FRETTENS - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Solicitor
- Member of Resolution
- Partner & Head of Family
Andy is an experienced family solicitor and Partner of the specialist Family Team in Christchurch. With over 30 years experience in Family law and as a Collaborative Lawyer, Andy provides well-rounded advice for those facing divorce, separation or children matters.
Andy is also a member of Resolution, an organisation for professionals who specialise in family law matters. Resolution is committed to working in constructive and non-confrontational ways in order to resolve disputes, produce outcomes and provide support for separating families and children.
Job Titles:
- Commercial Property Partner
Ben has built a reputation for his work in social housing, now heading a specialist team at Frettens and playing a crucial role in the acquisition of new clients, as well as continued client service.
He has led the growing team through several complex and high-value transactions, working closely with the existing commercial property team, our conveyancing team and, crucially on some of the larger and more complex matters, with our Corporate and Commercial Team.
Ben has been recognised in the 2021, 2022 and 2023 Legal 500 which is an independent legal directory.
Ben Cobb joined the Commercial Property Team in 2017, having previously worked at a couple of other local law firms, dealing with all aspects of commercial property work including acquisitions and disposals, secured lending and commercial and residential site development. He has acted for a wide variety of clients including developers, banks, charities, property investors and private individuals.
He has particular expertise in commercial landlord and tenant work acting for both landlords and tenants in drafting, negotiating and agreeing new leases, lease renewals and licences in connection with business premises.
In 2020, Ben started the specialist Social Housing team working with Housing Associations, Registered Providers of Social Housing, Local Authorities, property investors, aggregators and developers and support providers on a range of transactions including multi-million pound portfolios all over the UK. In 2021 he was made a Partner in the firm.
Experience
Simultaneous acquisition of a portfolio of 20 properties suitable for development for a social housing use at a value of c.£7m and selling them onto a real estate investment trust. The properties were then let to a housing association on long term leases.
Job Titles:
- Employment Associate
- Member of the Employment
Chris has quickly developed a reputation for resolving disputes for claimants, whilst building up his own network with local employers to provide advice and support in employment-related issues.
Chris Dobbs is a member of the Employment Lawyers Association and qualified in 2017 having spent two years training at a high street practice. He joined Frettens in 2019 and in July 2023 he was promoted to Associate. He acts for both employers and employees whether in dispute and tribunal work or providing HR advice to businesses.
Chris has acted for clients working in social care, education and the military as well as private businesses on a wide variety of employment matters.
His depth of knowledge and personable demeanour have invited lots of positive feedback from satisfied clients, handling numerous cases since joining the firm.
Chris has been recognised in the 2023 Legal 500 which is an independent legal directory.
Experience
Representing clients in employment tribunals.
Job Titles:
- Partner & Head of Conveyancing
Clare has been Head of Frettens' busy and highly-regarded Conveyancing Team since 2016. As a partner, she also takes a lead role in the firm's IT strategy. Her experience has been recognised in the 2022 and 2023 Legal 500, the independent guide to law firms in the UK.
Job Titles:
- Commercial Property Solicitor
Hannah is a Commercial Property Solicitor working in our growing Social Housing team. She works with housing association clients and acts for landlords and tenants, buying and selling commercial property.
Harvey is a Trainee Solicitor within the Corporate & Commercial team.
Heather has considerable expertise and experience in the elderly client arena, particularly in relation to local authority care funding advice. Heather has been recognised in the 2021, 2022 and 2023 Legal 500 which is an independent legal directory.
Jennifer primarily acts on behalf of private individuals buying and selling residential properties. She works closely with local estate agencies to ensure their clients have the best possible service. Jennifer focuses on communicating clearly with her clients as well as using her initiative and experience to allow transactions to proceed in more complex situations.
Julia understands that buying and selling your home can be a stressful experience and does her best to alleviate as much stress as possible by being easily contactable.
Job Titles:
- Partner & Head of Corporate & Commercial
Karen was made Partner in January 2022 and heads up the Corporate & Commercial team. She specialises in all aspects of non-contentious company transactions including mergers, acquisitions and sales. She can also assist with internal company reorganisations from share exchanges or share buybacks, to capital reduction demergers.
Karen has been individually recommended as a 'next generation Partner' in the 2023 Legal 500, an independent guide to law firms. She was previously listed as a 'rising star' in her field in 2021 and 2022.
is both a solicitor and chartered tax advisor, offering a rare blend of specialist expertise in both inheritance law and tax planning. Lee is a full member of the Society of Trust & Estate Practitioners (STEP) a worldwide organisation for leading experts in the field of inheritance law.
Job Titles:
- Dispute Resolution Partner
Dispute Resolution Partner Michelle Hayter is a recognised specialist in inheritance disputes and is a member of the Association of Contentious Trust and Probate Specialists (ACTAPS).