WWW.LYNNMURRAY.CO.UK - Key Persons
Aimee joined Lynn Murray & Co as a Legal Assistant in October 2016 after previously working out on the road for an equine veterinary practice. She is still thoroughly enjoying the change to office life but occasionally we do still catch her looking longingly out of the window - only on a fine day though (funny that!).
Aimee assists with all aspects of the conveyancing process closely alongside Lynn and the rest of the team. She has loved developing her knowledge of property law and when our clients mention having spoken to someone with a particularly cheery and helpful nature on the telephone, we always know who they are talking about.
Alongside being a keen horsewoman, it's more a case of ‘My ANIMALS and Other Family' where Aimee's homelife is concerned. We have lost count of the number of dogs and various pets she has at home, she keeps the whole office supplied with eggs from the enormous amount of chickens she keeps!
Aimee is a valued, helpful and important member of the team. So much so, we won't ever let her go on holiday.
Little Known Fact: Aimee has a pet turkey called Raymond.
Following graduating from the University of Kent and completing the Legal Practice Course alongside a Masters in Law, Business and Management at the University of Law, Guildford - THE FABULOUS Charlotte Vardy joined Lynn Murray & Co. in 2017 as a Paralegal in Lynn's team. She was so good she was awarded a training contract and qualified as a solicitor in 2020!
Charlotte has spent a lot of time of time taking clients through the conveyancing transaction process and now shares her time between the private client department and the residential conveyancing department. She specialises in Estate Administration.
"I am thrilled to have qualified" said Charlotte "I have got a lot to learn but it is all VERY exciting".
When she is not stripping wallpaper at her newly acquired property, Charlotte can be found scouring the pages of "Chickens Weekly" in search for the best breeds for her new garden.
She is such a marvel which is why we call her THE FABULOUS Charlotte Vardy!
Job Titles:
- Consultant & Head of Injury
Helen joined Lynn Murray & Co in 2018 and is an expert in Personal Injury Law. She has extensive experience in dealing with complex, high value claims involving a range of injuries including brain injury, spinal cord injury, fatal accidents, amputation and orthopaedic injuries, and has particular expertise in dealing with complex, contested claims.
A very versatile solicitor, during her career she has been consulted in relation to a whole range of matters, including defamation, partnership and pension disputes. Helen is a litigator who is proud to act for a diverse range of clients including individuals, charities, companies and campaign groups. She was also an adviser to The Rt. Hon. Sir Desmond de Silva Q.C.
With a passion for securing justice for those who have been injured or treated unfairly, particularly in the workplace, she is considered to be a formidable opponent!
Helen has a particular interest and expertise in dealing with claims arising from accidents in the construction industry. She is regarded as an expert in the field and is frequently invited to speak on the subject. She is the "go to" solicitor for accidents on large transport infrastructure projects.
In addition to her fee earning work, Helen campaigns for improved health and safety in the workplace. She is a trustee of the London Hazards Centre and legal adviser to the Construction Safety Campaign. She was honoured to be a guest speaker at the Hazards Conference 2017 and at International Workers' Memorial Day in London in 2018.
Outside of work Helen has travelled extensively, she loves spending time with her family and has a huge passion for cars - especially the classic type.
Little Known Fact: She has a pet Chihuahua called Louis with a bigger wardrobe than Elton John!
Job Titles:
- Consultant Family & Matrimonial Matters
Michele joined Lynn Murray & Co in 2018 having had over 20 years of experience in family law following qualifying in 1996. She specialises in Family Law, providing professional and personal support to clients facing difficult times. Her pragmatic approach to any situation and her positive way of thinking makes her stand out from the crowd. Michele maintains that relaying the positive message that ‘there is life after this' is what helps to keep her clients going.
Michele is there to support you every step of the way and having had the opportunity of working alongside the best and most respected Barristers in the field, if the situation requires their input, they are also on hand to provide advice and further assistance.
Little Known Fact: Ahoy there! Michele is a keen sailor having recently taken her ‘deck-hand' qualification. Further proof of her no nonsense, all-hands-on-deck approach to life.
Paula joined Lynn Murray & Co in 2004 having graduated from the University of the West of England with a sociology degree.
She undertook her Graduate Diploma in Law and Legal Practice course whilst working as a secretary and paralegal, then undertook her training contract under Lynn Murray's supervision and qualified as a solicitor in July 2014. Lynn was very happy indeed to have Paula joining as a Partner 2017.
Paula is an expert in residential property matters and private client work including Lasting Powers of Attorney. She'll guide you through each process with kind words of reassurance and advice. Her experience and knowledge coupled with the ability to tackle what might otherwise be a tricky situation is what makes Paula much-valued and important, not only to us, but to her clients too.
She holds the Guinness World Record for the fastest three-legged female marathon (yep, we know that's crazy), having completed the London event in just 4 hours and 45 minutes being tied together at the ankles and wrists with (thankfully) a good friend. Now that she has a four-legged friend, marathons could become even crazier we fear!
