Tozers Solicitors LLP

tozers.co.ukClient Satisfaction

As a Senior Associate and Solicitor in Tozers’ Family team Aimee works in an empathetic yet structured way with private individuals from all walks of life. Generally, clients work with Aimee when seeking advice after a personal relationship has broken down, or if they see things panning out that way. She has a very good reputation locally for her financial remedy work. Aimee takes pride in recognising the emotive nature of these situations, whilst helping them make progress, advising clients about both financial and broader implications of a relationship breakdown. She is recognised for providing practical and constructive advice and support, in what is a challenging period for clients. Aimee works closely with her clients to make difficult situations less daunting and achieving an outcome they are happy with. Aimee completed her Law Degree at the University of Plymouth in 2011. After joining Tozers in 2015, Aimee qualified as a Chartered Legal Executive in 2019 and became an Associate in 2021. She later undertook the Solicitors Qualifying Examinations and was admitted as a Solicitor in 2023. Aimee is a member of the Devon Resolution Committee, having previously sat on the Devon YRes Committee for a number of years and as Chair in 2021/2022. Aimee has also been recognised in the 2024 Legal 500 directory as a 'Rising Star' in the Tier 3 ranked Family team where she is described as "very compassionate and always looking to ensure that their clients achieve the best outcome". WORK Recent cases Advising a Wife in divorce proceedings after a short marriage. Husband owned a valuable residential property, land and farm buildings. Providing advice to enable parties to reach agreement. Advising a Wife in divorce proceedings. Husband had a valuable local government pension, acquired primarily before the parties’ marriage. Providing advice enabling the parties to reach agreement providing the wife with a home and substantial pension pot. Advising a husband in financial remedy proceedings involving multiple properties, land and businesses. Successfully obtaining an order for Husband to receive a suitable lump sum and retain his business interests.

Alex McKerron

Alex McKerron joined Tozers in 2021 where she is a Associate & Chartered Legal Executive in our award-winning Parks team and has over 7 years’ experience working within specialist Planning teams, advising developers, registered providers, and landowners on a broad range of matters. Alex supports clients navigating legal processes, from preparing planning applications and certificates of lawfulness applications, to advising on planning enforcement. Alex has a particular specialism in the residential development sector working with developers to obtain planning permissions and related infrastructure agreements, as well as assisting developers, housebuilders, and registered providers with their new or prospective developments. This can include planning reviews of prospective sites and advising on applications for the diversion of highways/footpaths required in connection with development. Alex enjoys the fact that planning law contains such a breadth of topics that no two days are the same. In her spare time, she enjoys keeping active through activities such as paddleboarding and running; she also enjoys baking.

Amanda Bonnick

Amanda is a Partner and Solicitor, and has been recognised as a key lawyer within our Affordable Housing team in the 2024 Legal 500 directory. Amanda has specialised in property law for over 12 years. She qualified as a Solicitor in 2014 and works closely with our clients on various property matters including; new development sites, property disposals, commercial leases and finance work. Amanda works closely alongside the head of team and provides supervision and assistance to the rest of the team. Amanda is also the partner lead for the firm’s responsible business team which supports our registered provider clients through financial sponsorship and staff volunteering.

Amy Laver

Amy is a partner and solicitor who trained with Tozers before qualifying, working with corporate, charity and school clients. With over 10 years post qualification experience, Amy has specialist charity law knowledge with a particular interest in safeguarding matters for schools and charity clients. Amy is well positioned to advise on all aspects of corporate work for charities, schools and companies, including mergers and collaborations, incorporations and conversions. She has a strong track record and focus relating to corporate transactions and governance across those sectors. Centered on making things simple for clients whilst adding value through her sector specific knowledge, Amy always has the best outcome for clients in mind. Amy qualified as a solicitor in 2011, and has been recognised in the 2024 Legal 500 directory where she is described as "has a growing reputation in the sector, especially within academies" within the ranked Charities team and Corporate and Commercial team respectively. Chambers and Partners 2023 also ranks Amy as Band 2, saying "Amy brings realism to the table and clarity on complex issues." "At all times, Amy held our hands metaphorically through the process of buying a company for the first time. She did so with the skill and expertise of her field and empathy and compassion for our emotions and stress."

Amy Cater

Amy is a Partner & Solicitor at Tozers and leads our specialist Planning team as well as working as part of our award-winning Parks team. Recently recognised in the 2024 Legal 500 directory, Amy and her team were ranked as a 'Leading Firm' for their top-rated planning work. "I have built a long and professional relationship with Amy Cater, whose knowledge on planning matters is enviable. Nothing is too much trouble for her, and her commitment is second to none." Since starting at Tozers Amy has grown the firm’s Planning team, advising on a diverse range of planning matters, working alongside caravan park and leisure businesses, residential developers, private individuals, local authorities, and wildlife trusts. She is a member of the UK Environmental Law Association. Amy qualified in 2007 and has over 15 years’ experience in both the public sector and private practice having worked as a planning solicitor in a local authority for several years and having previously trained at a leading law firm in London. This broad experience on ‘both sides of the fence’ provides Amy with an ability to navigate the intricacies of the planning system and local government administrative law. Amy advises on a broad range of planning and licensing matters across England and Wales, including both contentious and non-contentious work. Working alongside colleagues across the firm, including Litigation, Parks, Residential Property, Commercial, Charities, and Wealth Management, Amy provides advice on: Certificate of lawfulness applications and appeals Enforcement notice appeals and advice Judicial Review and Statutory Review Section 106 obligations for commercial and residential developments including affordable housing Preparing planning applications and planning appeals Wildlife and Habitats including Biodiversity Net Gain and Conservation Covenants Advice on Community Infrastructure Levy Neighbourhood Planning Footpath diversions and Highway Agreements Caravan Site licensing advice and appeals Alcohol and Entertainment Licensing Statutory Nuisance Amy edits Butterworths Planning Law Service on the subject of Caravans and is joint editor of the Mobile Homes, Caravans and Campsites section of the Encyclopaedia of Forms and Precedents alongside Managing Partner, Paul Kelly.

