By Location
By Service
Our People
Andrew Linton
Managing Partner
Solicitor
Dispute Resolution
Employment
Office : Tunbridge Wells
01892 502 323alinton@bussmurton.co.uk
Profile
Andrew joined Buss Murton Law in 1995 and in 2015 became the firm’s Managing Partner. He is the head of the Employment Department, acting for both employers and employees. Specialising in providing advice to employers on all aspects of employment law ranging from employment contracts for their senior executives to group redundancy arrangements; he also advises senior executives on their terms of engagement, revisions to their terms and conditions and, where necessary, negotiating their severance packages.
Andrew has experience of all forms of dispute resolution ranging from the Employment Tribunal through mediation and arbitration to High Court action.
Expertise
Exit negotiations
Employment contracts
Service contracts
Settlement agreements
Redundancy
Disciplinary and grievances
Staff handbooks
Discrimination and equal opportunities
Employment Tribunal claims
Dismissals
Business reorganisations and redundancy
Restrictive covenants and business protection
Maternity and paternity rights
Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations
Alternative Contact:
Gemma Barker
01892 502 385
gbarker@bussmurton.co.uk
LinkedIn Profile
Articles
- How Uber Is Transforming Employment Law in the UK
- The end of zero-hour contracts?
- Christina Bassett appointed Branch Manager at Buss Murton’s East Grinstead Office
- Buss Murton announces Kerry Carter’s appointment to Partner
- Breaking up is hard to do
- Criminal sanctions for residential landlords who breach the right to rent scheme that came into force on 1 December 2016.
- Managing Partner Andrew Linton talks to the Times of Tunbridge Wells
- Dunorlan Fireworks 2016
- Buss Murton Announces Four Partnership Promotions
- Neighbours: When the Red Mist Descends, Don’t Let Costs Go Down the Drain
Memberships
- Employment Lawyers Association
Helen Batt
Partner
Chartered Legal Executive
Residential Property
Office : Tunbridge Wells
01892 502 376hbatt@bussmurton.co.uk
Profile
Helen joined Buss Murton in 2008, and became a partner in 2016. She is a member of the Institute of Legal Executives and qualified with a distinction in Conveyancing Law and Practice, as well as in 3 other heads of her ILEX exams in 2012.
The majority of work Helen undertakes on a day-to-day basis is dealing with: freehold and leasehold residential sales and purchases, unregistered land, shared ownership purchases, sales of part of land, equity releases, mortgages and remortgages, joint ownership agreements, assured shorthold tenancy agreements, deeds of variation and lease extensions.
Helen has established proactive relationships with local estate agents to ensure that clients receive a seamless service in dealing with their most valuable asset.
Expertise
Sale and Purchase of Freehold and Leasehold properties
Unregistered land
Shared ownership schemes
Assured shorthold tenancy agreements
Deeds of variation
Mortgages and remortgages
Lease extensions
All non-contentious residential property work
Alternative Contact:
Jo Marshall
01892 502 377
jmarshall@bussmurton.co.uk
LinkedIn Profile
Articles
- Stamp Duty Changes July 2020
- Final Call for Help to Buy ISAs
- Varying charges between solicitors on conveyancing quotes?
Kerry Carter
Partner
Associate Chartered Legal Executive
Private Client
Residential Property
Office : Cranbrook
01892 502 304kcarter@bussmurton.co.uk
Profile
Kerry is an Associate Chartered Legal Executive in the Property and Private Client departments. After obtaining a First Class BA degree in Politics from Southbank University in 1993, Kerry went on to study Law and qualified as a Fellow in 2004 whilst working at a firm in Chancery Lane, London, specialising in property matters. Kerry became a Partner in 2017.
Kerry has many years experience advising in all areas of residential property work including: freehold and leasehold property, unregistered land, equity release advice, new-build developments, shared ownership, declarations of trust, powers of attorney, transfers of equity, sales of land, auction properties, leasehold enfranchisement and the Help to Buy scheme. She has extensive experience in dealing with high value transactions and the accompanying complexities of dealing with listed buildings together with associated land.
Kerry also advises on all areas of Private Client work including Wills, Probate and Lasting Powers of Attorney, as well as post death Deeds of Variation in relation to Inheritance and Capital Gains Tax.
