Hansells Team

Megan studied Law at the University of Chester graduating with a 2:1 LLB (Hons) Law Degree in 2014 where she gained knowledge of a variety of different aspects of Law, in particular Property, Child & Family Law, Medical and Human Rights.

Megan joined Hansells in 2015 as a secretary in the Commercial Property Team. In June 2016 Megan became a Conveyancing Assistant in the Plot Sales Team.

In her spare time Megan is a competitive Cheerleader for the East Coast Emeralds and has a keen interest in dance and amateur dramatics.

Andrea assists with Court of Protection and Elderly Client issues and is based in our Cambridge House, Norwich office. Andrea works alongside Sam Loombe and Angela Chalmers.

Andrea previously worked in Financial Planning having joined Hansells in 2004.

Andrea is Norfolk born and bred and being a mum to an 8 and 6 year old she doesn’t get much time for hobbies apart from driving them to theirs! When she does manage some spare time she enjoys reading and spending time with family.

Wendy Bennett specialises in Plot Sales as part of the Commercial Property Team

David holds the Diploma in Financial Planning and is a member of the Personal Finance Society and Chartered Insurance Institute. He has a range of financial planning qualifications including those at Advanced Diploma level in personal and business investment planning and advice, and in pension planning.

David has a wealth of experience in personal and business protection, pension and retirement planning, long term care, personal and trustee investment and estate/inheritance tax planning.

Rebecca Bond is a Solicitor in Hansells Commercial Property Team joining the firm in September 2015. Rebecca studied Law at the University of East Anglia graduating with a LLB (Hons) Law Degree in 2011. After her degree Rebecca went on to complete the Legal Practice course, finishing in 2012.

During her training contract Rebecca got to experience different areas of Law including Litigation, Company and Commercial Law, Employment Law and Family Law. Rebecca qualified as a Solicitor in 2014.

Shani is a Fellow Member of the Institute of Paralegals in Wills and Probate. She is based in our Cambridge House, Norwich office and assists with Wills and Estate Administration.

Shani began her legal career as a solicitor’s clerk working in debt recovery.  During her career she has worked in matrimonial, criminal, medical negligence, property, wills and estate administration. She has also been a medical secretary and worked in PA roles for an airline and a FTSE100 company.  Shani joined Hansells in 2009 and works alongside Hayley Pettitt.

Chris is an Associate in our Commercial Property Department, joining Hansells in 2015. Chris studied law at London University and qualified in 1995.

Chris spent thirteen years in local government at both district and county levels dealing with common land, planning and highway law, including rights of way, and then nine years at Eversheds.  He acted for a wide range of public sector and private clients in connection with local government matters, planning, compulsory purchase, highways and related development matters. Chris has a wide knowledge and experience of promoting and objecting to planning proposals.

Chris also specialises in all aspects of planning, highways, development work and commercial real estate matters including freehold and leasehold acquisitions and sales

Chris is also a Legal Associate of the Royal Town Planning Institute.

Jenny is a Consultant in the Wills, Trusts and Lifetime Planning Department. Jenny is based in our Cambridge House, Norwich office and she specialises in the administration of estates, trusts and charities and she has been awarded Membership of the Royal Victorian Order (MVO) which is in the personal gift of Her Majesty the Queen.

Jenny qualified at Farrer & Co where she worked for 35 years before moving to Norwich and joining Hansells in 2008.

Jonathan Care is an Associate based at our North Walsham office. Jonathan joined Hansells in 1995, having previously worked at Mills & Reeve and Howard Killin & Bruce.

Jonathan qualified as a Solicitor in 1977 and has a long experience of both commercial and residential property matters.

William is a Chartered Legal Executive working in the Wills, Trusts and Lifetime Planning Team and is based in our Cambridge House, Norwich office. He specialises in Wills, Powers of Attorney, Estate Planning and Trust Administration.

William joined our Department in 2015.  He is a graduate of Nottingham Trent University and the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives.

Growing up in Texas, U.S.A., Germany, and England, William has had an amazing opportunity to travel the world due to his father being a former USAF fighter pilot.  With a family background in the legal field as well, William pursued his legal interests in the UK and has now settled in Norwich.

William is an avid basketball fan and plays for a local team here in Norwich.  He also enjoys attending the theatre and writing, and he is a proud member of Norwich No.1 Roundtable.

