TAYNTONS - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Employment and Dispute Resolution - Partner and Solicitor
- Solicitor in 2003 After Studying Law at Aberystwyth University
Alex Lyttle qualified as a Solicitor in 2003 after studying Law at Aberystwyth University.
Originally from Northern Ireland, Alex spent the formative years of his career in Gloucester before moving to Bristol. He lives locally and has now returned to work in Gloucester.
With over 15 years of experience in Law, Alex has a wealth of experience and specialises in Commercial Litigation and Employment. He deals with all kinds of contract disputes including; breach of warranty claims and general commercial contract disputes. Having dealt with a variety of employment disputes, he is able to advise employers with any queries they might have from an employee on long term sick leave to a breach of their restrictive covenants.
Alex has recently dealt with a successful contract dispute at a 4 day trial at the High Court in Bristol. Alex has also successfully represented a large Bristol Christian Charity at the Property Tribunal concerning the calculation of their rates. He has dealt with a variety of employment disputes and can advise both employers and employees on a wide range of employment issues from long term sickness to bullying and harassment claims.
With a pro-active approach, Alex works collaboratively with his clients and understands the importance of building long lasting relationships with clients and contacts.
In his spare time, Alex enjoys watching rugby, cooking and walking his dog!
Job Titles:
- Personal Injury Solicitor & Managing Partner
Andrew has extensive experience in a wide range of personal injury claims arising from different accident types such as accidents at work, road traffic accidents, and slips or trips on a public highway or in a retail store. He strives to ensure that injured parties receive the compensation they deserve to help them put their lives back on track. As Andrew's own father passed away following a road traffic accident, he has a unique insight and interest in helping bereaved families.
He has specialist experience in fatal accident claims and injuries of the utmost severity, including head and spinal injuries. Andrew also has expertise in dealing with soft tissue injuries, such as whiplash and strains to the back, fractures, and psychological injuries including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
He has worked closely with personal injury groups such as Brake, to help raise awareness on road safety issues in schools, colleges and public sector organisations across the country.
Examples of Andrew's cases include:
Securing a settlement for a family following a fatal road accident which unusually included a claim for dependency for adult children.
Negotiated a settlement for a family in a claim for personal injuries following a road traffic accident where the injured person passed away a month after the accident as a consequence of the injuries they sustained.
Acting as a professional deputy and agreed a liability settlement for a client who suffered head injuries and multiple other injuries as a consequence of a road traffic accident.
Andrew joined Tayntons in 1996, became a Partner in 2007 and Managing Partner in 2008. As Tayntons' Managing Partner he takes the lead in the high-level development and implementation of a strategy for the provision of excellent legal services to clients combined with steering the firm's growth and success.
He qualified as a Solicitor in 1993 after studying Law at Middlesex University. Outside of work he enjoys sports in many forms including football which also involves coaching his son's football team, rugby, cricket, running and cycling. Cooking and gardening are also favourite pastimes.
I obtained my Bachelor of Law Degree with the University of Gloucestershire in 2019 and am currently completing my SQE/Masters Degree with the University of Law.
Prior to joining Tayntons, I worked at a criminal law firm as a Police Station Representative and also have experience in mortgage processing and mortgage advice.
I am excited to commence my Training Contract with Tayntons and complete the final stage of my training to become qualified.
Job Titles:
- Divorce and Family - Partner and Solicitor
Since qualifying as a solicitor in 2003, Christopher Price has always specialised in family law. He has headed up Tayntons' family, divorce and children team since 2006 and has developed a solid reputation in the handling of relationship disputes combined with an approachable demeanour.
With significant experience in court, Chris enjoys handling the complexities of pensions, finances and property division, particularly for high-net-worth individuals such as senior executives or those in the armed forces. Managing numerous cases involving the care of children, he encourages a non-confrontational approach to resolving family disputes and is a member of Resolution.
Chris and his team look at family matters from a holistic and practical perspective and understand that family legal issues have a very strong emotional element, involving children and assets and liabilities that are the result of joint ventures. When giving advice, Chris makes sure his approach is tailored for his client's personal needs, listening to their personal goals and working with them on getting there.
Chris's cases include:
Securing a shared care order and a clear regime of child arrangements to ensure that both parents remained a key part of their children's lives.
Ensuring that parties retained the family home and secured their long-term housing needs.
Chris studied Law at the University of the West of England in Bristol graduating in 2000, and then continued at the University to complete his Legal Practice Course in 2001.