Barry Hayes

Barry is a partner in the firm’s Dispute Resolution team with substantial experience in High Court litigation including maritime and commercial matters plus acting for insurers. He also has extensive knowledge of the complex costs issues that can often arise at the end of cases. Barry is a past Chairman and Secretary of Bristol Marine Insurance Association and a past Vice-President of the Insurance Institute of Bristol. Barry qualified as a solicitor in 1984.

Caroline Ryan

Caroline is a graduate of the University of Wales, qualifying as a solicitor in 1993. She spent ten years as a Director at a niche family law firm before joining Tozers as a Consultant Solicitor in 2014, then in 2021 became Head of Private Family within the family team. Caroline works with private clients, helping them navigate the financial consequences of divorce. She specialises in complex cases with her expertise including the resolution of situations including family business, trust funds, farms, property portfolios, parks, inheritance. and pre-acquired wealth. She has gained a wealth of knowledge in dealing with pensions including public sector pensions to include Armed Forces, Police, Fire Service, NHS, Teachers and Local Government. Holding a trained specialism as a collaborative lawyer, Caroline is also a member of Resolution. Mentioned in the Legal 500 directory stating that, "Caroline Ryan was extremely supportive and very knowledgeable about procedures. She advised me confidently and all communications were efficient, effective and appropriate". Caroline has also been ranked as a Band 3 solicitor in Chambers & Partners 2024 directory, stating that "Caroline's expertise was phenomenal. She has an extremely thorough knowledge of her field.". WORK Recent cases Advising Husband, a partner in a holiday park business and also a partner in the family farm in divorce proceedings where the Wife asserted she had an interest in properties owned by the Husband with his Brother and Mother. Successfully protecting Husband’s family assets Advising Wife in divorce proceedings. Husband having been suspended as a partner in his dental practice. Successfully obtaining an order for Wife to obtain interests in property, business and pensions. Advising Husband, high earning equity partner of a London Actuaries in divorce proceedings. Providing advice to enable parties to reach agreement. Advising retired bank manager in respect of financial proceedings brought by Wife ten years post pronouncement of Decree Absolute. Advising in particular re: pension issues.

Clair Hemming

Clair qualified as a solicitor in 2001, and as a Partner in Tozers' Medical Negligence team, acts for people at all stages of their lives, from infants and children right through to those in retirement. She is focused on putting clients at ease, whilst developing a trusted, strong working relationship. Her particular expertise is in high value and complex neurological injury claims. Clair is particularly strong at helping people get answers or find out what went wrong in their individual circumstances. She aims to make a real difference to people’s lives through securing damages and ultimately their future. Recognised as a notable practitioner and ranked as a Band 2 for Clinical Negligence in the Chambers & Partners UK 2024 legal directory, with clients saying "She always keeps us up to date with emails and information, and she guides us to explain matters and terminology when needed. We always manage to overcome any issues that arise" and "Clair pulls all the stops out and leaves no stone unturned" and "Clair is competent and very good". Clair has also been recognised in the 2023 Legal 500 directory receiving feedback that says: "Clair Hemming has just been amazing, she has often come up against hurdles in our case, but has always managed to source a solution.". Clair holds a Trustee role of a National Charity for disabled people, as well as being an accredited member of the Law Society Panel for Clinical Negligence, and a member of the Devon and Exeter Medico Legal Society. Her in-depth understanding of many medical conditions and experience bringing negligence claims on behalf of clients has helped Clair develop an acute understanding of the sensitivity and importance of each individual client’s situation. WORK Recent cases Brain Injury Recovering £17.8 million in damages for a young lady who suffered hypoxia during birth and has cerebral palsy. Damages were paid by lump sum and index linked annual payments for the rest of her life. Recovering £14.5 million in damages for a young man who suffered a subtle brain injury and brachial plexus injury during his birth. The brain injury had not led to physical disability but caused problems with concentration/attention, behaviour and cognitive regulation, and personality. The young man suffered significant anxiety and psychological difficulties. The claim was compromised at 75% and at full value the claim was valued at £19.3 million. Damages were paid by lump sum and index linked annual payments for the rest of his life. Erb's Palsy (OPBI) Securing £1.1 million in damages (-0.75% discount rate). on behalf of an 18-year-old girl who developed Erb’s Palsy due to mismanagement of shoulder dystocia during her birth Negotiating a £925,000 settlement on behalf of a 16-year-old boy with a serious brachial plexus palsy caused at birth (2.5% discount rate). Cauda Equina Syndrome (CES) Securing damages of £575,000 plus annual payments of £117,000 per annum for an 86 year old lady who suffered a cauda equina injury as a result of a hospital's failure to pick up on her progressive deterioration whilst an inpatient. Securing damages of £215,000 for a lady who suffered neurological damage due to a hospital's delay in diagnosing cauda equina syndrome due to limited MRI facilities. Clair negotiated a settlement in a claim involving two separate Defendants without a formal admission of liability. Other cases Acting in a claim against the MOD for failure to diagnose coronary artery disease in a RAF Warrant Officer who died in service on expedition following a heart attack. Substantial damages were secured for the officer’s widow. Negotiating a settlement on behalf of two young boys in a claim against a GP in relation to prescribing errors, which it was alleged had caused their mother’s death.

