FITZHUGH GATES - Key Persons


Carla Brunning

Job Titles:
  • Conveyancing Executive
Carla joined Fitzhugh Gates Solicitors in early 2019 bringing her wide experience to our busy residential conveyancing department in Shoreham-by-Sea. Having completed a Law and Criminology Degree at the University of Portsmouth in 2012, Carla went on to became a Graduate member of the Institute of Chartered Legal Executives. Having come to law as a mature student, Carla's substantial life experience, as well as the required qualifications, help her deliver a professional and efficient service for her clients. Carla is also seeking Fellowship of the Institute of Legal Executives. In her spare time Carla enjoys cooking and keeping fit. Carla joined Fitzhugh Gates Solicitors in early 2019 bringing her wide experience to our busy… Read more Carla joined Fitzhugh Gates Solicitors in early 2019 bringing her wide experience to our busy residential conveyancing department in Shoreham-by-Sea. Having completed a Law and Criminology Degree at the University of Portsmouth in 2012, Carla went… Read more

Dominique Arnold

Job Titles:
  • Wills and Probate Executive
Dominique completed her Law degree in 2017 as a mature student with the Open University and has been specialising in Wills, Trusts and Lasting Powers of Attorney since then. She has also completed post graduate professional training in Private Client matters and is currently working towards her Masters in Law. Dominique always aims to put clients at their ease as she guides them through the process of making sure the wishes they have regarding themselves, their assets and their loved ones are protected for the future, whatever it may bring. She has a sympathetic nature and a determination to achieve practical solutions to the challenges that ever evolving family structures and situations may present when estate planning. In her spare time Dominique enjoys spending time with her family and walking in the beautiful South Downs. Dominique completed her Law degree in 2017 as a mature student with the Open University and has been specialising in Wills, Trusts and Lasting Powers of Attorney since then. She has also completed post graduate professional training in Private… Read more

Jessica Calder

Job Titles:
  • Private Client Executive
Jessica is a private client executive who has specialised in estate administration in Sussex for… Read more Jessica is a private client executive who has specialised in estate administration in Sussex for almost 20 years. Jessica puts her clients at the centre of all she does. She is highly capable in efficiently and effectively administering estates of any size or complexity. She approaches her work with compassion and kindness. She remains cost focused but will always take the time to explain process and procedure and to listen.

Joanne Lawrence-Hall

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Fitzhugh Gates Solicitors Team
  • Senior Solicitor
  • Solicitor
Joanne Lawrence-Hall joined Fitzhugh Gates as a senior solicitor in 2015. She has over 20 years experience in the fields of family and employment law. Prior to joining the firm, Joanne has spent her career in the City of London, where she gained extensive experience advising people from all walks of life. In her family practice Joanne advises on all issues arising out the breakdown of marriage, civil partnership, co-habitation and on other intimate relationships. She specialises in complex financial issues, including claims under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependents) Act 1975 following the death of a spouse or partner and private law children work but also has experience in domestic violence proceedings. Joanne also deals with the happier aspect of relationships and regularly drafts pre-nuptial and co-habitation agreements for clients embarking on relationships. In her employment practice Joanne has advised both large and small employers including well known national charities in contentious and non-contentious matters. She often advises employees on settlement agreements and disputes with employers. She is a member of the Employment Lawyers' Association. Joanne Lawrence-Hall joined Fitzhugh Gates as a senior solicitor in 2015. She has over 20 years experience in the fields of family and employment law. Prior to joining the firm, Joanne has spent her career in the City of London, where she gained… Read more

Julian Cioffi - CEO

Job Titles:
  • Managing Partner
  • Member of the Fitzhugh Gates Solicitors Team
  • Solicitor
Julian Cioffi is the firm's managing partner. Julian has been a solicitor with the firm for nearly… Read more Julian Cioffi is the firm's managing partner. Julian has been a solicitor with the firm for nearly 30 years during which time he has amassed considerable experience of a wide range of complex and high value cases for private individuals and SME's. Julian manages the firm and its regulatory compliance. He also leads the Family and Private Client teams. His clients know where they stand with him and that he is always shoulder to shoulder with them.

