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.
I graduated from the University of Winchester with a degree in Law in October 2022.
Following my graduation, I began my Solicitor Qualifying Exams (SQE) this includes the required Qualifying Work Experience (QWE). As part of my QWE, my first job within the legal sector was in conveyancing.
After completing the necessary time in conveyancing, I moved on to the private client sector and really found the area of law I knew I could thrive in. It is truly an honour to work in private client. People trust us with handling their legacies, a legacy they have spend their entire lives crafting. The importance of ensuring that what they leave behind is distributed and cared for exactly as they wish is never lost on me.
I have now worked in private client for almost two years, and I look forward to spending many more years in this area of law. I aim to qualify as a solicitor in 2026 and remain in private client with my own cases and clients to care for.
When I am not working, I enjoy participating in many different water sports. I hold qualifications in rowing, sailing, and kayaking and I thoroughly enjoy spending my time at the beach or on the water.
Further to this, I am an avid reader and have since begun writing my own book. Becoming a published author has been an aspiration of mine since I was just a little girl, so I thought it about time I start to make progress on that.
I initially wanted to study computer science and psychology, but in my year out I worked for the Crown Prosecution Service and became fascinated with law. I sat and passed the Executive Office Board and exam when I was 19 and worked as a law clerk instructing counsel in the crown court.
I read law at the University of Sussex, followed by the LPC at Guildford College of Law where I discovered the law of trusts and equity and private client work.
I qualified as a criminal solicitor with the CPS, defended and worked for the magistrates’ court after which I was able to make the leap into Private Client work.
I worked for MWB over 20 years ago before taking a career break to raise my three children. I returned to work as a private client solicitor for a local firm in Arundel whilst my children were small.
When MWB opened their Chichester Office, I was thrilled to be invited to re-join them. Whilst the firm has changed and grown over the years, there are still some familiar faces. What has remained constant is their vision, passion and warmth for their clients and colleagues.
I have over 15 years’ experience in private client work and before I had children sat and passed all the STEP exams and was a member of STEP.
I enjoy helping my clients reach informed decisions in relation to their Wills. There is no such thing as an ordinary family or estate. The drafting of documents is easier than the decision making. I also understand that the administration of estates can be very traumatic and is part of the grieving process so try to shoulder the burden for my clients when I can.
At weekends I can either be found freezing whilst my daughter is ice skating, or in the summer scoring the odd cricket match for my sons.
Occasionally, when we can escape, my husband and I can be found at the theatre or walking in Arundel Park.
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 currently based at the firm’s Seaford and Lewes offices heading up our specialist Attorney Affairs Team within the Private Client Department and managing a portfolio of Attorney Affairs; Estate Administration; Wills and Lasting Power of Attorney matters.
My experienced team undertakes general management of our vulnerable clients’ financial affairs where we have been appointed as Attorneys and also assists lay Attorneys in fulfilling their duties and responsibilities.
I have been with Mayo Wynne Baxter for over twenty-six years and contributed several years as a legal secretary before training and qualifying whilst working as a legal advisor. I am a proud CILEX Lawyer, having achieved a Professional Diploma in Law and a Professional Higher Diploma in Probate Law and Practice, Equity and Trust Law and Family Law and becoming a CILEX Fellow in 2012. I was promoted to Associate in April 2017 and Partner in 2022.
I am dedicated to building strong and trusting relationships with all my clients, particularly when working with the elderly and vulnerable community. I am passionate about helping people through difficult times and my starting place with clients is always to consider what I would want for my own relatives. I enjoy getting to know my clients so that all decisions can be based around their individual personalities and needs. I am a member of the Association of Lifetime Lawyers and a registered ‘Dementia Friend’ via The Alzheimer’s Society.
Alongside client work, I am also a Wellbeing Champion for my colleagues and oversee learning and development for the Private Client Department. I am heavily involved with the firm’s trainee Lawyers and love watching new talent succeed and go on to do wonderful things in their careers. Outside of work, I’m mostly outdoors in the fresh air, balancing a busy family of boys with their various sporting commitments and a very energetic Spaniel, so it’s a good job I’m an organised person!
Ursula grew up and studied law in Zurich, Switzerland. She moved to London in 1988 and has since worked in London and Sussex law firms, eventually specialising in all areas of private client law and gaining full STEP membership in 2006.
She has also joined the STEP Sussex Committee.
It is important to Ursula that her clients are at ease when dealing with her and feel that they are receiving excellent service for their money.
She is currently a Trustee of the British Society for Research on Ageing, having spent several years as a Trustee of Age UK Brighton & Hove prior to that.
Outside work Ursula loves food, keeping fit, the outdoors and reading, but her passion is rowing. She rows competitively for Ardingly Rowing Club at local, national and international level.
Sarah works in the Private Client department dealing with Wills, Probate, Powers of Attorney, Court of Protection and associated matters.
Sarah is particularly experienced in dealing with elderly client and end of life care issues.
Sarah qualified as a solicitor in 1991.
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.
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.
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 brand 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 90 shows in the West End and on tour. He is also enjoys visits to the many local vineyards in and around Sussex, running and DIY.