Endurance Arthur

A clinical negligence solicitor and Partner, Endurance heads and manages Tozers’ Medical Negligence Team. Working with claimants who have suffered life changing injuries as a result of substandard care by GPs, hospitals and private practitioners. Her primary aim is to help those affected to bring a successful claim for compensation so they can look forward to a future in which their needs, arising from avoidable injuries will be met. Through her years of practice, Endurance appreciates that going through the claims process can be challenging for claimants and their families. Qualifying in 1995, Endurance has been a member of the Law Society’s Clinical Negligence Panel since 1999. She is ranked as a Band 1 practitioner for Clinical Negligence in Chambers & Partners 2024 directory, where it says "She is just delightful. She never gets flustered, prepares her cases beautifully and gets good results.". Endurance has also been named as a Leading Individual in Clinical Negligence in the Legal 500 directory where she has been praised as "unflappable". Knowledgeable across a broad range of cases such as, Erb’s palsy, cerebral palsy, cauda equina and spinal injury, acquired brain injury claims, gynaecology claims and claims arising from infection, such as sepsis, and encephalitis. Endurance has developed particular expertise in birth claims such as Erb’s palsy and cerebral palsy and in Kerniterus and cauda equina claims. Working within a team of very skilled and dedicated lawyers, Endurance works to get the best outcome for our clients whilst maintaining principles of decency and humanity. In the course of her work, she is privileged to work with some of the best Counsel and medical experts in the field of medical negligence. Endurance also works with charities and pressure groups such as the Erb’s Palsy Group and Cauda Equina Syndrome Association who are striving to improve standards of care for patients and to reduce the number of avoidable injuries within the healthcare system. In addition to her work with clients, Endurance set up the firm’s CSR committee, which she has chaired since 2010. In that time Tozers have raised funds for and assisted many local charities. WORK Recent cases Endurance achieved a record settlement of £19.92 million pounds for a 9 year old girl who suffered cerebral palsy as a result of a mismanaged birth. In an extremely complicated claim, Endurance also achieved a settlement of £2.9 million for the additional brain damage a 13 year old client suffered because of a 10 minute avoidable delay in her birth. Despite the loss of the obstetric records, Endurance achieved damages of £1.326 million including future proofed payments for a young woman who sustained a severe brachial plexus palsy during her birth. Endurance obtained a settlement of £664,000 for a claimant with pre-existing mobility and urinary problems, who suffered Cauda equina syndrome because of delayed diagnosis and treatment. Endurance obtained 7-figure damages settlements for several of the children who suffered brain injuries because of substandard surgical care at the Bristol Royal Infirmary.

Grainne Staunton

Gráinne is a Partner and Solicitor at Tozers. As head of the firm’s Wealth Management team, she is an expert in negotiating the tricky and technical detail of Inheritance tax and navigating the succession planning process. She translates this into straightforward advice focused on protecting her clients’ interests. Putting her clients at the centre of what she does is key to Gráinne’s approach. She is keenly aware of the aims of those she acts for – and adept at tailoring her guidance to meet those needs. With countless years’ experience and a breadth and depth of expertise, Gráinne is equally as confident steering clients through the establishment of a trust, the detail of a Court of Protection application, or the thoughtful writing of Wills. As lead partner of the High Net Worth sub-team, she specialises in succession planning for farm and business owners, along with other high net worth individuals. She builds strong relationships, often acting as advisor for many generations of the same family. This is reflected in her role as lead partner for the Vulnerable Clients sub-team, where she works as a trusted legal partner to safeguard the wellbeing and needs of her clients. Gráinne is deeply proud of the commitment and skills of the Wealth Management team, which has grown in strength under her leadership and is recognised by the Legal 500 directory as a Tier 3 ranked Personal Tax, Trusts and Probate team. She is also lead Director for Tozers Trust Corporation Limited, through which Tozers acts as Executor, Deputy and Attorney. This involves the careful management of around £55 million of assets. Gráinne is a full member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP) and regularly shares her expertise, presenting at seminars on all topics, especially to the British Holiday and Home Parks Association (BH&HPA).

James Orpin

Qualifying in 1999, James trained at, and worked for, a number of large regional law firms before joining Tozers to lead the Company and Commercial Team. James works closely with business clients of all sizes, and in all stages of the business lifecycle. His particular specialism and individual focus are on corporate transactions. James invests time in getting to know his clients and understanding their aspirations. This understanding is essential when dealing with intensive negotiations, and as a strong communicator James never loses sight that everyone is working towards a common goal. As well as advising companies and individuals who wish to sell or purchase a business or company, James and his team also advise on equity investments, reorganisations, shareholders’ agreements and commercial agreements. James is ranked as a Band 2 solicitor for Corporate M&A in Chambers & Partners 2024 directory, with client reviews saying "James Orpin is very pragmatic and understands the issues.", "He knows how to get a deal done." The team are also ranked as Tier 3 in the national Legal 500 directory, with contributors describing Tozers’ Corporate and Commercial team as “A strong team of individuals who work very well together”, and team leader James Orpin as "helpful and responsive". WORK Recent cases Individual shareholders – we acted on the sale of shares in AES Sustainability Consultants Limited and Domestic Air Leakage Testing Energy Consultants Limited pursuant to a management buy-out. The companies are leading technical consultancies delivering solutions to the housebuilding and construction industries Duo Group Holdings Limited - we acted on the acquisition of 10 companies to form the enlarged Duo Group which is a market leading company that provides the aggregate, recycling and material handling industries with comprehensive packages of complete processing solutions Individual shareholders – we acted on the sale of Evidence Group Limited and Barbican Animal Health Limited to Map of Agriculture Group Ltd, which is a global pioneer in agricultural analysis and modelling technology.