Expertise
Residential Property
High value transactions and the accompanying complexities of dealing with listed buildings together with associated land
Sale and Purchase of Freehold and Leasehold properties
Unregistered land
Equity release
Newbuild developments
Shared ownership schemes
Declarations of Trust
Transfers of equity
Sales of land
Auction properties
Leasehold enfranchisement
Help to Buy scheme
Bridging finance
All non-contentious residential property work
Private Client
Wills
Probate
Lasting Powers of Attorney
Post death Deeds of Variation in relation to Inheritance and Capital Gains Tax
Commercial Property
Commercial leases
Lease assignments
Option agreements
Promotion agreements
Commercial mortgages
Bridging finance
Alternative Contact:
Kathy Kell
01892 502 397
kkell@bussmurton.co.uk
LinkedIn Profile
Articles
- Residential Property FAQs
- Solar Panels: Will They Have a Positive or Negative Impact on Your Property?
Melanie den Brinker
Partner
Barrister and Collaborative Lawyer
Family and Divorce
Office : Tunbridge Wells and East Grinstead
01892 502 326mdenbrinker@bussmurton.co.uk
Profile
Melanie was called to the Bar in 1984. For over 10 years she practised as a Barrister in a specialist set of London family law chambers, regularly appearing in the High Court and conducting a number of cases in the Court of Appeal.
Having taken a career break to care for her children, in 2003 she joined the Buss Murton family team as a consultant barrister. Her expertise and wide experience gained both from her time at the Bar and at Buss Murton, enable her to assist and advise on all areas of family law. She now specialises in high net worth financial cases and in complex children cases including those where a parent wishes to move abroad with children.
Melanie is one of the area’s most experienced and active collaborative lawyers and, where possible, strongly supports the resolution of issues through negotiation, rather than through the courts. She is a founding member of the local collaborative lawyers’ group and has given lectures to other family lawyers on collaborative law. Melanie is a member of Resolution (the organisation of family lawyers) and strongly supports the association’s aim to resolve issues in as fair and amicable way as possible.
Expertise
Divorce and civil partnership
Arrangements for children on divorce and separation
Financial arrangements on divorce and separation
Co-habitation and Separation Agreements
Removal from the jurisdiction
Change of Name
Pre and Post Nuptial Agreements
Alternative Contact:
Josephine Bryer
01892 502 337
jbryer@bussmurton.co.uk
LinkedIn Profile
Articles
- Child Arrangements Orders in the UK: What You Need to Know
- How to choose your divorce lawyer
- How to share Christmas
- Varying Spousal Maintenance Payments after Divorce
- Putting Children First: Should their views be heard in Court?
- “Dr Foster” – How NOT to separate!
- Summer holidays – the last straw?
- Transgender father denied the right to see his children
- First baby showers and now divorce parties are coming to the UK!
- Is there such a thing as a ‘good divorce’?
Memberships
- Resolution (the national organisation of family lawyers)
Daldeep Jaswal
Partner
Solicitor
Commercial Property
Office : Tunbridge Wells
01892 502 324djaswal@bussmurton.co.uk
Profile
After obtaining an LLB honours degree in Law at the University of Kent at Canterbury in 2000 and successfully completing the Legal Practice Course at the College of Law in London, Daldeep (known as ‘Dal’) joined Buss Murton in September 2001 as a Trainee Solicitor and qualified in 2003.
At the age of 25, Dal set up Buss Murton’s first standalone Commercial Property Department. Three years later he became one of the youngest Solicitors to be appointed Partner at Buss Murton. Dal is now the Partner in charge of the Property Department across its four offices, the firm’s Senior Responsible Officer for its Conveyancing Quality Scheme accreditation and he is also the Training Supervisor for the firm’s Trainee Solicitors.
Dal specialises in advising commercial clients on their property needs, in particular, landlords, tenants, developers and financiers.
Expertise
Commercial Property
Acting for landlords and tenants in relation to commercial leasehold premises
Acting for developers acquiring, disposing or refinancing land and in relation to site assembly
Acting for banks, independent lenders and other financiers in relation to property financing
Sales and purchases of freehold and leasehold business premises
Advising both developers and land owners on option agreements
Residential Property
Advising in relation to the residential conveyancing process and matters
Alternative Contact:
Sharon Jenner
01892 502 364
sjenner@bussmurton.co.uk
LinkedIn Profile
Articles
- Daldeep Jaswal elected President of the Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge and District Law Society
- BREXIT: What Does the Future Hold for the Property Market?
