I was introduced to the world of law when I joined a local firm as a receptionist in 2015. I have worked in the Private Client Department since 2016, 4 years of which were spent specialising in Estate Administration matters. In January 2022 I obtained a specialist Paralegal qualification in Wills, Probate and Administration with the University of Law, and I am currently studying towards my CILEX Professional Qualification.

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

By nature, the work we do in the Private Client Department is highly personal and can arise from very difficult circumstances for our clients. I love being able to help see clients through these matters and to make the processes easier for them. The confidence our clients put in us is a great privilege and makes the work we do all that more rewarding. I have personal experience with Dementia and am a registered ‘Dementia Friend’ via The Alzheimer’s Society.

What are your strengths and skills?

I understand how important it is for our clients to have trust in us, and I always aim to build those trusting relationships based on empathy, transparency, and dedication. I pride myself on being organised, and I love a good spreadsheet!

What do you like to do outside of work?

In my spare time, I enjoy going to the gym, cooking, playing video games and keeping up with the football.

Jessica qualified in 2007 and specialises in private client law, more specifically trust creation and structuring, succession planning and capital taxation.

She is a full member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners which is the most comprehensive qualification in the trusts and estates field and enhances her ability to give holistic advice to clients as a trusted advisor.

Before joining the firm Jessica was head of the private client department of a West Sussex law firm, having worked previously in the City and training with a regional firm known for dealing with landed estates and Sunday Times Rich List clients.

She regularly advises a variety of high net worth clients on trusts and complex tax planning solutions, whilst putting clients at ease by making the meetings congenial and friendly.

Outside of work Jessica loves spending time with her family and, when she has the opportunity, having a good gallop over the downs on her horse.

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.

I started at MWB in 2021 as an LSA, I then became a Paralegal in the Private Client team in June 2022.

Before starting at MWB, I worked as a manager for B&B hotels where I discovered my passion for helping people and I knew I wanted to work directly with people.

I also studied law at University of Kent, which I enjoyed. So, when I saw the opportunity to join MWB as a LSA I saw it as a perfect chance to progress my legal career path.

What do you most enjoy about your role? 

I love working with my team and meeting new clients every day. I’m often the first contact a client has to the firm, and I love to see the matter through to completion. It’s really satisfying to help people sort through their thoughts and needs into a working plan for their future!

What do you like to do outside of work?

I love to work on classic cars, I have just bought a Toyota MR2 1996, and she is beautiful! I also like to Ski and snowboard whenever I get the opportunity!

Qualifying in 1995, I am a Chartered Legal Executive with a varied background, spending the last five years specialising in private client practice.

I pride myself on my personable and friendly approach – understanding the importance of putting people at ease and appreciating that some people may feel anxious or stressed at the prospect of consulting a lawyer – often at a difficult time in their lives. I consider it a privilege to deal with someone’s personal affairs.

I have a particular interest and have experience of – professional and personal – helping people and families living with dementia.

Married with two grown-up children and a dog, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends and regularly go to the theatre to see a play or a musical.

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.

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.

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 am a paralegal in the Private Client team, and have previously worked in the firm in a support role.

I have completed my Postgraduate Diploma of Law with the University of Law, and am currently studying towards my Solicitors Qualifying Exams.

My main role is to provide support for our lawyers and assist in a range of Private Client matter, including Lasting Powers of Attorney, Wills and Probate and Estate Administration.

What do you most enjoy about your role?

I enjoy meeting clients and learning about their lives and needs, and finding ways that we can help them to achieve what they want in the best way possible.

I also enjoy getting stuck into a set of estate accounts and creating a clear picture of the financial history of an estate administration.

What are your strengths and skills?

I always try to be as helpful as possible, assisting clients and colleagues with their queries, and working out the best way forward. 

What do you like to do outside of work?

I am tower captain of my local bellringing group, and also a qualified Duke of Edinburgh leader and assessor, so love spending my weekends outdoors up on the South Downs.

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.