James Evans

James leads our nationally-recognised team of specialist charity and social enterprise sector lawyers and acts as the key relationship contact for many of our sector clients. James is highly motivated by working with organisations supporting a huge variety of good causes, and all doing fantastic work. He takes pride in helping them achieve their social objectives and to increase the impact of what they do for the communities they serve. Advising sector organisations on a broad range of matters, James can help with the formation of new organisations, getting the right legal structure, governance and constitutional considerations, incorporations, mergers, collaborations and other corporate transactions, charity law compliance and regulatory factors, fundraising and trading challenges, finance and social investment, and commercial agreements. James, who qualified in 1996, is a solicitor and partner, an active member of the Charity Law Association, and a member of the certification panel which adjudicates on awards of the Social Enterprise Mark. He is recognised nationally for the great work he does with charities and social enterprises of all sizes, schools and other educational institutions, clubs, societies and other not-for-private-profit organisations. James is a Band 3 ranked lawyer for Charities UK-wide in the Chambers & Partners 2024 legal directory, where it states that "James Evans is frequently called upon to advise charities on their registration and incorporation, as well as various commercial issues. He has additional experience advising on contentious matters, such as intra-organisational conflicts and serious incident reporting.", "James always makes himself available. His advice is very clear and concise, and he doesn't make you feel silly for asking the silly questions. I never hesitate to reach out to James." James has also been recognised as a Leading Individual in the 2024 Legal 500 directory, heading the Tier 2 ranked Charities team, with clients saying that, "Working with James Evans, partner and solicitor, has always been a positive experience. He can explain matters in a non-technical way and is very thorough and responsive." In addition to working with charities and social enterprises, he also helps private sector businesses and private individuals where they are engaging with the charity sector, for example in helping them set up new charities or corporate foundations. Work Recent cases Advising on the charity merger between the Marine Biological Association and the Sir Alister Hardy Foundation of Ocean Science (CPR survey) Advising the British Accounting and Finance Association (BAFA) on membership and governance arrangements Assisting national charity Libraries Connected (formerly Society of Chief Librarians) in successfully achieving charitable status

Jenny Lloyd

Jenny is a senior associate and head of our Housing Management services as part of our Affordable Housing Team. She has specialist knowledge of social housing management, particularly for Social Landlords including serious antisocial behaviour. As the Information Officer for the team, she regularly writes legal updates for our clients. Jenny also regularly provides in house training and conducts her own advocacy. Jenny is often in court representing her clients when dealing with anti-social behaviour, disrepair claims and other housing management situations such as: Social Housing Fraud Injunction and possession claims Property and land disputes including adverse possession and Access to Neighbouring Land applications Traveller sites Jenny qualified as a solicitor in 2012 and has developed a specialist knowledge of social housing management where she applies that experience to provide pragmatic advice and representation. Outside of the office, Jenny is a keen horse rider and regularly competes in dressage competitions. She also runs and swims to keep fit, completing the Great West Run 4 times.

Jill Headford

A Commercial Dispute Resolution Partner and experienced Court and Tribunal Advocate, Jill specialises in resolving disputes and is a member of the Property Litigation Association. Qualifying as a solicitor in 1990. Jill specialises in a number of legal areas, with her interests including: Land and property disputes – for example over boundaries, covenants and rights of way, often with major commercial or strategic significance. Adverse possession Issues arising on sale or purchase of property Liability for landslip, coastal erosion and flood Landlord and Tenant matters, acting for landlords, both commercial and residential. Employment Law advocacyin the employment tribunals and the Employment Appeal Tribunal for large national clients. Intellectual Property disputes. Jill heads a small team of IP Lawyers who advise on brand protection including registration of trade marks, protection of copyright and the law relating to the internet and data protection. Equine Law. A keen horsewoman and owner of four horses (you can never have too many!) and a successful BD competitor, she has many clients with equine connections and very considerable experience of resolving horse related disputes. WORK Recent cases Achieving a highly successful outcome for clients in a dispute about the rights over an industrial estate which they were entitled to exercise in conjunction with the lease of their factory. The rights were not expressly included in their lease but were crucial to the operation of their business. Resolving a long-running, sixteen party dispute about contributions to the cost of upkeep of a commercial estate road, eventually requiring issue in the Chancery Division of the High Court but settled early in the action. Acting on behalf of a wildlife trust in defending a claim brought by a neighbouring landowner who denied their right of access to their nature reserve. Guiding and achieving a successful team move from a professional practice against fierce opposition from the remaining partners. Team now prospering in its new practice. Annulment of bankruptcy of a client who owned c.£3m freehold assets necessitating careful negotiation with the Trustee in Bankruptcy (represented by a city firm and specialist insolvency counsel) and the petitioning creditors (a national utility supplier represented by in house legal counsel). Obtaining a landmark ruling for a limited company in a claim against Barclays for mis-selling a complex hedge fund derivative product (these arrangements are also known as “SWAPs”, “interest rate hedging products” or “IRHP’s”) Defending a group action against a holiday park owner based on misrepresentation about holiday use Substantial settlement against a commercial landlord who unreasonably refused to consent to the assignment of a lease Injunction claim against an outgoing recruitment agency employee for breach of restrictive covenants and mis-use of confidential information Setting aside an erroneous court order which wrongfully purported to dispose of trust assets Successful settlement of a claim arising out of terms of use of an online trading platform.

Josh Gilbert

Josh acts across a broad range of commercial property, agricultural property and residential property transactions. He looks after transactional work and general property interests for private clients and their businesses including for landowners, family business owners, farmers and property developers. Josh deals with all aspects of commercial property work including acquisitions and disposals, leases, finance, development, estate management and large real estate projects. Josh has extensive experience in dealing with rural property including farms & estates, country houses and agricultural tenancies. He also deals with hospitality and leisure sector transactions including hotels and public houses. Josh enjoys making sure that his clients receive the best strategic advice for their particular situation and that their property transactions are run as efficiently as possible. He strives to be highly responsive to the specific needs and concerns of clients. He is described by clients as “having a calm, practical manner” as well as being “proactive, solution oriented, easy to deal with and always representing our interests”. Josh studied Law at Oxford with a year abroad studying French Law at Paris II Panthéon-Assas. He qualified from the University of Law in 2013 at Bristol with a distinction. Josh went on to spend five years working in Bristol where he completed his training and then qualified to work with an agricultural property team. Josh then worked in Bath for a further four years where he deepened his experience in general commercial property and residential property. Away from work, Josh spends time with his family. He likes to be outside as much as possible whether walking or camping on the moor or kite-surfing at one of Devon’s amazing beaches.