- Homeowners Beware of Fraudsters
- Government Extends Permission to Convert Office to Residential Developments
Memberships
- President of Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge & District Law Society
- Royal Tunbridge Wells Round Table
Alex Lee
Partner
Solicitor
Company and Commercial
Employment
Office : Tunbridge Wells
01892 502 362alee@bussmurton.co.uk
Profile
Alex leads the Company/Commercial team at Buss Murton. He joined the firm in 2012 from his own boutique corporate firm that he started up in 2010, bringing with him 20 years’ experience in leadership positions as in-house corporate counsel for such companies as FremantleMedia Limited (the makers of the X Factor and Grand Designs) and as Head of Corporate Strategy and General Counsel for the Jamie Oliver group of companies. Educated in New Zealand and the UK, and having worked with global organisations, Alex has gained significant experience, and led and contributed to high profile international media acquisitions and business strategy.
As a result, Alex is not only able to advise on the legal aspects of an enterprise’s business, but is also able to bring a unique perspective having been involved in the operational aspects of those enterprises. In addition to these insights, Alex has also been at the heart of a number of change management projects, and led transformation and integration initiatives.
With this wealth of experience, Alex can advise on a broad spectrum of company and commercial law. These include corporate and business acquisition and disposals, debt financings, corporate finance, insolvency, restructuring, and corporate governance right through to employment (non-contentious and contentious), commercial contracts, agency arrangements, data protection and intellectual property.
Alex brings to the firm the passion he also exhibits in his interest in sailing and classical guitar. Originally qualifying in New Zealand, he still supports the All Blacks (and everyone else playing Australia). He qualified as a solicitor in the UK in 1990 and obtained a Masters of Law from the London School of Economics in 1991. He regularly speaks on such subjects as the legal and business impacts of social media, data protection and cybersecurity.
Expertise
Company Commercial
Incorporations
Corporate and business acquisition and disposals
Debt financings
Corporate finance
Insolvency
Restructuring
Corporate governance through to employment
Shareholder agreements
Cross Option arrangements
LLP Incorporation
LLP Agreements
Employee shareholder arrangements
Commercial contracts
Agency arrangements
Intellectual property
Exploitation and protection
IT and website development
Data protection
Franchising
Dispute resolution
Employment
Employment contracts
Service contracts
Settlement agreements
Redundancy
Disciplinary and grievances
Staff handbooks
Business reorganisation and redundancy
Employment Tribunal claims
Dismissals
Consultancy agreements
Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations
Employee share schemes
Alternative Contact:
Harriet Chivers
01892 502 366
hchivers@bussmurton.co.uk
LinkedIn Profile
Articles
- Employment Update – April 2020
- CBILs (Coronavirus Business Interruption Loans) and Guarantees
- Furlough – Getting it right
- COVID-19: Advice for businesses in turbulent times
- The Problem with Sole Director-Shareholder Companies using Table A Articles
- The General Data Protection Regulation – It’s Coming Ready or Not
- Compensation for Late Payments of Commercial Debts
- Employment Tribunal Fees Decreed Unlawful
- When is a Contract a Contract?
- Limitation Period for Loans
Alex Smith
Partner
Head of Finance & Operations
Office : Tunbridge Wells
01892 502 309asmith@bussmurton.co.uk
Profile
Alex joined Buss Murton in 2007 as a Business Analyst having previously worked in the shipping industry. Thereafter he headed up Buss Murton’s IT and Management Information Team, then became Financial Controller in 2013, and was appointed as the firm’s Practice Manager in June 2015. In June 2016, following the firm’s move to an Alternative Business Structure, Alex was appointed the firm’s first non-lawyer Equity Partner.
Alex oversees all aspects of finance & operations at Buss Murton and acts as the firm’s Compliance Officer for Finance and Administration (COFA).
Alternative Contact:
Sarah Churchward (PA)
01892 502 328
schurchward@bussmurton.co.uk
LinkedIn Profile
Edward Walter
Partner
Solicitor
Private Client
Office : Tunbridge Wells
01892 502 320ewalter@bussmurton.co.uk
Profile
Edward is a Partner in the Private Client Department. He started practising Private Client Law in 2000, initially as a solicitor in a well-known firm in Tonbridge and thereafter with several well-known East Sussex firms before joining Buss Murton in July 2014. Edward became a Partner in 2015.
