CRANE AND STAPLES - Key Persons

Abbie Wastell-Child

Job Titles:

Trainee Solicitor

I joined Crane and Staples as a Trainee Solicitor in September 2023. I am currently in my first seat working in the Employment/Dispute Resolution and Family departments. I graduated from the University of Hertfordshire in 2017 with a First Class Law Degree and went on to complete the LLM Legal Practice Course in 2019. Since completing my Legal Practice Course, I have gained experience working as a Paralegal focusing primarily in litigation.

Adrian Boulter

Job Titles:

Dispute Resolution Executive

I joined the Dispute Resolution team at Crane & Staples in May 2022. I have over 25 years of experience as a litigator, specialising in: Property and Contract Dispute Resolution Contentious Landlord & Tenant Leasehold Enfranchisement Disputed Probate Professional Negligence Intellectual Property Disputes I have considerable expertise in contract disputes, property disputes - residential, commercial and Landlord & Tenant, contentious probate and professional negligence claims. In the field of professional negligence, I specialise in pursuing claims against negligent solicitors, barristers, accountants, architects, surveyors and financial advisors.

Albert Green

Job Titles:

Solicitor

I started my Training Contract with Crane and Staples in August 2021, having completed my Legal Practice Course at the University of Hertfordshire the same summer. I qualified as a Solicitor in April 2023. I completed my Graduate Diploma in Law at the London Metropolitan University in the summer of 2020. Before this, I studied Ancient History at the University of Kent. I am a Solicitor in the Wills, Trusts and Probate team.

Alex Baxter

Job Titles:

Paralegal

I joined Crane & Staples as a Family Paralegal in September 2022.

Alistair Williams

Job Titles:

IT Strategy Consultant

The legal profession was once seen as a slow moving, dusty business but these days we are using the very latest technology to keep us efficient and cost effective. It is vital that our clients receive the best legal advice and that it is delivered quickly and accurately. Our staff must be enabled to offer a great service. A major part of my role is to source, test and install new systems and keep them operating efficiently. There are always several projects on the go at one time and that keeps the job interesting. Throughout my career I have always had jobs that involve a high level of customer care and, amongst others; I have worked for ICI, Thomas Cook and Towers Watson who all pride themselves on a quality service to their customers and the respectful treatment of their staff.

Amy Tapping

Job Titles:

Trainee Solicitor

I joined Crane & Staples as a Conveyancing Assistant in December 2020 and commenced my Training Contract in September 2022. I graduated from the University of Hertfordshire with a First Class Law Degree and have recently completed my LLM Legal Practice Course. I am currently in my third seat in the Family team.

Bonnie Twiggs

Job Titles:

Partner, Head of Commercial Property

I joined Crane & Staples as a trainee solicitor in 2005, qualifying in 2007 and becoming a partner of the firm in 2011. My team and I advise on all matters relating to commercial and residential property and I am one of the few solicitors in the area specialising in the complex area of leasehold enfranchisement. My expertise includes the following areas: Freehold and Leasehold transactions Leasehold Enfranchisement Business acquisitions and disposals Landlord & Tenant Commercial Property acquisitions and disposals

Chris Brewis

Job Titles:

Partner, Head of Residential Property

I joined Crane & Staples in 2006 and qualified as a solicitor in 2008. In April 2015, I became a Partner. I specialise in all aspects of residential and commercial conveyancing, including: Freehold and leasehold sales and purchases New build purchases Transfer of equity transactions Commercial property sales and purchases Commercial leases Commercial refinancing Option agreements

Danielle Peters

Job Titles:

Partner, Head of Family

I specialise in the financial aspects of relationship breakdown acting for both married and unmarried separating couples. I have been practising as a specialist family lawyer for over twenty five years and was admitted to the role as a solicitor in 1999. I am a member of the national family law organisation, Resolution. Resolution members promote an approach to family law that is sensitive, constructive, cost-effective and most likely to result in an agreement. You can find out more about the Resolution Code of Practice here.

David Bird

Job Titles:

Partner, Head of Wills, Trusts and Probat
Partner, Head of Wills, Trusts and Probate

I specialise in wills and probate, trusts, tax planning and general advice for the elderly, including powers of attorney and Court of Protection matters. I have been working in this field since I qualified, and deal with a variety of matters including more complex Estates and inheritance tax planning. I qualified as a solicitor in 1995 and joined Crane & Staples in April 2000, becoming a Partner with the firm in April 2003. I am currently the Firm's finance partner and COFA. I am the Head of the Wills and Probate (Private Client) Department at Crane & Staples. For many years, I have been an active member of the Hertfordshire Law Society Probate and Trust Committee, which I now chair. I am a full member of both Solicitors for the Elderly (SFE) and the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP). I was Honorary Secretary and Treasurer of the Hertfordshire Law Society from January 2002 until January 2008, when I became Vice-President. I served as the Hertfordshire Law Society President in 2009, and remained on its governing Council until 31 December 2022. I previously sat on a Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) sub-Committee looking into Alternative Business Structures.

David Hughes

Job Titles:

Consultant

I qualified as a solicitor in 2004 and have acted for businesses of all sizes over the years. I joined Crane & Staples as a company & commercial law consultant in 2022.

Eileen Ismay

Job Titles:

Consultant

I qualified as a solicitor in 1976. I worked in the City with Slaughter and May and then at a small firm in Hertfordshire before joining Crane & Staples for the second time in 2000! I am principally involved in tax planning, wills and probate, and trusts together with advice for the elderly.

Eleanor Brick

Job Titles:

Office Manager

Elizabeth Rowlands

Job Titles:

Trainee Solicitor

I joined Crane and Staples as a Trainee Solicitor in September 2023. I am in my first seat in the Property department, where I assist with a range of Residential Conveyancing matters. I like many aspects of my job, including the opportunity to challenge myself and to help clients get where they want to be. I graduated from Bath Spa University with a 2:1 in English Literature and have completed both my Graduate Diploma in Law and LLM Legal Practice Course with distinctions.

Eloise Bishop

Job Titles:

Trainee Solicitor

I joined Crane & Staples as a Conveyancing Assistant in June 2021 and started my training contract in September 2023. I graduated from Queen Mary University of London and completed my Legal Practice Course at the University of Hertfordshire.

Gaby Williams

Job Titles:

Project Manager

I joined Crane & Staples in 2012 and became the Project Manager in 2018. Whilst working at the firm, I achieved a first class degree in English Language and a Masters in Creative Writing. I have a varied role and some of my duties include: Assisting colleagues with IT training and support; Creating and maintaining document templates, processes and workflows; Updating and monitoring our website; Managing our social media accounts (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram); Preparing the firm's submissions for awards and legal directories; Assisting the Marketing Partner with branding and advertising; and Assisting the Wellness Partner to organise wellness initiatives.

Georgina Christou

Job Titles:

Associate
Solicitor

Heather Charles-Wall

Job Titles:

Residential Conveyancer

I have worked in conveyancing across North London and Hertfordshire for the last 30 years. Before moving to Crane & Staples in October 2014 I have run two branch offices for well known firms of solicitors as well as being Head of Department. I specialise in all aspects of residential conveyancing, plot sales and purchases.