Kate Bolt

Kate is a Partner & Solicitor in our Property team, based at our Exeter office. She is also part of the agriculturalteam. She deals with a broad range of property work buying and selling farms, woodland, equestrian centres, holiday complexes, as well as country estates and residential properties. Kate enjoys finding solutions to issues that crop up during property transactions, seeking to anticipate and avoid any glitches to ensure the journey for the client is as stress free as possible. Having qualified as a solicitor in 2010, she has over 10 years’ experience and is a member of the Agricultural Law Association. Kate comes from a farming background which has helped her to understand Tozers’ agricultural client’s needs and provide them with practical advice. In her spare time, Kate loves being outdoors exploring the countryside, typically running, cycling, hiking or dog walking.

Kelly Burns

Kelly joined Tozers in 2013 working within Tozers’ award-winning Parks team as a paralegal, before completing her training contract with the firm, and qualifying as a Solicitor in 2018. Whilst Kelly provides advice and assistance with a wide range of planning, licensing, and Local Government matters, her particular specialisms include advising local authorities on section 106 agreements and on the development of residential and holiday caravan parks. With more than 10 years’ experience, Kelly advises residential and holiday parks on a broad range of matters including; preparing planning applications to increase the number of caravans/mobile homes permitted on a park, to extend the holiday season or for a warden’s caravan. applying for certificates of lawfulness for existing and proposed use with the view to increasing numbers of caravans permitted on the park. advising on caravan site licensing. With her developed specialism in planning and licensing, Kelly is also best placed to support clients with the legal processes involved with: preparing planning applications and certificates of lawful use applications. preparing objections to planning applications. drafting and negotiating Section 106 Agreements including affordable housing, open space and financial contributions. advising on the application of the Community Infrastructure Levy. appeals of planning applications, certificates of lawful use applications or enforcement notices. advising on enforcement action. advising on and preparing applications for alcohol and entertainment licensing. Kelly also regularly undertakes planning work for a number of other departments at Tozers including the award-winning Parks Team in the purchase of residential and holiday caravan parks, the Company and Commercial Team in share purchases and commercial leases and purchases, the Residential Property Team in residential purchases, and the Social Housing Team in the purchase and development of affordable housing.

Louise Barber

Louise is an Of Counsel in Herbert Smith Freehills' International Arbitration, Public International Law and ESG Disputes practice in London.

Mark Meleady

Working closely with both individuals and businesses, Mark deals with a wide range of Residential Property matters including sales, purchases, re-mortgages and transfers of equity. He can also help local developers when acquiring sites and selling the individual units. Mark is also regularly involved in commercial and agricultural property transactions. Mark knows just how important communication is when dealing with what is typically the largest transaction of many people’s lives. Making himself available and ensuring he keeps his clients up-to-date throughout the process, using simple language and solid advice Mark has been described as “amiable and a highly professional individual”. Mark is recognised nationally and locally for both his engagement with clients in their transactions and his efforts in establishing and developing growth of the firm. He won the Rising Star award at Devon and Somerset Law Society awards in April 2019 after also winning Young Lawyer of the Year at the national LawNet awards in November 2018. Mark heads up the residential property team in Newton Abbot and is a partner having trained with the firm, before qualifying as a solicitor in 2016. As head of the Newton Abbot Property Team, Mark maintains a strong local profile in the professional marketplace, benefitting the transactions he works on where he has robust working relationships with Estate Agents and other lawyers. He also supervises a team of conveyancing lawyers which provides him with a broad view of the local property market.

Mark Williams

Mark is an accredited children panel solicitor specialising in all aspects of the law relating to children. Mark acts for parents and children in care cases, for special guardians and foster carers. He has a particular interest in representing grandparents in family law matters and provides clear and focussed advice when handling sensitive issues. He undertakes most of his own advocacy before the Court ensuring that he deals with matters on behalf of his clients from the beginning of a case through to its conclusion. Mark has been instrumental in setting up our Domestic Abuse Response Team (DART), has been recognised in the 2023 Legal 500 directory as a key lawyer in the Teir 3 ranked Family team and a "confident and persuasive advocate with a detailed knowledge of his cases." He qualified as a solicitor in 1992.

Martin Laver

Martin is a partner in the Commercial Litigation team specialising in dispute resolution. He acts on a broad range of work advising businesses, charities and not for profit organisations as well as individuals. With a particular specialism in disputed trusts and wills, Martin is a member of the Association of Contentious Trust and Probate Specialists (“ACTAPS”). Membership of ACTAPS reflects the volume, complexity and experience Martin has in contentious probate matters, where he appreciates the sensitive nature of situations where contesting a will or trust is being considered in what is normally a difficult time. He is recognised for his sensitivity when dealing with disputes, which coupled with the application of his breadth of experience is used to determine, alongside the client, the right course of action. Martin is particularly experienced and successful in the use of mediation. Martin’s work has taken him to the County Court, High Court, and the Supreme Court as well as the Employment Tribunal and Employment Appeal Tribunal. In addition to his case work, Martin presents seminars on topics such as employment law, insolvency and disputed trusts and wills and contributes to the firm’s Insights in those areas. Qualifying in 2012, Martin is a member of the Charity Law Association. Outside work, Martin is a keen family man with two young daughters. He is also a chair of governors at a local primary school and involved in some local charities. On a sunny day, with a fair wind, you will find Martin sailing down the Exe in his little boat.