He advises and acts on all aspects of Inheritance tax planning and Capital Gains tax planning. He also acts in Probate administration matters and post death Variations for Inheritance tax and Capital Gains tax purposes. He also regularly advises clients regarding the making of their Wills, Powers of Attorney, Lasting Powers of Attorney, Declarations of Trust with respect to client’s properties.
He undertakes the full range of advice and work with respect to Trusts and advises on associated tax implications of those actions. He also advises generally on (tax) domicile and residence issues.
He regularly advises and acts on the registration of Lasting and Enduring Powers of Attorney, the making of Statutory Wills and gift applications at the Court of Protection.
Expertise
Inheritance Tax Planning
Capital Gains Tax Planning
Wills
Probate and estate administration
Lasting Powers of Attorney
Declarations of Trust
Court of Protection
Estate Planning
Taxation advice
Succession strategies
Residence and domicile matters
Trusts
Alternative Contact:
Emily Luker
01892 502 346
eluker@bussmurton.co.uk
Paula Craske
01892 502 392
pcraske@bussmurton.co.uk
LinkedIn Profile
Articles
- A Tale of Two Deeds of Variations – Part 2
- A Tale of Two Deeds of Variations
- Changes to intestacy rules
- What can possibly go wrong with a standard life insurance policy, and what can be done about it?
- Digital LPAs and why, for now, we are not using them
- Illustration of ‘unexpected Capital Gains Tax issues’ arising…
- The LPA amendment Bill – what it means for you and yours
- Life assurance policies and investments written in trust – what happens next?
- The effects not having an appropriate Will can have on your adult children
- Making a Will where you know there’s trouble ahead
Gail Anthony
Associate Licensed Conveyancer
Residential Property
Office : Tunbridge Wells
01892 502 303ganthony@bussmurton.co.uk
Profile
Gail is a Licensed Conveyancer in the Residential Property Department. She acts for clients in all areas of residential conveyancing and specialises in dealing with purchases through the Government Help to Buy Schemes for clients. Other areas which Gail has experience in are equity release schemes, transfers of equity, lease extensions and remortgage transactions.
Gail joined Buss Murton in July 2014 having previously worked at another Kent firm for 12 years where she worked her way from a Secretary to a Conveyancing Assistant. In January 2012, she began studying to become a Licensed Conveyancer and qualified in September 2015.
Expertise
Sale and Purchase of Freehold and Leasehold properties
Shared ownership schemes
Government Help to Buy Scheme
Equity release schemes
Transfers of equity
Lease extensions
Mortgages and remortgages
All non-contentious residential property work
Alternative Contact:
Cathy Murphy
01892 502 335
cmurphy@bussmurton.co.uk
LinkedIn Profile
Articles
Memberships
- Council for Licensed Conveyancers
Amy Bryant
Trainee Solicitor
Private Client
Office : Tunbridge Wells
01892 502 361abryant@bussmurton.co.uk
Profile
Amy joined our offices in September 2022 completing her first seat in Company and Commercial and Commercial Property, and her second seat in Employment and Litigation. Amy is now completing her third seat at Buss Murton within the Private Client Department.
Amy graduated from Royal Holloway with a first class degree in History. She subsequently attended the University of Law, Guildford where she completed the Graduate Diploma in Law achieving a commendation. She then went on to complete the Legal Practise Course, in which she achieved a distinction.
During her studies Amy worked with the Citizens Advice Bureau in an administration role and as a Help to Claim Advisor. Additionally, she was self-employed working as a part-time swimming teacher.
Laura Chapman
Paralegal
Private Client
Office : Tunbridge Wells
01892 502 356lchapman@bussmurton.co.uk
Profile
Laura graduated from the University of Bristol with a law degree in 2011 and went on to complete the Legal Practice Course at the College of Law in London. During her academic studies Laura was a student member of the University of Bristol Pro Bono Law Clinic and volunteered at the College of Law with their LawWorks Mediation Scheme.
Following her legal studies, Laura gained experience as a paralegal at a family law firm in East Sussex. She then moved to another Kent law firm and worked as a probate legal secretary before being promoted to a legal assistant within the department. Laura joined Buss Murton in November 2015 and is a member of the Private Client team.
