Jo has been at Mayo Wynne Baxter since 2012 and qualified as a solicitor in 2015. Jo is now a Partner as of April 2019.

She is based in the Lewes office and is the lead solicitor in the firm’s Leasehold Enfranchisement Team.  She specialises in residential landlord and tenant matters and has particular expertise in dealing with:

  • Lease extensions proceeding by agreement and under the LRHUDA 1993
  • Sales and Purchases of Freehold title by agreement, collective enfranchisement and via s.5 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1987
  • Acquisition Orders, Vesting Orders and assisting with missing Landlord issues including applying to the Tribunal or Court where necessary
  • Purchases of freehold titles where you own a long lease of your property under the Leasehold Reform Act 1967
  • Lease Variations via s.35 and s.37 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1987
  • Right to Manage matters
  • Deeds of Variation, Deeds of Covenants and Licence to Alter matters
  • Doubling Ground Rent Advice
  • Advising Landlords, Tenants, Residents Associations, Head Tenants and Management Companies generally on issues arising out of leases

Jo has excellent professional relationships with a number of valuers in and around Sussex, London and various other areas of the country.  She is listed in the LEASE (the Leasehold Advisory Service) practitioners directory and was instrumental in the firm becoming a member of ALEP (the Association of Leasehold Enfranchisement Practitioners).

Jo also works closely with the firm’s professional negligence specialists in assisting clients with potential claims against former solicitors who have failed to advise or given incorrect advise in relation to a lease, ground rent or other enfranchisement issues. She is also part of the wider Property Litigation team that focusses on resolving issues between Landlords and Tenants, Management Companies and other third parties in the most effective way possible.

Outside of work, Jo is a keen runner, enjoys gardening and going abroad whenever she gets the chance.

Jon joined Mayo Wynne Baxter in November 2018 having previously worked for a large regional firm based in Southampton since 2005.

He qualified in 2007 and is an experienced Commercial Property Solicitor with a particular emphasis on commercial landlord and tenant work, commercial  acquisitions and disposals, both freehold and leasehold, and secured lending acting for both borrowers and lenders.

In addition Jon is able to advise developers, tenants and lenders in relation to construction documentation (including collateral warranties, appointments and building contracts).

Jon has acted for a wide variety of clients ranging from national retailers and a multi-site marina operator to smaller companies and private individuals.

Jonathan qualified in 2003 and is a Partner at Mayo Wynne Baxter. He is a key person in the Private Client team and has been with us for over 15 years.

A specialist in private client work, Jonathan also has invaluable experience in residential conveyancing and contentious probate work.

Jonathan was born and raised in Sussex and is a recognised member of the Brighton and Eastbourne community. He is a member of various local bodies and enjoys cricket and eating out.

Caroline is over 20 years qualified initially working in personal injury litigation. She then developed an interest in Private Client moving into this area and further specialising with the society of trust and estate practitioners, STEP contentious probate and studying for ACTAPs qualification.

Caroline is chair of Headway Kent a charity focusing on social rehabilitation for people with brain injury Caroline was educated locally and at Sussex university for the law conversion course and has worked in Kent and London.

Caroline enjoys open water swimming and is taking part in the Henley swimming marathon (14k). She also enjoys paddle boarding, walking and climbing.

Chris Strutt is a Partner in the Property Department and has been with Mayo Wynne Baxter for more than 30 years, specialising in residential property.

Before joining the firm Chris obtained his Law degree at Liverpool University, after which he completed his Solicitors Finals at Guildford Law School. He then joined the predecessor firm Mayo and Perkins as an Articled Clerk in 1982, and has been with the firm ever since. He qualified in 1984.

Dean Orgill is Chief Executive of the firm.

Having previously led the litigation department, and been part of the executive management team, for many years, Dean qualified in 1987 and became Managing Partner of Wynne Baxter Godfree in 1999.

Since then, he has been continuously involved in the management of the firm at Board level, becoming Chairman in 2011 and Chief Executive in 2021.

Dean has been with Mayo Wynne Baxter since 1987 and has specialised in dispute resolution throughout this time.

He acts for local, national and international businesses in relation to their commercial needs and disputes as well as in protecting their intellectual property rights and brands. His approach has been described by clients as calm and measured, but forceful when required.

In the wider business community Dean Chairs the Brighton and Hove Economic Partnership and sits on the Greater Brighton Economic Board.

In May 2022 Dean was appointed Chair of South Downs National Park Trust, having been one of the establishing trustees from 2017. More recently Dean was appointed as a Non-Executive Director, and Vice-Chair, of Sussex Chamber of Commerce.

