PAINTERS LAW - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Solicitor
- Solicitor / Residential Property
Alexandra Bayliss qualified as a Solicitor in January 2022. She has over 7 years' experience working within a Law Firm. Alexandra started working at Painters as a Secretary in 2019 and commenced her Training Contract in 2020 and is currently working within our Property Department.
Alexandra graduated from the University of the West of England in 2013 with a BA Hons degree, and completed the Graduate Diploma in Law course in 2014, followed by the Legal Practice Course in 2017.
What she loves most about her role at Painters is being able to put every one of its client's needs at the forefront in order to provide a unique service which meets their high expectations. It is a philosophy she has always practiced and has been part of the reason for her success.
Alexandra says: "I thrive to help clients wherever possible to achieve an end goal, I am passionate and enthusiastic about what I do and will provide clients with the best service".
In her spare time, Alexandra enjoys spending time with her family, socialising with friends and playing netball on a weekend. She is a Dementia Champion and promotes Dementia awareness within the community.
Alexandra won "Trainee Solicitor of the Year" at Worcestershire Law Society Awards 2020. We are very proud of her achievements and that she is part of the Painters Team.
Job Titles:
- Solicitor
- Solicitor / Family Law
Angela joined Painters Law in 2021 and has been working in the Family department as a Solicitor specialising in Private Family Law, in particular children, divorce and non-molestation proceedings where her experience of over 10 years is put to good use.
Angela attended the University of Wolverhampton and gained her 2.1 LLB Law Degree and a Commendation on the Legal Practice Course. She subsequently commenced her Training Contract and qualified as a Solicitor in May 2009.
She regularly meets with family clients and provides advice on all areas of private family law. She also drafts legal documentation and represents clients in Court proceedings. She prides herself on supporting and listening to her clients through some of the most difficult times in their lives.
Her personal interests include travelling, attending concerts, festivals and theatre, running charity marathons, spending time with family and friends when she is not hard at work!
Job Titles:
- Painters Family Team As a Paralegal
- Paralegal
- Paralegal / Family Law
Arshi joined Painters Family Team as a Paralegal in January 2022 having previously worked for a small Family Law Firm as a Legal Assistant. Arshi has over 3 years' experience of working in Family Law, specifically providing administrative support with Children Act Proceedings and Financial Remedy Proceedings.
Arshi has a completed two Degrees from Birmingham City University, Law with Criminology (2012) and Masters in Criminology (2013). She has also completed the Legal Practice Course (with Masters in LLM In Professional Legal Practice) at the University Of Law (Birmingham).
In her spare time Arshi enjoys spending time with family and friends. She also enjoys gardening, supporting family and friends in arranging special family events.
Job Titles:
- Head of Dept
- Head of Dept / Residential Property
Chanal has worked at Painters for over two years as the Property department Head, specialising in Residential property matters. Her knowledge and expertise in this area of law are exceptional, offering clients the highest level of support and excellent client care.
Chanal qualified in 2013 from Hertfordshire University with a Bachelor of Laws Honours degree. She also completed LLM Legal Practice Course at College of Law Birmingham in 2015.
She thoroughly enjoys working with the Property department investigating legal titles, both registered and unregistered. What drew her most to Painters was a fantastic family firm and the opportunity to provide a friendly service whilst working with similarly minded colleagues.
Chanal enjoys foster caring outside of work, having previously worked with Greyhound Trust and special needs schools. She loves providing support to young people during difficult times in their lives.
Chanal was named the winner of Junior Solicitor of the Year 2020 (Worcestershire).
Charlotte has been working at Painters since December 2019 as a Paralegal and has recently started her training contract. She specialises in Wills and Probate related disputes and also has experience in Powers of Attorney.
Charlotte studied her law degree at the Open University whilst raising a family and finished with first class honours. She followed this by completing the legal practice course with a Master's in Law at the University of Law and gained a distinction.
What she loves most about her exciting role at Painters is the ability to work in a local firm that serves the local community where she lives (having lived in Stourport all her life). She is keen to help clients and give them a positive experience, especially when it can be difficult for them.
