Cassandra is a Trust and Tax Technician with nearly 15 years’ experience in Private Client work. She specialises in completing trust, estate and personal tax returns, inheritance tax returns and calculations for trusts and trust account preparation for internal clients.
She holds an LLB (Hons) in French & Law (1999) and a STEP Diploma (2003) reflecting her long-standing commitment to excellence in this specialist field. Cassandra provides clear tailored guidance to internal clients , ensuring their legal and tax affairs are managed with care, accuracy and sensitivity.
Lucie is a Paralegal in the private client team. She joined the firm in 2023 after completing her Law Degree at the University of Exeter.
As part of the East Grinstead team Lucie helps support individuals and families through key stages of life planning and estate administration. Her work includes assisting with the preparation of Wills, drafting and registering lasting powers of attorney, and guiding executors through the probate process with clarity and care.
Since joining MWB, Lucie has been actively involved in the firm’s charity and social committees. She is also currently pursuing an LLM in Legal Practice with SQE 1 and 2.
Samantha Stowell initially wanted to study computer science and psychology, but during her year out she worked for the Crown Prosecution Service and became fascinated with law. She sat and passed the Executive Office Board and exam when she was 19 and worked as a law clerk instructing counsel in the Crown Court.
She read law at the University of Sussex, followed by the LPC at Guildford College of Law where she discovered the law of trusts and equity and private client work.
She qualified as a criminal solicitor with the CPS, defended and worked for the Magistrates’ Court, after which she was able to make the leap into Private Client work.
She worked for MWB over 20 years ago before taking a career break to raise her three children. She returned to work as a private client solicitor for a local firm in Arundel whilst her children were small.
When MWB opened their Chichester office, she 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 its vision, passion and warmth for clients and colleagues.
She has over 15 years’ experience in private client work and, before having children, sat and passed all the STEP exams and was a member of STEP.
She enjoys helping her 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. She also understands that the administration of estates can be very traumatic and is part of the grieving process, so she tries to shoulder the burden for her clients when she can.
At weekends, she can either be found freezing whilst her daughter is ice skating, or in the summer scoring the odd cricket match for her sons.
Occasionally, when they can escape, she and her husband can be found at the theatre or walking in Arundel Park.
Stuart Alabaster began studying law as a part-time student at Oxford Brookes University before moving to Scotland. In Scotland, he studied law full time at the University of Dundee, graduating in 2005 with a qualifying degree in both English and Scottish Law. He then returned to the University of Dundee where he studied for his Post Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice, which he was awarded in 2006.
He qualified in Scotland in 2008 and has been working at Mayo Wynne Baxter since 2017.
Stuart’s experience is in Private Client work, including Wills, Lasting Powers of Attorney and Probate.
He likes to meet with clients to discuss and understand their circumstances and needs so that he can advise them on the different ways in which they might achieve their desired outcomes. No two client meetings are ever the same.
It is always a privilege for him to meet with a client, to discuss their personal affairs and understand their circumstances. It is always nice to hear back from a client that the process was not as daunting or as stressful as they had anticipated.
He is a good listener and will take the time to understand both a client’s circumstances and their desired outcome. He will explain things as simply as he can so that they can be easily understood and advise a client on how they might best achieve the outcome they would want.
Outside of work, he enjoys walking and can often be found on the Sussex Downs, or the hills and mountains of North Wales. He also enjoys listening to music and discovering new music from around the world.
Thea is a Paralegal in our Private Client department.
Thea is a paralegal in our Private Client team and is currently studying to qualify with CILEX. Thea assists in aspects of our Will, Lasting Powers of Attorney, Estate Administration and Trust matters, drafting relevant legal and trust documentation, preparing probate applications, inheritance tax forms and completing estate accounts.
Thea enjoys Private Client work as it allows her to work closely with clients. She offers our clients a personable and friendly experience, so they feel comfortable, supported, and assured through often extremely complex and difficult life experiences.
Tracy is a partner in the private client department and has been with the firm for over 28 years. She leads our attorney affairs team, assisting clients who have appointed the firm as their attorneys with the administration of their affairs as well as advising lay attorneys in connection with their duties and responsibilities.
Tracy Rowden guides clients through some of the most sensitive and complex periods of their lives, helping them manage financial affairs and plan for the future with clarity, compassion and confidence. She is known for building strong, trusting relationships with clients and for approaching every matter with the same care and consideration she would want for her own family.
Tracy specialises in private client law, including court of protection and deputyship matters, estate administration, wills, and lasting powers of attorney. As head of the firm’s attorney affairs team, she works closely with vulnerable clients who have appointed the firm as attorney, as well as supporting lay attorneys to understand and fulfil their legal duties responsibly. Her work is characterised by practical problem‑solving and a calm, reassuring approach, often helping families avoid unnecessary stress, disputes or delays during already challenging times.
With over 28 years at Mayo Wynne Baxter, Tracy brings extensive experience and deep institutional knowledge to her role. She began her career with the firm as a legal secretary before training and qualifying in law while working as a legal advisor—an experience that gives her a grounded, pragmatic understanding of clients’ needs. She is a CILEX Fellow, having achieved a Professional Diploma in Law and Professional Higher Diplomas in Probate Law and Practice, Equity and Trust Law, and Family Law. Tracy qualified as a CILEX Fellow in 2012, was promoted to Associate in April 2017, and to Partner in 2022.
