Ashtons Legal > Norwich, England > Firm Profile

‘Ashtons Legal is a firm with a broad range of legals skills that enable it to support business across multiple sectors. ’

‘Most important to me is the relationships I have developed with senior partners at Ashtons Legal. These people understand my business and where they can add value.’

‘Amanda Cavanagh is a pleasure to work with. She is reliable and responsive when it comes to matters related with the client, their case histories and the experts.’

‘Ben Ward is an excellent young partner. Clear and excellent understanding of medical conditions and meticulous detail with medical records and excellent with experts.’

‘Mick Upton – a very good eye for detail. Keen to secure the best possible result for the client.’

‘Richard Foyster is hugely respected and provides excellent service to his clients.’

‘Michael Wangermann is a very experienced personal injury lawyer and ensures that his clients get access to early rehabilitation after their injuries.’

‘Sharon Allison is always on hand to answer any concerns or issues I have as a case manager. Always accessible and willing to look at practical solutions, working towards the client’s best interests.’

‘Penny Tilmouth is excellent – very good attention to detail, good communication with counsel and experts and empathetic client care skills.’

Tom West is young but he is already a good lawyer and will do well. He is careful and diligent and very quick to assist. A pleasure to work with.’

‘Whilst dealing with Simon Cunningham on matters related to infrastructure projects, he has dealt with the contracts efficiently and has acted in my best interests. He is very thorough and has explained complex contractual dialogue in a user-friendly way. I certainly find him to be very pleasant, approachable and patient.’

‘Simon Cunningham always responded quickly and efficiently to queries, and returned unanswered phone calls promptly.’

‘Fenella Eddell would always reply promptly to any query I had and kept the momentum going with the work so it didn’t take longer than required.’

‘Jeanette Dennis has become our contact for farming matters and she has a very good way of explaining complex issues in a clear manner. She is a partner in a farming family hence her ability to relate to farming clients is from first hand experience. She has been great support when we went through the complex issue of handing the farm from one generation to another.’

‘Well established agricultural team with strong knowledge of the sector.’

‘Jeanette Dennis is very experienced and really takes the time to understand her clients’ needs.’

‘Jeanette Dennis is a brilliant partner at Ashtons, I have worked with her the most of any Ashtons individual. Excellent knowledge of the agricultural sector and is able to advise accordingly. Valued her in-depth knowledge.’

‘Karen Bacon is an experienced associate who is knowledgeable in a wide range of legal services, but who also knows when to bring in other specialists to deliver the best service. Karen works with other professionals and keeps them informed so that we can work together for our mutual clients benefit.’

‘Each specialist department work exceptionally well together which results in an excellent team. The other employees we have dealt with have been extremely knowledgeable but also friendly and approachable, this is what makes the practice stand out from other firms I have used in the past.’

‘We have had the pleasure of dealing with Gino Ballestracci. We find him exceptional at his work. Not only is he extremely knowledgeable but also easy to talk to, friendly and approachable. He is mindful of our mental health when personal matters have been difficult for us. Considering his large workload his quality of work never drops. His availability is excellent and he has always been available to discuss any developments and matters became stressful his advice and reassurance was highly appreciated.‘

‘Ashtons Legal are the “go to” firm in East Anglia for private wealth disputes, especially concerning property and estates issues. Joanna Baker is always reliable and exceptional – you want her in your corner. Joanna’s handling of factually sensitive and legally complex work makes her a first port of call for difficult cases. We have worked on a several cases concerning trusts of land, proprietary estoppel and inheritance disputes. ’

‘I have worked with Ashtons Legal, and in particular Joanna Baker, on a number of legally complex and factually difficult matters. Joanna’s deft client handling and empathetic approach make her ideal in dealing with complexities. Clients always know that she is on their side and her legal knowledge is impressive to match.’

‘Joanna Baker and Polly Stephenson head up a great team where they have the breath of expertise to offer advice on all budgets. They lead from the front and ensure that clients get great value for money. ’

‘Gino Ballestracci is very thorough and conscientious, and this ultimately is to the benefit of his clients. Their team rivals the best in the City of Norwich.’

‘The team are thorough, insightful and communicate promptly.’

