PETER PETER & WRIGHT SOLICITORS - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Partner
- Partner / Okehampton
Alex has spent almost all of his life in the West Country leaving only to attend university and undertake further education. He was a pupil at Shebbear College before studying law at Oxford Brookes University and thereafter undertaking the Legal Practice Course at the Oxford Institute of Legal Practice. Following his studies, Alex returned to the West Country to undertake his training contract with Peter Peter & Wright, working in all of our offices in Bideford, Bude, Holsworthy and Okehampton.
Alex was admitted as a solicitor in September 2010. He works in the private client department at our Okehampton office and specialises in Inheritance Tax Planning, Wills, Powers of Attorney, Trusts and Estate Administration.
Alex has since married and fully settled into his career as a solicitor with the firm, becoming a partner in January 2014. Outside work Alex enjoys running, playing golf and making the most of our beautiful Cornish & Devon beaches.
Alex is a very approachable and personable member of the Private Client team which covers all of our four offices in Devon and Cornwall. Alex has a particular interest in elderly client work and he has been an Associate Professional Member of Solicitors for the Elderly since September 2011. Alex is currently carrying out further study to qualify as a Full Professional Member.
Alex says: "I have now administered a number of estates where I originally drafted the Will, Power of Attorney and provided tax planning advice. It is nice to be thought of by clients as their family solicitor and to guide people through what is often a difficult time in their lives.
My career high has been advising a client on a mutual Will they had made many years ago. The mutual Will spouse had passed away and the client had since remarried. The client's remarriage had revoked the mutual Will but not the contractual arrangement set out in that Will. I therefore had to ensure that the client's new Will balanced the provision for their new spouse with their contractual obligations under the revoked mutual Will. It was a very stressful time for the client as he very much wanted to try to please everybody. I was able to draft a Will that covered all of these issues, resulted in the desired outcome and most importantly, relieved the client's stress!"
Job Titles:
- Conveyancer
- Conveyancer / Holsworthy
Chloe works in our Holsworthy office undertaking residential property work. Chloe is currently studying to become a Solicitor
Job Titles:
- Legal Executive
- Legal Executive / Bideford
Job Titles:
- Partner
- Partner / Holsworthy
Claire works as a solicitor in the private client department at our Holsworthy Office in Devon specialising in Wills, Administration of Estates, Powers of Attorney and Court of Protection work.
Job Titles:
- Partner
- Partner / Bideford
Clive began his career in law in 1973 when as a 17 year old he began work as a trainee legal executive for Peter Peter & Wright's predecessor, Peter Peter & Sons in Holsworthy.
Clive carried on his studies whilst working, initially passing the examinations set by the Institute of Legal Executives and then those set by the Law Society to qualify as a solicitor in 1983.
Clive became a Partner shortly afterwards in January 1986 and continues as one albeit he is now officially only working one day each week as he moves towards full retirement.
Clive has a wide range of experience as a private client solicitor with a particular emphasis on Wills, tax planning, the administration of estates and trusts, property transactions and farming partnerships and other non-contentious matters including work for charities. He is also head of the firm's Probate and Trust Department.
Having spent over 35 years at our Holsworthy office in Devon, Clive moved to our Bideford office in August 2010 where his wide ranging experience was gratefully received by clients and staff alike. Clive became our senior partner in January 2013.
Clive came from a farming background on the outskirts of Okehampton and loves living and working in rural Cornwall and Devon. When not at his desk, Clive may be found either in the garden, or enjoying a gentle walk or ride on his bicycle. However any spare time is at premium as Clive is an active member of the Methodist Church and can be regularly found conducting services as a Lay Preacher mostly in the Bude and Holsworthy Methodist Circuit.
Darren is a specialist Family law solicitor with nearly 15 years experience and whilst based in our Bude office he is regularly instructed by clients throughout the South West and beyond.
Regarded as pragmatic, sensible, and able to get to the crux of Family law issues quickly, Darren is often considered to be the first port of call for a client requiring legal representation in respect of divorce matters and the associated financial aspects following a marriage breakdown. Darren is also well versed in claims between unmarried partners following separation.
In respect of private Children law matters, Darren is regularly consulted for advice and representation on matters relating to child contact arrangements and court proceedings. Darren often represents mothers and fathers in private children law proceedings including in cases where serious allegations have been made and cases where parental alienation is a factor.
Achieving a favourable outcome in a sensible way is a priority for Darren, which is why he is often considered to be the "go to" solicitor and is sought out by many who require legal representation at the earliest opportunity.
If you have a Family law issue and wish to make an appointment to see Darren then please email him directly at darrenreed@peterslaw.co.uk or contact the Bude office on 01288 352101.
Job Titles:
- Partner
- Senior Partner
- Senior Partner / Okehampton
David Higgs is the partner in charge of the firm's Okehampton Office where his principal activity is conveyancing. He came into the law from teaching. Before joining the firm in 2002 he had extensive experience of commercial property work
Job Titles:
- Chartered Legal Executive
Donna originally joined Peter Peter & Wright in 2004, working within the Private Client Team at our Holsworthy office. She left in 2007 to work for a firm of solicitors in Watford. She returned to Cornwall in 2012 to settle locally in Bude with her family.