Tracy serves clients across the breadth of Sussex and the South East. She is a member of the Association of Lifetime Lawyers and a registered Dementia Friend with the Alzheimer’s Society, reflecting her commitment to best practice when working with elderly and vulnerable clients.
Alongside her client work, Tracy is the deputy head of the private client department and oversees learning and development within the department. She is heavily involved in mentoring trainee lawyers and takes great pride in supporting the next generation of legal professionals as they develop their careers.
Outside of work, Tracy enjoys spending time outdoors with her busy family of boys, supporting their sporting commitments, and keeping up with a very energetic Spaniel so it is a good job she is organised!
Prospective clients are encouraged to get in touch to discuss how Tracy can help, either by contacting the firm directly or submitting an enquiry through the Mayo Wynne Baxter website.
Ursula is a Senior Associate Private Client Executive at Mayo Wynne Baxter with 20 years experience in private client matters. She joined the firm in 2021 and is part of the general private client team dealing predominantly with Wills, Lasting Powers of Attorney, estate administration, estate planning and tax advice.
Ursula grew up and studied law in Zurich, Switzerland where she qualified with a lic iur degree. 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.
Ursula has built up a client base throughout Sussex with regular repeat business, positive feedback and personal recommendations, whilst her colleagues value her technical knowledge and insight.
In 2023 Ursula joined the STEP Sussex Committee, having previously acted as a Trustee of the British Society for Research on Ageing and as a Trustee of Age UK Brighton & Hove.
Verity Wears is a Paralegal in Mayo Wynne Baxter’s award-winning Private Client Tax & Trusts team, specialising in trust and estate administration, tax compliance and Trust Registration Service (TRS) matters.
Based in the firm’s Seaford office, Verity plays a key role in ensuring trusts and estates are administered accurately, efficiently and in accordance with regulatory requirements. Her work includes preparing estate, trust and personal tax returns, managing Capital Gains Tax submissions, maintaining trust accounts and overseeing HM Revenue & Customs Trust Registration Service (TRS) registrations and ongoing compliance.
Having joined Mayo Wynne Baxter in 2012 as a receptionist, Verity progressed to a Legal Support Administrator role before being promoted into her current position within the Tax & Trusts team. This journey has given her a broad understanding of both client service and the practical administration of Private Client matters. She is recognised as a trusted source of knowledge on TRS requirements and tax administration, providing guidance to colleagues across the firm and contributing to the smooth progression of matters.
Prior to joining Mayo Wynne Baxter, Verity spent 12 years in the financial services sector, developing strong analytical, regulatory and client care skills that continue to underpin her work today.
Verity is proud to have contributed to the success of the Tax & Trusts team, which was recognised as the winner of the Private Client Team – Tax & Trusts award at the Modern Law Awards 2025.
Known for her attention to detail, reliability and collaborative approach, Verity takes pride in providing the technical expertise and behind-the-scenes support that helps deliver a seamless experience for clients and colleagues alike.
Outside of work, Verity enjoys spending time with her family, reading fantasy fiction and science fiction, paddle boarding, and exploring the Sussex coastline and countryside.
Rebecca is a Partner in our Private Client team, qualifying at a Brighton firm in 2005, she now has over 20 years of experience across a broad range of Private client work. Rebecca specialises in Estate planning and Rural clients as well as undertaking probate work and the preparation of Wills and LPAs.
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 clients. Her extensive knowledge, combined with her professional experience, makes her an invaluable asset to our clients. She offers tailored solutions that address the specific needs and goals of her 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.
After a BSC degree in Law and Business Studies Rebecca completed her LPC and then undertook her Training contract at a Brighton firm, qualifying in 2005. She then immediately started her Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP) qualification and is still an active member of STEP. Rebecca has also been a longterm member of the Association of Later Life Lawyers (ALL, formerly known as Solicitors for the Elderly). She has also previously completed the Association of Contentious Trusts and Probate Solicitors (ACTAPs) training.
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. Clients enjoy her personable approach and often refer her to their family members, so Rebecca acts for multi-generations even outside of the Sussex area.
Outside of work Rebecca is a volunteer with Home Start, providing regular support to local parents with regard to their under-5 aged children.
Roshni is a lawyer with over 8 years experience advising clients. Roshni has a keen focus on Wills, Lasting Powers of Attorneys and Estate administration matters.
Roshni is dedicated to providing bespoke legal advice tailored to the individual needs of her clients. She delivers thoughtful, personalised guidance to help individuals and families protect their interests and ensure their wishes are fully respected.
With an approach grounded in trust, empathy, and a deep understanding of complex legal frameworks, Roshni offers a high‑quality, client‑centred service at every stage. She is committed to building strong, long‑lasting relationships, offering clarity and reassurance even in the most sensitive matters.
Roshni is also actively engaged in her local community and frequently supports charities that assist older and vulnerable individuals—reflecting her commitment to the people she serves both in and outside her legal practice.
Outside of work, Roshni enjoys experimenting with new recipes, travelling, and spending quality time with her loved ones.