For more than three years Dean was a Director of the Gatwick Diamond Initiative Limited (where he chaired the Inspire group focussing on training and skills). Dean also chaired the committee of the Institute of Directors for Sussex from 2017-2020, having been elected a Fellow of the IoD in 2015.

Dean is also a Fellow of the Royal Society for Arts, Manufactures and Commerce (RSA). He was a frequent contributor to the Platinum Business magazine producing a monthly column for many years.

Dean was President of Sussex Law Society for 2011/12 and has received the Business Matters Business Personality of the Year Award in recognition of his proactive involvement within the Sussex business community.

I am a family law solicitor specialising in divorce, finances and cases involving children. I also represent clients dealing with both pre and post nuptial agreements. In my practice, I also represent separating cohabitees in disputes relating to property and grandparents dealing with issues of contact with their grandchildren. I also represent clients seeking Special Guardianship Orders.

I studied Law at the University of Sussex and then went on to complete my Legal Practice Course at the College of law, Guildford.  In 2004, I completed my training contract with Allen Ticehurst Solicitors and was taken on by the firm. I remained with the firm when it merged with Mayo Wynne Baxter in 2012.  I was made Associate Solicitor in 2013 and then Partner in 2016.

With the sensitivity needed to handle difficult situations, I resolve disputes in a pragmatic and sensible way whether it be a difficult matter involving children or a complex high net worth divorce case.  I ensure I deal with matters in a way that results in the best for my client and each case is dealt with on its own facts. I’m a member of resolution and therefore put emphasis on resolving disputes in a fair and efficient way, again handling such matters in a sensitive manner. A testimonial provided by a client stated: ‘Pragmatic advice delivered in an empathetic manner. Spot on!’

Unlike most family lawyers, I do much of my own advocacy in court, so clients are represented by an expert who fully understands their situation instead of relying on a separate barrister.  I’m also acutely aware of the costs involved in the legal process and therefore offer clients fixed fees in respect of much of my work.

I am Head of our East Grinstead office. Deputy Head of the Family Department as well as being the firm’s Work Experience Partner and the Training Principal.

Outside of work, I spend my spare time with family, and I enjoy spending time horse-riding and being outdoors.

What attracted, and keeps you in this area of law?

I always wanted to be a solicitor so after studying in London and Paris, I qualified in a small high street firm in Shoreham by Sea in 1999.  There I had a taste of a number of different areas of law and financial advice.  After qualifying, I worked in financial services in London for a while but found I missed the personal connection with my clients, so returned to law at Mayo Wynne Baxter in 2003.  Writing a Will involves fully understanding what a client needs and preparing the right Will to suit them.  Helping a grieving relative navigate the probate process, and share their burden is an immense privilege.

What do you most enjoy about your role?

It’s a cliché, but other than my colleagues, the best thing about my job is my clients.  Every day is different.  Dealing with the loss of a loved one or contemplating one’s own mortality is hard.  To have a client say “that wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be” is a lovely feeling. I am currently head of the department and am enjoying being able to help shape the future of the team and watching the more junior members progress.   I work with a network of excellent financial and tax advisers and accountants to ensure that my clients get great all-round advice.

What are your particular strengths and skills?

Possibly strangely for a solicitor, I am good at maths and really enjoy preparing accounts, showing what funds have been received and paid out during the administration of an estate.  I take time to talk with my clients to work out what they actually want, to create the right Will, Power of Attorney or even to decide to do nothing. I like solving problems and getting things done. And I especially enjoy saving my clients from paying unnecessary tax.  When I decided to specialise in this area, I became a member of STEP, the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners which is a worldwide organisation of experts in this area.  I now sit on the Sussex STEP committee.  I am very positive, and passionate about the importance to everyone to have a Will.  I have done presentations in retirement and care homes, to charity supporters, to bank customers, and even to the WI to spread the word.

Tell me about a memorable time when you’ve helped a client

I hope I help all my clients, but some unusual situations do spring to mind.

  • I remember one client who was in danger of losing her house when her partner died unexpectedly without a Will.  We helped keep the family in their home.
  • On a number of occasions, I have visited clients in hospital to prepare Wills, giving them peace to know their loved ones will be supported.
  • One of my clients had over 100 individual shareholdings and certificates that we had to sort and sell.
  • One of the most complex I have been involved with as a gentleman whose uncle died without a Will.  His estate went to his sister, who sadly died shortly afterwards.  The uncle had 2 businesses, several shareholdings, and 3 properties.  At the same time, we are dealing with a claim that a fraudulent Will exists.
  • Recently we helped a local client claim heritage asset relief against Inheritance Tax, saving an important painting for a local museum.

What would your colleagues say about you?

That I am straight talking.  But I talk a lot.  And I will always try and help the rest of the team.

Outside of work

I like to spend time with my family and I even try to cram in a good book when I have the time!