BRIGHT (SOUTH WEST) - Key Persons
Abagail is a Trainee Solicitor within our Commercial Property Department.
Abagail has been a part of the team since March 2021, following her graduation from Plymouth University in 2020 with a 1 st class LLB Law degree. She is currently undertaking her LPC training contract in order to become a future qualified Solicitor at Bright Solicitors.
Abagail has worked in a customer-facing role since she was 16, and she always aims to provide the highest levels of service for her clients.
Abigail joined Bright Solicitors in May 2018 and works as an Office Administrator in both the Admin Department & Reception.
Before joining Bright Solicitors, Abigail worked in the property industry, having started at the age of 18. This makes her a valuable asset to Bright, as she is often the first point of contact for clients visiting reception.
In her spare time, she loves spending time with her family, especially her 2 young boys and exploring different parts of Plymouth with them.
Job Titles:
- CILEX Paralegal
- Trainee CILEX Advanced Paralegal
Adam is a CILEX Paralegal and has been part of the team since June 2014 when he joined as an apprentice.
Adam completed his apprenticeship in Business and Administration and has now started his CILEx course to become a Chartered Legal Executive.
Adam has experience in a wide range of property matters and deals with clients, estate agents and mortgage advisors on a day-to-day basis to ensure that each transaction runs as smoothly as possible.
In his spare time, Adam can be found playing football for a number of local teams or at the Gym.
Job Titles:
- Partner - Head of Litigation
Alex is a Partner of the Firm and leads our Disputes and Litigation team, having joined Bright Solicitors in November 2020.
He has experience in a wide range of litigation matters but now predominately advises clients in connection with contentious property matters. This includes matters arising from disputed rights of way, boundary issues together with commercial property matters. In particular, Alex regularly advises both landlords and tenants in connection with dilapidations, breach of covenant, forfeiture and break notice matters.
In addition to contentious property matters, Alex also regularly acts for clients in connection with professional negligence and contract disputes together with partnership and Company issues.
Alex firmly believes in a client focussed approach. He tries to resolve disputes, where appropriate, by means of alternative dispute resolution but where resolution is not found, he supports clients through the entire court process.
Prior to joining Bright Solicitors, Alex worked in a top ten offshore law firm in the Channel Islands before returning to his home city of Plymouth.
Alexandra is a Legal Assistant within our Residential Department, working closely with Head of Department Julie Milton.
Alice is a Legal Assistant within our Residential Conveyancing Department.
Alice is in her final year at Plymouth University and currently working in the Residential Property team looking to expand her skills and knowledge in the legal sector.
In her spare time, she loves to play netball and travel back to the Cotswolds to spend time with her friends and family.
Alisha joined Bright at the beginning of 2021. Alisha is our HR Officer dealing with all of Bright's internal HR practices.
Alisha works closely with members of our Executive Board on all matters relating to our HR strategy and practice. Alisha is the first port of call for any applicants to join our business and plays an active part in the progression and development of all our staff whether at the early stage of their careers or developing our future business leaders.
Alisha qualified from Plymouth University with a degree in Business Management (Leadership and HRM) and has recently achieved the CIPD Level 5 Diploma in People Management.
Amy is a Senior Legal Assistant in the New Homes team, having joined Bright Solicitors in March 2021.
Amy deals primarily with purchases of new build properties from local developments, as well as residential sales and purchases. She also has experience dealing with shared ownership transactions, Help to Buy redemptions and Freehold purchases.
Job Titles:
- Founding Partner
- Solicitor
- Partner - Head of Investment Property
Andy is a Solicitor and founding Partner of Bright Solicitors. He is Head of our Investor Property Department.
Since starting the business in September 2006, Andy has been primarily concerned with growing Bright Solicitors, managing risk compliance and meeting as many local businesses as possible in order to build the client portfolio.
Andy is a firm believer in excellent customer service and in adding value to whatever Bright Solicitors does for its clients.