Lucy Tammar

Job Titles:
  • Solicitor
Lucy was admitted as a solicitor in 2022 and has over 10 years' previous experience in wills and… Read more Lucy was admitted as a solicitor in 2022 and has over 10 years' previous experience in wills and probate. She enjoys finding the right solution for her clients tailored to their individual needs. Areas of special expertise: Wills, estate… Read more

Mark Barrett

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Fitzhugh Gates Solicitors Team
  • Partner
Mark joined Fitzhugh Gates at Head of Commercial Property in September 2017 and became a Partner in… Read more Mark joined Fitzhugh Gates at Head of Commercial Property in September 2017 and became a Partner in July 2019. Mark is a partner at Fitzhugh Gates, having qualified as a solicitor in 1989 and joining us in September 2017, having been a senior partner and Head of Commercial Law in Sussex for many years. He heads up our commercial property department and has considerable experience in complex property transactions.. Mark is also involved in voluntary and charitable work and is a trustee of two charitable trusts.

Moira MacFarlane

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Fitzhugh Gates Solicitors Team
  • Partner
  • Solicitor
Moira has been a solicitor since 1996 and became a Partner in FitzHugh Gates in 2003. She has substantial experience with all aspects of residential conveyancing and has a diverse client base with the majority of her clients coming from personal recommendation and repeat business. She deals with freehold and leasehold properties, new builds and investment purchases as well as equity releases, transfers of equity and lease extensions. Outside of work she opens her house twice yearly as part of the Brighton Open House Art Trail. Moira has been a solicitor since 1996 and became a Partner in FitzHugh Gates in 2003. She has substantial experience with all aspects of residential conveyancing and has a diverse client base with the majority of her clients coming from personal… Read more

Rachel Wilkie

Job Titles:
  • Private Client Executive
Rachel joined our thriving private client department in late 2020. Rachel has worked in private client departments for over 15 years most recently as private client executive. She has considerable experience in assisting with all aspects of private client matters to include probates, Wills and LPAs. Rachel provides a professional and efficient service to her clients. She has the ability to put people at ease and has a sympathetic nature. In her spare time Rachel enjoys walking, reading, cinema, theatre, baking and spending time with her family. Rachel joined our thriving private client department in late 2020. Rachel has worked in private… Read more Rachel joined our thriving private client department in late 2020. Rachel has worked in private client departments for over 15 years most recently as private client executive. She has considerable experience in assisting with all aspects of private… Read more

Sian Butler

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Fitzhugh Gates Solicitors Team
  • Solicitor
Sian is an experienced family law practitioner who was admitted as a solicitor on 15th March 2001. She has extensive range of family law experience. Her expertise includes care proceedings, divorce, finances, prenuptial agreements, co-habitation and separation agreements. She has gained accreditation in both the Law Society Family Law Panel and the Children's Panel. Sian has an natural empathy and caring approach to her clients. She can grasp complex situations quickly and effectively. Her approach and focus is based on understanding her clients' needs and efficiently executing work to secure the best outcome. She has many happy testimonials that lay bare her depth of knowledge, tenacity and diligence. Sian is an experienced family law practitioner who was admitted as a solicitor on 15th March 2001. She has extensive range of family law experience. Her expertise includes care proceedings, divorce, finances, prenuptial agreements, co-habitation and… Read more

Sona Starkova

Job Titles:
  • Chartered Legal Executive
Sona qualified as a Chartered Legal Executive in 2015 and practised in a firm in Berkshire before… Read more Sona qualified as a Chartered Legal Executive in 2015 and practised in a firm in Berkshire before moving to West Sussex. She is an enthusiastic law practitioner specialising in Family law and deals with a wide variety of matrimonial and children matters. Sona has experience with applications for child arrangements orders, leave to remove children from the jurisdiction applications and applications for non-molestation orders, as well as divorce & related financial applications. She is a member of Resolution.

Timothy Richardson

Job Titles:
  • Solicitor
Tim joined Fitzhugh Gates in 2023 having been a senior residential property solicitor and former… Read more Tim joined Fitzhugh Gates in 2023 having been a senior residential property solicitor and former managing partner in a large firm. He will be working with Mark Barrett in the commercial property department where his past experience will be most valuable. Tim is approachable and helpful and is always willing to go the extra mile to ensure the matter he is dealing with proceeds smoothly.