I am a commercial property solicitor who trained with a large regional law firm (DMH Stallard) qualifying in September 2017 and worked there until 2020.
Before joining MWB, I spent 3 years working at Buss Murton Law. Throughout my career I have dealt with a broad range of commercial property transactions including purchases and sales of commercial property, landlord and tenant work and property financing. I also have experience in dealing with more specialist development work acting for both landowners and developers on dealing with option agreements, overage provisions and related development financing.
Having originally studied economic and social history at university between 2001 and 2004, I then worked in the clinical trial industry in data management and logistics roles before completing the Graduate Diploma in Law and Legal Practice Course full time between 2007 and 2009. I then worked in various commercial property paralegal roles before commencing my training contract in September 2015.
Outside of work I follow both football and cricket but as with most parents the majority of my time is taken up running around after my two young children (6 and 9), including helping coach my son’s local football team. I also enjoy travelling although that now tends to be focused on holidays with the family rather than the long weekend city breaks of years gone by.
Sarah is a Paralegal within the Commercial Department.
She enjoys assisting colleagues with their varied caseloads including general commercial property work, landlord and tenant matters, sales and purchases (including those relating to agricultural land) and company law transactions.
Sarah recently wrote an article for Platinum Magazine on the legal requirements for websites with the aim of assisting businesses develop their online platforms.
Completing her Law Degree in 2012, she then went on to study the Legal Practice Course at BPP University which she completed in 2014.
In her spare time Sarah enjoys relaxing with her family and friends and keeping busy with DIY projects.
Melissa joined the Mayo Wynne Baxter team in November 2023 as a Paralegal in the Commercial Department.
She graduated with a Law with Criminology degree from the University of Sussex in July 2023. During her time at university, Melissa was part of the Sussex Law Society in the Pro Bono team. Melissa also partook in the Junior Research Associates Program in which she researched the impact of gender stereotypes portrayed within children’s books on adults’ later lives.
In the near future, she plans on sitting her Solicitors Qualifying Exam.
Prior to working for MWB, Melissa worked for various local law firms and gained a wide breadth of experience in commercial law.
Outside of work, Melissa enjoys traveling, running, and spending time with her family and friends.
I graduated from Bournemouth University in 2014 with a 2:1 in Law and went on to complete my LPC in 2019. I then trained at a Sussex firm and qualified in 2021. Now I specialise in commercial property at our Brighton office.
I advise on a variety of matters including grants and assignments of leases, sales and purchases and refinancing. I’ve experience in acting for both landlords and tenants, as well as lender’s, purchasers and sellers, from small start-ups to global, multi-million pounds companies.
I am known for my pro-active and pragmatic approach to matters and have a friendly and approachable nature.
Outside of work, I love to travel and scuba dive all around the world. When closer to home, I enjoy reading, Zumba and exploring the Sussex countryside with my husband and rescue dog.
James moved from the East Midlands to the South East in 2018 to study at Sussex University.
During his time at University, James volunteered on a number of Law Clinics supporting projects ranging from wildlife conservation and biodiversity, to researching the commercial impacts of COVID-19 on the performing arts sector.
After achieving a First Class Degree in Law with Politics in 2022, James joined MWB as a Legal Support Assistant, later moving to the Commercial department as a Paralegal.
Before working at MWB, James worked in food service and hospitality, building key client relationship and service skills.
James is aiming to qualify as a solicitor through the SQE route after completing an LLM in Legal Practice and fulfilling the qualifying work experience requirements.
In his spare time James enjoys baking, playing the bass guitar and going to live music events in and around Brighton.
David is a Partner and has been with Mayo Wynne Baxter since 1992 and has been qualified since 1994. He is responsible for dealing with high-value domestic and international transactions, large property development projects, corporate restructures and partnership law.
David has experience across many industries and is a prominent member of the firm’s Leisure and Travel Teams, having spent much of his career advising those in the leisure industry.
He remains a non-executive director of a chain of hotels and has years of experience in dealing with high-value domestic and international transactions, large development projects, corporate restructures and partnership law. With years of industry experience behind him, David sailed through the BIIAB Level 2 National Certificate for Personal Licence Holders with a 100% mark.
At work, David is respected for his pragmatic and “plain English” approach and uses his vast experience to assist both clients and fellow colleagues.
Outside of work he enjoys all sports, particularly hockey and is captain of Mayo Wynne Baxter’s cricket team.