I joined MWB, originally as a database and compliance assistant, moving into the Residential Property team in 2023 as a Paralegal.

Before joining MWB I previously worked as a retail supervisor for Whittard of Chelsea in Brighton, I’m very much a tea drinker! And before that, I was on the fundraising team for a local Charity.

Originally from Leeds I moved to Sussex for university to study English Literature and creative writing.

Outside of work I am often found out wandering the countryside or with my head in a book.

I joined a local Eastbourne firm, Lawson Lewis Blakers in 2007 where I worked as a legal secretary, until they merged with MWB.

Over the last 15 years I have worked primarily in the Family and Matrimonial Department and Civil Litigation Department, with a brief dabble into Charity Law before having my first son.

I’m now a paralegal in the Family and Relationships Department.

Previously I worked in the Planning Department of Lewes District Council and spent three years as a travel agent. I’ve always worked in a customer service based environment.

I enjoy family law, primarily children matters, as I find it rewarding to guide people through a turbulent time in their lives and help them to find a solution for their family.

Outside of work I have two children and a ginormous Labrador and I help my husband run his business. I enjoy holidays (where possible!), reading and doing pilates – which calms my every day stresses away!

Sam qualified in 2001 and joined Mayo Wynne Baxter as an Associate Solicitor in 2015 and was promoted to Partner in 2017.

She expertly advises both employers and employees on all aspects of employment, whether as a robust litigator or by concentrating on the finer points of contract drafting.

Sam has taken on various cases centred on discrimination issues and has proven to be a highly persuasive advocate in the presentation of complex cases.

Her in-depth knowledge and eye for detail are matched by her ability to be quick on her feet in cross-examination.

She rightly prides herself on giving pragmatic advice, especially when weighing-up the potential costs involved in litigating a matter.

The needs of clients are her primary focus.

Sam consistently receives excellent feedback, building her client base through regular referrals from those she has advised throughout her successful career.

Sam plays an active part in the management of the firm and is its Equality and Diversity Partner.

Outside work she enjoys sea swimming (even better in winter!) and cycling, taking full advantage of the Sussex countryside whenever she can.

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

I always wanted to be a solicitor so after studying in London and Paris, I qualified in a small high street firm in Shoreham by Sea in 1999.  There I had a taste of a number of different areas of law and financial advice.  After qualifying, I worked in financial services in London for a while but found I missed the personal connection with my clients, so returned to law at Mayo Wynne Baxter in 2003.  Writing a Will involves fully understanding what a client needs and preparing the right Will to suit them.  Helping a grieving relative navigate the probate process, and share their burden is an immense privilege.

What do you most enjoy about your role?

It’s a cliché, but other than my colleagues, the best thing about my job is my clients.  Every day is different.  Dealing with the loss of a loved one or contemplating one’s own mortality is hard.  To have a client say “that wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be” is a lovely feeling. I am currently head of the department and am enjoying being able to help shape the future of the team and watching the more junior members progress.   I work with a network of excellent financial and tax advisers and accountants to ensure that my clients get great all-round advice.

What are your particular strengths and skills?

Possibly strangely for a solicitor, I am good at maths and really enjoy preparing accounts, showing what funds have been received and paid out during the administration of an estate.  I take time to talk with my clients to work out what they actually want, to create the right Will, Power of Attorney or even to decide to do nothing. I like solving problems and getting things done. And I especially enjoy saving my clients from paying unnecessary tax.  When I decided to specialise in this area, I became a member of STEP, the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners which is a worldwide organisation of experts in this area.  I now sit on the Sussex STEP committee.  I am very positive, and passionate about the importance to everyone to have a Will.  I have done presentations in retirement and care homes, to charity supporters, to bank customers, and even to the WI to spread the word.

Tell me about a memorable time when you’ve helped a client

I hope I help all my clients, but some unusual situations do spring to mind.

  • I remember one client who was in danger of losing her house when her partner died unexpectedly without a Will.  We helped keep the family in their home.
  • On a number of occasions, I have visited clients in hospital to prepare Wills, giving them peace to know their loved ones will be supported.
  • One of my clients had over 100 individual shareholdings and certificates that we had to sort and sell.
  • One of the most complex I have been involved with as a gentleman whose uncle died without a Will.  His estate went to his sister, who sadly died shortly afterwards.  The uncle had 2 businesses, several shareholdings, and 3 properties.  At the same time, we are dealing with a claim that a fraudulent Will exists.
  • Recently we helped a local client claim heritage asset relief against Inheritance Tax, saving an important painting for a local museum.

What would your colleagues say about you?

That I am straight talking.  But I talk a lot.  And I will always try and help the rest of the team.

Outside of work

I like to spend time with my family and I even try to cram in a good book when I have the time!