Michael Taylor

Michael is a Partner and Solicitor in our nationally recognised Affordable Housing team. Michael qualified as a Solicitor in 2000 and has developed relationships with Registered Providers development departments having worked in-house for over 20 years. Michael provides a broad range of advice and guidance to Registered Providers to ensure they can deliver their social housing property schemes, including property, housing management and governance and regulatory work. Michael is an excellent communicator with a focus on property related matters; finding solutions to enable clients to deliver their social housing property schemes. He has experience in Landlord and Tenant / Tenancy Management, Property and Land Law, Contract Law, and Governance and Regulatory advice. In his spare time Michael enjoys either watching or participating in most sports, particularly football, tennis and golf and helps coach a local U12 football team. He also likes to spend time with family, supporting his 3 children with their various interests and hobbies.

Naomi Hoare

Naomi is a Senior Associate and Solicitor in the Wealth Management team. She is an expert in crafting carefully prepared claims for often tricky Inheritance Tax reliefs, such as Agricultural Property Relief and Business Property Relief, and in the administration of high value estates. Acting for high net worth individuals, including farm and business owners, she is particularly adept at steering her clients through the technical and specific detail of the law, helping to protect their interests, now and for the future. She also specialises in lifetime succession planning, supporting her clients with empathy and understanding to navigate what can often be a complex area of the law. Alongside this, Naomi has a wealth of knowledge and experience in creating Wills and trust deeds tailored to her clients’ specific needs, as well as preparing Lasting Powers of Attorney and guiding clients through the intricacies of tax law. She enjoys getting to know her clients and their goals, working tirelessly to find bespoke solutions that are right for them. Naomi is a full member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP) and a Director of Tozers Trust Corporation Limited, through which Tozers acts and Executor, Deputy and Attorney. Recent experience includes: Achieving successful claims for Business Property Relief in estates, resulting in a reduction of Inheritance Tax on one estate by nearly seven figures. Dealing with complex claims for Agricultural Property Relief, including on estates with multiple farmhouses, which require an ability to delve deeply into the technical detail of the law to support the claim. Providing tailored succession planning advice to families in complex and often delicate situations, including discussions on the creation of trusts and collaborating with Tozers’ Corporate Team to ensure any arrangements in respect of the clients’ businesses will work seamlessly with the proposals being considered.

Nick Conner

Nick applies a positive and personal approach when dealing with residential conveyancing and commercial landlords and tenants. He works closely with clients and other representatives in transactions in a highly pragmatic way, using established relationships with agents and other solicitors to get transactions over the line. Qualifying in 2008, Nick has been involved in the local property market for over 10 years, he is a partner and head of Tozers Residential Property Team, providing strategic direction for the team. He has been described by clients as “extremely diligent and thorough” as well as “highly efficient and professional with a keen eye for detail”. Nick is pro-active and focused on his client's aims and looks to manage the whole process to its successful conclusion with minimum fuss. Nick uses this approach for all of his clients, from first-time buyers to experienced property investors, and this is reflected in the level of client recommendations and quality of feedback that he receives. Away from work enjoys his role as a tennis captain at Victoria Park Tennis Club.

Paul Zaleski

Paul helps clients with all aspects of Residential Property advice, working closely with other solicitors, estate agents, and financial advisors to effectively manage the process of sales, purchases re-mortgages and lease extensions. Paul is the partner in charge of the Teignmouth office actively maintaining a strong local profile in the professional marketplace, benefitting the transactions he works on where he has robust working relationships with Estate Agents and other lawyers, as well as working with colleagues to promote Tozers profile through events and sponsorships. He also supervises a team of conveyancing lawyers which provides him with a broad view of the local property market. Paul qualified as a solicitor in 2004, working for a large regional law firm before joining Tozers and being promoted to Partner. Outside of work he enjoys getting involved as much as possible with the local community.

Paul Kelly

Paul leads Tozers’ Parks team. He is national legal adviser to the British Holiday & Home Parks Association (BH&HPA). He provides strategic advice about how the changing legal landscape affects parks. He also works with his colleagues to raise awareness of the changes and manage their impact on park businesses, for example, by writing guidance in industry journals and speaking at BH&HPA events. Paul is a trusted adviser to many park businesses, identifying risks and opportunities and making sure that they are well represented if a dispute arises. His recent work includes advising on the Mobile Homes Act, consumer contract and data protection law, as well as leading BH&HPA’s judicial review work. Paul qualified as a solicitor in 1992 and is the firm’s managing partner. He was president of the Devon & Somerset Law Society for the 2021/2022 term.

Rachael Morley

Rachael Morley is a Partner and Solicitor in the Wealth Management team. She specialises in succession planning, with a focus on advising farmers, business owners and high net worth individuals on complex Inheritance Tax matters. She has a particular expertise in the tricky, and often-denied, Business Property Relief as it applies to park owners. She is delighted with her track record in negotiating with the Revenue about the relief for both holiday and residential park owners: she has been successful in every case to date. As lead Partner in the Wills & Succession sub-team, Rachael enjoys dealing with the extremely technical detail of the law, especially as it applies to tax and trusts. She delivers her advice with sensitivity and pragmatism, drawing on her expertise across areas such as tax, trusts and creating Wills to give each client a bespoke solution that is right for them. Rachael maintains close links with local families, often advising many generations on the succession planning process. She crafts a package of options and documents precisely tailored to them, while also supervising the firm’s offering in this area. Described as “wholly exceptional” in the Legal 500 directory, she is recognised as a key member of the Tier 3 ranked Personal Tax, Trusts and Probate team. Rachael is a Director of Tozers Trust Corporation Limited, through which Tozers acts and Executor, Deputy and Attorney. She is also a full member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP) – achieving a Distinction in her Diploma – and is past Chair of the Non-Contentious Business Sub-Committee of the Devon and Somerset Law Society. Rachael regularly shares her knowledge and experience, presenting at seminars both locally and nationally. Recent experience includes: Crafting persuasive claims for Business Property Relief for owner-managed park businesses. Assisting the Executors of a farming estate with a complex picture of assets in an illiquid estate. Advising on the technical detail of a trustees’ powers and duties on the wording of an unusual trust deed.

