David Gray Solicitors LLP

I undertake work in Wills and Probate, Estate Planning, Court of Protection (finances) and Powers of Attorney. These matters are often sensitive and I appreciate they can seem very daunting to clients. I aim to make matters as stress free as possible for my clients with a friendly and sympathetic service. It is extremely important that clients receive thorough advice on these issues and I ensure I take the time to fully explain all the options available to clients so they have confidence that I have understood their circumstances and their affairs are in order.

Solicitor

Associate Solicitor

Associate Solicitor

Head of Crime, Partner, Solicitor

Bryony Rest

I am a Partner, Solicitor and head of the immigration department at David Gray Solicitors. I have recognised expertise and many years’ experience in all aspects of immigration law and am accredited by the Law Society as an Advanced Caseworker (Level 3) and Supervisor. I advise business and individual clients on all aspects of immigration law, providing advice to help them identify the best options available, assisting with applications and advising on challenging immigration decisions including representing them in Appeals before the Immigration Tribunals and higher courts and in Administrative Review and Judicial Review applications. My Business Immigration practice covers all areas of the Points Based System including Sponsor Licences, supporting you to apply for a work visa, as well as Civil Penalties. My Personal Immigration practice includes Family applications, EU applications, complex Citizenship cases, Private life applications, student visas, Deportation and Bail and Visit visas. I believe passionately in representing my clients’ interests and ensuring that their voices are heard. I offer a friendly and warm listening ear, and provide clear, pragmatic and timely advice throughout a case to assist my clients achieve the best possible outcome. I was shortlisted, one of three nominees, for the Legal Aid Practitioners Group (LAPG’s) Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year in Immigration Award in recognition of my dedicated work and compassion for my clients. I have delivered training on immigration law including to ILPA, the Legal Ombudsman on behalf of the University of Northumbria and to Newcastle University. I am a co-convenor of ILPA’s Yorkshire and the North East working group.

Claire Hunter

Senior Associate Solicitor

Cliff Veitch

Cliff’s particular speciality and interest lies with care for elderly people, dealing with lasting and enduring powers of attorney, the Office of the Public Guardian and the Court of Protection. He provides advice to clients on all issues of will-making and the administration of deceased estates. He also acts as attorney and deputy in the Court of Protection. Cliff is a solicitor specialising in wills, probate and care for the elderly. He is also a partner in David Gray Solicitors LLP. Cliff is very focused on the needs of clients and aims to provide prompt, clear advice in plain English.

Elspeth Thomson

Managing Partner and Solicitor. I was admitted as a solicitor in 1994 after studying law at Cambridge University and have practised family law ever since. I now specialise in children law with a caseload consisting of public and private law children disputes, and adoption and surrogacy applications. I also represent family members in legal cases and am the managing partner of David Gray Solicitors LLP with responsibility for the strategic planning and operational running of the firm. I am the current President of the Newcastle Law Society. I have represented children, parents, step-parents and adopters in adoption cases and have a thorough understanding of this complex area of law. I have spent many years representing people experiencing domestic abuse and I am very sensitive to the issues involved. In April 2019 I give evidence to UK Parliament on the Draft Domestic Abuse Bill Committee in The House of Commons which can be viewed here . In May 2020 I once again provided remote evidence to the House of Commons during the COVID-19 lockdown, find out more. As a Higher Rights Advocate, I enjoy representing my clients in all levels of the family court. I take time to listen to what is important for my clients and do my best to use the law to help them achieve their aims. I know the law can sound complicated and I try to explain things in a way that people can understand easily. I know that having a family legal problem is very stressful and I try to make things as easy as I can for my clients. I am an accredited arbitrator (children’s issues) and member of the Institute of Family Law arbitrators.

Emma Neale

I am a Solicitor in the Court of Protection Department at David Gray. I started working at the firm in 2018, firstly as a paralegal, and then as a trainee solicitor. I qualified as a solicitor in September 2021. As a member of the Court of Protection Department, I am regularly instructed by the official solicitor to represent individuals who lack capacity. My role is to advise the official solicitor, and ensure that my clients wishes and feelings are heard. The Court of Protection often makes decisions about incredibly important aspects of people’s lives, including where they live, and who they can have contact with. I take an empathetic approach which makes people feel at ease. I also represent family members before the Court of Protection. It can be a stressful and uncertain time, and I take time to ensure that I will listen, take time to advise about the process, and work hard to achieve the best possible outcome.