Little Known Fact: Paula makes the most amazing wedding and birthday cakes and is also a keen mountain biker. Surely there's a Guinness World Record attempt in the waiting combining the two!
Richard has over 25 years' experience as an employment solicitor. He acts for both employers and employees and is a member of the Employment Lawyers Association. He has written numerous articles and has presented many seminars about employment law.
Richard grew up in the North East of England. He trained and qualified in the West End of London before moving to Cranleigh and starting work at a firm of solicitors in Guildford after qualifying in 1990.
Before joining Lynn Murray & Co as a consultant solicitor Richard had been the head of employment law at his previous firm for 25 years and had been managing partner there for the last six of those years.
A calm, patient and supportive member of the team. The advice Richard gives is clear and concise. He is very happy to have an initial chat by telephone or an exchange of emails free of charge.
Richard enjoys classic cars, having recently been the proud owner of a Ford Anglia followed by a very rare 1962 Ford Consul Capri. At various times he has been chief mechanic for his sons' Triumph Vitesse and BMW 2002. He loves travel and golf and is a fan of stand-up comedy.
Little Known Fact: When time allows, Richard can be found around Cranleigh letting Rosie, his Rhodesian Ridgeback, take him for a walk!
Shaun qualified as a solicitor in 1997. He worked with a local law firm becoming a partner in 2003 and then became head of the private client department in 2014. We like to think that for him it was the best day ever when he joined Lynn Murray & Co in 2015. Back then, he was the only man in the office!
Since qualifying, Shaun has specialised in estate administration, inheritance tax advice, drafting Wills and powers of attorney and trust work. He is an expert with years of experience in dealing with estates of various complexity and value.
Shaun says, "The overriding job of a lawyer is to help clients to achieve their aims in the most straightforward way possible. Too often solicitors who deal with such issues on a regular basis forget how complicated and sensitive an area it might be for the client". He really does care.
He is a massive sports fanatic. Despite suffering a serious rugby injury whilst at school, Shaun still loves the game with a passion, as well as cricket and almost every other sport!
He also enjoys art and travelling and has a special interest in wine - not just the drinking of it but also the history and the whole process of making it from grape to bottle. A very handy person to go wine shopping with.
Little Known Fact: Shaun has an amazing voice and can sing the Welsh National Anthem at full volume. Although, we have repeatedly asked him not to do so.
Job Titles:
- Partner and Head of Private Client Law
Sonia studied History and Politics for her degree and graduated from Cardiff University in 2000. After her time studying at The University of Law, Guildford and completing her training contract with a small local law firm, Sonia qualified into the Private Client Department in 2005 and has been practising Private Client law ever since.
Having headed up the Private Client departments at two regional firms, Sonia moved to Lynn Murray & Co in early 2020 and we are very pleased indeed that she did.
Sonia is a registered Trust and Estate Practitioner (TEP for short!) and specialises in all areas of Private Client Law including Wills, LPAs, Court of protection matters (deputyships, statutory wills, other court applications), Probate, Trusts, Tax Advice and High Net Worth Estate Planning but has particular interest in complex lifetime estate planning as well as more complex estate and trust administration.
Outside of the office Sonia is kept busy with her 3 children and 2 cats! When she is not chasing around after them all she can be found watching movies, practising yoga or having a G&T - sometimes all at the same time!
Steph joined Lynn Murray & Co in early 2018 - venturing back into office life after 15 years of bringing up her two boys, running her own internet shop, training as a seamstress and a brief stint in retail. There is literally nothing that Steph won't put her hand to!
The obviously self-labelled "Head of Happiness", Steph is front of shop, being the person who will greet you with a smile when you visit the office and more than likely the first person you will speak to on the phone when you call. She might even make you a cup of the best coffee in Cranleigh if you're lucky!
Along with the day to day smooth running of the office and under her "Head of Happiness" umbrella, Steph now prides herself in holding a pivotal role in the organisation of the epic Lynn Murray & Co Christmas and Summer Parties. Put this together with her making sure that the Partner's lunchtimes are never knowingly under-catered and we think it's safe to say Steph has a BRILLIANT job!
Little Known Fact: A keen cyclist, Steph once won a slow bike race! She is also a Telegraph Crossword Champion*
Job Titles:
- Associate of the Chartered Institute
- Paralegal
Wendy has been working with Lynn Murray & Co since 2010 as a consultant specialising in the law of Wills and Succession in England & Wales.
Wendy is an Associate of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEx) and she has not only been awarded a Diploma in Law and Practice but also holds the STEP (Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners) Advanced Certificate in Will Preparation - one of the highest qualifications for Will practitioners available.
Friendly and approachable, Wendy thoroughly enjoys helping clients with their Will and estate planning requirements and being able to make a real difference for clients, both financially and emotionally, with the preparation of how an estate will be managed when the inevitable happens.