Suzy is a Probate Executive working in the Wills, Trusts and Lifetime Planning Department and is based in our North Walsham office. Suzy specialises in Wills, Estate Administration, Court of Protection work, Powers of Attorney and Elderly Client issues.

Suzy was bought up in Surrey and moved to Norfolk in 1997 where she previously worked in Financial Planning.

In her spare time Suzy enjoys playing tennis, sailing and golf.

Brendan is a Conveyancing Executive – Residential Team Leader working from both the Norwich and Wymondham Offices. Brendan specialises in all types of Conveyancing matters including freehold and leasehold, right to buy, mortgages and matrimonial transfers.

As well as private client work, Brendan has also acted for some large regional developer clients in the sale of new build properties.

Angela assists with Court of Protection and Elderly Client issues and is based in our Cambridge House, Norwich office. Angela works alongside Sam Loombe and Andrea Bell.

Angela previously worked for a firm in Liverpool dealing with criminal law, litigation and personal injury. She then spent 10 years in Cambridge dealing with Wills, Estate and Trust Administration together with Court of Protection work.

Outside work Angela enjoys crafts and cooking, especially preserve making.

Helen Cordingley is a Partner and along with Philip Norton jointly heads up the Wills, Trusts and Lifetime Planning Department. Helen is based in our Cambridge House, Norwich office and specialises in Tax and Succession Planning, Wills, Powers of Attorney and the Administration of Trusts and Estates.

Helen studied law at the University of Lincoln where she graduated with a 2:1 (Hons) degree and completed the Legal Practice Course at Nottingham Law School where she attained a Distinction. Helen was admitted as a Solicitor in March 2006.

Helen is a member of the Society of Trusts and Estates Practitioners (STEP) having passed her diploma with Distinction and is secretary to the Norfolk & Norwich STEP Committee.

Outside of work Helen is married with a young family. In her spare time she enjoys baking and spending time with friends and family.

Lisa Cornish joined Hansells in 2002 from Eversheds and now leads the Family Law Team at Hansells. Lisa has wide ranging experience in all aspects of Family Law but with particular emphasis on finances on marriage breakdown, cohabitation and children issues.

Lisa works closely with her clients and other business advisers to make sure their interests are protected

Lauren is an Estates Practitioner working in the Wills, Trusts and Lifetime Planning Department and is based in our Cambridge House, Norwich office where she assists with Wills, Powers of Attorney and Estate and Trust Administration.

Lauren is an Associate Member of CILEX. She graduated from the University of Lincoln with a first class degree in law and won the Law School award for the highest mark in one of her subjects. Whilst at University Lauren did a lot of volunteering (with dementia sufferers and at an animal rehabilitation centre) and was involved in a pro-bono legal advice centre.

Lauren is a member of the Social Committee and in her spare time enjoys travelling and holidays.

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Harriet is a graduate Legal Executive working in the Wills, Trusts and Lifetime Planning Department. Harriet is based in our Wymondham office and specialises in Wills, Powers of Attorney and the Administration of Trusts and Estates.

Harriet graduated from the University of Bristol with a 2:1 (Hons) law degree and completed the Legal Practice Course at The College of Law in Guildford. Harriet started at Hansells in 2015 after moving from Bristol.

Harriet is a member of the Norfolk netball league.

Keely qualified as a solicitor in October 2000 having received a distinction in the Legal Practice Course at Nottingham Law School.

Keely moved to Hansells in February 2011 to work as a solicitor in the Personal Injury Department.  She deals with all areas of Personal Injury law including road traffic accidents, accidents at work, tripping/slipping accidents and has experience of complex and high value claims.

Keely is a member of the Law Society and the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers.

Timothy Eagle heads up the Dispute Resolution & Litigation Department. He graduated from the London School of Economics, and qualified at Hill and Perks (now known as Eversheds).

Timothy is a highly experienced dispute resolution lawyer with a particular interest in landlord and tenant matters, financial advice disputes, building and general contract disputes ,and probate and trust disputes.

He also handles specialist personal injury and clinical negligence work.

In 2008 Timothy completed his studies to become a Notary Public.

Keith Edwards is one of 5 Financial Planning Executives. He holds the Diploma in Financial Planning and is a member of the Personal Finance Society and Chartered Insurance Institute.

Keith has been providing financial advice to clients for over 18 years and during that time has built up a wealth of experience advising individuals and trustees on investments and pensions.

