Leanne achieved a First Class Degree in Law from the University of Lincoln, she then went on to complete the Legal Practice Course with Masters at BPP University.
Leanne joined MWB in July 2024 as a paralegal in the Private Client Department.
Outside of work Leanne enjoys baking, spending time with her and family and friends and running.
Lucie is a dedicated Paralegal with a passion for Private Client work. After completing a Law LLB at the University of Exeter in July 2023, Lucie joined MWB in November 2023.
Prior to joining MWB, she honed their teaching skills as a Mathematics tutor. This experience has fostered a strong ability to explain complex concepts clearly and effectively.
Since joining MWB, Lucie has been actively involved in the firm’s charity and social committees. She is also currently pursuing an LLM in Legal Practice with combined SQE 1 as well as working part-time with the Private Client team.
Outside of work, Lucie enjoys a variety of hobbies, including watching movies, reading, painting, and outdoor activities like kayaking, sailing, and road trips. She also have two beloved cocker spaniels.
I graduated from the University of East Anglia with a degree in American Studies, also having completed a year abroad studying at the University of Arizona.
I have always had an interest in Law and went on to qualify as a Chartered Legal Executive in 2022, after studying while working full time in a Private Client department. Since starting my legal career, I have specialised in Private Client matters in particular Wills, Lasting Powers of Attorney and Probate.
I enjoy working closely with my clients during what is often a difficult time dealing with the of a loved one. Compassion and understanding are crucial to my role and when drafting Wills and LPAs I seek to ensure that my clients feel that they are receiving clear and tailored advice. All families are different, and I work to provide a personal approach for each client.
My interests outside of work include musical theatre and reading. I have a passion for travelling and experiencing new places across the world.
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.
Prior to working at Mayo Wynne Baxter, Verity worked in the finance industry for 13 years where she qualified as a mortgage and finance adviser, identifying and fulfilling clients’ needs and requirements.
Verity relocated to the South Coast from Surrey in 2012 and began her career with Mayo Wynne Baxter as a Receptionist in our Brighton office and has also been based in our Eastbourne and Seaford offices.
After a decade of service with the firm, Verity transferred to the Private Client team as a Paralegal and specialises in Tax and Trusts and HM Revenue & Customs Trust Registration Service.
Verity enjoys the variety of challenges that are presented in her daily work life and says it’s a lovely feeling going home at the end of the day knowing that she has helped people.
When not at work Verity is a mum to her two children, enjoys kickboxing, paddle boarding, cooking, baking, or curling up with a good book and her 3 rescue cats!
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.
Sadvi qualified as a Chartered Legal Executive in 2020. She graduated in Law and completed her Legal Practice Course at the College of Law.
Sadvi has worked in the Private Client sector for over 10 years in East Sussex. Her specialisms include the creation of Wills, Lasting Powers of Attorney, Probate and Administration of Estates and Trusts.
She prides herself on being personable and efficient.
Outside of work, Sadvi enjoys baking and days out with her young family.
What attracted, and keeps you in this area of law?
After completing my law degree at Staffordshire University, I qualified as a solicitor in 1997. During my career I have worked in many areas of the law, criminal, family, litigation, and a short time in conveyancing. I never thought that I would end up in Private Client but now I couldn’t imagine doing anything else. I really enjoy meeting clients, getting to know them, and helping them.
I specialise in personal legal issues including the preparation of Wills and the administration of estates after someone has passed away. I love figuring out that facts and figures, making it simple for our clients to understand the processes.
I am also a member of the Society of Trusts and Estate Practitioners. My Probate work ranges from giving relatives one-off advice to managing the whole matter through to the final distribution of very complex estates.
What do you most enjoy about your role?
What I like most about working in our Private Client department is that no two days are the same. Each client is different and each one’s circumstances are distinct. I love meeting new clients, helping them, and then getting to know them more over the years as they come back to change their Will, prepare Powers of Attorneys. And then meeting their children, who come in to do their own Wills.
It is such a diverse role.
What are your strengths and skills?
I am a good listener, compassionate, patient, and great at talking in plain English, helping clients to understand each step of their matter. I create comprehensive Wills for all sorts of situations including those that cover guardianship arrangements for children and Wills that cover complicated family structures.
Whilst mostly working from our East Grinstead office I regularly make home visits to clients who find it difficult to travel.
What would your colleagues say about you?
I think they would say that I’m approachable, helpful, always calm and gets on with the job. I think we all work well together as a team.
Outside of work
Outside work, I love to make the most of the beautiful Sussex countryside and enjoy long walks, and horse-riding. I also play netball in the East Grinstead netball league.
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.”
Megan is a Private Client Executive within our Private Client team.
She achieved her undergraduate degree in Law with American Studies at Sussex University in 2019, and has compleated the Legal Practice Course with a Business Masters at the University of Law, Guilford. She is now waiting to sit her final SQE exams.
Before joining Mayo Wynne Baxter, she was volunteering with Citizens Advice as a gateway assessor, helping those accessing the service to get the support and information they needed.
Megan also spent time volunteering with CLOCK at the Brighton Family Court during her degree studies, assisting litigants in person with navigating the court system and completing forms.
In her free time, Megan enjoys reading, baking and spending time with her friends and family.