John Calver Senior Partner E: j.calver@laceyssolicitors.co.uk
Practice Areas: Company, Commercial and Corporate Law
In a nutshell…I head the firm’s Commercial Department and I act for Companies and businesses on a range of matters affecting their work
Some specifics…I deal with Company share and asset transfers, Company reorganisations and shareholder agreements, and both freehold and leasehold commercial property
Recent projects…I have acted for a Bank in refinancing a chain of six hotels, also a complex £20 million Company sale involving financial assistance with both qualifying and non qualifying loan notes and floatation rights
Professional associations…Member of Society for Trust and Estate Practitioners
Qualifications and experience…Solicitor (1972) I spent my first five years in court work to ensure that I would be able to stand on my feet and speak. I then undertook Company commercial work which it was always my aspiration to do
Route to Laceys…I qualified in Gloucester and moved to Laceys where I was presented with opportunities I could not refuse
I’m human too…I have been a County golfer and now still much enjoy my golf - always living for the really good shot. I also enjoy refereeing amateur golf matches at a national level. I also enjoy walking and hiking
Practice Areas: Employment Law and Commercial Disputes
In a nutshell…I advise clients with contentious business problems and advise on employment law. I also have a special interest in construction disputes
Recent projects…I am particularly interested in extending the use of alternative means of dispute resolution such as mediation, arbitration and expert adjudication. I believe these should be quicker, cheaper and more creative solutions to contentious problems
Professional associations…Member of the Employment Lawyers Association
Qualifications and experience…Solicitor (1978) LLB (Edinburgh) (1974)
Route to Laceys…After a Scottish law degree at Edinburgh University I emigrated to England. I was a partner in Allin & Watts and became a partner with Laceys when the two firms merged in 1999
I’m human too…I play golf at Parkstone Golf Club and in addition to watching the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, I enjoy jazz music
Mark Howell Partner E: m.howell@laceyssolicitors.co.uk
Practice Areas: Partnership and Contract Disputes, Computer and Employment Law problems and Personal Injury Claims (including No Win No Fee); Alcohol & Entertainment Licences; Boundary Disputes
In a nutshell…I act for individuals and business who are in dispute or want to avoid a dispute by receiving early advice.
Recent projects…Advising numerous clients on Licensing Law changes and making applications to licence unusual operations
Professional associations…Law Society Personal Injury Panel and Member of Association of Personal Injury Lawyers
Qualifications and experience…Solicitor (1978) LLB (Hons)
Route to Laceys…After a law degree in London I joined Laceys as a trainee solicitor and on qualification joined its Dispute Resolution Department and I now Head that Department
I’m human too…I have a passion for classic cars, skiing and computers
Jonathan Ogden Partner E: j.ogden@laceyssolicitors.co.uk
Practice Areas: Commercial Property, Estate Development and Commercial Leases
In a nutshell…I act for commercial clients who are looking to expand and develop their businesses by acquisitions and sales
Some specifics…I act for Property developers in the acquisition of sites and the subsequent sales of homes built on these developed sites
Recent projects…I have been acting for developers in the acquisition of options to purchase land and for sellers and buyers entering into contracts which are conditional on the grant of planning permission
Qualifications and experience…Solicitor (1987) LLB (Hons)
Route to Laceys…I joined Laceys in 1985 as a trainee and subsequently qualified and became a partner in 1991
I’m human too… have been the Chairman of the Governors at Townsend Primary School and I just love food, wine, entertaining, cycling & running to keep fit and the cinema
Mark Timberlake Partner E: m.timberlake@laceyssolicitors.co.uk
Practice Areas: Landlord & Tenant matters and Commercial Disputes
In a nutshell…I advise all types of commercial organisations and in particular commercial and residential management and letting agents on matters affecting their properties. My connection with the two main professional Associations, to which many of them belong, helps appreciate the issues they face
Some specifics…I specialise in contentious matters and Landlord and Tenant dispute resolution
Recent projects…I acted for the owners of 131 flats in their collective right to purchase the freehold of their block
Professional associations…Affiliate of the Association of Residential Managing Agents and the Association of Residential Letting Agents
Qualifications and experience…Solicitor (1989) LLB
Route to Laceys…I trained at Laceys
I’m human too…and love racing my boat around Poole Bay with competitive results which for some reason get worse each year
Jonathan Williams Partner E: j.williams@laceyssolicitors.co.uk
Practice Areas: Conveyancing and Probate
In a nutshell…I act for clients who are buying and selling houses. I also undertake probate work dealing with estates where clients have passed away
Qualifications and experience…Solicitor (1990)
Route to Laceys…I completed my legal training at Laceys.