Kayleigh Eke joined the firm with the Canada House Partnership in 2007. She completed her training at Hansells and qualified as a Chartered Legal Executive in July 2013.

Kayleigh specialises in all types of residential conveyancing including freehold, leasehold, mortgages and matrimonial transfers.

Felicity is a Senior Solicitor in the Wills, Trusts and Lifetime Planning Department based in North Walsham. Felicity specialises in Wills and Estate Planning, Estate and Trust Administration, Powers of Attorney and Elderly Client issues.

Felicity is a graduate of the University of East Anglia, Nottingham Trent University and the College of Law.

Felicity joined Hansells in 1982. She worked as a volunteer for the Citizens Advice Bureau in North Walsham for 22 years and acted as a Trustee for them for a short period.

David is a Senior Conveyancing Executive based in our Cambridge House office in Tombland. David has over 40 years experience in all types of residential conveyancing, including freehold and leasehold, sales and purchases, new build, right to buy, shared ownership and mortgages.

Denise trained at Hansells and qualified as a solicitor in 2001. Denise deals with all types of family work, including couples who are separating and the financial implications.

A qualified Collaborative Lawyer Denise has considerable experience of disputes relating to children, as well as the drafting of pre-nuptial and co-habitation agreements.

Denise became a Partner on 5 October 2016.

Beverley is a Fellow Member of the Institute of Paralegals in Wills and Probate. She is based in our Cambridge House, Norwich office and assists with Wills and Estate Administration.

Beverley started her legal career with Hill & Perks in 1976 as a junior secretary which firm later became Eversheds. During her time with Eversheds she worked in property, employment and personal injury but since joining Hansells in 2002 she has worked alongside our Head of Department Philip Norton dealing with wills, probate and charity work.

Beverley loves reading but most of her spare time is taken up with grandchildren and elderly parents.

Mark Giles joined the Financial Planning team in 1998 and has a wealth of experience in all aspects of financial planning.

As well as advising on a wide range of issues such as retirement planning, inheritance tax planning, general investment and tax advice Mark also provides specialist advice to expatriates leaving and returning to the UK.

Bryan specialises in all types of property law with a special interest, and long experience, in commercial property work. Bryan started his career in local government and since then has had over 30 years in a private practice.

He led Eversheds’ commercial property, house building and affordable housing teams in the East of England and in January 2011 he moved to Metcalfe Copeman and Pettefar.  Bryan joined Hansells in April 2013.

Bryan has regularly been cited by Legal Business, Legal 500 and Chambers as a leader in his field. Legal 500 2008 said “his experience and responsiveness are outstanding”. Bryan was mentioned in the 2012 Legal 500 as being “a heavyweight lawyer with outstanding experience”.

He is also a regular conference speaker and is a member of the Council of the Norwich Forum for the Construction Industry.

Margaret Gotts is Office Manager at Hansells Solicitors based at our Head Office in the Close. Margaret’s role involves her in all aspects of the management and development of the practice.

In her spare time she enjoys cinema, theatre, walking and gardening.

Catherine Graves is a Paralegal working in the Commercial and Employment team, having joined Hansells in 2014.  She graduated from the Manchester Metropolitan University in 2013 with an hons degree in Business and Law.

In 2014, Catherine gained a Masters degree in Employment Law from the University of East Anglia.

Marietta Hadlum is a Conveyancing Executive based in our North Walsham office. Her works include acting for clients in the sale and purchase of both leasehold and freehold residential properties, including acting for lenders on the grant of mortgages together with other conveyancing matters.

Marietta has many years experience in conveyancing and is an Associate of the Institute of Legal Executives.

Matthew Hall holds the Diploma in Financial Planning and is a member of the Chartered Insurance Institute.  He has been in the Financial Services industry for almost 20 years, providing Financial Advice for 15.

He has experience of Investments, Pensions, Protection, Retirement solutions, Tax Planning and Equity Release.

Matthew prides himself on his customer service and being easy to do business with.

Gemma is a Solicitor working in the Wills, Trusts and Lifetime Planning Department and is based in our Cambridge House, Norwich office. Gemma specialises in Wills and Estate Planning, Powers of Attorney and Trust Administration.

