STRAW AND PEARCE - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Litigation Executive
- Litigation Executive / Loughborough
Job Titles:
- Solicitor
- Solicitor / Loughborough
- Solicitors
Qualified: 2014
Joined Straw & Pearce: 2023
I worked at previous firm for a number of years (13 to be precise) before this I was working as a legal assistant.
I have been a police station rep - representing clients at the police station since 2011.
I qualified in 2014 and have worked on a range of criminal matters. My specialty is Crime.
I have worked on various criminal matters ranging from Murder, Manslaughter, Conspiracy to supply drugs, Rape at the Crown Court to the less serious matters like theft criminal damage assault etc at the Magistrates Court.
Job Titles:
- Solicitor
- Solicitor / Loughborough
Clair has worked for firms across Leicestershire, and joined our team earlier this year.
She became a Criminal Legal Secretary in 2000, before becoming a Paralegal in 2004 and then an accredited Police Station representative in 2007.
Clair attends the Police Station to advise and assist Clients, and also assists in the preparation of Magistrates and Crown Court cases. She also attends the Crown Court to assist Counsel and Clients.
Clair has experience in a variety of cases, including historical sexual offences, serious violence, death by dangerous driving and murder.
Job Titles:
- Practice Manager
- Practice Manager / Loughborough
Darren has worked in the legal profession for over 30 years. In his position as Practice Manager, he is at the centre of the day-to-day workings of the firm and ensuring that all of Straw and Pearce are focused on the firm's aim to provide the highest quality of legal advice to its clients.
Job Titles:
- Partner
- Partner / Loughborough
Qualified: 1996
Joined straw & Pearce: 2010
Debbie trained at Straw and Pearce. She then worked as a criminal defence solicitor in Leicester and Coalville before returning to Straw and Pearce in 2010.
Debbie offers advice and representation in all types of criminal defence law at the Magistrates court and the police station with over 20 years experience. She also deals with the preparation of complex crown court cases. She has represented clients charged with serious sexual offences (including historic sexual abuse), fraud and the possession and supply of drugs.
Job Titles:
- Solicitor
- Solicitor / Leicester
Job Titles:
- Solicitor
- Solicitor / Leicester
Emma qualified as a solicitor in 2016 and specialises in Residential Conveyancing. Emma has over 7 years of experience in Residential Conveyancing, including but not limited to;
Job Titles:
- Partner
- Member of Resolution and Ascribes to the Code of Conduct for Solicitors
- Partner / Loughborough
Qualified: 2008
Joined Straw & Pearce: 2010
Following her studies at Nottingham Law School, Gemma undertook her training contract and qualified as a Solicitor in 2008. She joined the Straw & Pearce family team in 2010.
Gemma has over 10 years experience as a family solicitor who represents a wide range of clients. She has a particular specialism in child care law and has developed her expertise in this area by advising and representing parents, family members and children in a variety of child protection cases including sexual abuse, neglect, substance abuse, alcohol misuse and non accidental injuries.
Gemma is also experienced in representing clients in relation to separation, divorce and finances, injunctions and disputes relating to children.
Gemma is a member of Resolution and ascribes to the Code of Conduct for Solicitors in family proceedings. She is also a member of the Law Society's specialist Children Panel.
Job Titles:
- Paralegal
- Paralegal / Loughborough
- Straw & Pearce As a Paralegal
Grace joined Straw & Pearce as a paralegal in the Conveyancing department in 2022.
She recently graduated from Nottingham Trent University having studied LLB Law.
She has gained a range of work experience, including placements at reputable firms and with the NTU Pro Bono legal centre. Grace aims to start either the Legal Practice Course or the Solicitors Qualifying Examination next year, with the goal to qualify as a Solicitor.
Grace is committed to helping clients efficiently and thoroughly, as well as ensuring a high standard of professionalism and is always available to help with any queries.
Job Titles:
- Litigation Executive
- Litigation Executive / Loughborough
Hayley is a Litigation Executive and specialises in representing police officers for criminal and/or disciplinary matters, Post Incident Procedures and inquests.
