DGB SOLICITORS - Key Persons
Colin is the head of dgb's wills, probate, tax and trusts department and a member of the Law Society's Probate Section. He holds numerous positions as executor and trustee and receives regular referrals from local financial advisers and accountants, who hold him in high esteem.
Preparing a will to ensure your family are provided for is one of the most important steps that one should undertake. Whether you wish to make simple provision for your spouse and/or children, or whether you wish to set up a more complex trust arrangement, you would have no-one better to advise you than dgb. Colin is highly regarded as one of the best wills and probate solicitors in Kent providing clear and concise advice.
If you have suffered a bereavement, you need someone who is calm and sympathetic, but also someone who will take on the obligations of administering the estate and progress the matter thoroughly and efficiently. Colin is a master at just that. If you instruct Colin or one of his team, all procedures and costs will be carefully explained in advance, nothing will be left unresolved and everything will be attended to promptly, and accounted for clearly and accurately. In short, you will have the peace of mind that everyone needs at such a difficult time.
Cornelia works in the wills and probate team, both assisting clients with their estate planning and working on probate and estate administration matters. Cornelia graduated from the University of Kent in 2014 obtaining a 2:1 and completed the Legal Practice Course at the BPP University in London. Cornelia qualified as a solicitor in 2017.
Cornelia's role includes drafting wills and lasting powers of attorney for clients, documents which many consider to be some of the most important they will put in place during their lifetime. Cornelia strives to ensure her clients understand the legal implications and nature of these documents, whilst also placing key importance on upholding the client's wishes and intentions. Cornelia believes every client is unique and careful attention must be paid to their individual needs and circumstances. The idea of putting a will or lasting power of attorney in place can be daunting or even upsetting for some, and Cornelia works hard to ensure every client feels comfortable discussing matters. Cornelia's clients often comment that she is very approachable and friendly, taking the time to explain matters in clear and plain terms.
Cornelia also assists with probate and estate administration matters. When a loved one passes away it can seem there is never-ending list of tasks that must be completed, at what is already an emotionally difficult time. Cornelia aims to guide clients through the administration process in an efficient and timely manner whilst becoming a trusted advisor. Cornelia has worked on many different and varied probate files including high value estates and considerations of inheritance tax reliefs. Ensuring accurate information is submitted to HMRC is vital and Cornelia's thorough approach and organised files ensure this is achieved.
Cornelia also has experience in dealing with trust administration matters, ensuring that the trust upholds it legal reporting obligations and considers the beneficiaries needs and entitlements.
Ian was elected Chairman of dgb in April 2000 and carries out his role enthusiastically and intuitively.
He has overall responsibility for the service (or ‘care') we provide to our clients and champions the dgb ethos that the interests of our clients are paramount. He leads our unceasing drive to provide at all times a level of service which is better than any other law firm.
Ian heads our commercial team, specialising in commercial property. Highly regarded by clients and fellow professionals, he deals with high value projects and development sites throughout Kent. His work involves the preparation of complex legal documentation for the acquisition and sale of land and buildings and the sale/letting of commercial estates, recent examples of which are the prestigious Eclipse Park in Maidstone, Invicta Business Centre in Gillingham and Jackson Park at Kingsnorth.
Whether you wish to be advised on a large commercial project, a lease of business premises or the sale or acquisition of a business, there is no substitute for quality and experience. All of Ian's clients benefit from his commerciality, dedication, reduction of complex documents into comprehensible terms, and, above all, his ability to work efficiently.
Ian also advises on company sales and acquisitions and restructuring of companies.
Jacob studied for his law degree at Newcastle University, graduating in 2015 with a Upper Second-Class LLB with Honours. Following his undergraduate degree, he went on to study the Legal Practice Course at BPP University where he gained a Distinction in 2020. Jacob qualified as a solicitor in 2022, having completed his training contract at dgb.
Jacob works in our residential team, assisting clients with all aspects of their residential property needs such as buying and selling freehold and leasehold properties. Jacob is also building up his knowledge of commercial property transactions working on buying and selling commercial property as well as commercial leases between landlord and tenant.
He is already being praised by clients for his work for them as someone who is ‘great to work with', provides ‘excellent service' and is ‘exemplary in his attention' to them.
James specialises in all aspects of commercial law, advising clients on commercial property transactions, small and large scale business acquisitions and commercial contracts.
Clients benefit from James' evident eagerness to provide an exceptional service, whilst carrying out tasks efficiently and with thorough attention to detail.
James also has a great deal of experience advising clients within the wills, trust and probate department. He has earned a reputation for delivering a first class, prompt and personal service tailored to meet your specific needs.
Kylie studied for her law degree at the Open University, graduating with a First Class LLB with Honours. Following her undergraduate degree, she went on to study the Legal Practice Course with Masters at the University of Law Bloomsbury, where she gained a Distinction. Kylie qualified as a solicitor having completed her training contract at dgb.
Kylie works in our commercial property team, assisting clients with all aspects of their commercial property needs such as leases. She is also quickly building up her knowledge of company law working on commercial transactions, including acquisitions, disposals and commercial contracts.
Kylie is developing her own client base, due to the fast-paced and methodical nature in which she works and her approachable manner with clients.
Mark's main area of work is property law - from advising property developers buying and selling houses, helping landlords manage their property portfolio, the sale or acquisition of businesses, to helping new start-up businesses renting their first commercial property.
Neana is a senior solicitor in the Wills and Probate team and has been with the firm for many years.
Neana began her career in law as a Legal Executive and, following qualification, was admitted as a solicitor in 1998.
Neana specialises in all aspects of older client law including Estate Administration, Wills and Powers of Attorney, together with Court of Protection and other elderly client matters such as care home funding.
Neana is a Longstanding Member of The Association of Lifetime Lawyers - a qualified lawyer supporting vulnerable and older people with the right legal advice. Lifetime Lawyers are there for people throughout their lifetime - often when they are at their most vulnerable and when circumstances are most complex. This is important because when people do not have access to specialist legal advice, the impact for them and their loved ones can be devastating.
Neana is also a proud to be a Dementia Friend, run by the Alzheimer's Society. A Dementia Friend is somebody that learns about dementia so they can help their community.
Sarah graduated from the College of Law and was admitted as a solicitor in 1994. She has been a partner in two major East Kent Law firms and since 2013 has been a Consultant with Winch & Winch.
Sarah specialises in the Administration of Estates, Lasting Powers of Attorney, Wills and Probate related property matters.
Sarah is mindful of the sensitivity required in her chosen field and implements both a professional and caring approach towards her clients. She has a particular interest in supporting the legal needs of our growing elderly generation.
Tracey studied a qualifying Law Degree, being awarded a 2:1 with Honours. Following subsequent attendance at the College of Law, where she studied the Legal Practice Course and was awarded a Commendation, she joined Winch & Winch in 1996. She qualified as a solicitor in 1999, became a Partner of Winch & Winch in 2004 and a partner of dgb in 2020.
Tracey specialises in residential Landlord & Tenant proceedings, property-related litigation, Contentious Probate matters and routine Court of Protection applications.