Gemma graduated from the University of East Anglia with a 2:1 (Hons) law degree and completed the Legal Practice Course at Anglia Ruskin University in 2012 attaining a distinction. Gemma joined Hansells in July 2012 as a paralegal in the Wills, Trusts and Lifetime Planning Department and completed her 18 month Training Contract when she qualified as a Solicitor in September 2015.

Gemma is an Affiliate Member of the Society of Trusts and Estates Practitioners (STEP) and is studying to complete the STEP Diploma in Trusts & Estates.

In her spare time, Gemma loves a glass of Merlot and a good book!

Fiona joined Hansells’ Personal Injury Department in August 2010.  She has over 24 years experience of dealing with all types of personal injury claims including slips/trips, road traffic accidents, accidents at work, and occupier and public liability claims. Fiona, an experienced Litigator, also deals with complex and higher value claims.

Fiona prides herself on building good working relationships with her clients ensuring the claims process runs smoothly, causing the least amount of stress for her clients.  Fiona is very passionate about helping people who have been injured through no fault of their own.

In her spare time Fiona enjoys cooking, travelling, reading and languages, which she has used to assist her when dealing with client’s claims.

Karon Harrison is responsible for assisting Hansells Solicitors & Financial Advisers in proposing, developing and implementing IT initiatives, co-ordinating and implementing in-house training programmes. 

Karon works closely within other departments to develop individual casetype systems to allow staff to continue to provide a personalised and tailored service to clients, including ensuring service level agreements are contained within the workflow systems.

Karon maintains all the firm’s IT platforms.  She is self-motivated with a proactive and adaptable approach.

Kathryn Hirst is a Partner working in the Commercial and Employment team.  She is based at 13 the Close, Norwich but travels around our numerous offices, as her work requires.  Kathryn specialises in commercial contracts and is developing our work for incorporated Charities. She also works closely with Roger Holden, Managing Partner on aviation matters, which is a very niche area of law and undertakes employment law work.   

Kathryn Graduated from the University of Leicester with a 2:1 (Hons) law degree and completed the Legal Practice Course at The College of Law in Guildford.  She joined Hansells in 1997 and qualified as a Solicitor in 1999.  In 2003 Kathryn gained a Masters degree in Employment Law from the University of East Anglia and was made up to a Partner in 2008.

Kathryn is a member of the Employment Lawyers Association.

Roger Holden is the firm’s Managing Partner. He is listed in professional journals as East Anglia’s leading expert on aviation matters and his work involves the buying and selling of aircraft, aircraft maintenance agreements, and disputes arising from aviation-related matters.

Roger is an Associate member of the American Bar Association and the Law Society Practice Management Section. Roger is also a trustee of the Norwich Heritage Economic and Regeneration Trust.

Peter is a Chartered Legal Executive working in the Wills, Trusts and Lifetime Planning Department based in our Sheringham office. Peter specialises in Wills and Estate Administration, Court of Protection work, Powers of Attorney and Elderly Client issues.

Peter joined Hansells straight from school in 1970 and is our longest-serving member of staff, having clocked up over 46 years’ service.  He began working in our former Holt office and in the mid-eighties shared his time between the Holt and Sheringham offices.  When the Holt office closed in 1990, Peter worked solely from our then newly-built Sheringham office.

Out of office hours Peter is well-known locally as an amateur actor, singer and director and as a member of Cromer & Sheringham Operatic & Dramatic Society, the Norwich Players and the Norfolk and Norwich Operatic Society and he can very often be seen on the Maddermarket, Theatre Royal, Sheringham Little Theatre and Cromer Pier Pavilion stages.

Sharon Lilley, a fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, joined Hansells in 2009 and became a Partner in 2014 when the firm became an Alternative Business Structure (ABS).

Sharon is responsible for all of the firm’s financial matters.

Sam is a Chartered Legal Executive working in the Court of Protection Team alongside Andrea Bell and Angela Chalmers.  Sam is based in our Cambridge House, Norwich office and she specialises in advising clients in respect of Court of Protection applications, managing the affairs of people under the authority of the Court of Protection, Statutory Will applications and Lasting Powers of Attorneys.

Sam joined Hansells in 2002 having previously worked in the Trust Administration Department at Eversheds in Norwich and qualified as a Chartered Legal Executive in 2012.

Sam is an Associate Member of Solicitors for The Elderly and is passionate about ensuring vulnerable and elderly clients have access to appropriate services.  Sam is a Dementia Friend and a Dementia Champion.