Hayley has over 17 years' experience of dealing with all aspects of criminal defence work and represents clients from the initial investigation stage right through to the Crown Court. She has represented client's accused of the most serious of allegations including murder, serious sexual offences, Misconduct in Public Office and money laundering.
Hayley is regularly instructed to represent officers in relation to alleged breaches of the Standards of Professional Behaviour and deals with investigations brought by the IOPC and the Anti-Corruption Unit. She has also successfully defended a Judicial Review brought by a Police Force following the decision of a misconduct panel not to dismiss an officer following a gross-misconduct hearing. That application was subsequently dismissed.
Hayley frequently attends officers who are assessed as Key Police Witnesses at Post Incident Procedures and has advised in relation to deaths following police contact matters, fatal police pursuits and firearms incidents.
Hayley is straight talking and robust in her approach and prides herself on going the extra mile for her clients.
Job Titles:
- Paralegal
- Straw & Pearce in 2021 As a Paralegal
Jaiker joined Straw & Pearce in 2021 as a Paralegal in the Child Care Family department.
Job Titles:
- Litigation Executive
- Litigation Executive / Loughborough
James has of over 20 years- experience as a defence practitioner with a straight talking approach providing honest and realistic advice to clients from the outset to the conclusion of the case. He trained in Cardiff and has worked as a criminal defence lawyer in Cardiff and Birmingham. He has represented clients charged with a wide range of offences including Death by Dangerous Driving, Murder and Manslaughter, Misconduct in Public Office.
Over the past 18 years James has exclusively advised and represented Police officers facing investigation and proceedings brought under both the Criminal Law and Police Conduct Regulations. James has been involved in some of the most complex and high-profile police cases, often attracting National press interest.
James is frequently instructed to advise Key Police Witnesses in Post Incident Procedures in Death & Serious Injury cases and has advised officers in relation to firearms incidents, police pursuits, fatal road traffic collisions and deaths in police custody.
Jamie works closely with the Police Federation of England and Wales and specialises in Police misconduct and discipline. He represents police officers facing misconduct and criminal allegations for both on and off duty matters at all stages of investigations and proceedings.
In relation to Police misconduct and discipline, Jamie is often instructed to represent officers who are alleged to have breached the Standards of Professional Behaviour and therefore under investigation and subjected to gross misconduct proceedings initiated by Professional Standards (PSD), the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), Anti-Corruption Units and other investigatory bodies.
Jamie has considerable experience in all aspects of criminal defence and has represented clients at the interview and investigation stage accused of a wide variety of allegations ranging from minor driving offences to murder. Jamie is also a Magistrates' Court advocate and regularly prepares both Magistrates' and Crown Court cases.
Jamie is also regularly instructed by the Police Federation to advise officers who are assessed as Key Police Witnesses at Post Incident Procedures. He has assisted officers in relation to fatal police pursuits, police contact deaths and other serious matters. Jamie's main aim is to protect the best interests of the officers in these difficult circumstances.
Jamie prides himself on providing a high standard of representation which includes ensuring that excellent client care and confidence is maintained throughout the duration of the case and very much operates with a ‘no stone left unturned' approach.
Job Titles:
- Partner
- Partner / Loughborough
Qualified: 1998
Joined Straw & Pearce: 2010
A specialist accredited resolution member, Jennifer deals with all aspects of matrimonial and family law with over 20 years experience.
With experience in dealing with financial issues upon the breakdown of a relationship including cases which involve business interests and substantial pension funds, Jennifer also offers advice in respect of protecting interests by way of cohabitation agreements, prenuptial agreements and post nuptial agreements.
In addition Jennifer deals with all aspects of children issues within the family.
Job Titles:
- Solicitor
- Solicitor / Loughborough
Following her studies at Nottingham Law School, Jessica undertook her training contract and qualified as a Solicitor in 2016. She spent several years in the in-house Legal Department at a Local Authority. She joined the Straw & Pearce family team in 2022.