Expertise
Court of Protection
Probate and estate administration
Lasting Powers of Attorney
Alternative Contact:
Emily Luker
01892 502 346
eluker@bussmurton.co.uk
Paula Craske
01892 502 392
pcraske@bussmurton.co.uk
Jemini Chavda
Solicitor
Private Client
Office : East Grinstead
01892 502 342jchavda@bussmurton.co.uk
Profile
Jemini qualified as a solicitor in March 2020 and joined our East Grinstead office in January 2022. Jemini advises on a variety of private client work including Wills, inheritance tax planning, Powers of Attorney and estate administration. She is also an Associate Member of Solicitors for the Elderly (SFE).
Prior to qualifying, Jemini obtained a First Class LLB with Honours (Law with Business) at University of Brighton and a Distinction (Legal Practice Course) at University of Law, Guildford.
Jemini thoroughly enjoys meeting people and assisting them in making decisions and providing them with peace of mind, often during difficult times.
Outside of the office, Jemini loves spending time with her husband and two children.
Expertise
Wills
Inheritance Tax Planning
Lasting Powers of Attorney
Probate and estate administration
Alternative Contact:
Moira Clarke
01892 502 339
mclarke@bussmurton.co.uk
LinkedIn Profile
Articles
- New Year’s Resolutions
- When might a trust be useful?
- Cohabitation and Later Life Planning
- Digital assets in later life planning
- Review Your Will
Memberships
- Associate Member of Solicitors for the Elderly (SFE)
Profile
For the bulk of his career Alex has specialised in Estate Planning work for families, individuals, trustees and owner-managed businesses. This includes advice on taxation (mainly capital taxes such as IHT and CGT,) succession strategies, residence and domicile matters, Wills and Trusts.
Alex has a specialty in law for charities, advising many, both large and small, on their constitutional affairs, taxation and general commercial contracts. It helps that Alex has been the Chairman of a Hospice and is trustee of three other charities and has therefore hands-on experience of the issues that charities face day-to-day.
Alex has many years’ experience representing individuals who have lost the capacity to make decisions concerning their personal and financial affairs. He has been appointed by the Court of Protection to be Deputy (formerly Receiver) to a wide range of individuals in that role. Alex qualified in 1973 and after 18 years as a Partner in a provincial firm in Sussex, moved to London to join Campbell Hooper in Westminster. There he was a Partner and Head of the Private Client Department, a post he held for 10 years.
Expertise
Private Client
Estate Planning
Taxation advice
Succession strategies
Residence and domicile matters
Wills
Trusts
Charities
Constitutional affairs
Alternative Contact:
Emily Luker
01892 502 346
eluker@bussmurton.co.uk
Paula Craske
01892 502 392
pcraske@bussmurton.co.uk
Graham Edwards
Consultant Solicitor
Private Client
Office : Tunbridge Wells
01892 502 306gedwards@bussmurton.co.uk
Profile
Graham joined Buss Murton in December 2003 having previously practised in Bromley and Dartford.
Graham qualified in 1980 and has since the early 1990s specialised in non-contentious Private Client work in particular estate administration, the drafting of Wills, the administration of the affairs of the elderly and contested and non-contested applications to the Court of Protection on behalf of those incapable of dealing with their own affairs. He has also acted as a Professional Deputy approved by the Court of Protection and as a Professional Attorney
Graham is a Consultant Solicitor and a previous Partner in the firm and having spent 5 years at the Tunbridge Wells office, he then headed up the Cranbrook office and Private Client team there and then took on the role of managing the Dartford Office before his return to Tunbridge Wells in December 2019.
Graham is also the Treasurer and occasional player for Meopham Cricket Club, one of the oldest Cricket Clubs in Kent. He is also a keen football and rugby spectator, although does regularly play 5 a side football for those above a certain age!
Expertise
Private Client
Estate Administration, Taxation and Distribution
Deeds of Variation of Estate
Wills
Administration of the affairs of the Elderly
Court of Protection applications (both contested and non-contested)
Lasting Powers of Attorney (both creation and registration and operation)
Alternative Contact:
Emily Luker
01892 502 346
eluker@bussmurton.co.uk
Paula Craske
01892 502 392
pcraske@bussmurton.co.uk
LinkedIn Profile
Sohret Haffenden
Solicitor
Private Client
Office : Tunbridge Wells
01892 502 344shaffenden@bussmurton.co.uk
Profile
Sohret qualified as a solicitor in September 2018, having completed her training at a local firm in Tunbridge Wells and Sevenoaks. Sohret joined the Tunbridge Wells office in 2023. Sohret advises on a variety of private client work including Wills, Intestacy, Inheritance Tax planning, Powers of Attorney and estate administration.
