I am a Paralegal in the Private Client Team based at the firm’s Eastbourne office, where I have worked for over 11 years. Whilst I have experience in all areas of Private Client work, latery I have worked more specifically in relation to attorney affairs work within our specialist team.
My role is assisting clients with the running of their personal affairs in order to try and make their lives easier at a time when they are either unable to do so themselves or no longer wish to.
I enjoy helping people, building relationships with clients and understanding more about their lives, past and present. It also allows me to indulge my love of organisation.
I have three children and when I find some time for myself I enjoy a spa day or a West End show and cocktails!
Lauren joined another local Eastbourne firm in 2017 as a receptionist but was quickly promoted to Assistant within the Public Law (Care Proceedings) department.
After merging with MWB in 2023, she joined the Family team and is now a Database and Compliance Executive.
What do you like about working in the Family Team?
I really enjoy taking clients initial instructions and giving them the reassurance that we have the expertise to help them during a really difficult time in their life.
Seeing the positive changes in them and their lives as their matter progresses is very rewarding. It’s good to be able to help them move on from a difficult and traumatic time to a place where they can be happy.
What are your strengths and skills?
Listening.
My dad gave me some great and invaluable life advice, he told me that “God gave us two ears and one mouth, and we should use them proportionately!”
So, I always have this in mind with my clients – it’s better to listen and hear everything before jumping in with advice.
What do you like to do outside of work?
When I’m not working, I love to spend time with friends and family.
I also love walking anywhere and travelling to beautiful warm countries.
Lorna joined as Marketing Executive in February 2018 – as a veteran in marketing and the consumer services industries, she understands the importance of building relationships and great communication is for the constant improvement of a Company’s services.
Lorna’s role is to assist with the marketing to ensure that we communicate clearly with existing and potential clients, support the communications & business development strategies, raise the profile of the firm and attract new clients. The team also handles all corporate sponsorships, hospitality and media relations.
After completing a degree in Media Studies & English at Chichester University, she has been working within Marketing in various industries for over 15 years.
Coming from hospitality, events and recently an international recruitment company within the digital industries, she’s enjoyed keeping up with digital trends and the challenging ways that the industry has changed over the years.
She’s passionate about all things digital; “Digital marketing, marketing communications, SEO and especially social media; the way it constantly evolves excites me!” She is genuinely excited by creative concepts and enjoys working with the full spectrum of clients – big brands, small businesses and individuals.
In her spare time, Lorna enjoys spending time with her husband and children, running (mainly after her children) and she completed her first marathon in 2019. She also loves reading – almost anything!
She also volunteers / fundraises for her children’s school.
Lou joined Mayo Wynne Baxter back in 2014 as part of the Archiving team.
After 2 years of establishing herself in that team she felt she needed a further challenge and decided to move to the new Central Admin Team in April 2016, she is now a Central Admin Executive..
Lou joined the team with 2 new projects being implemented. She has enjoyed growing with both projects and looks forward to the future.
Outside of work Lou likes to do Strongwoman and Powerlifting competing and is in training for this all the time.
I graduated from Law LLB with Honours first class in 2021 from the University of Sussex, during which time I took part in the Mayo Wynne Baxter Junior Mooting competition, which attracted me to the firm and gave me an opportunity to meet people who worked here. I had been determined to work here since and subsequently joined the firm in 2022.
In 2024, I passed my SQE 1 and am currently completing my SQE 2 as well as studying for my master’s degree part-time at the University of Law.
What attracted you, and keeps you, in this area of law?
With a background in debt advice, I am used to helping clients experiencing difficult personal and financial issues. I was attracted to Private Client due to the personable nature of this area of law, and I being an empathetic character, I can really help our clients in navigating what are often very difficult times. My strengths include great organisational skills and a calm and cool manner when dealing with stressful situations.
What do you like to do outside of work?
Outside of work, I enjoy hiking and regularly train in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
Helen Greenfield is the manager of the Database & Compliance Team. She has been with the firm since 2006.
Her main responsibilities are managing the DCT, Practice Management System and all Compliance.
Before working for Mayo Wynne Baxter, Helen entered the profession in 1988 with predecessor firm Mayo and Perkins, where she worked in the Infotec department. She left in 1989 to have her first child and returned in 2006 where she subsequently joined the current group.
At work Helen is an advocate for a happy workplace. She loves being around people, and considers this extremely important as she spends a significant amount of her time with her colleagues!
Outside work, Helen spends most weekends participating in her favorite sport which is Clay Pigeon Shooting. She says that it’s a great way to relieve tension after perhaps a hard week at work!
John Clarke qualified in 1985 and was previously a partner at MWB. He is now a part-time consultant within the Private Client Team and has been with the firm since 1988.
He has worked in the Eastbourne, Lewes and Seaford offices for many years and now is working remotely from his home in the Cotswolds three days a week.
John is a member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP) and a longstanding, valued member of the Mayo Wynne Baxter team.
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.
I have worked in the private client department for over 20 years.
I started as an office junior, went on to be a secretary, an assistant and then decided to qualify as a Legal Executive. When I started studying to become a Legal Executive I never thought that I would fall pregnant 6 months in, so I studied whilst raising my son, which was a challenge in itself!
I have recently (June 2023) qualified as a Chartered Legal Executive. I feel as though through working my way up I have learnt many different areas and aspects of the job.
I like that I am able to help and support people when they are going through an extremely difficult time and help to alleviate some of the pressures that this brings.
Outside of work, I like to go on walks and spend time with my family and friends.
Clare Smith is the HR Director for Mayo Wynne Baxter and has been with the firm since 2001. Clare oversees the recruitment, development and retention of the firm’s staff to help achieve our business objectives. She is also responsible for maintaining the firm’s Lexcel and Investors in People quality standards.
Before joining the firm Clare completed a year’s contract with the Environment Agency as HR Officer for a specific project. Her HR career started with HSBC Invoice Finance, where she progressed through a variety of roles. Whilst working at HSBC she obtained her Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development qualification. Her first position was HR Officer with Mayo Wynne Baxter, and after returning from a period of maternity leave, Clare became Training and Development Officer. Clare was promoted to HR Director in 2008.
At work Clare is particularly interested in training, and relishes working with colleagues and new staff members. Outside of work she enjoys spending time with her young son, and reading crime novels.