As the business has grown, Andy has been able to play a more active role in the provision of legal advice. Andy now heads up the Investment Property team which was formed in 2015 when it was recognised there was a demand for a specialised department for this sector of the property market. After much success, Andy's team has grown to include a team of professionals with expert knowledge to provide an efficient and experienced service to investor clients.
Annabelle is an Associate Solicitor and is a member of our Residential Property Department.
Annabelle joined Bright in 2017, having graduated from Plymouth University with a 2:1 LLB Law degree in 2014. Annabelle went on to complete her Legal Practice Course at UWE in Bristol. She then completed her Training Contract with us and qualified into our Residential Team in April 2019. She has recently been given the role of Associate Solicitor following her impressive performance within the Residential Department.
Annabelle has experience in a wide range of property matters and enjoys working closely with both clients and estate agents in order to help keep conveyancing transactions as smooth and as stress-free as possible.
Job Titles:
- IT Manager
- IT Manager for Bright Solicitors and Has Worked for the Firm
Ben is the IT Manager for Bright Solicitors and has worked for the Firm since 2015.
After joining Bright Solicitors in 2015 to assist with IT & Marketing. Ben now is Bright's mainline support within IT, assisting all members of staff with any issue that may occur.
Ben works closely with the support functions within the firm to ensure that the fee earners and assistants are able to provide an excellent service to Bright's clients.
Job Titles:
- Associate Solicitor and Head of the Private Client Team
- Head of Private Client - Associate Solicitor
Carly is an Associate Solicitor and Head of the Private Client Team at Bright Solicitors.
Carly deals in a broad range of Private Client matters including drafting Wills; both taxable and non-taxable Probate Applications and Administration of Estates as well as Powers of Attorney, related Court of Protection Applications and issues affecting capacity.
Carly specialises in the creation, management and tax affairs of Trusts both following bereavement and as part of her work with individuals and families in relation to Estate Planning focusing on Inheritance Tax Planning and provision for future generations. She often works closely with accountants and financial advisers to give tailored and collaborative advice to clients.
In addition to her First Class Honours Degree in Law and Distinctions in her Post Graduate Diploma and Masters Degree in Legal Practice; Carly is a full member of STEP (The Society of Trusts and Estates Practitioners) having completed the Diploma in Trusts and Estates with Distinction. She is also a Fully accredited member of The Association of Lifetime Lawyers, a national community of professionals on a mission to support the vulnerable and older people with the right legal advice.
Carly has a kind approach but provides honest, practical advice and solutions.
Carol is an Office Administrator within our Admin Department.
Carol has worked for various law firms throughout her working career. As a legal secretary/assistant within residential property teams, she has good background knowledge and experience of the process involved.
In her spare time, she enjoys going for long walks.
Carys is a Trainee CILEX Paralegal within our specialist Investment Property Department.
Carys has five years of real estate experience and has most recently worked at a transatlantic law firm in commercial property for the last 4 years. Carys will be assisting the Investment Property Team with all aspects of their work. Carys is from Plymouth and also studied at Plymouth University. She is aiming to complete her CILEx studies in the future to become a Legal Executive.
Outside of work Carys is often kept very busy looking after her horse which she competes in showjumping. Carys also enjoys going to the gym.
Connie now works as a Solicitor in the Investment Property team, having joined the firm in 2015.
After studying Law at Cardiff University and gaining a 2:1, Connie joined us in July 2015 before completing her Legal Practice Course at Cardiff Law School and achieving a Distinction. She returned to Bright Solicitors in 2016 as a Trainee Solicitor. She has recently been given the role of Associate Solicitor following her impressive performance within the Investment Property Department.
Outside of work, Connie enjoys spending time at the family caravan in North Cornwall, along with her two dogs.
Job Titles:
- Assistant
- Trainee Solicitor
- Member of Our Residential Property Team
Connor joined Bright Solicitors in August 2021. He is currently training as a Trainee Solicitor.
Connor Barclay is a previous member of our residential property team and has now moved into the Private Client team as part of his training contract.
