Sarah is a Legal 500 recommended Partner who advises clients on all aspects of their wills, estates, trusts, tax and powers of attorney.
Sarah has over 11 years’ experience helping clients in all aspects of private client work from inheritance tax planning and asset protection, through to dealing with complex estates.
She advises a wide range of clients, with a particular specialism in helping the elderly and vulnerable who value her straightforward and down to earth approach. Sarah works closely with her clients to put in place the right legal structure to ensure their assets are protected and their best interests are met.
Sarah also regularly sets up personal injury trusts and advises clients who have been awarded compensation following negligence as to the protection of that award and the options open to them.
I qualified as a solicitor in March 2024 and I have over 5 year’s experience in Court of Protection work.
What do you most enjoy about your role?
My role gives me the opportunity to make a real difference to the lives of vulnerable individuals who lack capacity to make their own decisions by ensuring their best interests are represented in decisions related to their property and financial affairs. I find the work deeply fulfilling.
What are your strengths and skills?
I have specialised legal knowledge in mental capacity law and related legislation, including the complex legal principles related to decision-making on behalf of individuals who cannot do so themselves.
My ability to problem solve enables me to assist Deputies with difficult decisions regarding a person’s property and finances by proposing practical solutions and navigating intricate family dynamics to find outcomes in the best interest of the individual.
Tell me about a memorable time when you have helped a client.
One of the most rewarding achievements of my career was when I lead a project to adapt a vulnerable client’s property to enable her to move out of a care home and back into her own home. The client was deeply unhappy in the care home, and the building work was all done during the pandemic, which added an extra level of complexity. It was lovely to see her back in familiar surroundings.
What do you like to do outside of work?
Outside of work, I enjoy unwinding by watching films, going on walks on the South Downs and running on the seafront in Brighton.
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.
Following a successful career of over twenty-five years within the hospitality industry, I decided to return to education when my son started college.
I graduated from the University of Sussex with a 2:1 in Law in 2019 and I am currently studying for my LPC and masters at the University of Law.
I started working for MWB in January 2021 as a legal support assistant before moving to the Private Client department as a paralegal in September 2021.
Private Client is a varied area of law of which I believe matches my personal attributes. As a compassionate person, I find that I can provide reassurance to our clients when they feel anxious or overwhelmed when dealing with their private client matters.
I love dancing and listening to music. I love to travel and cannot wait to go abroad again.
I have over 10 years’ experience in Court of Protection work and working with vulnerable clients.
I qualified as a Solicitor in April 2019.
What attracted, and keeps you in this area of law?
The workload is so varied so no day will ever be the same. I like being able to communicate with vulnerable clients and be part of their lives on a long-term basis. This also involves having close contact with their nearest and dearest.
What do you most enjoy about your role?
The best thing about my role is knowing it makes a difference to the client. Whether that is helping them to sort out their finances and make it more manageable for them or leading a major project in their life.
What does a typical day look like for you?
There is no typical day in this area of work which is what I love! The workload is so varied which keeps me on my toes.
What are your strengths and skills?
I am very organised and I feel you definitely need to be in this area of work!
Tell me about a memorable time when you have helped a client.
There are so many times that I wouldn’t be able to pick a particular one out. The best result for me is ensuring that my client’s best interests are met, in whatever way possible. I try to achieve this regardless of the obstacles that crop up.
What do you like to do outside of work?
I love spending time with my family and friends and my passion is cooking and trying out dishes of different cultures, whether they are sweet or savoury.