I am a paralegal in the Private Client team and have previously worked in the Residential Property Department.

I’ve achieved ILEX part 1

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

I am a strong team player who always strives to deliver an efficient and effective service to every client.

What do you most enjoy about your role? 

I enjoy meeting clients and learning about their needs and finding ways to help them achieve their goals as smoothly and positively as possible.

My aim is to give a bespoke and friendly service to ensure the best possible outcome.

What are your strengths and skills?

I excel at being able to track down and obtain difficult information to enable a matter to proceed.

I am approachable and friendly, always ready to offer a listening ear and advice.

What do you like to do outside of work?

I have project managed the self-build of my home.  I enjoy long distance running and have completed the London Marathon twice.

Helen is Head of the Litigation and Dispute Resolution Department and the firm’s Board Chair. Helen has over 20 years experience of giving specialist property dispute related advice, having qualified in 1998. She is based in our Brighton office, and her clients include trusts, developers, commercial landlords and tenants, property managing agents and the private individual.

The range of disputes that Helen advises on is extensive; they include, for example, complex dilapidation cases for both the landlord and the tenant, lease renewals, rent & service charge recovery, forfeiture, boundary disputes, claims for rights of way or interference with these rights, other breaches of covenant and modification, adverse possession claims, co-ownership disputes relating to the beneficial interest, obtaining an order for sale where one owner objects and general landlord and tenant disputes. In addition, Helen deals with all nature of possession actions, whether the occupier is a tenant, licensee or a trespasser and professional negligence claims where there is a property angle such as those against architects.

Helen is frequently commended by her clients for her clarity of advice, professional approach and the ability to focus on their desired outcome. Her approach is underpinned by the knowledge that all clients desire the best possible outcome but balanced with a commercial focus. In this regard,

Helen has been a qualified commercial mediator since 2004 and is therefore well placed to advise when mediation may be appropriate. She is also a member of The Property Litigation Association.

Chambers 2022 – Real Estate Litigation Helen Bell has significant experience in landlord and tenant matters, including dilapidation claims and forfeiture and possession proceedings. She also advises on adverse possession matters and access disputes. “She is very collaborative, knowledgeable and has a very strategic approach to cases.” February 2022 – Lawyer in the News – Helen Bell

Why is she in the news?
Won a breakthrough case enabling a group of holiday home leaseholders to apply to purchase the freehold of their properties by proving that the properties could be defined as ‘houses’ under law.