Claire Burrow qualified as a Solicitor in 2005 after studying Business Studies & Law at Solent University. She joined Tayntons in 2019.
With over 20 years of experience in Law, Claire specialises in Residential Conveyancing.
Claire originally worked in house for Bristol and West/Bank of Ireland, she then transferred to private practice at Quality Solicitors Burroughs Day and more recently as a Technical Director at Equilaw in Gloucestershire.
With a hands-on approach, Claire enjoys applying her problem solving skills to the many and varied legal issues that arise when buying and selling.
In her spare time, Claire can be found refereeing and keeping the peace between her 2 spaniels and young son.
Job Titles:
- Solicitor
- Solicitor Apprentice
Courtney is a Solicitor Apprentice in the Private Client Department. In 2021, she completed her sixth form studies and began her Solicitor Apprenticeship, having transferred to Tayntons from a commercial law firm focusing solely on Probate, Courtney is now also assisting in Will and Lasting Power of Attorney matters.
Her time in the department involves helping a wide variety of clients, administration of estates, preparation of wills and lasting powers of attorney.
Courtney works at the firm four days a week, with the fifth day spent studying at the University of Law towards her qualification as a solicitor. Outside of her Apprenticeship, Courtney enjoys spending time with family and friends and volunteering within the community.
Job Titles:
- Personal Injury and Clinical Negligence - Solicitor
Faye studied law at the Open University and then went on to complete her Legal Practice Course at the University of Law Bristol in 2016. Faye initially trained as a Legal Executive and subsequently qualified as a solicitor in 2021.
Having worked in the personal injury sector since 2010, Faye has gained a wealth of experience in dealing with a variety of personal injury claims. Faye initially worked in the insurance sector dealing with Defendant personal injury matters. This has given her an invaluable insight into how both sides operate and she uses this knowledge to ensure that she achieves the best possible outcomes and settlements for her clients.
Faye understands how detrimental injuries can be and the impact that they can have on her clients and their family members. She is conscious of the individual challenges and needs of her clients and she strives to make sure that her clients receive the treatment and compensation that they deserve.
Outside of work Faye enjoys spending time with her young family, two dogs and four cats.
Job Titles:
- Child Care - Partner and Solicitor
- Specialist
"Gemma was always prepared to listen, offer advice and was sympathetic to our situation"
Gemma is a specialist Child Care solicitor with over 10 years' experience representing parents, children and other family members within care proceedings. She understands the needs of vulnerable parents in these difficult proceedings and ensures that they understand the proceedings and that they are supported throughout.
Gemma has extensive experience in dealing with complex care proceedings relating to sexual abuse or physical harm (alleged non-accidental injury). She carries out her own advocacy where possible and also represents clients during the pre-proceedings process as well as advising on special guardianship orders and adoption.
Her cases include:
Representing a Mother in care proceedings where the plan proposed was for the child to be adopted but after seeking further assessments the child was returned home to their parents.
Imelda joined Tayntons in 2020 to head up the Education Law team which provides specialist advice to parents, carers, case managers and other solicitors about the rights of children and young people regarding a wide range of Education matters and, in particular, Special Educational Needs.
Imelda undertook her training contract with Howard Kennedy Solicitors in London and qualified as a Solicitor in 1990. Having moved to the Cotswolds in 1991 Imelda has specialised in Education Law working with Robert Love at two Gloucestershire law firms.
Imelda has dealt with a wide range of cases including:
Appeals to the Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) Tribunal
Judicial Review proceedings in the High Court
Appeals to the Upper Tier Tribunal, Court of Appeal and Supreme Court
Professional Negligence cases
Complaints to the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman
Appeals relating to school exclusions and admissions
Acting on behalf of parents and young people Imelda has been instructed in a number of high profile cases including the following reported cases:
R v Secretary of State for Education and Science, ex parte E (1993) 2 FCR 753, Court of Appeal.
X (minors) v Bedfordshire County Council, M (a minor) v Newham London Borough Council, E (a minor) v Dorset County Council, Christmas v Hampshire County Council, Keating v London Borough of Bromley (1995) 3 All ER 353, House of Lords.
Ross v Stanbridge Earls School (2002) EWHC 2255 (Queens Bench Division).
School Admission Appeals Panel for the London Borough of Hounslow v The Mayor and Burgesses of the London Borough of Hounslow (2002) EWCA Civ 900.