Away from the office, Charlotte has a passion for trail running and spends weekends running in the forest and exploring new paths, very often getting lost in the process. Currently training for a 62-mile ultra-marathon across the Ridgeway in Oxfordshire. She also enjoys family time, walking her dogs and playing the piano.
Job Titles:
- Partner
- Partner / Family Law
Harriet has been working at Painters in the Family department since June 2014. She handles all aspects of family law affecting children. Her key specialisms include advising and representing parents, children, children's guardians and other family members in all child protection and Public Law proceedings, as well as issues of concern to the Local Authority. Experienced in advising on all private law and child-care matters, Harriet also represents clients in cases involving domestic abuse where protective injunctions are required.
Harriet graduated from Nottingham Trent University in 2009 with a Bachelor of Laws degree and completed a Legal Practice Course at Nottingham Law School in 2010.
What she likes most about the legal profession and working for Painters, in particular, is the ability to support children, parents and other family members, offering empathy during challenging times in their lives, and using her experience and knowledge to help guide families through this challenging period.
Outside of work, Harriet enjoys spending time with her family and friends.
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Associate in the Litigation Department at Painters
Julie is an Associate in the Litigation department at Painters, which she joined in 2019. She deals with disputed matters for both individuals and companies, a role she has undertaken since 2003. Julie began her legal career in the legal department of a central High Street bank before joining law firms in both Warwickshire and Worcestershire.
She deals with many types of disputes, including those where the Court is involved and those cases that can be settled by negotiation or mediation. Some of the disputes that Julie deals with include; property disputes (boundary issues, trespass, damage), breaches of contract, recovery of debts, landlord and tenant matters, disputed Wills and inheritance claims, and company and individual insolvency/bankruptcy partnership disputes.
Julie graduated with LL.B (Hons) degree from the University of London in 2003. She also holds a Level 6 Professional higher diploma in law and practice.
Julie enjoys helping clients try and resolve their disputes and appreciates that litigation can be one of the most stressful times in their lives, which she aims to alleviate. She is incredibly proud to be part of Painters' continued success of 70 years and maintain this good standing.
Julie represents Painters as a member of the Business Networking International group (BNI), the One Focus North Worcestershire chapter, and is one of the Committee members on the leadership team for the Chapter.
Outside of working life, Julie enjoys keeping fit, reading, cycling and fell walking. She is also an animal lover and keeps rescue hens (also known as ex caged hens) and enjoys bringing them back to full health.
Job Titles:
- Partner
- Member of the Children Panel
- Partner / Family Law
Katie has been working at Painters since 1999 specialising in Children Law. She covers all child protection matters including pre-proceedings and care proceedings, and has particular interest and expertise in representing parents, where the Local Authority is involved. Katie is also experienced in other areas of family law such as divorce, finances and injunctions.
Katie became a member of the Children Panel (representing adults) in 2010, which is now the family law advanced panel. Additionally, she has been a member of Resolution for many years.
She attended Sheffield Hallam University to read law then went on to study the Legal Practice Course at the College of Law York graduating in 2001.
Working for Painters gives Katie a lot of pride and satisfaction. She is always there to support parents, provide them with advice and empower them during difficult times. She is always striving for fairness and is known for going the extra mile.
Kulvir joined Painters Residential Property department as a Legal Assistant in November 2020 having previously worked for a small law firm as a Legal Assistant in corporate law and conveyancing. In April 2022, Kulvir was promoted to a Trainee Solictor and currently works in our Wills and Probate Department.
Kulvir graduated from Aston University in 2018 with a Bachelor of Laws degree. She also completed the Legal Practice Course at the University of Law (Birmingham) alongside her Masters in Law having graduated with distinction in 2021.
What she likes most about her role at Painters is being able to help clients in different aspects of their lives, from helping them to move house or drafting a Will.
In her spare time, Kulvir enjoys spending time with family and friends, drawing and baking for her nieces and nephews. She also volunteers for Khalgidhar Trust which is a charity that specialises in providing education for poor and disadvantaged children all over India.