Sam has recently passed, with distinction, the STEP Advanced Certificate in Advising Vulnerable Clients.

Sam is married and has two children.  She loves cooking and reading books (crime-thrillers mainly) as well as planning how to decorate the family home, having recently moved to a property which needs a complete makeover.

Jane is an Estates Practitioner in the Wills, Trusts and Lifetime Planning Team and works between our Aylsham and Cromer offices. Jane assists with Wills, Estate Administration and Powers of Attorney.

Jane is an Associate Member of the Institute of Paralegals and has a specialist paralegal qualification in Wills and Probate.

Jane is married with one daughter and her hobbies are photography, cycling, gardening and knitting.

Shelyna Mariscal is a Partner in the Personal Injury department and manages a large team dealing with all types of personal injury claims, including slip/trips, road traffic accident claims, accidents at work or in the workplace. She graduated at Essex University after changing her Law Degree to a European Law Degree and spending one year studying in Denmark. After this Shelyna studied at York Law School where she completed her finals.

Shelyna first came to work for Hansells as a trainee in 1994, qualifying as a solicitor in 1996, progressing through to Partner in 2005.

Shelyna has experience of dealing with all types of claims – no case is too big or too small. She has dealt with cases of a minor nature to cases involving severe injuries where compensation awarded can run into millions of pounds. Her priority is to ensure that client care is of a high standard and that the Client provided with all the help and assistance they need to ensure their claim is resolved quickly and without stress.

Shelyna is the Regional Co-ordinator for East Anglia for MASS (Motor Accident Solicitors Society) whose focus is to assist and represent victims who have been involved in road traffic accident claims. She is passionate about her role with MASS and protecting the rights of people involved in such accidents.

Shelyna is married with 2 children who keep her extremely busy. In what spare time she has she enjoys running, gym classes, cooking and a nice glass of wine.

Jason Mattless holds the Diploma in Financial Planning and is a member of the Personal Finance Society and Chartered Insurance Institute.

Jason has been providing financial advice to clients for over 18 years and during that time has built up a wealth of experience advising individuals, businesses and trustees in Pensions (pre and post retirement), Investments, Tax Planning, Cash flow Modelling, Inheritance Tax, Trusts, Personal and Business Protection.

Rachel McGurk is a Partner and Heads the Residential Property Team within the Property Department. Rachel is a law graduate of the City of Birmingham Polytechnic and attended Birmingham College of Law.

Rachel specialises in all aspects of residential and matrimonial property work for both private and commercial clients.

Tracy-Ann Moore joined Hansells in September 2016 as a Legal Executive in the Dispute Resolution Team.

Gemma Murrell is an Associate – Team Leader North Norfolk based at our North Walsham office. She completed her training at Hansells and qualified as a solicitor in September 2003.

Gemma has worked across the region and returned to Hansells in January 2010 where she specialises in all types of residential conveyancing including freehold, leasehold, mortgages and matrimonial transfers.

Aileen is an Estates Practitioner working in the Wills, Trusts and Lifetime Planning Department and is based in our Wymondham office. Aileen assists with Wills, Powers of Attorney and Estate and Trust Administration.

Aileen graduated from Anglia Ruskin in Cambridge with a 2:1 degree in History and Politics and is currently studying the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) in London.

In her spare time Aileen enjoys attending gigs, running and regularly attends Norwich City games.

Philip Norton is a Consultant and is based in our Cambridge House, Norwich office.   Philip is responsible for Charity and Private Client Law and specialises in Tax and Succession Planning, Charity law, Wills, Powers of Attorney and the Administration of Trusts and Estates.   Philip was Partner with the firm and Head of its Private Client Department between 2002 and 2017.

Philip is a graduate of Sheffield University and the Guildford College of Law, a member of the Charity Law Association and the Society of Trusts and Estate Practitioners. He qualified in 1984 at Eversheds and was head of their Private Capital Group covering Norwich, Ipswich and Cambridge; he was also the head of their national Charities Team until joining Hansells in 2002.

Philip is a Trustee of a number of well known local charities as well as solicitor to many others; he lectures regularly on Charity Law topics. The advice given to charities ranges from establishment and administration, governance and trading issues, for both national and local concerns, through to trustee liability, risk management and incorporation.  Philip also advises on commercial arrangements with non-charitable bodies.