In a nutshell...I act for parties in dispute who do not wish to go the 'litigation route.'
Some specifics...I especially enjoy working with couples who are leaving relationships, helping them decide on parenting arrangements and how their assets should be divided.
Qualifications and experince...I qualified as a solicitor in 1993. In 1996 I qualified as a mediator and am now an assessor on the Law Society Mediation Panel,a member of the UK College of Family Mediators, and a member of the Court of Appeal Mediation Panel.
Route to Laceys...I joined Laceys after law school in 1991 and have never looked back!
I'm human too...I am an active Church member, I enjoy ski-ing and holidays generally - especially to far flung places!
Kate Mansfield Partner E: k.mansfield@laceyssolicitors.co.uk
Practice Areas: Private Client matters, Wills, Tax Planning, Trusts and Estate Planning
In a nutshell…I am in charge of our Private Client Department and deal with all aspects of Private Client work
Some specifics…I specialise in tax planning, both lifetime and by Will
Professional associations…Member of the Society for Trust and Estate Practitioners and a STEP committee member
Qualifications and experience…Head of Private Client Department at Laceys Solicitor (1995) LLB(Hons)
Route to Laceys…After my degree and Law Society finals I came straight to Laceys in 1993 and did my training contract here
I’m human too…I ski once or twice a year and when at home I enjoy long walks with my Hungarian Vizsla, mountain biking across the Purbecks, pilates and then cooking to undo all of the good work
Tim Sharpley Partner E: t.sharpley@laceyssolicitors.co.uk
Practice Areas... All aspects of property and land law, both residential and commercial
In a nutshell...I work within a closely knit property team who offer a full range of advice on all aspects of property work
Some specifics...I specialise in land redevelopment, restrictive covenants, planning issues, residential and commercial property sales and purchases
Recent projects...In the last three years I have been involved with over £50 million worth of property transactions ranging from setting up development sites from one to forty-eight units of residential accomodation and individual properties ranging from £100,000 to £5,000,000
Qualifications and experience...Solicitor (1993) - I have spent my entire professional life working in the Dorset area, having recently joined Laceys when I was presented with the opportunity of working with a team of quality solicitors to further my interests in land and property
Route to Laceys...I trained with a local Bournemouth firm rising to become a partner, but left in the Summer of 2008
II have been a County Golfer and still retain a handicap of 5. In my spare time I enjoy watching all sports, particularly when my children are taking part
Jonathan Talbot Partner E: j.talbot@laceyssolicitors.co.uk
Practice Areas: Family and Matrimonial Law
In a nutshell…I have 20+ years experience in Family Law matters including child cases
Recent projects…I founded Bournemouth’s Collaborative Family Law Group
http://www.collaborativefamilylawyers.co.uk
Professional associations…I am a founding Member of the Dorset Region Solicitors Resolution (formerly the Family Law Association); Member of the Collaborative Family Law Group and a Member of the Law Society’s Family and Children Panels
Qualifications and experience…I read law at Peterhouse, Cambridge University in 1980 and I have been with Laceys since September 2001 heading our Matrimonial and Family Department since 2002. I have been in private practice for over 20 years and in 1990 was instrumental in the creation of the Dorset branch of Resolution and was its media representative until 2004. I was re-accredited with the Law Society on their Family Law panel in 2004 and I have been a member of the Law Society's Children Panel since 1991. Since 2003 I have also been an External Examiner at Bournemouth University on their Family Law and Client in the Community electives which form part of the Law Society's professional exams.
