I spent my childhood in Papua New Guinea and later attended Fettes College in Edinburgh. I completed my Law degree at Kings College London and I qualified as a solicitor in 2007.
I am a Partner in the Family Team, having joined MWB in October 2024. I previously worked for a large corporate law firm, where I acted on behalf of high-net-worth individuals.
As a senior member of the family team, I support clients with complex legal matters including divorce, financial remedies, separation agreements, pre and post nuptial agreements, child arrangements, cohabitation disputes and injunctive remedies.
I have significant experience in advising clients in matters involving business assets, multiple property ownership, inherited wealth and valuable pension arrangements.
I am passionate about helping people who are going through difficult times. I take time to consider my clients’ concerns and explain legal concepts clearly to ensure that they fully understand their options. I strongly believe that knowledge is power when it comes to making impactful life decisions.
When I am not working, my hobbies include watching live music (rock being a favourite), travelling the world, keeping fit and cooking. I am also very fond of cats.
I am a Partner within the Private Client team and I have been with MWB since 1998.
I work mainly in the Seaford office and also from home and I specialise in elderly client affairs and probate matters.
What attracted, and keeps you in this area of law?
I love that there is a sequence of events to do it, with a few bumps to work out to keep it interesting. I love helping people during a difficult time, sorting through the emotions for them and making it all manageable and hopefully easier to deal with.
In addition to managing my own probate and elderly client matters, I also happily assist my colleagues in the preparation of Tax Returns and Estate Accounts. I have a background in complex Deputyship work, managing the finances and investments of both brain damaged minors and elderly clients.
What do you most enjoy about your role?
My personal favourite thing to do is training the junior trainees, I like meeting new people and helping them develop their skills and put them into action.
Before becoming a qualified fee earner for Mayo Wynne Baxter, I was a legal secretary within the firm’s private client team for five invaluable years. I know all the processes from different role perspectives, which helps me give the trainees a more rounded understanding of each stage and how the team connects and works best together.
I’m now a Chartered Legal Executive and have achieved a Professional Diploma in Law and a Professional Higher Diploma in Probate Law & Practice, Equity & Trust Law and Family Law. This wide spectrum of department knowledge is helpful when training juniors.
What are your strengths and skills?
I am dedicated to building strong and trusting relationships with all my clients, particularly when working with the elderly. I also like to have the same trust with my colleagues.
I am committed to the firm and I am an active member of the Staff Engagement Committee and the Social Committee.
What would your colleagues say about you?
They would say that I am super organised.
They would also say that I am the “unofficial support welfare officer” in our office – when we are in the office!
I have a chair in my office, that anyone can come and sit in and have a moan, talk through an issue or just have a cup of tea and a chat.
Outside of work
I have two young boys that keep me very busy and I’m a member of the PTA at their Primary School.
My hobbies are visiting National Trust properties and cooking.
Rebecca is a Partner in our Private Client team, she qualified at a Brighton firm in 2005 and is now based in our Storrington office.
As a Sussex native with a deep-rooted understanding of the South Downs and its local economy, Rebecca brings a unique perspective to her work with rural clients. Her extensive knowledge, combined with her professional experience, makes her an invaluable asset to our clients.
Rebecca’s qualifications and experience in private client work, including Wills, Probate, LPAs, succession planning, and Declarations of Trust, position her well to address the specific needs of rural clients. Her involvement in the Association of Lifetime Lawyers (formerly SFE) demonstrates her commitment to providing exceptional legal services.
Why Rebecca is Ideal for Rural Clients:
- Local Knowledge: Rebecca’s familiarity with the South Downs and its rural communities allows her to understand the unique challenges and opportunities faced by land owners, farmers, and related businesses.
- Strong Network: Her local connections with land owners, agents, and farming business accountants can facilitate collaborations and provide valuable insights into the rural landscape.
- Tailored Solutions: Rebecca’s expertise in private client work enables her to offer tailored solutions that address the specific needs and goals of rural clients, such as estate planning, succession, and asset protection.
By combining her local knowledge, professional experience, and strong network, Rebecca is well-equipped to provide exceptional legal services to rural clients in the Western region of MWB.
She is a committee member of the Steyning & District Business Chamber.
Outside of work, Rebecca volunteers regularly with HomeStart.
She is married to a Royal Navy Officer and has two children, three cats and a tortoise!
At weekends Rebecca can be found stomping around National Trust grounds or the South Downs and indulging in her love of good food.