Job Titles:
- Partner
- Partner / Family Law
Laura joined Painters as a Trainee solicitor in September 2002 and qualified as a solicitor in October 2004. Laura specialises in private matrimonial and family law and has a vast range of experience in the issues faced by married couples, civil partners and cohabitees. She advises on issues surrounding the breakdown of relationships including divorce, the negotiation of financial matters and children. She also has extensive experience in issues of domestic violence and abuse.
Laura went to the University of Wales, Aberystwyth and obtained a law degree. She then attended Cardiff University to undertake the Legal Practice Course. Additionally, she has been a member of Resolution for many years.
She likes to take a hands-on practical approach and undertake her own advocacy where possible to provide the client with continuity in representation. Being part of the Painters' solid team for almost 20 years and her ability to remedy a client's case practically and cost effectively is what she takes great pride in.
Job Titles:
- Paralegal
- Paralegal / Residential Property
Laura joined Painters Property Team as a Paralegal in August 2022 having previously worked for a large firm as a Post Completions Clerk. Laura initially completed work experience with Painters in 2017 which confirmed her decision to pursue a legal career.
Laura completed her Law with Criminology degree at Keele University in 2019 and has also completed the Legal Practice Course with Masters in Professional Legal Practice at the University of Law in 2021 achieving a commendation, with distinction in all core modules including property law.
Laura enjoys the transactional nature of property law, and the visible end result of assisting clients with their purchase.
In her spare time, Laura enjoys exploring different National Trusts, cooking vegan food, travelling, and experiencing different cultures, utilising her Odeon Limitless cinema pass, and spending time with her family and friends.
Job Titles:
- Partner
- Head of Painters' Wills
Lee is the Head of Painters' Wills, Trusts and Probate (Private Client) Department which he set up in 1990. Lee has considerable experience in all aspects of preparing Wills and Trusts, Inheritance Tax planning, including estate and succession planning for individuals, farmers, and other owner-managed businesses. He also deals with Executorship, Contentious Probate matters, Mental Capacity issues, care of the elderly and care funding, Charities and Charity Law.
Paul joined Painters in January 2008 to work as a member of the firm's Private Client team. He was admitted as a full member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP) in October 1993.
Paul deals with all aspects of private client work, including drafting, creating trusts, tax planning, registration of Enduring Powers of Attorney, preparation and registration of Lasting Powers of Attorney and applications to the Court of Protection.
Since 1976 he has acted in Trust and Estate Administration including the preparation of Trust and Estate accounts, finalisation of tax affairs, Trustee appointments, winding up of Trusts and the administration of both testate and intestate estates.
Outside of work, Paul endures the mixed fortunes of following Wolverhampton Wanderers and has attended over 100 Cricket Test matches! Paul also enjoys attending live music concerts, cinema and theatre with his family.
Rebecca has been working at Painters since 2006, specialising in all aspects of Private Client work. She has a wide range of experience in the following areas of work: Wills, Trusts, Tax & Estate Planning, Probate & Administration of deceased estates, Inheritance Tax, Powers of Attorney, Elderly Client matters (care home fee issues), Mental Capacity, Court of Protection work (Deputyship applications).
Rebecca has particular expertise in advising on Powers of Attorney and making applications to the Court of Protection on behalf of family members who need authority to deal with their loved one's assets.
She graduated from the University of Cambridge with a bachelor's degree in Law in 2003 and qualified as a Solicitor in 2006.
Outside of work, Rebecca plays golf, enjoys yoga and is a keep fit enthusiast. She even won a county golf championship in 2007!
Job Titles:
- Owner
- Partner
- Partner / Family Law
Ros is the Owner and the Head of the Family Department at Painters and has considerable experience in dealing with all aspects of Family Law with particular expertise in Children law, both public and private. She specialises in complex care cases, including inflicted injury and children with complex needs. She acts for parents and children, as well as foster carers and relatives.
She has a well-established and loyal client base and is known for her considerate and caring nature.
Ros attended Reading University and qualified as a solicitor in October 1986.