‘Joanna Baker is extremely good. Always willing to go the extra mile to get a resolution. Sets out matters clearly and is prompt at responding.’

‘I have always found the staff very friendly and professional. Alan Brown is very knowledgeable on trusts and investment matters.’

‘Jeanette Wand and Louise Cardwell, along with the rest of the team. consistently go above and beyond for our mutual clients, making them feel safe and understood. So much so that I have referred members of my own family to them for advice as well as mutual clients.’

‘Alan Brown and Louise Cardwell in particular are clearly skilled and knowledgeable. They exude confidence creativity and ability. Above all they are both extremely thorough and intellectually able.’

‘Professional, personable and approachable team.’

‘Janette Wand and Louise Cardwell stand out for their knowledge and ability to adapt to individual client needs and levels of understanding.’

‘I have found the team to be knowledgeable with good communication skills. Particularly enjoy working with Alan Brown, Janette Wand and Louise Cardwell.’

‘The team overall is very approachable for clients, Janette Wand and Louise Cardwell have always dealt with clients professional and knowledgeably and are always willing to spend extra time with clients where they require greater understanding.’

‘Vast experience and very knowledgeable and professional in their dealings.’

‘Mark Watson – very easy to deal with and gave me comfort that our interests were well considered. With all legal advisors, we need to have a level of trust in our advisors and with Mark, we had this.’

‘They have been very supportive throughout our start-up growth journey after we met them through a local accelerator helping to introduce us to other local businesses and providing advice on investment raising, intellectual property and corporate structure related queries.’

‘David Sloman is friendly and diligent and has been fantastic in liaising with external investors and financial advisors.’

‘Professional, personable and very helpful, explaining things in a simple and straightforward way! Quarterly meetings ensure that our billing is on track. The team do a lot of contract reviews for us and work very collaboratively to ensure the best outcome for our organisation. We would not consider using another company for our legal work.’

‘Mark Watson is our lead contact and incredibly knowledgeable and friendly in his approach and style working across various people in our organisation.’

‘Ashtons Legal is very client-focused. I was updated regularly with progress on my case and given knowledgeable, balanced advice along the way. I have only dealt with other practices for basic conveyancing matters but would have no issue returning to Ashtons Legal should I ever have a more complex case in the future again.’

‘Jasdeep Rai was exceptional in his all-round approach. He considered our thoughts and opinions as clients and offered a balanced insight to help us with our decision-making. He pushed for the best possible outcome for us throughout and regularly updated us with his progress. I would not hesitate in recommending Jasdeep to anybody in need of his services.’

‘Michael Frape is a brilliant and hugely experienced partner who leads an excellent commercial team at Ashtons. His team are trusted by major, high tech corporations and high net worth individuals in heavyweight commercial litigation and arbitrations. Michael has particular gravitas and expertise in shareholder and partnership disputes. He fights determinedly in his clients’ interests and is a joy to work with.’

‘Michael Frape is the standout partner in the Cambridge area for commercial disputes. He is technically excellent, vastly experienced and a fearsome opponent. Clients, including sophisticated technology corporations and high net worth individuals, entrust him with their most valuable and complex commercial disputes for good reason.’

‘They like to keep things simple which in turn keeps costs down.’

‘I’ve dealt with Jasdeep Rai, who deals with matters in a timely and efficient manner. He keeps things simple which helps in keeping costs down.’

‘The commercial team is happy to deal with matters with an international flavour which might more normally gravitate to a firm with a Central London presence.’

‘Jasdeep Rai is a very competent lawyer with a reassuring ability to put clients at ease. He well combines professionalism with a calm and relaxed presence.’

‘Ashtons has a very good commercial litigation offering, with particular experience in franchising disputes.’

‘Tom Bailey- a very strong, all-round partner. ’

‘The team listen to the client and work collaboratively, they focus on getting the result for the client and not clocking up unnecessary hours of work to bill! ’

‘Tom Bailey very focused and relaxed able to function at many levels and explain legal points clearly and concisely.’

‘I have worked with Rob Hickford for 15 years, he is a very commercial lawyer in that he always strikes the right balance between business commerciality and law. I trust his advice implicitly and have never had any reason to doubt it. I enjoy working with the broader team equally as much and on a wide range of advice.’