Connor successfully completed the Legal Practice Course in 2023 and now is looking forward to qualifying as a Solicitor in March 2025.
In his spare time Connor is passionate for sports and can usually see him on the weekends at Home Park supporting Plymouth Argyle.
Job Titles:
- Trainee Paralegal ( LPC )
Danya is a Trainee Paralegal (LPC) within our New Homes Department and joined the firm in 2022.
Danya joined the New Homes team in September 2022 as a Paralegal. She has completed her LLB (Hons) Law Degree at Plymouth University in 2018 and graduated from LPC LLM in 2019 from The University of Law in Exeter. She hopes to get a Training Contract and one day become a solicitor.
Danya has worked in the Child Maintenance Service at The Department of Work and Pensions before joining Bright Solicitors. In her spare time, she loves spending time with her family and taking her dog for a walk. Danya also enjoys travelling and reading Arabic novels.
Deana is a ACILEX Paralegal (ACILEX) in our Residential department, having joined in 2018.
Deana joined Bright Solicitors in 2018 as a Legal Assistant within the Residential Team where she began practicing her career in law and property matters.
She is currently both a ACILEX Paralegal training to be able to become a Chartered Legal Executive and progress her legal career.
Deana is an outgoing and friendly member of the team who enjoys working with clients and other parties involved in property transactions.
In her spare time, she loves to spend quality time with her family and friends.
Job Titles:
- Trainee Paralegal ( LPC )
Ethan is a Trainee Paralegal (LPC) within our Investment Property Department and works closely with Head of Department, Andy Price.
Ethan joined Bright Solicitors in August 2022 as a Legal Assistant in the Investment Property Team after obtaining a law degree from Swansea University.
Alongside work, Ethan is studying the Legal Practice Course/LLM at The University of Law with aspirations of becoming a Solicitor.
Job Titles:
- Legal Assistant
- in 2012 As a Receptionist
Fiona currently works in our Private Client Department as a Legal Assistant.
Fiona joined Bright Solicitors in 2012 as a Receptionist. After working in the role for 3 years, she moved to our Post Completion team, before eventually joining the Private Client team in 2015.
In her spare time, Fiona enjoys running and travelling with her family. She has also reached a Blood Donor milestone of over 100 Platelet donations in September 2016.
George is a Senior Legal Assistant within our specialist Investment Property Department.
George deals with buy-to-let, HMO and multi-unit sales, purchases and refinances. Having completed his degree at Plymouth University, George is always looking to expand his knowledge and experience.
Having initially joined Bright in 2015 and taking study breaks for university, George is one of the longer-serving members of the firm.
In his free time, George enjoys playing golf and football.
Job Titles:
- Head of Commercial Property - Associate Solicitor
- Head of Our Commercial Property
Georgia is head of our Commercial Property team and specialises in all aspects of Commercial Property work.
Having graduated from the University of Portsmouth with a LLB Law degree in 2010 and a LLM Masters degree in Law in 2012, Georgia then went on to achieve a distinction on the LLM Legal Practice Course in 2018. She has recently been given the role of Associate Solicitor following her strong performance and successful management of the Commercial Property Department.
Georgia has experience acting for private individuals, businesses, banks, charities and developers on a wide range of legal matters including the acquisition, disposal and refinancing of freehold and leasehold commercial property. She also has extensive experience in advising on commercial leases acting for Landlord or Tenant, commercial lending and acting for pension funds/SIPPs.
Before joining Bright Solicitors, Georgia worked in a large regional law firm in Northamptonshire.
Job Titles:
- Chartered Legal Executive
Georgina is a Chartered Legal Executive within our Disputes and Litigation Department.
Georgina has a passion for helping clients navigate the complex world of Civil and Commerical litigation. Georgina has developed a deep understanding of the legal system and the various processes involved in dispute resolution. Her expertise lies in providing legal advice to clients involved in a wide range of disputes including debt recovery and insolvency matters. Georgina is well-versed in all aspects of the litigation process from pre-action correspondence and negotiations to court proceedings and alternative dispute resolutions.