Ros was nominated for Solicitor of the Year at the Worcestershire Law Society Awards in 2019.
Outside of work, Ros enjoys spending time with her friends and family. As a chair of Trustees for Worcester Child Contact Centre, she spends most of her free time supporting her charity.
Job Titles:
- Solicitor
- Solicitor / Residential Property
Samantha is a qualified Solicitor with over 12 years' experience. She joined Painters' Residential Property Team in May 2022.
Samantha graduated from the University of Birmingham with a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree in 2007 and went on to complete her Legal Practice Course at the College of Law in Birmingham in 2008. She qualified as a Solicitor in 2010.
Samantha has extensive experience in dealing with residential property matters, including sales and purchases of registered and unregistered freehold and leasehold properties. Samantha has a keen eye for detail which enables her to deal with the technical and complex legal issues that often arise in residential property transactions, whilst providing a high quality service to clients.
Outside of work, Samantha enjoys spending time with her family.
Sara joined the team in November 2019 as Office Administrator. She is responsible for the day-to-day smooth running of the office. Sara brings over 30 years of Customer Service and Office administration skills with her.
Having worked in various industries over the years, Sara adapts quickly to new situations as she can draw on her wealth of experience. Her job satisfaction comes from providing excellent customer service to all our internal and external clients and helping her colleagues by ensuring their working days run as smoothly and efficiently as possible.
Sara is a dedicated, proactive and valued team member whose role is vital to everyone in the department and around the company as a whole. Exceptionally well organised, a confident communicator with strong interpersonal and highly developed skills across administration, customer service and sales, Sara is paramount to the business's success.
Sara enjoys taking her rescue dog Dudley for long walks in the beautiful surrounding countryside in her spare time. She is also a keen gardener and is definitely at her happiest spending time outdoors in nature. Over the last few years, Sara has taken part in several "Mud Runs" to help raise money and awareness for the Charity Cancer Research.
She is very proud that she achieved her Duke of Edinburgh Gold award when she was only 20!
Sharon is based in our Stourport-on-Severn office and supports our busy Dispute Resolution team. She has mainly worked in Criminal law since joining Painters in September 1999 and has helped with Conveyancing, Probate and Family matters. Additionally, she has a good knowledge of legal aid billing.
Sharon has worked in law since she left school in 1978. She did the first year of her Law degree at Worcester College. Due to her personal issues, however, she was unable to continue her studies. She nonetheless completed and passed Part 1 qualification with ILEX in 1996. She also has undertaken the ILEX qualification with Worcester College.
She finds law fascinating and is particularly interested in the history of law, having studied the criminal justice system over many years. Sharon has dedicated most of her working life to the legal profession providing a professional yet very personal service to her clients.
Outside of work, Sharon enjoys walking her dogs, reading, embroidery and painting.
Sharon joined Painters in 2019 as a Legal Executive assisting our Wills & Probate team. She is also experienced in other areas of law such as Court of Protection, Powers of Attorney.
She has worked in various law firms throughout her career since 1994, when she qualified.
Sharon is a valued member of the team who provides a specialist legal support consistently delivering an exceptional service to our clients.
Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her friends and family, cinema, gardening, decorating, and walking her dog. She used to run youth football teams with her ex-husband when her sons were young, and she once arranged cooking classes for a group of children from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Job Titles:
- Finance Controller
- Practice Manager
Having worked at Painters since 1997, Sian manages the daily running of the firm's busy finance department and manages the firm's financial reporting requirements.
Sian finds every day at work within finance is different and never boring! She feels that she has gained more personally and professionally working for a small company like Painters being with us since she left school and has progressed to her current role of the Finance Controller.
Outside of work, Sian enjoys spending time with her family and friends, exercising outdoors.
Sindy has been working at Painters as an Accounts Manager since 2007, managing and overseeing the daily operations of the accounting department.
Sindy qualifies Legal Accounting and AAT Level 2 and Level 3 Foundation Certificate in Accounting. She enjoys working at Painters as she feels a part of this small and well-established team, and she finds her individual contribution more valuable.