Rebecca Roberts

Rebecca is a Partner & Solicitor in our Corporate & Commercial team. She deals with business and company sales and acquisitions, restructurings, investments and joint ventures. She also advises on governance matters and on commercial agreements. Typically, Rebecca will act for private corporates, SMEs, owner managed businesses and family businesses across the South West. With each matter she enjoys breaking things down and getting to the heart of what matters to her clients. While the acquisition and sale process is well established, no transaction or business is the same. Rebecca is described in the Legal 500 directory for 2024 as "very approachable and has great commercial awareness" within the ranked Corporate and Commercial team. Rebecca qualified as a Solicitor in 2010. Prior to joining Tozers in 2021, she worked on corporate transactional and advisory work at two other regional law firms based in Exeter. Recent examples of work include: Acting for private individuals on the sale of two very substantial pub and hotel businesses. Acting on a complex corporate re-organisation consisting of multiple companies holding property investments to ultimately achieve two distinct corporate groups and aid succession and tax planning. Acting on the sale of a local and well known independent private school to another independent school with a linked property sale. In her spare time she enjoys getting outdoors with her two young children.

Rebecca Holloway Bowden

Rebecca has in-depth experience of domestic residential transactions and has acted for a wide variety of individuals in the sale and purchase of both freehold and leasehold properties. She also deals with re-mortgages, equity release, deeds of variation, deeds of surrender and re-grant of leases as well as high value property purchases. Rebecca qualified as a Licensed Conveyancer in 2010 and spent several years as a Partner and Head of Residential Property in a well respected local firm before joining Tozers. Rebecca is a member of the Council for Licensed Conveyancers and is also Conveyancing Quality Scheme Accredited. Rebecca is committed to helping individuals and families navigate the complex legal aspects of buying, selling, and owning residential properties with confidence and peace of mind. Communication is key when dealing with the conveyancing process and keeping clients and related third parties informed is really important. Rebecca values clear and open communication with clients and keeps them informed at every stage of their legal matters, promptly responding to enquiries and addressing concerns. Making the process as smooth as possible as it can be a very stressful time in people’s lives, Rebecca enjoys building relationships with clients and other people who are involved in the conveyancing process. Rebecca enjoys going to the gym, walking with the ramblers on Dartmoor, spending time with her husband and step-daughter and socialising with friends and family.

Sam Reid

Sam has developed a reputation for providing an exceptional level of service for his clients when advising on all aspects of property law including residential, commercial and agricultural conveyancing, re-financing, transfers of equity and acting on behalf of charities and trusts. As a member of Tozers Residential Property team, he takes great effort to research and investigate the legal aspects of land & property before compiling comprehensive, clear and simple advice for buyers - so they have a full understanding of it before they commit to purchase. He particularly enjoys and is experienced in conducting high value residential sales and purchases for clients looking for a solicitor to provide them with a bespoke conveyancing service, where he is always focused on overcoming any obstacles to ensure the transaction reaches a successful completion. This approach results in lots of repeat custom over many years. Having worked in the local property market for over 10 years, Sam has well established working relationships with estate agents, land agents, surveyors and accountants. He communicates with all these stakeholders throughout the process to make the transaction run as smooth as possible. He is a graduate of Exeter University, qualified as a solicitor in 2011, and spent several years as Head of Residential Property in a well-respected local firm before joining Tozers. Sam is a member of Agricultural Law Association and is also Conveyancing Quality scheme accredited.

Simon Mansfield

Simon is a Partner in Tozers’ Medical Negligence team, supporting clients who have suffered serious injuries as a result of negligent medical treatment. He also assists bereaved families with inquest representation. Combining a high level of professionalism with a friendly and sympathetic approach, Simon acts for clients in a wide variety of circumstances ranging from families who have lost loved ones as a result of medical negligence to catastrophic spinal and birth injury cases. Whilst fighting as hard as he possibly can to get the best possible result for his clients, Simon also recognises the need to help them through the process of understanding how their injuries have affected them and what the future holds. Qualifying in 2011 and as an accredited member of the Law Society’s Clinical Negligence Panel, Simon has a breadth of experience dealing with clinical negligence claims. He is aware that his work often deals with complicated issues and medical terminology, and on that basis Simon ensures he takes time to explain the situation and courses of action in a way that his clients can easily understand. Chambers & Partners 2024 ranked Simon as Band 3 for Clinical Negligence, stating "Simon is excellent, knowledgeable and professional at all times. He shows great compassion and empathy." and "Impressive and well informed. He works hard to get good results." and "Simon Mansfield exhibits very good knowledge and control in very complicated cases.". Simon has also been recognised in the 2024 Legal 500 directory as part of the 'Top Tier' Clinical Negligence team where he is described as "very professional, empathetic to my case and always answered my questions in a timely manner". Simon knows that when people have suffered a serious injury or lost a loved one as a result of clinical negligence, that they can often feel as though their lives are falling apart around them. Recognising they are likely to be worried about what the future will hold and often under significant financial stress, for example if they cannot work. WORK Recent cases Securing damages of £1,250,000 for a young woman who sustained a severe brachial plexus (Erb’s Palsy) injury at birth. Recovering damages of £1,615,500 plus annual payments of £55,000 to the family of a woman who died following a negligent failure to pick up on complications arising from surgery. Securing damages of £575,000 plus annual payments of £117,000 per annum for an 86 year old lady who suffered a cauda equina injury as a result of a hospitals failure to pick up on the progressive deterioration in her back condition. Recovering damages of £518,500 plus annual payments of £58,500 per annum for a 74 year old woman who suffered a penetrating injury to her spinal cord during the siting of an epidural anaesthesia. Securing damages of £300,000 for a woman who suffered psychiatric harm and gynaecological injuries as a result of negligence during the delivery of her son. Securing damages of £1,000,000 for a young man who sustained a severe brachial plexus (Erb’s Palsy) injury at birth.