Prior to joining Bright solicitors, Georgina worked in a UK top 20 transatlantic law firm before qualifying and successfully securing a role as a Chartered Legal Executive with Bright solicitors.
Job Titles:
- Partner - Head of New Homes
Henry is a Partner of the Firm and Head of the New Homes Department.
Henry joined Bright Solicitors' Residential Property team in 2013 after spending seven years working in the industry. Henry has experience in dealing with all aspects of Residential Property and currently heads up the New Homes team and deals mainly with purchasing newly-built plots from developers across a number of sites in the region.
Henry was born in Plymouth and returned to the region after studying in Cardiff. He has two young children but when he's not spending time with the family he enjoys playing sports and riding motorcycles.
Jack joined Bright Solicitors in 2016 after working on the Project Search course at Derriford Hospital. He now works as an office administrator in the Post Completion department
Jack has a lot of past experience in admin and has even done a course in Animal Care at Duchy College. In his spare time, he likes walking his dog Mabel, watching football and listening to dance music.
Jack joined Bright Solicitors in April 2021 and is a Trainee Solicitor in the Investment Property team.
Jack graduated from Plymouth University where he received a 2:1 LLB degree. He frequently engaged with all kinds of law competitions while at secondary school and university - he is particularly proud of having been a member of a team in the National Bar Mock Trial competition, in which they progressed to the final held at the Old Bailey to compete with other schools across the country.
He has now started his LPC, as he hopes to one day become a solicitor.
In his free time, he enjoys reading and writing, taking walks and spending time with friends and family.
Job Titles:
- IT Apprentice
- National Apprentice Week
James is our IT apprentice who joined the firm in February 2023.
James assists Ben and Jordan with any IT issues or anything that needs to be done around the office.
Since joining James has been given more responsibility around the office such as creating new setups for new starters and solving any issues with the hardware of a PC.
Jasmine joined Bright Solicitors in September 2021. She is a Trainee Solicitor, currently training in our Disputes and Litigation Department.
Jasmine joined Bright Solicitors in October 2021. She is a Trainee Solicitor, currently training in our Disputes and Litigation Department.
Jasmine studied Law and French at Bangor University before moving to Plymouth to join Bright Solicitors in October 2021 as a Legal Assistant in the Commercial Property team.
Alongside working at Bright Solicitors, Jasmine is currently studying for the LPC and a Masters in Law, Business and Management and has now obtained the role of a Trainee Solicitor at the firm.
Jasmine is a Legal Assistant within our Residential Property Department, having joined the firm in 2023.
Jasmine graduated from studying law at Plymouth University in September 2023 and is looking forward to expanding her skills and experience in order to work towards a solicitor qualification.
When outside of work, Jasmine enjoys staying active and travelling to see her family and partner.
Jo is a Paralegal within our specialist Investment Property Team and has worked for the Firm since 2011.
She has experience in several areas of law but has now settled within the Investment Property department.
Jo has worked in Plymouth within the legal sector since leaving school in 2000. She has also had a busy few years personally and now has two children who she enjoys sharing her spare time with and who keep her on her toes!
Jordan joined Bright Solicitors in June 2021 and is the Marketing Lead for the firm.
Jordan hails from Cornwall and has recently completed his degree in Marketing from Birmingham City University. Since joining Bright Solicitors in June of 2021, Jordan has made many new and innovative changes to Brights marketing, with a heavy emphasis on graphic design and client satisfaction.
He is in charge of our branding, sponsorships and website. He is also responsible for our social media accounts, our exhibitions and all marketing events. As our Marketing Lead, he chairs the Marketing Group and manages all of the feedback we receive, both positive and constructive, and consequently works closely with management to constantly improve our services.
Jordan enjoys an active lifestyle, particularly enjoying running, football and surfing. He has recently completed a Diploma in Professional Marketing and is an Associate member of The Chartered Institute of Marketing.