Sacha is a specialist residential property and conveyancing lawyer based in Seaford and is a Partner within the Residential Property Team at Mayo Wynne Baxter.
He supports individuals who are looking to sell or purchase a property. He works with a varied client base from first time buyers to developers and high net worth individuals.
Sacha has a detailed understanding of conveyancing law and experience in buying and selling properties, as well as transferring ownership. He takes a considerate and understanding approach when dealing with clients, as buying or selling a home can be an emotional and stressful process for many. Sacha prides himself on keeping his clients informed of any progress made and is always open to meeting with his clients in person to discuss any concerns they may have.
Sacha has recently completed a sale and purchase of a property where his client needed to exchange within a very short deadline due to personal circumstances. Sacha managed the process closely, negotiating with other parties, to ensure his client was able to exchange and complete simultaneously within the original timeframe.
Outside of work Sacha enjoys running, watching Formula 1 and trying to improve at Chess.
Sam qualified in 2001 and joined Mayo Wynne Baxter as an Associate Solicitor in 2015 and was promoted to Partner in 2017.
She expertly advises both employers and employees on all aspects of employment, whether as a robust litigator or by concentrating on the finer points of contract drafting.
Sam has taken on various cases centred on discrimination issues and has proven to be a highly persuasive advocate in the presentation of complex cases.
Her in-depth knowledge and eye for detail are matched by her ability to be quick on her feet in cross-examination.
She rightly prides herself on giving pragmatic advice, especially when weighing-up the potential costs involved in litigating a matter.
The needs of clients are her primary focus.
Sam consistently receives excellent feedback, building her client base through regular referrals from those she has advised throughout her successful career.
Sam plays an active part in the management of the firm and is its Equality and Diversity Partner.
Outside work she enjoys sea swimming (even better in winter!) and cycling, taking full advantage of the Sussex countryside whenever she can.
Simon Baillie-Hamilton is a Partner and Head of the Rural Business and Property team for Mayo Wynne Baxter and has been with the firm since 2000.
Simon is a specialist agricultural solicitor who advises landed families and rural businesses.
With dual professional qualifications, Simon began his career as a rural chartered surveyor before becoming a solicitor. He previously worked for Strutt and Parker and regional law firm Thomas Eggar.
Simon qualified in 1996 and is recognised as one of the country’s top agricultural lawyers by the leading independent guide to the profession Chambers UK. He is a Chartered Surveyor as well as a solicitor and a member of the Agricultural Law Association.
At work Simon is particularly interested in agricultural property, development options and promotions, landlord and tenant matters as well as management and planning for landed estates.
Outside work he enjoys all sports and is a keen supporter of Lewes Hockey Club.
I am a family law specialist having qualified as a solicitor in 2007.
I have worked in the Sussex area since 2013.
Prior to joining Mayo Wynne Baxter, I was head of the family law department at a firm in Horsham. I have also previously worked at a regional top 100 firm.
I support clients on all aspects of family law, including divorce, financial and children matters.
I adopt a friendly, calming approach and understanding what a stressful time this is for individuals, I work hard to provide an excellent client service during this difficult time.
I am a member of Resolution, a national organisation of family lawyers committed to a constructive and non-confrontational approach to family law matters.
However, where a more robust approach is required, I am a firm litigator with extensive experience of the court process.
My work attracts positive feedback from clients and peers alike. I have previously been recommended in the Legal 500 and Chambers UK directories.
The 2021 edition of the Legal 500 comments that “Marwa Hadi-Barnes is an excellent solicitor. She is thorough and always give very practical advice.”
Chambers UK has said “Marwa is well regarded for her work on divorce and financial remedy. A source describes her as informative, pleasant and kind. She was on my side while maintaining a professional distance – a perfect balance” and “she is very efficient and good at giving realistic advice” say interviewees.
In my spare time, when I am not keeping my young son occupied, I try to fit in city breaks, Les Mills classes and the odd gig.
Matt qualified at a regional firm in the South West in 2010 before relocating to Birmingham to start his legal career. Shortly after relocating, Matt joined what was Shakespeares and later Shakespeare Martineau (another firm within the AMPA legal and professional services group). Matt worked in the firm’s Birmingham and Solihull offices before moving to head up the Private Client team in their Milton Keynes office as a Legal Director where he stayed until 2022 at which point Matt moved to Sussex and joined Mayo Wynne Baxter as a partner.