See the article written by Jonathan in Private In-depth 'A better future upon the breakdown of your family relationship'
Route to Laceys…I read law at Cambridge University, I was articled to Osborne Clarke in Bristol and then on qualification moved to T V Edwards doing criminal law in the East End. I worked in Wembley with Nichols Christie & Crocker then on to Bridport where I was a partner in Milne & Lyall from 1989 - 1999 and Weymouth (1999-2001) and then on to Laceys
I’m human too…My activities include tennis, gardening, golf (badly - I started late!), table tennis and badminton and I have a real interest in natural history
In a nutshell…I act for clients whose personal relationships have hit problems and deal with all family matters including divorce, children issues, cohabitee disputes and injunctions
Some specifics…I specialise in financial provision following divorce and disputes relating to children
Recent projects…Acting for the mother in High Court care proceedings involving allegations of non-accidental head injury to a child with the help of six medical experts and both junior and leading counsel
Professional associations…Specialist family lawyer accredited by Resolution (formerly the Solicitors Family Law Association)
Qualifications and experience…Solicitor (2001)
Route to Laceys…Trained as a solicitor locally and came to Laceys in 2001
I’m human too…I enjoy spending time with my young family, walking our dog and camping
John Munro Partner E: j.munro@laceyssolicitors.co.uk
Practice Areas: Commercial and Residential Property and Business Sales and Acquisitions
In a nutshell…I act for both Commercial clients who are buying and selling property and businesses and also for Private clients on their home sales and purchases, together with most related property and licensing law
Some specifics…I deal regularly with the sale and acquisitions of non-corporate businesses and act for Landlords and Tenants in Commercial Leasehold transactions. I also deal with new Licensing Procedures
Recent projects…include the acquisition of a Post Office via a Self Invested Personal Pension Plan and a local Hotel, and the sale of a Dental Practice and a property portfolio
Qualifications and experience…Solicitor (2003) following a Post Graduate Diploma in Law (2001)
Route to Laceys…A biology degree at Southampton University led naturally to a Diploma in Law and that’s when I realised that law was for me
I’m human too…I enjoy most types of music and playing guitar periodically in a couple of bands. I also enjoy photography, fishing, leather jacket motorcycling and fine dining!
Sam Freeman Partner E: s.freeman@laceyssolicitors.co.uk
Practice Areas: Commercial Property, Residential Conveyancing and Employment Law matters
In a nutshell…I act on behalf of a wide variety of clients ranging from private individuals to National Companies doing largely property transactions
Some specifics…I specialise in the acquisition and sale of business and commercial properties
Recent projects…I have recently acted in respect of several multi-million pound share sales and business purchases
Professional associations…Young Solicitors Group
Qualifications and experience…Solicitor (2005) LLB (Hons)
Route to Laceys…I joined Laceys in 2003 as a trainee lawyer
I’m human too…I am a sports fanatic. I particularly enjoy playing football and cricket and horse riding
In a nutshell…I act for clients in the preparation of wills and for administrators dealing with the administration and distribution of estates
Some specifics…I also deal with tax planning, both lifetime and by Will
Qualifications and experience…Solicitor (2001) LLB (Hons)
Route to Laceys…My background is in dealing with matters relating to elderly clients and their finance. I have worked in the Legal Department at Bournemouth Council and then did my training contract with Laceys
I’m human too…I just love ten pin bowling and pub quizzes
John Masterson Assistant Solicitor E: j.masterson@laceyssolicitors.co.uk
Practice Areas: Family Law and legal matters relating to children
In a nutshell…I act for those clients who are going through difficult times in their relationships
Some specifics…I specialise in issues relating to children, their residence and contact difficulties
Recent projects…I acted for a very young child in Care proceedings instituted by the Local Authority and helped to secure the child’s return to her parents
Professional associations…I am on the Law Society Children Panel, the Law Society Family Law Panel and a Member of Resolution ( formerly the Solicitors Family Law Association)
Qualifications and experience…Solicitor (1977) LLB (1975))
Route to Laceys…After 22 years in partnership with another Dorset firm I decided to move East and joined Laceys in 2005.