She now deals with all aspects involved in the Administration of Estates in our Bude office and also helps our clients to prepare for the future by taking instructions for, and preparing Wills and Lasting Powers of Attorney.
Donna became a Chartered Legal Executive in 2019.
Donna says: "I was pleased to be able to return to Peter Peter & Wright after my time away.
Job Titles:
- Legal Assistant
- Legal Assistant / Bideford
Job Titles:
- Solicitor
- Solicitor / Bideford
- Solicitors
Jacqueline is a solicitor within our Family Department, with over 14 years experience in children matters; divorce; finances (including cohabitation and separation agreements); postnuptial and prenuptial agreements; and emergency procedures relating to domestic abuse.
Jacqueline joined the firm in June 2014 and although based in our Bideford Office, is also able to see clients at our Bude and Okehampton offices.
Job Titles:
- Senior Partner
- Consultant and Non - Practising Solicitor
- Consultant and Non - Practising Solicitor / Holsworthy
James Rowland was the firm's Senior Partner for many years until 2000, when he became a Consultant. He is a past President of the Devon & Exeter Law Society.
He followed his father and grandfather into the firm, and his son is a current partner. He is an EGU Golf Referee.
Job Titles:
- Legal Assistant
- Legal Assistant / Bideford
- Member of Staff
Janette joined the firm as a school leaver in 1994 and worked as a legal secretary within the Private Client Team at the Holsworthy Office for 6 years. She was subsequently promoted to the role of manager at the Nationwide,a busy Building Society Agency situated within Peter Peter & Wright. For over 10 years Janette assisted customers with their financial affairs. After the Agency ceased in December 2011 Janette initially assisted in our Accounts Department before taking up a fee earning position within the Private Client Team at our Bideford Office. She is now a Legal Assistant specialising in the Administration of Estates.
A loyal member of staff Janette is well known in the community and well regarded for her helpful advice and assistance.
Janette says: "It seems like I have come full circle having started work at Peter Peter & Wright in the Private Client Team and then now working in that area again, but I really feel this job is right for me. I am a sensitive, caring and approachable person which the role requires when dealing with family and friends after someone close to them has passed away. I like to think I take some of the pressures away at this very stressful time".
Jemma works in our Bude office undertaking residential property work and is currently studying to become a Licensed Conveyancer. Jemma has a keen interest in property, having worked with a local estate agent prior to joining us as a legal secretary in 2019.
Job Titles:
- Trainee Solicitor
- Trainee Solicitor / Bideford
- Trainee Solicitors
Lauren currently works in our Bideford Office, in our Private Client department
Job Titles:
- Partner
- Partner / Bideford
Lauren works in the Conveyancing department at our Bideford office. Lauren progressed from legal secretary to Chartered Legal Executive via the CILEX route. Lauren has then gone on to complete her Graduate Diploma in Law at De Montfort University in Leicester and the Legal Practice Course at the University of Law in Bristol. In September 2017, Lauren qualified as a Solicitor. In July 2020, Lauren joined the partnership.
Lauren says "I have had an interest in law since a young age. I understand that the conveyancing process is stressful for clients and as such, my aim is to keep my clients updated in order to reduce their level of stress. I consider myself helpful and approachable towards clients".
Aside from working, Lauren enjoys running and exploring the villages and beaches in North Devon.
Job Titles:
- Solicitor
- Solicitor / Okehampton
Lydia has recently completed her Training Contract with us and qualified as a Solicitor in September 2023.
Lydia works in our Okehampton office in the Property Department.
Job Titles:
- Consultant
- Consultant / Holsworthy
Marcus is a Consultant, undertaking employment law matters on behalf of the firm.
"Although I cover the full range of employment law matters, I have a particular focus on dispute resolution, employment tribunal litigation, the enforcement of post-termination restrictions and advising on the employment law issues arising out of business transfers, corporate restructurings and redundancy exercises"
Job Titles:
- Partner
- Solicitor
- Solicitor / Holsworthy
Mark joined the firm in September 2019 from a large local firm where Mark previously worked spells based in Holsworthy, Truro (covering Penzance, Falmouth and surrounding areas) and Launceston.
Mark qualified via the CILEx route completing the majority of his studies distance learning during evenings and weekends.
Job Titles:
- Chartered Legal Executive
- Chartered Legal Executive / Holsworthy
Back in 2010 Natasha's original plan was to study for a degree in law at University. However although she had been offered a place at university, she decided instead to accept a training contract with Peter Peter & Wright at their Holsworthy Office.
Natasha is a local girl having lived all her life on the North Cornwall / Devon border so she has a sound understanding of the area. She has recently qualified as a Chartered Legal Executive and aims to continue this process to eventually qualify as a Solicitor.
Working in the Conveyancing department at Holsworthy, Natasha concentrates on residential property matters, but she is always keen to tackle more complex legal matters relating to land law.
Natasha says, "Being offered the chance to undertake work experience and training in a well-respected regional practice, working alongside supportive, experienced practitioners was an opportunity not to be missed.