Matt is a full member of STEP, an accredited member of The Association of Lifetime Lawyers (formally SFE) and has passed the STEP diploma in advanced Will preparation with Distinction. Matt was also named as Associate to Watch in the Chambers 2022 High Net Worth rankings and ranked as Up and Coming partner in Chamber 2023 High Net Worth ranking!
Matt enjoys helping all types of clients in negotiating the pitfalls of estate planning and estate/trust administration including Will preparation, Lasting Powers of Attorney and IHT planning. Matt has a particular interest in working with clients from within the LGBTQ+ community, offering an open and non-judgemental path to the services they need.
Outside of work Matt enjoys going to the theatre and has seen almost 70 shows in the West End and on tour. He is also kept busy looking after his Husky on long walks as well as visits to the many local vineyards in and around Sussex. He also enjoys swimming and DIY.
High Net Worth Guide 2023 – ranked Up and Coming : Private Wealth Law
High Net Worth Guide 2024 – ranked Up and Coming : Private Wealth Law
Matt Parr is a well-regarded partner based in Mayo Wynne Baxter’s Crawley office and advises on estate planning and administration matters.
Strengths
“Matthew Parr was professional, prompt and able to come back to me with answers almost immediately to achieve the best outcomes.”
“Matthew has always been approachable and very professional. He is always willing to answer any questions and come back with a solution.”
Nadine works in our Residential Conveyancing Department.
Qualifying as a Solicitor in 1999, she joined Lawson Lewis Blakers in 2000 and became a Partner in 2002.
Nadine is now a partner at MWB since the merger in 2023.
In addition to assisting Clients with buying and selling their homes Nadine’s expertise also includes New Build Properties, ‘Right to Buy’ Schemes, shared ownership properties as well as Lease extensions and variations.
I qualified from Queens Mary and Westfield College, University of London with a degree in Economics but I have always seen myself as someone who would help others. I worked in a variety of commercial roles for several years after I left University all of which were client relationship management roles.
I then lived and worked in New Zealand for a year before deciding to go to law school. I have always been able to help solve problems and have (on the whole) been the sensible one. I have always both dealt with people and developed relationships with them and working in law has offered me the chance to combine those skills in finding solutions to challenging problems.
The commercial experience that I have means that I can understand other considerations businesspeople will have beyond the strictly legal avenues.
What attracted, and keeps you in this area of law?
I have always worked in a client facing role and working in law is, as I see it, the ultimate client service industry. I find it both challenging but personally rewarding as dispute resolution provides so many more options than simply winning and losing. The goal is always to find a way in which a client can find a resolution. It is always interesting working with people in order to do that.
What do you most enjoy about your role?
Clients often come to a dispute resolution lawyer because they feel that they have nowhere else to turn. My goal is to give them both clear and comprehensive help and advice in a difficult time and work with them to achieve the best outcome. Dispute resolution is both wide ranging and ever-changing and always presents a number of daily challenges.
What does a typical day look like for you?
A typical day will involve, drafting court documents, setting out clients’ positions to opponents, reviewing evidence, considering strategy, and advising clients on their next steps. My day is often taken up either thinking about, advising on, and answering the question “what happens next”.
What are your strengths and skills?
My strengths are that I can explain complicated legal processes to clients in a way in which they can understand. I can identify the relevant information and explain to clients not only the legal merits of their position but also the financial and commercial reality of what they should do next. My expertise extends both to any commercial dispute, property litigation and contentious probate.
I am approachable, considerate, and full appreciative that clients want to conclude matters in a timely manner. I know that my clients, often, do not want to go to war but they do want “fairness” and I always aim to achieve that for them.
I am both accessible and responsive and do not lose sight of the commercial realities, damage and costs surrounding the resolution of disputes.
I am also an accredited mediator which has really helped me advise my clients on that method of resolving disputes. I have also worked in non-contentious commercial transactional work which has helped identify specific issues when disputes arise.
Tell me about a memorable time when you have helped a client.
I recently acted for two investors in a property development. The developers went into liquidation and our clients both faced losing hundreds of thousands of pounds through no fault of their own. Through a variety of different steps and actions were we able to recover the money that the investors had spent plus their legal costs.
What do you like to do outside of work?
I spend my time outside of work with my family and our friends. I enjoy swimming and keeping fit generally and I help coach my son’s football team which takes up a lot of the weekend.
I try not to be too obsessed with the fortunes of both the England cricket team and Tottenham Hotspurs.