse Possession Claims
• Landlord and Tenant Matters
• Injunctions

Jagdeep lives locally, is married and is a father of two young boys. He is a keen football fan having supported Liverpool Football Club from a young age and also has a keen interest in woodland walks, gardening and travel.

Position: Senior Associate

Jessica joined the Private Client department at Berrymans Solicitors in 2014.

Jessica read Law at the University of Gloucestershire and completed the Legal Practice Course at the University of Law in Birmingham, before qualifying as a Solicitor in April 2020.

She can assist you with a range of issues including:

• Advising Executors on the Administration of Estates
• Preparing Lasting Powers of Attorney and Deputyship applications
• Drafting Wills and Codicils
• Preparing Deeds of Variation

Outside of work, Jessica is a keen runner and has completed several marathons and half marathons. She also enjoys taking part in the annual Two Castles Run, sponsored by Berrymans Solicitors.

Jill joined Berrymans Solicitors in March 2003 where her role as the Practice Administrator is varied and wide ranging.

Her duties include:

• Providing administrative support to the senior management team
• Dealing with staff issues
• Payroll administration
• Recruitment
• Supervision of Lexcel Quality standard
• Health & Safety
• Facilities management

Jill lives locally and is married with two daughters. When not at work, she enjoys travelling, reading and socialising with friends.

Position: Principal Associate

Julia is the Head of our Employment Department. Julia qualified as a Solicitor in 1995 and has specialised in Employment law since 2000. She is a trusted adviser to both employers and employees, helping them navigate issues which they encounter at work.

Julia can help you with a wide range of employment law matters, including:

–  Working closely with employers, guiding them through disciplinary, grievance, redundancy and other procedures and finding pragmatic solutions to employment law/HR issues.

–  Advising employees who experience workplace problems. This includes assisting employees who face allegations of gross misconduct or issues relating to sickness absence, redundancy, discrimination or other unfair treatment. She provides a sympathetic ear, whilst providing objective advice and cost-effective solutions to employment issues.

–  Negotiating and advising upon Settlement Agreements (formerly known as Compromise Agreements) for both employers and employees as a pragmatic way of resolving conflict in the workplace, without recourse to legal proceedings.

–  Bringing or defending Employment Tribunal claims, ranging from unfair dismissal, constructive unfair dismissal, redundancy, discrimination, TUPE (Transfer of Undertakings), unlawful deduction of wages and breach of contract, amongst other claims.

–  Drafting documents such as contracts of employment, directors’ service agreements, staff handbooks, policies, consultancy agreements and post-termination restrictive covenants.

–  Providing strategic advice to employers on commercial transactions such as TUPE and advising employees on their rights in these situations.

Julia is a French speaker, having graduated from the University of Leicester with a degree in Law with French (Honours). She also obtained a diploma in French Legal Studies at the Robert Schumann University in Strasbourg.

Julia is a member of the Employment Lawyers Association and you will also find her on Linked-In.

In her spare time, Julia enjoys taking part in amateur dramatics, treading the boards as well as providing back stage support.

Get in touch with Julia to find out if she can help you with your employment law queries.

Kayleigh is the newest member of the probate team and joined Berrymans Solicitors in 2021. She started her legal career back in 2013 as a legal assistant and has gained experience working at two other regional firms before joining Berrymans Solicitors as a paralegal.

Kayleigh can assist you with a wide range of matters including:

• Drafting Wills and Codicils
• Preparing Lasting Powers of Attorney and Deputyship applications
• Advising clients when family members have lost capacity
• Registering Enduring Powers of Attorney
• Preparing Grant only applications in respect of estates

Kayleigh is efficient and sympathetic and understands the difficult family situations that can arise. She works closely with the head of department here at Berrymans Solicitors on more complex estate matters and is always happy to speak with clients to give advice and reassurance.

In her spare time, Kayleigh enjoys live music, reading and drawing.

Get in touch to find out how Kayleigh can help you with Wills and Probate.

Kevin joined Berrymans Solicitors in 1994 after graduating from the University of Wales, Aberystwyth, and became one of the firm’s Partners in 1999. Since then, he has used his expertise and knowledge of the issues faced by our clients to provide clear, strategic and cost-effective advice to help them achieve the best possible results. His expertise covers business, charity, and sports law.

Kevin acts for a number of well-known businesses and charities and bring a calm, knowledgeable and practical approach to his clients.

Kevin can help you with a wide range of issues including:

• Commercial property law
• Purchases of freehold and leasehold properties
• Commercial conveyancing
• Business sales and acquisitions
• Drafting and advising on high value commercial contracts
• Charities
• Sports law advice for governing bodies, clubs, coaches, and individuals

Kevin lives in Leamington and is married with two children. In his spare time, he enjoys playing golf and cycling but opts to watch the cricket and rugby rather than play. He is the Chairman of Leamington Cricket Club.

Get in touch today to find out if Kevin can help you with your business, charity or sports law queries.

Lisa joined the firm of Blythe Owen-George in 1983 as a junior in the Accounts Department and has worked her way up to the top spot. She is responsible for producing the firm’s management accounts, VAT accounting and generally overseeing all aspects of the accounts department functions with particular attention to client monies and the Solicitors’ Accounts Rules.

She was admitted as a Member of the Association of Accounting Technicians in November 2003.

Outside of work, Lisa enjoys cycling, music and historic motorsport, including rebuilding classic minis.

Position: Principal Associate

Lois trained at Berrymans Solicitors whilst studying the Graduate Diploma in Law followed by the Legal Practice Course at the University of Law, before qualifying as a Solicitor. Lois is a member of the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL) and has almost 10 years’ experience in dealing with a wide range of claims, including the specialist area of medical negligence.