‘The team puts together very relevant training and deliver it in a fantastic way which is easy to absorb and understand.’

‘The team we have met are all very accessible and personable. They are excellent at communication and explaining options in a clear and concise manner. We have had some very tricky situations arise over the past 12 months, which is very unusual for us as a business. The team have enabled us to navigate these issues in a practical manner and have been very clear about risk and opportunity. This has included a number of different stakeholders from our side being involved with quite different concerns and points of view. The Ashtons team have been patient and consistent in their support and advise.’

‘Our primary contact is Rob Hickford. I have found Rob to be a great partner for our business. He is responsive and thorough in his advice and is able to put me straight when self doubt or panic kicks in.  Rob has been very patient as we have been through a stressful process as a business. His advice is more than just legal and he is happy to contribute towards the regular discussions we have about what the impact of decisions may be and how we can mitigate potential issues.’

‘We feel in safe hands with Rob Hickford and he has an excellent understanding of our business and our culture. Where things have been tough recently, Rob has provided excellent support with good humour.’

‘I have worked closely with Ross Strowger on a few occasions. He is extremely approachable and knowledgeable. He has assisted me with some complex matters and I would not hesitate to recommend him.’

‘Ashtons is an extension of our business when it comes to employment law; adapting to what we need and when we need it.’

‘Claire Sleep is excellent at supporting, advising and collaborating with us as well as being open and transparent when it comes to costs.’

‘A strong team which has good experience and depth from partner downward. Fee quotes are accurate and competitive and if a fee increase is required, which is unusual, due to unforeseen additional work this is always advised before fee quote is exceeded.’

‘Ron Clare is very commercial, experienced and readily available. He will always gives his view and quickly gets to the crux of any issues. An excellent lawyer who I would readily recommend.’

‘A long-established solicitors firm with a good mix of skills and in various locations in east Anglia. they have been a partner with the bank for some years and provide a good quality service.’

‘We have recently used Hannah Jones and Ron Clare as part of the banking team. They have provided good work and have worked with us to ensure that deals are completed on time. they are part of a wider panel of firms that we use.’

‘Local/regional firm with staff who know the area well. Very approachable and happy to explain/ simplify complex areas of law. Happy to provide additional training and guidance to bank staff on a 1-2-1 or group basis. Competitive pricing features. Quick service and rapid response times.’

‘I have worked closely with Geoff Hazlewood, Ron Clare and Jeanette Dennis historically, and more recently Greg McCurday. They are all very knowledgeable, highly professional and always go the extra mile.’

‘Fiona Stuart is very attentive and has particular technical knowledge that stands her in good stead and places her head and shoulders above the competition. Ina Beurich is very tenacious, chasing down every detail and ensuring that everything stacks up. Alice Trainor is very calm and practical, a safe pair of hands.’

‘The team is always responsive and willing to help find practical and commercial solutions to issues raised. The team is approachable and easy to work with.’

‘The insolvency law team are knowledgeable, approachable and provide responsive advice often in pressurised circumstances when they remain professional at all times.’

‘I have worked closely with Fiona Stuart, Ina Beurich and Alice Trainor on a number of occasions. They are all extremely knowledgeable in insolvency law. Fiona is a very commercial lawyer. ’

‘Excellent clear concise advice and great speed of turnaround on queries.’

‘Fiona Stuart and her team are always proactive in trying to seek solutions.’

‘It is a small but very strong team, with excellent insolvency knowledge whilst at the same time having brilliant client relationship management.’

‘I work with Fiona Stuart, Alice Trainor and Ina Beurich. All are exceptionally hard workers who do not rest until every point has been considered. Ina’s knowledge of the law is fantastic. Alice has brilliant attention to detail and is also very good at managing clients – clients like Alice.’

‘Amy Pettit was phenomenal!’

‘The team are friendly and supportive. It’s like seeing family.’

‘Lynn Wicks is willing and able to take on her clients’ challenges.’

‘As a team, they have a lot of experience in their field and their knowledge is varied, which ensure all needs can met, however complex they may be.’

‘Very knowledgeable in their area of expertise. Attentive and thoughtful. Communication is efficient.’