Job Titles:
- Head of Department
- Partner - Head of Residential
- Team Leader of the Residential Team and Is a Partner
Julie joined Bright Solicitors in 2010 as team leader of the Residential Team and is a Partner of the firm
Julie has worked in Plymouth since leaving Exeter University in 1997 and has worked in Residential Property Conveyancing since 1998. Julie joined Bright Solicitors in 2010 as the Team Leader of Residential Property and is now the Partner in charge of the Residential Property team.
Julie covers a wide range of experience in residential property matters including equity release, remortgages, unregistered land, transfers of part, complex leasehold matters, Local Authority Right to Buy transactions, Help to Buy redemptions, transfers of equity and high-value transactions. Julie always strives to make the conveyancing process as stress-free as possible for clients and is actively involved in working within the local conveyancing community to encourage good communication between conveyancing firms and estate agents to improve the conveyancing process.
Karen joined the Residential Property team in August 2021 and is a Paralegal (ACILEX).
Having been an estate agent for almost 15 years, her understanding of the process and the stress that most clients feel throughout the legal process has helped considerably and she will do her best at all times to help everyone along the way.
Since joining Bright Solicitors, Karen has worked closely with Head of Department, Julie Milton, and is now a fully trained Paralegal (ACILEX) within the Residential Property Department.
Karen Andrews worked very hard to guide us through the process and ensure that nothing was overlooked, and communicated very well throughout. We would highly recommend Bright's services.
Karen Andrews was appointed to take me through the sale of my house. Her manner of dealing with the sale has been exemplary. Her responses to me and to the buyer's solicitor were prompt, informed and always helpful.
Job Titles:
- Conveyancing Executive ( GCILEX )
Katie joined Bright Solicitors in July 2018 and works as a Trainee Chartered Legal Executive within the Residential Team.
After gaining 4 years of experience in Conveyancing at another local firm, Katie joined Bright Solicitors and has recently become a Graduate Member of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives.
Katie deals with a wide range of both freehold and leasehold property transactions and prides herself on going the extra step for clients as well as being approachable to both clients and estate agents.
Katie Braithwaite was very professional and the entire process was as smooth as possible. She was always very easy to contact and never failed to reassure me when I was a bit stressed about it all.
Katrina specialises in compliance advice, drafting contracts, policies and procedures and advising on day to day HR issues.
In addition, Katrina works with other members of the commercial team and external advisors to assist clients looking to put in place employee incentive schemes, including Employee Share Option Trusts and Enterprise Management Incentive Schemes.
She also works closely with clients on issues relating to data protection, particularly around the implementation of new technology solutions and supporting internal compliance.
Before joining Bright Solicitors, Katrina worked within the employment departments of several of the region's largest law firms, as well as in-house for a group of technology businesses.
Katrina Smiles is absolutely excellent to work with
Job Titles:
- Associate of Chartered Institute of Legal Executives ( ACILEX )
Katy Owen joined Bright in 2016, working in the New Homes Department as an Associate of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives.
Katy specialises in the purchase of new build plots directly from developers and transactions involving the Help to Buy Scheme. She also deals with residential sales and purchases of both leasehold and freehold properties, and as well as remortgages and transfers of equity.
Katy is currently undertaking her CILE x training to qualify as a Chartered Legal Executive.
Job Titles:
- Trainee ( CILEX ) Paralegal
Kornelia is a Trainee (CILEX) Paralegal within our Residential Property Department and has been part of our team since May 2021.
Kornelia assists in the day to day conveyancing matters within the department and helps clients get the swiftest experience through the big step of selling and buying their homes.
Having gone through the process of buying a property herself, Kornelia appreciates the importance of keeping her clients informed every step of the way and is always happy to help.
Job Titles:
- Professional Support Team Leader
Job Titles:
- Trainee Paralegal ( SQE )
Job Titles:
- Post Completion Administrator
Job Titles:
- Post Completion Team Leader
Job Titles:
- Partner - Head of Commercial
Job Titles:
- Post Completion Administrator