She has a particular specialism in Child Care law and has developed her expertise in this area by advising and representing Local Authorities, parents and family members in a variety of child protection cases concerning a variety of issues including neglect, substance abuse, alcohol misuse and non-accidental injuries.
Job Titles:
- Paralegal in the Family Department Working under the Supervision of Solicitors
Joined Straw & Pearce: 1978
Joanne joined Straw & Pearce in 1978 straight from school. She was initially employed as Office Junior and then went on to become Secretary to the Senior Partner.
For the last 14 years Joanne has worked as a Paralegal in the Family Department working under the supervision of Solicitors within the Department. Joanne's attention to detail is renowned within the firm!
Joanne can deal with divorce matters from preparing the Petition through to applying for Decree Absolute. And she is also able to prepare Change of Name Deeds for clients.
Job Titles:
- Partner
- Solicitor
- Partner / Loughborough
Qualified: 1995
Joined Straw & Pearce: 2002
Julie trained as a Solicitor in Hinckley and is head of the Wills and Probate Department. Julie specialises in Wills and Estate Administration (including high net worth clients), Trust creation and administration, Lasting Powers of Attorney and Court of Protection with over 20 years experience. She also advises on Elderly Client issues and is a member of Solicitors for the Elderly and a qualified Trust and Estate Practitioner (TEP)
Julie qualified as a Notary Public in 2014.
Job Titles:
- Paralegal
- Paralegal / Leicester
- Straw & Pearce in 2023 As a Paralegal
Katherine joined Straw & Pearce in 2023 as a Paralegal in the Child Care Family department.
Before joining Straw & Pearce, Katherine graduated her LLM in legal practice from the University of Derby. While at university Katherine volunteered and help to form the student legal advice clinic seeing clients mainly in family related issues.
Since University Katherine has gained experience working at another firm and at the citizens advice This has all helped to build her knowledge and skills which she applies in her work today. Katherine wants to help and ensure the best outcome for all her clients.
Job Titles:
- Solicitor
- Solicitor / Loughborough
Qualified: 2018
Joined Straw & Pearce: 2016
Louise provides advice and representation to clients in all areas of criminal law - from road traffic offences to murder. She regularly represents clients at the Police Station, Magistrates' Court and Youth Court. Louise is a Solicitor Advocate, having obtained higher rights of audience. This means that she is also able to represent clients at the Crown Court.
Before joining Straw and Pearce, Louise volunteered with the Appropriate Adult Service. She has a wealth of experience in dealing with vulnerable people in police custody. Louise has undergone intense training on a range of mental health conditions including schizophrenia and psychosis. She also has extensive knowledge of Autistic Spectrum Disorder and has received training from Greater Manchester Police on representing people with ASD in the Criminal Justice System.
Louise has represented clients in all types of cases including sexual offences, complex fraud and dishonesty offences and serious violent offences.
Job Titles:
- Solicitor
- Solicitor / Loughborough
Marika Joined Straw and Pearce in 2023 having worked in both large commercial firms and high street practices undertaking a broad range of Commercial and Residential Conveyancing including but not limited to Landlord and Tenant and business sales.
Marika qualified as a Solicitor in 2000 with a Yorkshire niche property firm then worked in London before returning to the midlands.
Marika prides herself on Client Care and providing an efficient cost effective service.
Job Titles:
- Managing Director & Financial Planner
- Managing Director & Financial Planner / Loughborough
Mark deals with both corporate and individual clients throughout the UK.
Job Titles:
- Director & Chartered Financial Planner
Job Titles:
- Partner
- Partner / Loughborough
Qualified: 1997
Joined Straw & Pearce: 2002
Mark is the head of our team and has over 20 years' experience in criminal cases. He trained in London and then worked as a criminal defence solicitor in Leicester before joining Straw & Pearce. Mark specialises in the more serious and complex criminal cases. He has represented clients charged with a wide range of offences including murder, drug importation and high value fraud.