Sohret aims to build lasting legal relationships with her clients and prides herself in her ability to empathise with her clients and tailor her service to their individual needs.
Outside of the office, Sohret spends time with her husband and two children and enjoys being outdoors
Expertise
Inheritance Tax Planning
Wills
Probate and Estate Administration
Lasting Powers of Attorney
Estate Planning
Lucy Head
Associate Solicitor
Private Client
Office : Tunbridge Wells
01892 502 372lhead@bussmurton.co.uk
Profile
Lucy advises on all aspects of private client work including Wills, probate and lasting powers of attorney. She qualified as a Solicitor in 2007 having completed her training at a local Sussex firm. Lucy subsequently worked “in house” for Lloyds Bank as an estates administrator and also within their legal team advising on technical issues relating to Wills, probate and trusts. Lucy joined Buss Murton in 2014.
Lucy now concentrates on Probate work and deals with a wide range of cases from straight forward low value cases to more complex work such as estates with agricultural land or business assets.
Expertise
Wills
Probate and estate administration
Lasting Powers of Attorney
Court of Protection
Alternative Contact:
Emily Luker
01892 502 346
eluker@bussmurton.co.uk
Paula Craske
01892 502 392
pcraske@bussmurton.co.uk
LinkedIn Profile
Articles
Sarah Karam
Trainee Solicitor
Residential Property
Office : Tunbridge Wells
01892 502 360skaram@bussmurton.co.uk
Profile
Sarah is a Trainee Solicitor who joined the firm in January 2022 as a Paralegal in our Tunbridge Wells office. Sarah is on her fourth seat within the firm, within Residential Property; having previously completed her seats in Company & Commercial, Employment & Litigation and Private Client.
She previously worked in contentious and non-contentious areas of family law, and at a litigation specialist firm before joining Buss Murton.
Sarah graduated from Bournemouth University in 2020 in LLB Law. She subsequently went on to complete the Legal Practice Course and obtained a Masters of Law from the University of Law in 2021, achieving a Distinction.
Michaela Lewer
Solicitor
Private Client
Office : Tunbridge Wells
01892 502 349mlewer@bussmurton.co.uk
Profile
Michaela is a solicitor in the Private Client Department at our Tunbridge Wells office. Michaela started practising as a fee earner in London in 2006 doing Wills and Powers of Attorney. She graduated with distinction in her GDL and LPC from BPP University College, and qualified as a solicitor in 2013 after successfully completing her training contract at a London firm and local Tunbridge Wells firm. Michaela subsequently worked for Richard Wilson Long Solicitors, McMillan Williams Solicitors, and Bishop Akers Solicitors before joining Buss Murton Law in 2021.
Michaela advises and acts on all aspects of private client work, including Wills, Lasting Powers of Attorney, estate administration, deeds of variation, declarations of trusts and inheritance tax planning.
Alternative Contact:
Emily Luker
01892 502 346
eluker@bussmurton.co.uk
Paula Craske
01892 502 392
pcraske@bussmurton.co.uk
Jonathan Manser
Associate Legal Executive
Dispute Resolution
Employment
Office : Tunbridge Wells
01892 502 359jmanser@bussmurton.co.uk
Profile
Jonathan graduated from the University of Portsmouth in 2009 with an upper second-class bachelor’s degree in Law with business studies.
He qualified as a Fellow Member of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives in 2019 and was promoted to partner in his previous firm in August 2019, prior to joining Buss Murton in 2022 as an Associate.
Jonathan specialises in Dispute Resolution and has a wide range of experience including in landlord and tenant disputes, property disputes, planning issues, company and commercial, consumer law, employment issues, defamation and civil harassment claims.
Jonathan takes a pragmatic approach to litigation, ensuring that the most efficient and cost effective courses are pursued.