I’m human too…I enjoy running marathons (albeit quite slowly), playing golf (badly), lovingly tinkering with my old MG and real ale. I live in Dorchester with my wife and two children.
Jason Smith Assistant Solicitor j.smith@laceyssolicitors.co.uk
Practice Areas: Residential Conveyancing and Lease Extensions
In a nutshell...I act for clients on their sale, purchase or remortgage of residential flats and houses. I also deal with statutory and non statutory residential flat lease extensions
Professional Associations...I am a member of the Bournemouth and District Law Society
Qualifications and experience...Solicitor (2005) LLB (HONS)
Route to Laceys...Following qualification I specialised in property work in particular residential conveyancing and plot sales for local developers before joining Laceys
In a nutshell...I am married and have two beautiful young children. My pastimes are sporty and include jogging, gymnastics, golf and cycling. My favourite sport is wakeboarding and you will see me practising this in Bournemouth bay when the sun shines!
In a nutshell...I help my clients to buy, sell, remortgage and transfer equity in both freehold and leasehold residential properties
Qualifications and experience...Solicitor (2007) LLB (Hons)
Route to Laceys...After successfully completing my Law Degree I attended the Legal Practice Course at Bournemouth University and joined Laceys in September 2005 as a Trainee Solicitor
I’m human too…I am a member of Lacey's Netball Team and enjoy yoga to keep fit and relax. I am also a big fan of Formula One Racing and love shopping, films and holidays in the sun
Nick Dancer Assistant Solicitor n.dancer@laceyssolicitors.co.uk
Practice Areas... Commercial Property & Residential Conveyancing
In a nutshell...I act for a range of clients in commercial leasehold transactions and also on the sale and acquisition of businesses.
Qualifications and experience...Solicitor (2008) LLB (Hons)
Route to Laceys...I joined Laceys as a trainee solicitor in 2006.
II enjoy all sports and in particular playing football and cricket throughout the year. I also coach a youth football team in my spare time.
David Audis Assistant Solicitor d.audis@laceyssolicitors.co.uk
Practice Areas : Employment Law and Commercial Disputes
In a nutshell :I act for a wide range of clients with employment and contractual disputes. As a new member of the team I am also gaining experience by assisting the partners in the litigation department. I am therefore involved in matters concerning a variety of commercial disputes and provide advice on various Landlord and Tenant matters.
Qualifications :Solicitor (2008) LLB (Hons) LLM
Route to Laceys :I completed the Legal Practice Course at the Guildford branch of the College of Law. I then joined Laceys as a Trainee Solicitor in 2006.
II enjoy setting myself challenges, I have taken part in expeditions in North Wales and Tanzania. Recently I ran the London Marathon and hope to complete the Three Peaks Challenge in the near future. I enjoy watching and playing a variety of sports including football, rugby and tennis.
Sara Gilak Assistant Solicitor E:s.gilak@laceyssolicitors.co.uk
Practice Areas... Family Law
In a nutshell...I act for clients in respect of all family matters including divorce, dissolution of civil partnerships, children issues, financial issues and injunctions
Qualifications and experience...Solicitor(2009) LLB (Hons)
Route to Laceys...I completed my law degree at Kings College London in 2005 and then completed the Legal Practice Course at Bournemouth University. I joined Laceys as a Trainee Solicitor in 2007
II enjoy playing tennis when the weather is good!..also going swimming, cooking and reading
Qualifications and experience...I have been a practising solicitor for over 30 years
Brian Jones Consultant E: m.timberlake@laceyssolicitors.co.uk T: 01202 557256
Practice Area: Landlord and Tenant, including all matters dealing with residential flats
In a nutshell... I advise on a direct and consultancy basis on a variety of Landlord and Tenant matters
Professional associations... Fellow of the Institute of Legal Executives (1993)and Fellow of the Institute of Residential Property Management
Qualifications and experience... Honorary Legal Adviser to the Institute of Residential Property Management.