I believe that by continuing my academic studies whilst also working in daily practice significantly enhances the level of advice and support I can provide to clients. My aim is always to provide the same high level of service to clients that I myself would expect."
Job Titles:
- Partner
- Consultant and Non - Practising Solicitor
- Consultant and Non - Practising Solicitor / Holsworthy
Nigel Clark was a partner for 41 years and the Senior Partner from 2005 to 2011. He is the son of a former Senior Partner and members of his family have served the firm as employees or partners since 1875. Nigel became a Consultant for the firm in 2014.
Job Titles:
- Senior Conveyancer
- Senior Conveyancer / Holsworthy
Paul comes from a local farming family and joined the firm as a school leaver in 1974. He is an experienced Conveyancer, specialising in residential and agricultural property, and also deals with residential tenancies. He is married to Jan and recently moved to Widemouth Bay to enjoy the surf, sand and hopefully a little sun, which begs a question as he is a confirmed non swimmer!
He is well known in the local sporting world, being an active member of both Bude Rugby Club and Holsworthy Cricket Club and until recently sat on the Committee of the Cornwall Rugby Football Union for many years. He is also a Committee member of the Holsworthy & Stratton Agricultural Show, acting as its Health and Safety Officer.
He says "My life in the office is varied and never dull. The core of my work is acting for clients moving house, but living in a rural area, despite my recent flirtation with the sea, and coming from a farming background, matters agricultural are seldom far from my thoughts or my desk.
"It's widely acknowledged that moving house is one of life's most stressful experiences, second only to divorce and bereavement. After our recent move to Widemouth, I can quite see why and ours was relatively straightforward. It certainly helped to give me a better insight into the problems and worries that our clients experience (some imaginary) and I believe will enable me to provide an even better service to our clients in the future."
Job Titles:
- Chartered Legal Executive
Job Titles:
- Solicitor
- Commercial Property Solicitor
- Solicitor / Okehampton
Rachel is an experienced Commercial Property solicitor based in our Okehampton office
Rebecca joined the firm as a newly qualified solicitor in September 2011 having undertaken her training contract with a large regional commercial firm. In January 2015, Rebecca became a Partner based at our Bude office.
Rebecca is part of our Litigation team, handling various matters such as probate disputes, boundary disputes and tenancy issues.
She says: "I chose a career in law because I wanted to help people.
Rowena works in our Bude office, undertaking property transactions
Job Titles:
- Partner
- Partner / Holsworthy
Sam has always had an interest in law, deciding to become a solicitor at the age of 9. Sam started work in a solicitor's firm after completing her GCSEs, undertaking her further studies in her spare time. Sam trained via the CILEX route, completing a post graduate diploma in law at De Montfort University, and finally achieving her ambition to qualify as a solicitor in 2013. Sam was specialising in criminal law at that time and went on to attain the Criminal Litigation Accreditation in 2014.
Sam moved to her husband's dairy farm on the Devon/Cornwall border in 2014 and began working in property law the following year. Sam joined Peter Peter & Wright's property department in October 2016 to assist with the varied conveyancing work undertaken by the firm's Holsworthy office. Sam deals with all aspects of property law and is continually seeking to expand her knowledge and experience of the wide ranging issues encountered during the conveyancing process.
Sam prides herself on her client care and communication skills, aiming to keep clients informed at all stages of a transaction.
Job Titles:
- Legal Executive
- Legal Executive / Bideford
Priscilla Edwards is a Chartered Legal Executive dealing with all aspects of Family Law, and assisting clients at all of our four offices in Bideford, Bude, Okehampton and Holsworthy . She has a special interest in providing advice in matters involving Children and victims of Domestic Violence.
Job Titles:
- Private Client Executive
- Private Client Executive / Holsworthy
Sharon has worked for Peter Peter & Wright on and off for many years. She returned as a legal secretary in 2010 and was offered a new role as Litigation Assistant in September 2011. In January 2014 Sharon moved to the Holsworthy office to work within the Probate Department where she assists Claire Woolsey with the administration of estates and Lasting Powers of Attorney.
Sharon has an excellent manner with clients and always goes the extra mile.
Toby Rowland was born and raised locally, and is the fourth generation of his family to work in the firm.
Job Titles:
- Conveyancer
- Conveyancer / Holsworthy
Victoria works in our Holsworthy Office undertaking residential property work and is currently studying to become a Licensed Conveyancer
Job Titles:
- Partner
- Partner / Bideford
Growing up locally in Devon, Zoe joined the firm in January 2006 and qualified as a solicitor in July 2007. Based in our Bideford office, Zoe specialises in all aspects of residential and commercial property conveyancing. Zoe became a partner in January 2012.
Zoe is well regarded by her colleagues and clients as a thoughtful and diligent solicitor.
Zoe says: "As anyone in conveyancing will know there is no such thing as a standard transaction. Every day brings different challenges and these together with my clients and the people I work with make my job both interesting and rewarding."
Zoe makes the most of living in North Devon, and spends a lot of her spare time outdoors. She is a keen runner and gig rower, recently undertaking both the London Marathon and World Gig Rowing Championships in the Isles of Scilly.