‘The key strength of the firm is in the knowledge and the collaboration between the departments.’

‘I have worked alongside Jennie Pratt and her team. Jennie is an expert in her field, but has compassion and warmth that is not seen too often in professional firms these days.’

‘Amy Pettitt is an impressive solicitor. She is technically very knowledgeable, but what impressed me particularly was her ability to communicate well, both verbally and in writing. She is also very calm and reassuring. And she is practical, too.’

‘We have been using Ashtons for over five years and have always found them responsive, knowledgeable, helpful and open to help us with our queries.’

‘Loren Clapham has been outstanding for us.’

‘All individuals delivered a personal service; a unique quality making the client feel as if you are the only customer, not often felt with other companies. Karen Bacon’s team were exceptional in this personalised service, we cannot speak highly enough of them.’

‘This team is super-efficient, always approachable, very helpful and keeps you updated with any information they might receive . ’

‘Karen Bacon is approachable, competent, thorough, conscientious, diligent and efficient. I am impressed by the speed with which she was able to submit the probate application, given the size and complexity of the estate in question.’

‘Karen Bacon is knowledgeable and proactive in dealing with personal tax and probate matters, She works well with other professionals to provide a joined up service for her clients.’

‘The firm is clear and concise on the wills, trust and probate process. With sound sensible advice.’

‘They are very professional and will always go the extra mile for the client.’

‘Sheila Small is an excellent and knowledgeable lawyer who looks for solutions not problems.’

‘The ability to problem solve and explain things with clarity.’

‘Ashtons have commercial property solicitors in all of their different offices so providing a spread of expertise throughout the region. This also allow detailed understanding of their immediate location to be able to provide excellent advice to their clients. They have great expertise on the rural side as well.’

‘The team is client-focused and quick to respond. They provide practical advice in a clear manner which clients appreciate.’

‘Bob McGeady is responsive and quickly gets to the point with his advice. Clients like his straightforward approach.’

‘It is the communication that sets Ashtons apart. I am always confident of a rapid and informed response to any question I have.’

‘Bob McGeady. Utterly reliable, highly skilled and delivers outstanding advice, on budget and on time. He is a joy to work with and when the chips are down and an issue is getting difficult his sense of humour rapidly diffuses the situation and gives one the confidence to listen and act upon his advice. ’

‘Consistently leading the field with a mix of planning judicial review and developer work.’

‘Bob McGeady – unequalled experience in acting for and against developers and local authorities. He’s really the star of the Ashtons show.’

‘Bob McGeady – outstanding solicitor. Puts the same effort into helping the small individuals as the big net worth clients. Has a fantastic approach to work/life balance, but yet always there for you when required.’

‘Bob McGeady has the experience, knowledge and ability to deal with complex issues in a timely and efficient manner which has been a massive help in the increasingly complex planning environment.’

Annabel Mayer has shown she was willing to go beyond what we would expect to quickly answer any questions and offer us her advice.’

‘Ashtons Legal instructs us in respect of property and commercial matters. Our main points of contact there are Kirsteen Durrant and Yasmin Natt. They are an excellent provincial firm, who punch well above their weight. They are outstanding and very knowledgeable and fantastic with clients. I would have no issue with recommending Ashton Legal to clients, as they provide real support and value for money!’

‘Kirsteen Durrant is absolutely superb. Kirsteen specialises in resolving property disputes for private, commercial and public clients. Kirsteen is very knowledgeable of the law, thorough and gives her clients a superb and fabulous service.’

‘Kirsteen Durrant was extremely professional, engaged and easy to work with throughout the process. I would not hesitate recommending her to our clients on similar property instructions.’

‘I’ve always found Kirsteen Durrant to be accessible and engaged, and willing to take the time to explain more complex legal matters in a easy to understand format.’

‘The firm always aims to provide value for money for its clients with all fee earners going the extra mile.’

‘I value the work of Sheree Richardson in particular. Her tenacity stands out as does her robustness in dealing with her opponents.’

‘David Sloman has taken the startup and scaleup sector under his remit and has provided us with ongoing support, knowledge, advice and direction. It’s a consultative approach with founders, including myself, who have little experience and some naivety in the space. It never feels transactional, which when you are worried, unsure or seeking advice, is reassuring.’