M v Wiltshire County Council (1) and SENDIST (2) (2006) EWHC 3337 (Admin).
L v Clarke and Somerset County Council [1998] ELR 129.
S v City and Council of Swansea and Confrey [2000] ELR 315.
R v Dorset County Council and the FEFC Ex Parte Goddard [1995] ELR 109 (QBD).
R (South Gloucestershire LEA) and South Gloucestershire Schools Appeal Panel (2001) EWHC Admin 732, (2002) ELR 309.
The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea v GG (SEN): [2017] UKUT 141 (AAC).
Having specialised in Education Law for over 30 years Imelda has been noted as a "Recognised Practitioner" for many years in the Chambers and Partners Legal Directory, as follows:
2021 - "Imelda Brennan possesses considerable experience in a range of SEN matters, including judicial review proceedings and appeals before the First-tier and Upper Tribunals. She is particularly well known for her representation of parents in tribunals concerning placement in specialist educational institutions."
2020 - "Imelda Brennan is ‘hugely knowledgeable in the area of SEND education,' according to market sources, and is noted for her representation of parents in tribunals concerning placement in specialist educational institutions. Interviewees say: ‘She doesn't miss anything and looks at issues objectively in order to see a way through and come to a solution. She's really supportive of the parents during the process and does her absolute best to get them a good result.'"
2019 - "Imelda Brennan is recommended for her representation of young adults in SEN and disability tribunals. She also has extensive experience acting for clients in judicial review proceedings against local authorities."
2018 - "Imelda Brennan acts for young adults and parents in SENDIST appeals, Upper Tribunal appeals. Judicial Review challenges and the EHC needs assessment process. Clients say: ‘Imelda is very accessible, generous with her time, highly knowledgeable and calm in a crisis. She is also very thorough and professional.'"
2017 - "Imelda Brennan is a seasoned education lawyer with particular expertise in judicial review matters. She is highly praised by the market for her strong knowledge, empathy and listening skills."
2016 - "Imelda Brennan has long-standing experience in the education sector. In addition to SENDIST matters she also provides advice to parents in connection with school admissions and exclusions."
2015 - "Imelda Brennan is sought after by parents for her expertise in Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) tribunals and appeals. Interviewees praise her efficiency and understanding of cases, noting that ‘she has a good head on her shoulders.'"
Imelda has a Bachelor of Social Science in Law, Sociology and Anthropology from Keele University. She completed her Solicitor's Professional Examinations at Chester College of Law.
Job Titles:
- Company and Commercial - Consultant
- Solicitor in 1999 After Studying Law at the University of East London
Jaron Crooknorth qualified as a Solicitor in 1999 after studying Law at the University of East London.
He then completed his training at Toller Beattie in North Devon. Jaron joined Rowbis Solicitors (formerly Rowberry Morris) in 2002, where he was a Partner, and moved to Tayntons in 2015 following their merger with Rowbis.
With over 19 years experience, Jaron specialising in business sales and acquisitions, business services generally including commercial property and corporate agreements. He is also head of our Commercial department.
Jaron is a committed supporter of Gloucester Rugby Club, a keen golfer and a West Ham United fan! Having just run his first marathon, Jaron enjoys running.
Job Titles:
- Legal Executive
- Residential Conveyancing - Legal Executive
Jenny has worked in the legal sector for 15 years and has recently joined the Tayntons property Department in January 2024.
Jenny started her property career working as a secretary and embarked on her CILEx course in 2013 where she studied at the Heart of Worcestershire College. Jenny qualified in 2017 and continued working for a well known law firm in Cirencester in the heart of the Cotswolds. Jenny strives to provide a bespoke and personal service to all her clients and aims to ensure all matters proceed smoothly and with minimal stress for her clients.
Jenny has a wealth of experience and can act in all areas of residential conveyancing and this includes freehold and leasehold sales and purchases, transfer of equity, remortgages and voluntary first registrations.
With over 10 years experience, Jenny acts for a wide range of clients from first time buyers to buy to let clients. Jenny's approachable and kind nature allows clients to feel at ease and reassured throughout their conveyancing transaction.
Outside of work, Jenny enjoys spending time with her young family and can often be found enjoying the great outdoors.
Job Titles:
- Child Care - Associate Solicitor
- Member of the Gloucester Quays Rotary Club
"I couldn't recommend Jessica O'Shea highly enough. Nothing was to much trouble and never made to feel bad even when I had daft suggestions. Totally professional but personal and friendly. A really lovely person who seems to understand the predicament I was in. Kind caring and understanding but completely fearless in court. If you employ Jessica you couldn't do better."
