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.”
Michelle deals with residential conveyancing matters and specialises in relocation conveyancing. This involves acting for employees of large companies who are being relocated in and around the UK and sometimes further afield to places such as the USA.
She deals with the conveyancing aspect for those employees in their sales and/or purchases within England and Wales. Michelle has built up a good relationship with one of the leading relocation companies and their solicitors to ensure that these transactions go as smoothly as possible for her clients and prides herself in having made this relationship both a professional and friendly one.
Michelle is always happy to know that the relocation employees have been satisfied with the service provided especially when they then re-instruct her on future Conveyancing matters.
Michelle has worked in law for over 20 years and is usually based at the East Grinstead office, following her own relocation to the Sussex area from her home town in South Wales.
In her spare time Michelle is kept busy by her active son and enjoys family time with him and her husband. Michelle also enjoys attending various musical concerts with her husband and whilst not a sports fan does enjoy a good game of rugby especially when Wales are on form.
I was introduced to law after carrying out work experience at a local firm whilst studying for my A-levels.
I joined Lawson Lewis Blakers straight from college at the age of 17 as a Legal Secretary within both the Employment and Family Departments, obtaining my Legal Secretary diploma in 2018. I later obtained a Specialist Paralegal Qualification in employment law from the CLT University of Law in February 2023 which has enabled me to have a greater understanding of the law in order to assist clients.
Following the merger between Lawson Lewis Blakers and Mayo Wynne Baxter, I am now a paralegal within the Dispute Resolution and Litigation department. I enjoy working within the Dispute Resolution and Litigation department as I enjoy helping clients reach the outcome that they deserve. I appreciate that they are going through a very stressful time, and I am always on hand to guide them through the process.
When I am not working, I love spending time with my family and friends (but mainly my cat, George!), going on holiday and reading a good book. However, I recently got engaged and therefore the majority of my free time is currently spent wedding planning!
What attracted, and keeps you in this area of law?
I began my legal career at a conveyancing company, which unfortunately just wasn’t for me. I came across an advert for a position in the probate department at MWB and, despite having no direct experience with the department, I got the job! I soon realised that helping people when they are most in need brings me a sense of fulfilment that helping people move to a new house just didn’t do. I have been extraordinarily lucky to work in such a fantastic department and I cannot see myself doing anything else.
What does a typical day look like for you?
Every workday begins with a cup of tea and, usually, a catch up with my colleagues. I will then spend some time in client meetings, as face to face contact is important in building a connection with my clients. Afterwards, I will review my files and reply to emails, whilst usually speaking to a few clients over the telephone to keep them up to date with progress. As the administration of an estate can take anywhere between 9 – 18 months, I do get to know my clients and it is always a pleasure to hear from them.
What are your strengths and skills?
I have been told that I am able to take a complex concept and break it down into easy-to-understand chunks. The law of Wills and Probate is somewhat complex and often rooted in terminology from the 19th century. I enjoy being able to translate this into plain English.
I am also MWB’s representative sitting on the Lewes and District Dementia Action Alliance committee. I am working to build up the profile of dementia friendly business in Lewes and looking to develop my links with the local community to provide a safe and supportive environment for clients living with dementia and their carers.
Tell me about a memorable time when you have helped a client.
I received a call from a client recently. After asking a quick question about her matter, we talked for 20 minutes. At the end of the call the client told me that she was feeling very lonely following the loss of her husband and that talking to me had really brightened her day. I was touched that she had thought of me and that I had made a difference. This is an example of what makes my job worthwhile.
Outside of work
I enjoy running with Lewes Athletics Club and bouldering indoors in Brighton. I also have two Yorkshire Terriers that keep me busy when I am at home!
I graduated from the University of Canterbury in New Zealand with Law and Science degrees in 1994 and qualified as a Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand in the same year. I practised law in New Zealand before permanently moving to the UK and becoming a Solicitor of the Supreme Court of England and Wales, in 2003. Since that time, my practice was litigation based with an emphasis on family law, contested wills & probate and employment matters.
After working as a Partner with Russell & Co Solicitors in Crawley, West Sussex, I joined Mayo Wynne Baxter when the firms merged in May 2018.
I am a Partner and Head of the Family Team at MWB, with a practice which is now exclusively family law.
The cases I deal with involve separation, divorce, civil partnership, and cohabitation breakdown and I advise clients on the financial issues arising as a consequence of their relationship breakdown as well as issues in connection with the care arrangements for any children of the relationship.
I also have a wealth of experience in advising and representing clients who have been the victims of domestic violence or against whom allegations of domestic violence have been made.
My specialisms are in advising and representing clients in cases involving:
- Intractable contact/parental alienation children disputes;
- Temporary/permanent removal of children from England and Wales;
- International/domestic child abduction/failure to return;
- Relocation with children within England and Wales;
- Emergency/urgent court orders involving children;
- Urgent applications for orders to protect clients from domestic violence.
- Complex financial claims upon divorce/separation.
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.
Angela qualified as Legal Executive in 1995 and specialised in Residential Conveyancing. She is now our Chartered Legal Executive.
Angela was employed in Private Practise working primarily for DMH in East Grinstead, Lewes and Brighton.
Angela took a career break to have her three children, and worked part-time in a local Primary School.
Outside of work, Angela is a keen gardener, and enjoys walking around Storrington and The Downs. She volunteers at the local conservation group and maintains areas of interest.