Stephen Jennings

Stephen is an employment lawyer and general commercial litigator with many years of experience in the firm’s Litigation & Employment team. He takes a pragmatic approach to guiding clients away from potential pitfalls and particularly values building up durable long-term relationships with clients. Stephen is a frequent speaker at employment seminars across the South West and beyond, and is the relationship manager for many of the firm’s employment clients. Outside of the firm, Stephen volunteers as a trustee of a local charity working with adults with learning disabilities. Stephen and the Employment team have also been recognised in the Legal 500 2024 directory as Tier 2 where he has received outstanding feedback, "Stephen Jennings is exceptional. He conveys very technical legal advice in terms that me and my team can understand." and "Stephen Jennings is just superb. Incredibly knowledgeable, adaptable, helpful and always available or gets back to you extremely quickly.’. Stephen qualified as a solicitor in 2002.

Stephen Burtchaell

Stephen is the principle contact for property matters for Registered Providers, heading up our nationally recognised Affordable Housing team, with over 25 years' experience in the property development sector acting for housing associations and registered providers. His particular specialisms are in property-related matters including: complex registered provider property work property development and regeneration joint ventures site assembly cross subsidy schemes site acquisition and disposals golden brick schemes development and infrastructure agreements advising on mergers and amalgamations re-financing stock swaps Away from work, Stephen enjoys making the most of living in the West Country, in particular walking on Exmoor and the Quantocks and trying to keep fit.

Sue Halfyard

Sue is a Partner and Chartered Legal Executive in the Wealth Management team. She is hugely experienced in dealing with estates of all forms and masterful at helping Executors and Administrators navigate the complexities of the probate process. As a skilled probate lawyer and lead partner for the firm’s Probate & Estate Administration sub-team, her aim is to remove some of the burden at an already difficult time. She does this by taking clients through the practicalities as simply and efficiently as possible, whether the estate is straightforward or complex, contains a variety of assets or involves assets held in other countries. Her friendly and pragmatic advice has made her the go-to contact for many generations of families. Sue is also highly experienced across the full spectrum of wealth management matters, working with clients on the careful writing of a Will as well as advising on powers of attorney and a wide range of deeds and documents. As part of the Wealth Management team at Tozers, Sue heads up the probate sub team dealing with later life planning and wills and probate. Outside the office Sue is a trustee of the Alice Cross Community Centre. Sue is also recognised in the 2023 Legal 500 directory as a key lawyer in the tier 4 ranked Personal Tax, Trusts and probate team. Alongside this, Sue is a Director of Tozers Trust Corporation Limited, through which Tozers acts as Executor, Deputy and Attorney.

Tony Wood

Tony leads the Specialist Legal Aid Team in our Newton Abbot office. Tony specialises in care proceedings where the represents children who are the subject of care proceedings, instructed by their Guardian, parents and grandparents and conducts almost all of his own advocacy. Tony also deals with other aspects of family law with over 20 years' experience including divorce and separation and matrimonial finance together with representing parents in private law family disputes. Recently Tony has represented both children, parents and grandparents in cases where children have suffered serious injuries and where there has been extensive medical evidence obtained and where the Court have had to make Findings as to who was the perpetrator of those injuries. Tony is a member of the Law Society’s Children Panel, and has been recognised in the 2023 Legal 500 directory as the leader of the Tier 3 ranked Family team and a "confident and persuasive advocate with a detailed knowledge of his cases." He qualified as a solicitor in 1988.

Tracey Bridgwater

Tracey leads Tozers’ Parks transactions team. She provides robust commercial advice drawn on many years’ experience in the parks sector, enabling her to assist those new to the industry as well as seasoned park businesses, in maximising the benefits of new opportunities and avoiding common pitfalls. Tracey has a reputation in the parks industry for applying her “first class technical knowledge” alongside “focus and perseverance to deliver excellent results”. She advises park owners on park sales, purchases, refinancing and new development. With strong connections across key industry stakeholders Tracey has a fantastic track record of operating in the Parks sector, she couples this with a background in industry having qualified in 1992, where she worked in-house for a plc. This breadth of experience enables Tracey to progress legal matters prudently whilst also possessing an understanding of the practical commercial aspects of operating businesses. WORK Recent cases Advising on the acquisition of a holiday park business and park refinance for value £14m Sale of a portfolio of three residential parks for £13m.

Vernon Clarke

Vernon works with a wide range of clients including country landowners, farmers, property developers, pension funds and charities. He acts regularly in sales, purchases and leases of high value London properties, historic houses and large rural estates. He also has a wealth of experience in a range of other property matters such as development land deals, holiday letting businesses, solar parks, buy-to-let portfolios, woodlands, fisheries and sporting rights. An Oxford graduate who trained with Tozers, Vernon qualified as a solicitor in 1986 and has been a partner since 1989. He is highly responsive and aims to provide clients with a fast, friendly and efficient service. Vernon is a member of the Agricultural Law Association, the Charity Law Association, the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners and the Country Land & Business Association. He is active in the voluntary sector, having served for many years as a trustee of Devon Wildlife Trust, and of a charity providing therapeutic learning and sheltered employment for people with disabilities. He is a past Chair of Exeter Historic Buildings Trust and is a trustee of a North Devon almshouse charity. He also serves as a school governor. Outside of work he enjoys country pursuits, is a keen sportsman and an avid supporter of Swindon Town FC.

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