Jessica qualified as a Solicitor in 2016 and has been working in our Family department ever since. A specialist Childcare Solicitor, she provides advice, assistance and valuable support to parents who have social services involvement with their children. She strongly believes that parents should be fully informed of the legal processes, what to expect and more importantly, what is expected of them to prevent their children from being removed from their care.
Approaching cases in an emphatic nature, whilst also ensuring that clients get pragmatic and realistic advice tailored to their individual needs, Jessica is able to work sensitively with parents and other individuals involved in this process.
Jessica has worked on a wide range of childcare cases including those involving allegations of sexual abuse against children or where there were jurisdictional issues. She has also worked on complex non-accidental injury cases where individuals have been accused of inflicting injuries to a child or caused their death. Other cases recently include:
Successfully representing a mother alleged to have caused injuries to her child (which she denied) and have the child returned to her care. The stakes could not have been higher.
Representing a father with significant mental health and substance misuse issues who managed, with the right guidance and support, to make changes to his lifestyle which led to his son being placed in his care.
"From day one of meeting, Jessica and the firm were amazing with my case through out. The support and honesty I received from her was amazing. Very professional and very friendly, I honestly couldn't of asked for a better solicitor. Would highly recommend and if I'm in need of help again I would definitely be asking for her. Thank you so much."
Outside of work, Jessica is a member of the Gloucester Quays Rotary Club, a social charity group with an aim of making a difference and putting service before self.
Job Titles:
- Personal Injury & Clinical Negligence - Partner and Solicitor
- Specialist Personal
Joanne is a specialist personal injury claims solicitor with expertise in a wide variety of accidents and injuries. She became a Partner at Tayntons in 2011.
With 25 years of experience, Joanne acts for clients that have suffered injuries as a result of an accident or illness dealing with consequences such as serious head injury, spinal injury, fractures, and soft tissue injuries, like whiplash and back strains. Joanne also specialises in the psychological consequences of an accident, including post-traumatic stress disorder, phobic reactions and anxieties.
Joanne also has substantial experience in clinical negligence claims and is a member of the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL).
Joanne recognises that personal injury and clinical negligence cases are often contentious as they involve helping injured clients who feel they are up against seemingly ‘impersonal and uncaring' insurance companies. As such Joanne and her team try to ensure that their clients get the treatment that they may need, the financial support to help them when they can't work and the compensation that they deserve. The needs of the client and their wider family are at the heart of everything they do.
Recent cases Joanne has worked on:
Settled a personal injury case for £1.3 million where liability was contested in a 5-day hearing.
Established liability in a road traffic accident case where value will be in excess of £8 million and where the defendants felt there was no case to answer.
Acted for a client with bipolar who struggled with the process and the injuries sustained and achieved settlement in excess of 60k.
Has successfully represented clients in cases arising from injury at birth and stillbirth.
Joanne was awarded an Honours degree in English and Related Literature Degree from the University of York in 1990. She completed Common Professional Examination in Law in 1991 and the Law Society Finals (Legal Practice Course) in 1992, both at Wolverhampton University.
Julia has specialised in public family law since qualifying as a solicitor in 2019. She has experience in representing parents and other family members in court proceedings. She has spent a period of time representing children's services at a local authority which has subsequently provided her with a unique perspective and understanding of their practices and protocols assisting in her current role of advising parents within care proceedings and ensuring that parents are receiving the services they deserve and are fully informed of the legal processes during a very difficult time in their lives.
Julia is sensitive to clients' needs, understanding that this is a very difficult time in their lives. However, she also ensures that clients feel in a position to make an informed decision having provided them with realistic advice on their individual situations.
Julia has worked on a wide range of childcare cases including cases with jurisdictional issues, deprivations of liberty, non-accidental injuries, and wardships.
She also represents parents within pre-proceedings.
Qualifications
2:1 with Honours from Liverpool John Moores University in 2016
LPC with Commendation in 2017
Kate joined the residential team at Tayntons in 2022 and became Head of Department in 2023. Having worked in Gloucestershire for a number of years, Kate joined Tayntons because of our reputation and presence in the community.
Job Titles:
- Family - Trainee Solicitor
- in 2022 As a Secretary
Kathryn joined Tayntons in 2022 as a secretary in the Family department.