Mark has established a reputation for the successful representation of clients accused of internal disciplinary breaches as well as criminal offences. He is regularly instructed in high profile cases and is known for his thorough preparation and robust representation. Recent cases include the successful representation of professional clients accused of manslaughter, corruption and misconduct in public office.
Job Titles:
- Paralegal
- Paralegal / Loughborough
Mya joined Straw and Pearce in August 2023 in the child care family department.
She recently completed her Law (LLB) degree at Oxford Brookes University.
Job Titles:
- Paralegal
- Paralegal / Loughborough
Natasha joined Straw and Pearce in February 2023 in the Family department.
Before joining Straw and Pearce she has recently graduated from the University of Law Nottingham having gained an MA in Law. This year she also undertook the January sitting of SQE 1 and is currently awaiting results.
While at University she gained a range of work experience within the ULaw Pro Bono department in various aspects of Law including working with the National Centre for Domestic Violence.
Natasha is dedicated to providing clients with the help they need with any queries they have in an efficient and thorough manner.
Job Titles:
- Oilen Wan / Solicitor / Loughborough
Job Titles:
- Financial Planner
- Financial Planner / Loughborough
Job Titles:
- Solicitor
- Solicitor / Loughborough
Qualified: 1987
Joined Straw & Pearce: 2017
Pramila advises on all family law issues and has over 30 years of experience in dealing with cases involving money and children, with particular emphasis on complex situations which will often involve international assets, companies, trusts, tax, pensions and multi jurisdictions.
Pramila is interested in managing conflict and preserving wealth for the couples with the preparation of pre and post marital agreement. She will always look for ways and encourage clients to resolve issues without having to make applications to a court. This can be done by using mediation, collaborative practice and solicitor led negotiation and Pramila specialises in guiding clients through all of these options.
Keeping cases out of court requires a special skill set and experience. Pramila with her experience is able to offer her clients all of the following choices when deciding how they would like to deal with the issues in their case.
Job Titles:
- Licensed Conveyancer
- Licensed Conveyancer / Loughborough
Rachel has worked in the conveyancing since 2006 when she started as an admin assistant whilst studying law. She qualified as a Licensed Conveyancer in 2016.
As Head of Residential Rachel deals with all aspects of residential conveyancing, including the sale and purchase of both freehold and leasehold property, new build purchases, transfers of ownership, remortgages and equity release mortgages.
Rachel prides herself on providing excellent and personal client service in a timely manner ensuring that all clients are supported through the process. She also ensures that all interested parties are kept up to date, working collaboratively to encourage a smooth transaction with the support of her team of fee earners, paralegals and secretaries.
Job Titles:
- Solicitor
- Solicitor / Loughborough
Richard provides and representation in the police stations and the Magistrates Court. He deals with a spectrum of offences from simple theft matters to murder. He attends the Police stations out of office hours and then assists those charged with offences in the Magistrates Court.
He has a comprehensive background in Regulatory Offences with a wealth of experience in Trading Standards cases. He also has experience of Military law having been a full time service serviceman for 22 years.
He takes pride in obtaining the best outcome for clients.
Job Titles:
- Financial Planner
- Financial Planner / Loughborough
Richard became an adviser in 2003 and has established strong client relationships over the last 11 years with both individual and corporate clients throughout the UK.
Job Titles:
- Partner
- Partner / Leicester
Qualified: 2014
Joined Straw & Pearce: 2014
Sarah trained at a firm in Leicester before moving to Straw & Pearce as a newly qualified Solicitor. At her previous firm Sarah worked as a Paralegal in the Child care department from 2009 until commencing her training contract in 2012. Sarah completed training seats in the Child Care department, Private Family department and Criminal department.
Since joining Straw & Pearce Sarah has predominantly concentrated on representing parents at all levels of the Local Authority's involvement, including; at child protection conferences, pre proceedings meetings and at court hearings.
Sarah has over 4 years experience in representing vulnerable clients within court proceedings. Sarah's clients include; parents, grandparents and extended family members. Sarah's work in Child Care proceedings has included dealing with cases where there are issues of; domestic violence, neglect, serious non accidental injury and sexual abuse.