WOODFINES - Key Persons
Prior to working at Woodfines Amanda spent most of her working life commuting into London. Working for an international Law firm and for the last 10 years she has been a PA for the Managing Partner.
Now at Woodfines she is a Partnership Administrator where she assists all the partners with non client related work to help run a more efficient and motivated department. She attends board meetings to take minutes and assist the managing partner anyway she can.
Job Titles:
- Marketing Assistant
- Marketing Assistant / Marketing & Business Development
Amie began her career with Woodfines in 2017 as an office Junior, moving into a receptionist role at the Cambridge office, where she simultaneously completed her HND Business Management studies. In 2021, Amie took a three month sabbatical working for a charity in Kenya. On her return she joined a graduate scheme at the firm, working in different areas of the business whilst gaining her degree in Business Management. In April 2023, she officially joined the Marketing and Business Development team as a Marketing Assistant.
Job Titles:
- Senior HR Advisor
- Senior HR Advisor / Human Resources
Amie graduated from the University of East Anglia with a 1st in Psychology. she then decided to pursue a career in HR in 2018, starting off at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. Since then, she has worked in private sector industries including IT and Construction, until recently joining Woodfines in July 2023. Amie is CIPD Level 5 qualified and she is currently working towards her Level 7.
Job Titles:
- Graduate Legal Executive ( GCILEX )
Amira joined Woodfines in February 2022 as part of the expanding Private Client department in the Bedford office. She has been working in the Private Client sector since 2016 before joining the firm and has worked as a paralegal in Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire.
Amira graduated from the University of Leicester with 2:1 in LLB Law and a distinction in LLM Master of Law from the University of Hertfordshire. She is currently completing her training to become a CILEx Fellow.
Job Titles:
- Trainee Conveyencer
- Trainee Conveyencer / Residential
Amy has worked within Conveyancing since 2016 and joined the Residential Conveyancing team at Woodfines in April 2018 as a secretary. Amy is now a Trainee Conveyancer and looks forward to fulfilling her ambition of becoming a qualified Conveyancer.
Job Titles:
- Partner
- Partner / Employment Law
Andrew qualified as a solicitor in September 2000 and joined Woodfines a year later. He became a partner in 2004.
Andrew has a strong experience of all aspects of employment law, including the delivery of employment law training to Company Clients. He has higher rights of audience and is an experienced advocate in many different Courts and Tribunals.
He is a member of the Employment Lawyers Association and the Solicitors Association of Higher Courts Advocates. He also sits part time as a coroner.
Outside of work, Andrew enjoys golf and long distance running. He has also practiced Tae Kwon-Do since 1986.
Job Titles:
- Receptionist
- Administrative Assistant / Operations
- Receptionist / Operations
Angie is a Receptionist in the Bedford office. She Joined Woodfines in June 2013. Angie Provides valuable support to the firm.
Rhiannon started her Administrative career in 2021 working in the NHS as an apprentice she then joined Woodfines in January 2024 to continue to develop and learn.
Ann-Marie is a graduate of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives. As a member of the Private Client team, she works with clients and fellow team members on Lasting Powers of Attorney and making applications to the Court of Protection, appointing a Deputy to act on behalf of the vulnerable.
Prior to joining the firm in 2015, Ann-Marie has over 30 years' experience within the legal profession.
Job Titles:
- Paralegal
- Paralegal / Divorce & Family Law
Anushri joined Woodfines in June 2022 as a Paralegal in the Family department. She graduated from Nottingham Trent University with a combined honours degree in Law with Criminology and is currently studying for her Legal Practice Course (LPC) at the University of Law.
Anushri has a particular interest in Public Family law which she hopes to develop in practice when she qualifies. Outside of work and studies, she likes to keep active, and she really enjoys going to the gym.
Ayesha completed her law degree with the University of Bedfordshire and then went on to do her LPC with the University of Law.
Prior to joining Woodfines, Ayesha worked in the Asset Based Lending department at Shoosmiths LLP and also has experience of working within an Immigration team at a firm in Leicester.
Ayesha is a keen fundraiser and likes to get involved with her community as much as possible in her spare time. "Ayesha Begum is an exemplary young lady and I felt I was treated with care and consideration at all times."
Job Titles:
- Receptionist
- Administrative Assistant / Operations
- Receptionist / Operations
Carol joined Woodfines in early February 2020 six weeks before the lock down. Before joining Woodfines she had previous admin experience in life insurance, IT, recruitment & Dentistry companies.