Working with Lois, your claim will be dealt with efficiently and sympathetically and her attention to detail will ensure the best possible outcome for you.

Lois helps her clients with a wide range of claims, to include:

• Misdiagnosis and failure to diagnose in a wide range of specialist areas including Orthopaedics, Oncology, Strokes, Obstetrics and Gynaecology
• Failure to obtain adequate consent
• Claims for negligent treatment leading to further injury or death
• Missed fractures on x-rays
• Birthing Injuries
• Claims arising from negligent cosmetic surgery
• Road Traffic Accidents (to include acting for clients who have suffered from catastrophic injuries and brain injuries)
• Product liability claims
• Psychiatric injury
• Accidents at work
• Tripping or slipping claims in public venues

Lois enjoys keeping fit, travelling and reading. She is a Trustee at Zoe’s Place Baby Hospice, a cause very close to her heart.

Get in touch to find out how Lois can help you with your personal injury and medical negligence claims.

Position: Senior Associate

Nick qualified as a solicitor in 1998 and spent over 10 years at another Salfordfirm before joining Berrymans Solicitors in 2010. His experience and detailed knowledge of commercial matters gives him a sound understanding of the challenges facing businesses. With a wealth of experience spanning over 20 years, Nick is adept at finding solutions to whatever problems may arise during a commercial or residential transaction to ensure his clients achieve their objectives.

Nick can help you with a wide range of issues including:

• Commercial and residential conveyancing
• Freehold & Leasehold sales and purchases
• The creation of option agreements
• Advising landlords and tenants in connection with their leases
• Business sales and acquisitions for a wide range of businesses
• Providing guidance on issues relating to management of companies and partnerships
• Drafting and advising on a variety of high value commercial contracts
• Sports law advice for governing bodies, clubs, coaches and individuals

Nick lives locally and is married with twins. In his spare time, he has many sporting interests including watching football and rugby. Nick plays golf and has been involved in coaching his son’s cricket and rugby teams. 

Get in touch with Nick to find out if he can help you with your business and commercial legal queries.

Paul has been part of the Berrymans Solicitors’ Wills and Probate team since 1990 and qualified as a Chartered Legal Executive in 1992. Paul is extremely experienced in advising on both complex and high value estates and more straightforward matters. He advises in the preparation of Wills as well as the administering of estates following a death. Paul listens to his client’s objectives and gives good practical advice. Paul is a Dementia Friend and works sympathetically with those who have lost capacity.

Paul can help you with a wide range of issues including:

• Drafting Wills and Codicils
• Administering estates
• Preparing Deeds of Variation
• Preparing Powers of Attorney and Deputyship Applications
• Assisting clients where family members have lost capacity

Paul grew up locally and is married with children. He is a regular at Coventry City football club, having seen many ups and downs. Paul is a keen runner and organises the Berrymans Solicitors’ team for the annual Two Castles Run. He has participated in many local charity runs as well as several marathons.

Get in touch to find out how Paul can help you with Wills and Probate.

Philip started his legal career in 1978 and worked with some of the best known firms in the Salfordarea before joining Berrymans Solicitors in the summer of 2009.

Philip has wide experience acting in the County and High Court. He has a comprehensive knowledge of the Civil Procedure Rules and prides himself on his detailed analysis and attention to detail.

Philip can help you with a wide range of issues including:

• Contentious probate claims
• Claims under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependents) Act 1975
• Professional negligence claims (including in relation to solicitors, barristers, accountants, insolvency practitioners and vets)
• Commercial Contract disputes
• Property disputes
• Residential and commercial tenancy disputes
• Intellectual property disputes
• Insolvency claims and disputes
• Equine Law

Philip enjoys the outdoors, wandering in fields and clambering up rocky fellsides and has a keen interest in photography. Philip enjoys a quiet pint and reading biographies of medieval monarchs. 

Get in touch with Philip to find out if he can help you.

Position: Partner

Sophia has specialised in family law since 2007. She heads our family law Department, having previously headed a childcare Department and throughout her practice has always focused on providing excellent client care.

Sophia has an understanding and personable demeanour and is able to understand the needs of clients during this difficult period of their lives. She is also able to take a robust view and is realistic about what can be achieved in terms of reaching a settlement.

Sophia understands the financial challenges that need to be overcome to reach a financial settlement that is fair and reasonable, meets the needs of the parties and in accordance with the law puts the children first. She is able to advise clients in connection with the options that are available to them and assist them in making important decisions regarding the settlement of finance and property cases. Sophia also has the tenacity to take matters through the court process where cases do not settle.

Sophia has experience of dealing with finance and property matters and understands the dynamics of business whether in the guise of a private limited company, partnerships or professional entities.

Sophia is a member of Resolution, a member of the Association of lawyers for Children and an accredited member of the Law Society’s Family Law Panel.

Sophia is able to provide clients with expert legal advice in respect of any family matters including:

• Divorce
• Financial matters
• Children act issues including guardianship issues and acting for grandparents.
• Civil partnerships
• Pre-nuptial agreements
• Separation agreements
• Cohabitation agreements
• Injunctive proceedings including freezing orders.

Away from the office, Sophia is the Legal Advisor and Chair of a local Fostering Agency dealing with applications of prospective foster carers. Sophia is also a school Governor of a primary school and provides language tuition in her spare time.

Outside of work, Sophia loves to spoil her two little boys and keeps them busy and entertained. She loves to read, listen to music, run (when time allows) and long country walks. She also enjoys a full social life including music shows, cinema, dancing, dining and wining especially when her best friend, Champagne, is available.