Expertise
Landlord and tenant disputes
Property disputes
Boundary disputes
Planning issues
Consumer law
Employment issues
Defamation
Civil harassment claims
Alternative Contact:
Bethan Sutch
01892 502 369
bsutch@bussmurton.co.uk
Carys Gowers
01892 502 370
cgowers@bussmurton.co.uk
Richard McCulloch
Paralegal
Dispute Resolution
Office : Tunbridge Wells
01892 502 368rmcculloch@bussmurton.co.uk
Profile
Richard joined Buss Murton’s Dispute Resolution in November 2023 and is based in our Tunbridge Wells office.
Richard completed a Graduate Diploma in Law in January 2023, achieving a distinction. He then took his SQE in July 2023.
Before beginning his career in law, Richard completed a History degree at Leeds University; after which he worked in marketing, business development and education management. He spent time living and working in Spain, France, Mexico and Australia.
In his free time, Richard is an avid reader, a reluctant jogger and an enthusiastic chef.
Alternative Contact:
Bethan Sutch
01892 502 359
bsutch@bussmurton.co.uk
Carys Gowers
01892 502 370
cgowers@bussmurton.co.uk
Alexandra Miles
Solicitor
Family and Divorce
Office : Tunbridge Wells and East Grinstead
01892502337amiles@bussmurton.co.uk
Profile
Alexandra is a Solicitor in the Family department who joined the firm in September 2019. Alexandra qualified as a Solicitor in October 2021.
Alexandra completed her Graduate Diploma in Law at BPP University, Holborn and achieved a Commendation. She then completed her Legal Practice Course, also at BPP, and achieved a Distinction.
Prior to this, Alexandra completed a BSc degree in Animal Behaviour at the University of Plymouth. Whilst studying for her legal qualifications she worked as a Team Assistant in the Finance and Corporate Property sectors.
Alternative Contact:
Josephine Bryer
01892 502 337
jbryer@bussmurton.co.uk
LinkedIn Profile
Articles
Paula Savage
Senior Conveyancer
Residential Property
Office : Cranbrook
01892 502 358psavage@bussmurton.co.uk
Profile
Paula is an experienced conveyancer and has worked locally around Maidstone for over 25 years. Paula has established a good working relationship with local agents and is known to agents in the Cranbrook and surrounding areas too. Paula has built up good relationships with many repeat clients, along with being recommended to their friends and family.
Expertise
Freehold and leasehold sales and purchase
Acquisition of land
New build purchase matters
Re-mortgage transactions
First Registration applications
Transfer of equity and matrimonial transfers
With a professional but friendly approach, help and assist clients through their home moves as stress free and smoothly as possible
Margaret Sculpher
Associate Solicitor
Solicitor
Family and Divorce
Office : Cranbrook
01892 502 354msculpher@bussmurton.co.uk
Profile
Margaret qualified as a solicitor in 1995, and since has enhanced her expertise practising as a family solicitor in local firms. She joined Buss Murton’s Cranbrook office in May 2020 and is currently qualifying as a Family Mediator. As a collaborative lawyer and member of Resolution, Margaret is fair and realistic in her approach and aims to resolve family matters in an amicable and constructive manner wherever possible.
Margaret sits on the committee for Resolution Kent. She lives locally and is familiar with Cranbrook and the surrounding villages.
Margaret offers clients a 30 minute free initial meeting which will enable you to consider your options and the best approach for you without obligation – please feel free to contact Margaret or her secretary Rosalin Pook to discuss.
Expertise
Divorce and civil partnership
Arrangements for children on divorce and separation
Financial arrangements on divorce and separation
Co-habitation and Separation Agreements
Removal from the jurisdiction
Change of Name
Pre and Post Nuptial Agreements
Alternative Contact:
Rosalin Pook
01892 502 399
rpook@bussmurton.co.uk
Articles
- Pensions on Divorce
- Technology and Domestic Violence
- Does my Divorce give me a financial clean break?
Memberships
- Resolution (the national organisation of family lawyers)
Stephen Taylor
Associate Solicitor
Commercial Property
Office : Tunbridge Wells
01892 502 343staylor@bussmurton.co.uk
Profile
Stephen joined Buss Murton in 2021 as a Solicitor in the Commercial Property Team. He completed his GDL and LPC at the University of Law, Guildford between 2007 and 2009 before completing his training contract with a large regional firm in West Sussex.
Prior to converting to a career in law, Stephen completed an Economic and Social History degree at the University of Leicester in 2004, following which he worked in the clinical trial industry in both data management and logistics roles.
Stephen deals with a broad range of commercial property work ranging from sales and purchases, landlord and tenant matters, secured lending and development work.