‘Their deep understanding of our sector and our business. A strong and supportive relationship that enables them to provide an exceptional service and excellent advice. Fundamentally, the strength of their knowledge that we know we can always rely on.’

‘David Sloman has excellent knowledge and is able to create pragmatic solutions to support our specialist needs.’

‘Mark Watson has the ability to guide us in relation to consumer law and its relationship to our changing business needs.’

‘Ashtons Legal is a highly regarded regional law firm with some outstanding lawyers.’

‘Tim Ridyard is one of the very best transport and regulatory lawyers there is. He has a genuine and extensive wealth of experience which he utilises very well within his field. He is very approachable and clients like him.’

‘Ashtons dealt with my initial query quickly and with compassion and some of the solicitors with whom I worked seemed to be invested in a way that I liked.’

‘Annabel Mayer worked well on my behalf. She began my case and ended it. I valued her willingness to really listen as I was at a difficult time in my life. She didn’t hurry me or brush my thoughts and feelings aside.’

‘It is a strong team with good depth. The partners – Annabel Mayer in particular – are very good and the junior members of the team are strong.’

‘Annabel Mayer is excellent – strong on the law and very commercially aware.’

‘Ashtons Legal’s Court of Protection practice stands out for its compassionate and pragmatic support during challenging times. Their expertise is both comprehensive and considerate, offering services such as property and affairs deputyship, dispute resolution, and acting as a professional deputy.’ 

‘Adrian Mundell is a distinguished figure in the field of Court of Protection, renowned for his dedication and expertise. He manages a significant number of deputyships, showcasing his ability to handle complex cases with a client-centred approach.’ 

‘What’s abundantly obvious is that the whole Ashtons Team care; they are keen to make the very best decisions for their COP Clients even if this might give rise to potential issues with the COP Clients family.’

‘It’s clear that the experience of the likes of Adrian Mundell and Debbie Holmes add a calmness and assurance to the whole process.’

‘Ashtons have always been excellent to deal with, nothing is a problem. They are easy to get hold of, keep us up to date with everything. They are friendly and professional.’

‘Adrian Mundell is friendly and professional and helpful – he’s also great with our son asking him directly how he is and what he has been doing with himself.’

‘This is a first-rate Court of Protection team, skilfully led by Adrian Mundell. I have been referring work to this team for many years now and have never received a negative comment either from a client or from a solicitor working on the case.’

‘It is is the compassion that they bring to each case that is exceptional. In addition they have the emotional intelligence to understand where the time should be spent and seem able to defuse potential problems before they become actual problems.‘

‘Dealing with Ashtons Legal is always a pleasure. They offer an approachable and efficient legal service.’

‘Tracy Williamson has become far more than a legal advisor, becoming a trusted friend many years ago. With her excellent legal brain, energy and tenacity, I have 100% confidence in any task presented to her.’

‘Damien Humphrey is a revered, strong voice in the franchise industry and always offers us sage counsel on the most complex of franchising topics. A multi-skilled and well-respected franchise team.’

‘Damien Humphries and Tom Bailey are both exceptional lawyers, with Tom leading on contentious matters and Damien leading on non-contentious. Ashtons’ franchising team is definitely one of the sector leaders, and consequently well known and respected in the industry, with an extensive client base including many household brand franchisors.’

‘Tom Bailey is a standout lawyer, ranked highly amongst peers and clients alike, who always brings his A-game, yet concurrently brings serenity to high pressure litigation. With a wealth of knowledge and experience to offer, Tom is always keenly focused on the commercial optics and outcome, though when it’s time to turn up the heat he does so with ease.’

‘There is, in my view, no better non-contentious franchising lawyer in the country than Damian Humphries. He is a huge intellect, thoroughly affable, and exceptional with clients.’

‘Ashtons feels like an in-house legal team. They know our business, work commercially and efficiently, and don’t allow themselves to get embroiled in legal technicalities but rather look for pragmatic solutions.’

‘Damian Humphrey is pragmatic, commercial and has excellent industry knowledge. Easy to get on with and available.’