Rhiannon started her Administrative career in 2021 working in the NHS as an apprentice she then joined Woodfines in January 2024 to continue to develop and learn.
Charlotte joined Woodfines following numerous years working in professional standards at a professional body/anti-money laundering (AML) supervisory body. Prior to this she worked for a London law firm in compliance having previously worked mainly in litigation after qualification, including as Head of Which? Legal Services.
Charlotte joined Woodfines in January 2015 and is a Partner at the Bedford office, having previously been a Partner at a London firm for 15 years.
She has over 25 years' experience as a Commercial Property solicitor, acting for individuals, corporate clients and lenders and since joining Woodfines she has dealt with all types of property transactions for our farming clients.
She became a Fellow of the Agricultural Law Association in March 2017 and is head of our Agricultural and Rural department.
She liaises frequently with other departments within Woodfines, as the need arises for clients, and in particular our Private Client and Corporate departments in connection with farming partnerships and succession issues as well as dealing with all non-contentious matters relating to property of all descriptions, whether in connection with diversification, the grant of leases, managing clients' property portfolios, dealing with development and option agreements and/or with land sales and purchases or in connection with all aspects of agricultural law.
She prides herself on bringing a practical approach to documentation and to seeing "the over view" where possible, on the basis of her experience.
Christopher joined the Corporate & Commercial department in November 2022. Christopher read law at the University of Buckingham before completing his Legal Practice Course and Master of Laws at BPP University.
Claire joined Woodfines' Corporate and Commercial team in February 2020 and spends her time across all three offices.
Claire brings experience ranging from City private practice to in-house legal within industry, and is skilled in mergers & acquisitions, commercial contracts, corporate finance, corporate governance and compliance. Claire applies sound legal experience and good judgement to manage and resolve matters, and is adept at communicating at all levels. Claire is a trusted adviser with a pragmatic approach and a ‘can do' attitude.
Claire is an experienced solicitor specialising in commercial and property litigation. Claire trained in England and Wales and practiced in property litigation before relocating to New Zealand at the end of 2006, where she practiced as a solicitor and barrister in general commercial litigation and insolvency. Since joining Woodfines in 2016, following her return to the UK, Claire has advised and assisted Woodfines' clients in resolving a variety of commercial and property (commercial and residential) related disputes.
Through her career, Claire has prided herself on the client focus and rapport she has become known for, coupling this focus with an eye for detail and business acumen. These core attributes have enabled her to deliver great outcomes to clients whilst enjoying the varied challenges cases frequently provide.
Job Titles:
- Partner
- Partner / Divorce & Family Law
Denise began her career at Woodfines in 2005 and has been qualified as a Chartered Legal Executive since 2009. She has experience in all areas of family law, however she latterly specialises in cases involving children and was admitted to the Children Law accreditation scheme in 2013.
Denise now heads up the firm's care department and has particular expertise in public law proceedings representing both parents and children. Her expertise has meant that she has dealt with many complex cases, including serious sexual abuse, fictitious illness and non-accidental injuries, as well as being involved in cases where domestic abuse neglect and substance misuse are key factors. Denise has represented a number of parents who have learning difficulties or mental health issues and are represented by the Official Solicitor, her sensitive and professional approach means that the clients feel in safe hands.
She undertakes the majority of her own advocacy from the start of the case until the end and has appeared in the High Court on many occasions dealing with various complex cases involving the death of a young child as well as representing parents in cases where their child is restricted of their liberty or they need to be detained in a secure environment.
Denise regularly represents children and her friendly and adaptable approach means that they too feel in safe hands with the process being carefully explained to them.
Denise is regularly involved in cases where children are reunited with their families and her dedicated approach means that she has many referrals from other local professionals as well as previous clients.
Job Titles:
- Receptionist
- Administrative Assistant / Operations
- Receptionist / Operations
Liz moved to Milton Keynes in 2021, and prior to joining Woodfines she worked within the Accountancy industry for the same Company for 10 years as a member of their Admin team. After 2 years of working from home she says that it is lovely to be back seeing people again on a daily basis.
Outside of work Liz likes to watch a lot of sport and have spent many years following the ups and downs of Sheffield Wednesday FC. She enjoys her weekly yoga classes and I am attempting to learn the difference between a dandelion and a dahlia in my new garden.
Rhiannon started her Administrative career in 2021 working in the NHS as an apprentice she then joined Woodfines in January 2024 to continue to develop and learn.