Expertise
Commercial Property
Acting for landlords and tenants in relation to commercial leasehold premises
Acting for developers acquiring, disposing or refinancing land
Acting for charities and housing associations in relation to transactional property work
Acting for self-invested pension schemes in disposal and acquisition of premises
Acting for banks, independent lenders and other financiers in relation to property financing
Sales and purchases of freehold and leasehold commercial premises
Advising both developers and land owners on option and promotion agreements
Dealing with first registration of properties at HM Land Registry
Katie Thompson
Trainee Solicitor
Employment
Dispute Resolution
Office : Tunbridge Wells
01892 502 363kthompson@bussmurton.co.uk
Profile
Katie is a Trainee Solicitor who joined the Tunbridge Wells office in September 2023. Katie’s first seat within the firm will be Employment and Dispute Resolution.
Katie Graduated from Bournemouth University with a first class degree in Law. She subsequently attended the University of Law where she completed the Legal Practice Course whilst also obtaining a Masters of Law, achieving a Distinction.
During her studies, Katie worked at a local authority as a legal assistant and continues to enjoy working with various animal charities.
Amy Turner-Ives
Trainee Legal Executive
Private Client
Office : Cranbrook
01892 502 396aturner-ives@bussmurton.co.uk
Profile
Amy joined Buss Murton in November 2022, having previously worked at other regional firms whilst undertaking her legal studies via the CILEX route. She passed her final Level 6 exam in August 2022 and attained graduate status in March 2023. She will be eligible to apply for fellowship in 2024.
Amy has experience in assisting clients with a variety of different aspects of private client work, including:
- Wills
- Lasting Powers of Attorney
- Deputyship applications
- Applications for Grants of Probate or Letters of Administration
- Administration of a testate or intestate estate
Amy also volunteers for the Alzheimer’s Society as a Dementia Friends Ambassador, delivering information sessions to members of the public with the aim of increasing awareness of dementia and how we can all do something to support those living with dementia in their day-to-day activities.
Alternative Contact:
Andrew Hollamby
01892 502 395
ahollamby@bussmurton.co.uk
Articles
- I have been notified that I am an Executor under the Will of a relative or friend, who has recently passed away. What do I do?
- Gifting out of excess income to save on Inheritance Tax – are you making the most of your financial position?
- To gift or not to gift? The impact of the Autumn Statement on Inheritance Tax
Pia Unwin
Licensed Conveyancer
Residential Property
Office : Cranbrook
01892 502 398punwin@bussmurton.co.uk
Profile
Pia has over 15 years conveyancing experience starting as a trainee legal executive and qualifying as a Licensed Conveyancer in 2017.
Pia deals with all aspects of residential conveyancing including freehold and leasehold sales and purchases of registered and unregistered property, sales of part, newbuild purchases, transfers of equity, remortgages, shared ownership and help to buy schemes.
Expertise
Sales and Purchases of Freehold and Leasehold properties
Unregistered Land
Newbuild Purchases
Shared Ownership sales and purchases
Declarations of Trust
Transfers of Equity
Help to Buy Scheme
Mortgages and Re-Mortgages
Deeds of Variation
Karen White
Associate Solicitor
Residential Property
Office : East Grinstead
01892 502 308kwhite@bussmurton.co.uk
Profile
Karen is a solicitor in the Property department and qualified in 2000, working in Residential Property since that time. Karen has worked in firms in Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire, before coming back to her Sussex roots in 2020. Karen joined Buss Murton in July 2021 and will be working at our East Grinstead branch.
Karen has many years’ experience advising in all areas of residential property work including freehold and leasehold property, unregistered land, equity release advice, shared ownership, transfers of equity, leasehold enfranchisement (agreed only) and the Help to Buy scheme.
Expertise
Residential Property
Sale AND purchase of Freehold and Leasehold properties
Unregistered Land
Equity Release
Shared Ownership schemes
Transfers of Equity
Remortgages
Help to Buy purchases
Agreed (not statutory)
Lease extensions
Patricia Simpson
HR Manager
Human Resources
Office : Tunbridge Wells
01892 502 347humanresources@bussmurton.co.uk
Profile
Pat has worked within a legal environment for many years and qualified as an Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development in August 2006. She is based in Tunbridge Wells and manages the HR function for all of Buss Murton’s offices.