Philip is married to a hospital consultant, has one child at a local school, one at University and another who is a graduate.  After managing work and his charity commitments there is a little time available for his family but his other interests are walking (hills and the dog) and gardening.

Linda is a Probate Assistant in the Wills, Trusts and Lifetime Planning Team. Linda is based in our Sheringham office and assists with the Administration of Trusts and Estates, Court of Protection work, Powers of Attorney and Elderly Client issues.

Linda graduated with a first class degree in English BA (Hons) and then completed her M.Phil masters in popular literature.

Outside work Linda enjoys going to the gym, running and reading (literary theory, crime novels and sci-fi). She spends the rest of her free time knitting, crocheting and cross stitching. Linda is involved with her local church, St Andrew’s in Holt.

Hayley Pettitt is a Partner working in the Wills, Trusts and Lifetime Planning Department. Hayley is based in our Cambridge House, Norwich office and specialises in Tax and Succession Planning, Wills, Powers of Attorney and the Administration of Trusts and Estates.

Hayley graduated from the University of East Anglia with a 2:1 (Hons) law degree and completed the Legal Practice Course at The College of Law in London. She started her career with  Hansells in 2006 as a Trainee Solicitor and qualified as a Solicitor in 2008.

Hayley is a member of the Society of Trusts and Estates Practitioners (STEP) having passed her diploma with distinction and is also a member of the Norfolk and Norwich STEP Committee.

Outside of work Hayley is married and has a young daughter and goldendoodle dog. In her spare time she enjoys running, walking the dog and spending time with friends and family.

Clare is a Solicitor working in the Wills, Trusts and Lifetime Planning Department and works between our Aylsham and Cromer offices. Clare specialises in Wills and Estate Planning, Estate and Trust Administration, Powers of Attorney and Elderly Client issues.

Clare studied law at the University of Newcastle where she graduated with a 2:1 (Hons) degree and completed the Legal Practice Course in Oxford. She was admitted as a solicitor in 2009.

Clare is a member of the Society of Trusts and Estate Practitioners (STEP). She also has a special interest in Agricultural Law.

Clare lives in North Norfolk and is married to a local farmer. She has three young children who keep her very busy and in her spare time enjoys spending time with family and friends.

Mark Scott has over 15 years’ experience of working in the law. He has developed a broad range of expertise in private and corporate litigation matters ranging from debt recovery proceedings against individuals, to higher value disputes, with a particular emphasis on contract and professional negligence.

His experience also includes land disputes and representing clients in both the County Court and HM Land Registry upon issues surrounding adverse possession, trespass and rights of way.

Mark also deals with a wide range of insolvency litigation, acting for local authorities and Insolvency Practitioners as well as advising on personal bankruptcy and individual voluntary agreements.

Sue Seal-Coon is based at our North Walsham office. She is a graduate of the University of Nottingham and the Guildford College of Law.

Sue undertakes all types of conveyancing and property matters, and has more than 30 years experience of practising law in North Norfolk.

Jordan Srokowski joined Hansells in 2016 as a Trainee Solicitor. Jordan is based at our Cambridge House office in Tombland, Norwich.  Jordan is currently working with the Wills, Trusts and Lifetime Planning Team.

Jane Stockings is a graduate of the University of Keele, and the Guildford College of Law. Jane undertakes both personal injury and clinical negligence matters and is a member of the Law Society Personal Injury Panel.

Jane also qualified as a Notary Public in 2009.

Neil Stubbs, a Consultant based in Hansells North Walsham office.  Neil is a long standing member of The Law Society Family Law Panel.

Neil specialises in all types of family law with a particular emphasis on the financial aspects of divorce and private children law cases.

Nick Sutherland is a graduate of St Johns College Cambridge and has many years experience in civil litigation and accident claims, including representing clients in all forms of dispute resolutions.

Nick is a Director of the North Norfolk Community Woodland Trust and was Chairman of the Trustees of the North Walsham and District Citizens Advice Bureau between 1994 and 2009.

Amber Tansley is a Litigation Executive working in the Dispute Resolution Team.  She also assists Barrister Richard Wood in criminal law work.

Amber joined Hansells in December 2013 and has since completed a professional Diploma in Law and Practice.  She also holds an associate membership with the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives.