Job Titles:
- Partner
- Member of the Family Law Department
- Partner / Divorce & Family Law
Eloise is a Partner and member of the Family Law department at Woodfines. She specialises in:
• Relationship breakdowns, including divorce, separation and the dissolution of civil partnerships;
• financial settlements and implications of divorce or separation, financial remedy cases;
• children disputes acting for parents and grandparents;
• pre- and post-nuptial agreements,
• cohabitation disputes, living together agreements
Eloise studied at the University of Hertfordshire where she completed a combined studies Degree in Law & European Studies, followed by the Legal Practice Course. She has worked in the legal sector since 1996 and qualified as a solicitor in November 2000. Eloise joined Woodfines in September 2019, after 18 years at a firm based in Hertfordshire.
Eloise takes a pragmatic approach to resolving issues and believes in providing excellent care for all clients that she advises. She prides herself on providing a professional service, and has a friendly and approachable manner. She is naturally calm and has an understanding attitude, advising clients in a clear and concise way.
Her aim is to achieve the best possible outcome for clients, at the earliest opportunity.
Esther joined Woodfines in 2016 and has over 35 years of experience in writing Wills, Lasting Powers of Attorney, estate planning, probate administration, trusts and other related issues.
She is from north Buckinghamshire and is the third generation of solicitors from her family.
Esther now lives in Bedfordshire and has previously worked at law firms in both Bedford and nearby Milton Keynes. She is also a full member of Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP).
Esther is based in the firm's Milton Keynes office, but also sees clients in Bedford as required.
Gabrielle joined Woodfines in 2019 and works as a Paralegal in the Employment team. She has experience of drafting employment related documentation such as contracts of employment including Directors Service Agreements, Settlement Agreements and Staff Handbooks. Additionally, to this Gabrielle has experience dealing with Employment Tribunal litigation and COT3 Agreements.
Gabrielle has a law degree from the University of Hertfordshire and is a graduate member of CILEx (GCILEx). She is now working towards qualifying as a Chartered Legal Executive.
Job Titles:
- Paralegal
- Paralegal / Residential
Genevieve joined the Residential Property team at Woodfines in 2023.
Prior to this Genevieve has worked in solicitors' professional indemnity, commercial property, general litigation and conveyancing. Genevieve has a background degree in English Literature from The University of York. She then completed the law conversion course (GDL) before finishing her legal studies via the Cilex route. Genevieve is currently a Graduate Member of Cilex and is looking to qualify as a Chartered Legal Executive.
Georgia has worked at Woodfines since 2018, and after completing her Training Contract with the firm has now qualified as a Solicitor into the Litigation arm of our Regulatory & Dispute Resolution team in November 2023.
Georgia looks forwards to working with the Litigation team as a newly qualified solicitor specialising in property and commercial litigation.
Gillian qualified as a solicitor in 2002 and has a wealth of experience across a broad range of corporate and commercial work in a wide range of sectors.
She studied law at Southampton University, where she gained a first class honours degree, and did her LPC at Guildford College of Law before moving to Hertfordshire, where she worked for many years before joining Woodfines in the Cambridge office in March 2023.
Gillian specialises in commercial contracts, including drafting bespoke standard contracts to suit individual businesses' needs. Her other particular interests include IP and IT contracts and corporate structuring and investments.
Hannah joined Woodfines in 2012 to begin her training contract with the firm, and qualified as a Solicitor in 2014. She became a Senior Associate in 2017 and was promoted to Partner in 2022.
Hannah completed her law degree at the University of Nottingham and her Legal Practice Course at Anglia Ruskin University in Cambridge.
She specialises in probate, will and inheritance disputes, and property trust dispute matters.
Hannah is a Registered Contentious Trust and Probate Specialist pursuant to her full membership of ACTAPS (Association of Contentious Trusts and Probate Solicitors) and also has a STEP (Society of Trust and Estates Practitioners) Certificate in Trusts and Estates which provides useful background to her contentious probate practice.
Hazzra is a Solicitor in the residential property department and qualified in 2015 having completed her training with an international law firm in Central London.
Helen undertook a law and sociology degree at the University of Warwick, before completing her LPC at De Montfort University in Leicester.
She received a scholarship from the Ministry of Justice to do her LPC and worked full-time throughout her LPC studies as a court clerk before obtaining a distinction.
Helen joined Woodfines on a training contract in 2013, qualifying into the Private Client department in 2015. She is personable in her approach with clients and delivers knowledgeable advice in relation to Wills, Probate, Lasting Powers of Attorney, Inheritance Tax, Trusts and Court of Protection applications. Helen is currently working towards a Diploma to become a full member of The Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners. This is to expand her technical knowledge.