Regular seminar speaker for example with the Association of Residential Managing Agents, the Association of Retirement Housing Managers and the Leasehold Advisory Service.
Articles: Estates Gazette and the Legal Executive Journal and a regular column for the Association of Residential Managing Agents’ Quarter Day.
Books:
Right to Manage and Service Charges: The New Regime and Enforcing Covenants -- detailing the legal and practical consequences of the Commonhold & Leasehold Reform Act 2002 (both published by EG Books)
Board of Governors of the Institute of Residential Property Management (2003)
Recipient of the 2005 ARMA Award from the Association of Residential Managing Agents
Route to Laceys... I have practised Landlord and Tenant law since 1988 and was formerly Head of Landlord and Tenant Litigation at both Shoosmiths and Pye-Smiths
In a nutshell…I act for private clients dealing with a range of their matters including wills, probate, powers of attorney, Court of Protection, taxation and trust work
Some specifics…I act for private clients of all ages with particular emphasis on inheritance tax planning and I specialise in the areas affecting the elderly, their families and carers
Recent projects…Over the last few years I have successfully pursued complex statutory wills through the Court of Protection for mentally incapacitated clients who were unable to make their own decisions
Professional associations…Fellow of the Institute of Legal Executives and a Member of the Society of Trust & Estate Practioners
Qualifications and experience…Legal Executive (1985) and commenced legal training and employment in 1977
Route to Laceys…I started my legal work in Somerset where I was born, moved to Dorset in 1980, then onwards to Gibraltar for 2 years where I worked for an international firm of lawyers on both home and offshore projects. On returning to the UK I worked in Wimborne and eventually came to Laceys in 2001
I’m human too…I’m married with four step-children. When time permits I enjoy escaping the British climate, relaxing in the sun, reading and music…. and with a bit of organisation, all at the same time!
In a nutshell…I act for clients who are experiencing matrimonial and separation problems
Some specifics…I specialise in matters which arise as a result of both married and unmarried couples separating. These include children disputes, injunction proceedings and financial settlements
Professional associations…Fellow of the Institute of Legal Executives
An elected Committee Member of the Bournemouth and District Branch of ILEX
Qualifications and experience…I have had some years of experience in family law matters since commencing work in the firm’s Family Law Department in 2000
Route to Laceys…I commenced work at Laceys in 1999 and have progressed with the firm since then
I’m human too…I love most types of music, socialising and reading. I also enjoy keeping fit at the gym and walking my American bulldog
Sarah Derwish Legal Executive E: s.derwish@laceyssolicitors.co.uk
Practice Areas: Civil Litigation and Landlord and Tenant Law
In a nutshell…I act for clients who wish to recover outstanding debts and Landlord clients (or their Managing Agents) who wish to gain possession of their property or recover rent arrears I also act for tenants in blocks of flats who wish to purchase the freehold of the property or set up a ‘Right to Manage’ Company and for clients who wish to extend their Leases
Recent projects…I have been involved in Leasehold Valuation Tribunal proceedings and court proceedings relating to complex collective enfranchisement matters
Professional associations…Fellow of the Institute of Legal Executives
Qualifications and experience…I have six years experience with debt recovery matters and four and a half years in dealing with collective enfranchisement cases
Route to Laceys…I worked in Accounts before deciding to train as a Legal Executive
I’m human too…I enjoy singing and playing the keyboard, reading and playing squash
In a nutshell…I act for clients in the Private Client Department on a range of matters
Some specifics…I specialise in dealing with Enduring Powers of Attorney and Tax Returns for Trustees and Private clients. I also make applications to the Court of Protection for the appointment of Receivers or Attorneys to look after the financial affairs of clients who are not longer mentally able to do so themselves
Qualifications and experience…I joined Laceys in 1977 and I have been a Paralegal with Laceys since 1984