Job Titles:
- Personal Injury and Clinical Negligence - Paralegal
I studied Law at the University of Liverpool before I began my Legal Practice Course LLM at the University of Law in Birmingham. I have completed placements at an array of firms where I have developed my skills to aid me in my career. Before I joined Tayntons, I worked within the Trusts Department at a firm in Malvern. However, I was keen on pursuing something I have always been passionate about. After a year working in this position, I hope to obtain a Training Contract here at Tayntons.
I have a motivation and desire to help others and to create a meaningful impact. To be a paralegal within the PI department, where I can help vulnerable clients in a difficult time in their lives is incredibly rewarding to me.
Job Titles:
- Divorce and Family - Associate Solicitor
Since qualifying as a solicitor in 2021, Luke has continued to specialise in family law and has since had a great deal of experience dealing with complex family disputes including disputes over contact. Alongside this, he has also been able to deal with divorce and financial disputes whilst adopting a friendly and pragmatic approach. Luke also has advocacy experience and is able to represent his clients in legal proceedings.
Luke also has represented and supported clients in seeking protective injunctions against abusive partners and also regularly completes Change of Name Deeds on behalf of clients.
His cases include:
Securing a contact order for a father whose sole intention was to spend time with his child.
Supporting a client to secure a financial order to ensure that both herself and her children's needs were sufficiently met.
Securing a protective injunction against an abusive partner, to ensure that she could live safely and without fear of further harm.
Luke studied Law at the University of Gloucestershire on scholarship whilst playing professionally for The University of Gloucestershire All Golds. He then continued his studies at the University of Law in Bristol completing his LPC and Master's degree on a part-time basis whilst completing his training contract.
Luke's previous experience includes working with Gloucestershire County Council as an Ambassador for Vulnerable Children. He is therefore very passionate about Child Care matters.
Luke has previously represented England Students at the rugby league 4 Nations where they were crowned the 2018 champions. Luke also has a second dan blackbelt in kickboxing and Wado-Ryu.
Melanie joined Tayntons in 2011 and has held various roles within the firm including Customer Support and Claims Handler in our Personal Injury department. Melanie was appointed as New Business Manager in May 2014.
On a day-to-day basis, Melanie deals with all types of enquiries for Commercial, Conveyancing, Employment, Litigation, Matrimonial, Personal Injury and Wills and Probate. Melanie is Tayntons main point of contact for new business and also manages our Perfect Portal system.
Melanie has also completed several professional development courses including a NVQ Level 3 in Business Administration in 2014.
In her spare time, Melanie is an avid netball fan and enjoys playing netball for a variety of teams. Melanie married James and is now Melanie Brown.
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Solicitor
- Residential Conveyancing - Associate Solicitor
Nadia studied law at Cardiff University and qualified as a Solicitor in 2008, specialising in residential conveyancing. She has since gained 14 years experience at a Cheltenham law firm, before joining the team at Tayntons in April 2022 to meet their growing demand for residential conveyancing services.
Nadia will be helping and advising individuals and businesses on all aspects of residential conveyancing, including freehold and leasehold sales and purchases, new build and shared ownership transactions, and transfer of equity and re-mortgage matters.
Nadia is keen to offer practical, no-nonsense advice to Tayntons' clients. She prides herself on offering a personal service and protecting the best interests of clients in a clear and efficient way.
Outside of work, Nadia enjoys yoga, reading, and spending time with her young family.
With over 20 years' experience, Rachel specialises in all aspects of Private Client Law including Wills, Inheritance Tax Planning, Lasting Powers of Attorney and the Administration of Estates and Trusts.
Rachel's focus is her clients. She offers a bespoke service to each individual client according to their needs and personal circumstances using her extensive expertise to offer informed and balanced advice. Rachel maintains a relatable and empathetic approach whilst providing support and reassurance at what can sometimes be a difficult time.
Rachel studied Law at the University of the West of England. Since qualifying in 2003, Rachel worked at Stone King in Bath for over 12 years before leading a team of specialist lawyers at Co-op Legal Services for 5 years. More recently, she worked at Foxfield Solicitors in Gloucestershire. Rachel joined Tayntons in 2023 to head up their Private Client Department. She is a full member of The Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners.
Outside of work, Rachel enjoys watching sport, comedy and theatre productions. She loves quizzes and games and one of her ambitions is to appear on Countdown.
Job Titles:
- Divorce and Family - Solicitor