Job Titles:
- Paralegal
- Paralegal / Commercial Property
Holly started work experience at Woodfines in July 2022 in their Residential Property department before officially joining as a Team Assistant in the commercial property team part-time in October, whilst studying her Batchelor of Laws at the University of Buckingham.
Whilst studying her undergraduate degree, Holly most enjoyed studying criminal law, family law and land law.
Holly completed her degree in June 2023 and will be graduating in September. Holly was promoted to Paralegal in November 2023.
Jacqui is a Solicitor in the firm's Private Client department. She undertakes a variety of work including drafting Wills and Lasting Powers of Attorney, and administering estates.
Jacqui completed her Law degree and Legal Practice Course at the University Hertfordshire and qualified as a Solicitor in September 2013.
Jane's graduation from Durham University was followed by her qualification as a solicitor in 1996 with Batcheldors, a firm that later merged with Woodfines. In 2005, Jane embarked on a significant career move by joining the First Law Partnership (FLP) to focus on developing her criminal legal aid practice. During her time at FLP, she devoted herself to establishing a strong reputation and client base within the local criminal courts. Jane continued to expand her expertise by attaining her higher rights of audience and by incorporating regulatory law into her areas of specialism.
With her wealth of experience, Jane has diligently developed her practice, regularly representing individuals accused of a diverse range of offences including sexual offences, violence, serious driving offences, and fraud and representing those investigated and prosecuted for regulatory offences alleging breaches of the law relating to health and safety, trading standards and food safety.
Having dedicated over 25 years to the Criminal Justice System, Jane continues to skilfully and robustly represent the interests of individuals and businesses facing investigations and prosecutions by the Police, CPS, Local Authorities, the Health and Safety Executive, and other Crown Agencies. Jane's commitment to robustly representing her clients and her adeptness in navigating complex cases continue to be invaluable assets to our team and the clients we serve.
Jennifer is degree-qualified, graduating in 2019. She proceeded to complete the STEP advanced certificates in Estate Administration and Will Drafting and is currently working towards her STEP diploma.
Jenny Teall is a Partner and a full member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP), which is a benchmark qualification for inheritance and succession planning. She qualified in 2013 and joined our Private Client team in 2019.
Jenny handles a wide variety of Private Client work such as assisting clients with the drafting of their Wills, administration of estates and trusts, inheritance tax planning and powers of attorney.
She has a reputation for being highly efficient and accurate, and client feedback reinforces this. Her clients often describe her as ‘kind, supportive and friendly'. They find it ‘refreshing to have someone who is approachable with a genuine flair for client care', who handles her cases ‘professionally with care, security and speed'. She is also praised for being able to explain complex matters in a clear and sensitive manner.
Jenny loves spending quality time with family and friends and is a lover of the great outdoors. She enjoys long walks, running, and finding beautiful spots to do wild swimming and paddle boarding. One of her favourite activities is doing creative arts and crafts with her little boy.
Job Titles:
- Administrative Assistant / Operations
- IT Trainer
- IT Trainer / Operations
John joined Woodfines in March 2023 as an IT Trainer, having previously worked in the legal industry for 10 years in IT training, system projects and implementation, and support staff management.
Rhiannon started her Administrative career in 2021 working in the NHS as an apprentice she then joined Woodfines in January 2024 to continue to develop and learn.
Job Titles:
- Partner
- Partner / Divorce & Family Law
John qualified in 1992 after training at Gareth Woodfine and Partners, and became a Partner at the firm in 1997. John has significant knowledge of all aspects of family work, including; divorce, finances, children disputes and care proceedings.
He has a wealth of experience and is a Resolution Accredited specialist for finance matters and children matters.
Job Titles:
- Senior Associate
- Senior Associate / Divorce & Family Law
John is a Senior Associate in our Private Client and Family department. Building on well over a decade of experience in both Family work and Wills and Probate, John offers a deep insight into all private client needs.
John oversees the progress and development of the Cambridge Private Client team.
Following his education at Kings College London, where he read Theology and became an Associate of the College, York for his legal studies, and his training contact in London, John returned to Cambridgeshire in 2011. He has built an enviable network of professional contacts and knowledge over the years, which he utilises towards the benefit of his clients. John was highlighted as a recommended lawyer in the Legal 500 Directory for 2023. Prior to acting as the University Liaison Officer for Cambridgeshire Law Society, John was the Vice President of the Peterborough and District Law Society. John currently sits on the Cambridgeshire Law Society committee, and is the chair of the relationships subcommittee.