Chris is an Associate in Hansells Commercial Property Team having joined the firm in September 2011. Chris advises on a broad spectrum of commercial real estate matters including freehold, leasehold acquisitions and disposals, residential and commercial development.

Chris also deals extensively with all non-contentious aspects of landlord and tenant work, including asset management and property aspects of corporate transactions.

Mari is a Partner working in the Wills, Trusts and Lifetime Planning Department and is responsible for the Aylsham and Cromer offices. Mari specialises in Wills and Estate Planning, Estate Administration, Powers of Attorney and Elderly Client issues.

Mari Vallgren is originally from Sweden where she studied law at Stockholm University before graduating in 1991. Following her move to the UK Mari obtained a CPE/Graduate Diploma in Legal Studies at the University of East Anglia and qualified as a UK solicitor in 2005. Mari began her career at Hansells in 2003 working from the Norwich office.

Mari is a member of the Society of Trusts and Estate Practitioners (STEP).

Mari is married to a local author.  She has one son who runs his own business in London, a daughter who is a photographer and when time permits Mari likes to travel to her second home, a cabin in Sweden.  Mari also enjoys the outdoors, walking, keeping fit and socialising with friends and family.

Richard Wood, a barrister with over 20 years experience, works closely with Hansells as a consultant, helping clients who are the subject of criminal investigation or charge. Richard is an expert in Criminal Law and Motoring Cases.  Richard also deals with murder cases, manslaughter, fraud, sexual offences including rape, assault, breach of protective orders, motoring offences, health and safety and regulatory breaches.

The Legal 500 Directory of Lawyers says Richard “always provides clear and pragmatic advice.”

Richard is be able to guide clients through the legal complexities of any case, and agree upon a clear and concise strategy in partnership with his client.

Murder and Manslaughter – Richard has been involved in allegations of murder and manslaughter, as a Junior in the case. These cases have included allegations of ‘accidental’ overdosing of a child on drugs, as well as murders arising out of feuds between organised drug gangs. Richard works with clients at an early stage in the case, and ensures that all of the necessary evidence is collated, including any expert evidence necessary for the best presentation of the defence.

Fraud and Corporate Crime – Whether a commercial organisation, or an individual, then an allegation of fraud or some other financially based criminal offence remains a possibility, even for those who are relatively diligent in their attempts at compliance with regulations. These cases often involve directors of companies who inadvertently become responsible for compliance issues.  Richard has been involved in the following fraud cases:

R v L – Richard was led in a complex and high-value employee fraud. The defendant was accused of fabricating over 3 million pounds worth of Ministry of Defence procurement orders, resulting in catastrophic losses to his employer.

R v H – Richard appeared in a case that involved large scale theft from the Defendant’s employee, the fruits of which he used to create an internet based business with huge turnover.  This case involved a massive volume of documentation relating to his activities on “Ebay” and other internet trading sites.

Organised Crime – Richard has acted in a number of cases of alleged organised crime such as large scale importation of drugs, cigarettes etc involving multiple Defendants. These cases present particular difficulties for clients, involving jurisdictions outside of the UK, and problematic issues relating to disclosure of evidence.

Over the years, Richard has demonstrated an ability to absorb and process large volumes of documentation, and thereby assist a Defendant to present his case in the strongest possible way.  Organised crime cases Richard has been involved with:

R v N – Richard defended, as Leading Junior, a multi-handed car ringing case involving a huge quantity of evidence covering a long period of alleged offending.

Sexual Offences – Allegations of a sexual nature are always the most keenly felt by clients, involving as they do a fundamental attack on judgment and good character. Historic and high profile failures by the police to treat sexual complaints seriously now mean that similar allegations are invariably prosecuted. This is sometimes at the expense of fairness to the Defendant.  The key to these types of offences often lies in the disclosure of material held by third parties such as social services and the local education authority. Richard will ensure that these issues are carefully scrutinised and vigorously pursued. If appropriate, counter allegations of bad character against complainants and other prosecutions witnesses will be made on behalf of the client.

Motoring Offences – Often underestimated in importance by other lawyers, Richard is fully aware that a conviction for a serious motoring offence, and a resultant disqualification from driving, can be a life changing event. It can mean loss of employment. Representation by a barrister is affordable.

Richard advises and represents taxi drivers before the Licensing Sub-Committee hearings and at appeals to the Magistrates Court and beyond. He also deals with appeals against revocations of driving licences on medical grounds by the DVLA.