Job Titles:
- Administrate Assistant
- Administrate Assistant / Operations
- Administrative Assistant / Operations
Julia joined Woodfines in early 2023 after completing her undergraduate law degree at the University of Hertfordshire. The year prior she took a short break away from studying in order to gain experience within the legal sector first and In September 2023 she will begin her journey by startingr the SQE with the University of Law.
Before entering the legal world julia was in the hospitality industry for many years and worked her way up into management until the right opportunity came along.
Outside of work she enjoys going to food festivals, exploring nature walks, and getting stronger at the gym.
Rhiannon started her Administrative career in 2021 working in the NHS as an apprentice she then joined Woodfines in January 2024 to continue to develop and learn.
Julie is a Team Assistant in our Milton Keynes Private Client team. She joined Woodfines in 2019 following previous years of experience in other Law firms.
Julie loves to travel and spend quality time with her family and friends.
Job Titles:
- Head of HR
- Head of HR / Human Resources
Karen is MCIPD qualified, and has been since 1996. She began her HR career as HR Officer at Sara Lee Household & Body Care between 1993 and 1999, before relocating to Cranfield in Bedfordshire and joining Geoffrey Leaver Solicitors as their HR Officer, where she set up the HR function. She was promoted to HR Manager in 2006 when the firm doubled in size following an acquisition.
In 2015, Karen joined Viridor Waste Management Services to gain operational and regional experience, before moving to National Locums Recruitment, where she again set up the HR function.
Karen joined Woodfines as the firm's HR Manager in March 2017. She is experienced in all aspects of HR, training and health and safety.
Job Titles:
- Business Support Manager
- Administrative Assistant / Operations
- Business Support Manager / Operations
Kate started Woodfines October 2023. She worked previously as a Business Support and EHS Manager and did this for 26 years. She is NEBOSH qualified in Occupational Health & Safety and she is a technical member of IOSH. She is also a Schneider electric energy Management Associate. Before joining Woodfines she took 5 months out of work to travel around the US.
Rhiannon started her Administrative career in 2021 working in the NHS as an apprentice she then joined Woodfines in January 2024 to continue to develop and learn.
Kerry is a Team Assistant in our Bedford Private Client Team. She joined Woodfines in 2017 and has 19 years legal experience. Kerry provides valuable support to a team of lawyers, who assist clients with the drafting of their Wills and Powers of Attorney, and administration of estates and trusts. She is a point of contact for new enquiries, matter progression updates, and arranging an appointment. Kerry is often described by her colleagues and clients as kind, approachable and conscientious. She is always praised for going the extra mile in her work.
In her spare time, Kerry enjoys playing tennis outdoors, whatever the weather!
Job Titles:
- Head of Operations
- Administrative Assistant / Operations
Rhiannon started her Administrative career in 2021 working in the NHS as an apprentice she then joined Woodfines in January 2024 to continue to develop and learn.
Job Titles:
- Partner and Head of Corporate & Commercial & Employment
Job Titles:
- Head of Regulatory & Dispute Resolution
Mike is Head of Woodfines' Regulatory & Dispute Resolution team, specialising in the representation of Individuals and Businesses against prosecutions brought by the Crown Prosecution Service, Trading Standards, the Health and Safety Executive, and other enforcement agencies.
He specialises in Court and Committee Advocacy; Grave Crimes (homicide / fraud, including multi-million pound fraud / sexual offences / etc); Licensing (alcohol / SEV / taxi); Proceeds of Crime; and Motoring Defence.
Mike acts for those in the transport, haulage and distribution industry; advising on all aspects of Operator Licensing. He also advises businesses and individuals facing Public Law challenges with Local Authorities (Licensing and Planning). He has experience in assisting clients at application stage, at Committee, and in Appeals before all Courts, including the High Court. Under his lead, the team were successful in the first ever case of its type concerning taxi licensing, with national implications.
Mike began his career with the Crown Prosecution Service in 1990 before specialising in defending from 1995. He joined Woodfines in 2002, and became a Partner in 2012.
Job Titles:
- Partner & Head of Private Client
Job Titles:
- Administrative Assistant
- Administrative Assistant / Operations
Rhiannon started her Administrative career in 2021 working in the NHS as an apprentice she then joined Woodfines in January 2024 to continue to develop and learn.
Job Titles:
- Assistant at Waddesdon Manor Plant Centre
If you weren't a lawyer or in your current profession, what would you be doing?