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 CILEx 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
Beth Martin
01892502378
bmartin@bussmurton.co.uk
LinkedIn Profile
Articles
- Listed Buildings
- Residential Property FAQs – First-Time Buyer
- Stamp Duty Changes July 2020
- Final Call for Help to Buy ISAs
- Varying charges between solicitors on conveyancing quotes?
Kerry Carter
Partner
Chartered Legal Executive
Residential Property
Office : Cranbrook
01892 502 304kcarter@bussmurton.co.uk
Profile
Kerry is a 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 recently been accredited as a CILEx Conveyancing Practitioner.
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
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 family law chambers in London, 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:
Louise Carvell
01892 502 337
lcarvell@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 joined Buss Murton in September 2001 as a Trainee Solicitor and qualified in 2003.
Daldeep set up Buss Murton’s first standalone Commercial Property Department and a short time later became one of the youngest Solicitors to be appointed Partner at Buss Murton. Daldeep is now the Partner in charge of the Property Department across its three 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.
Daldeep 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
- Commercial Property Leases and Security of Tenure – Part II of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954
- 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
- Royal Tunbridge Wells Round Table
- Former President of Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge & District Law Society
- Former Chairman of 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 subjects such 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
- Brand Owner Protection, a Step in the Right Direction
- 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?
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
Beth Ahsunollah
01892 502 348
bahsunollah@bussmurton.co.uk
LinkedIn Profile
Articles
- What are my options if my friend/relative has lost mental capacity and they do not have an LPA?
- Changes to Inheritance Tax Liability
- The Budget and What Next for Farming Families? – Part 2
- The Budget and What Next for Farming Families? – Part 1
- Inheritance Tax and Equity Release – Part 2
- Inheritance Tax and Equity Release – Part 1
- October Budget: changes to pensions and the impact that has on those leaving 10% of their estate to charity
- The Government’s October Budget 2024: Inheritance tax, Wills and those who need to review their Wills.
- Have you got a standard form trust and require advice on what you can do as a trustee? Buss Murton Law can help.
- Care Costs and paying for them – fact amongst the hyperbole
Gail Anthony
Associate Licensed Conveyancer
Residential Property
Office : Tunbridge Wells
01892 502 303ganthony@bussmurton.co.uk
Profile
Gail is an Associate 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 shared ownership 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
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
Jo Marshall
01892 502 377
jmarshall@bussmurton.co.uk
LinkedIn Profile
Articles
- The Government’s Right to Buy Changes
- Auctions, cheap as chips?
- Help to Buy schemes – Everything you need to know
Memberships
- Council for Licensed Conveyancers
Alice Atkins
Paralegal
Commercial Property
Company and Commercial
Office : Tunbridge Wells
01892 502 371aatkins@bussmurton.co.uk
Profile
Alice joined the Buss Murton team as a Paralegal in September 2024. Her first seat at the firm was within our Residential Property department, she is now within Commercial Property for her second seat.
At the University of York, Alice studied Politics and Philosophy and subsequently attended Birkbeck University to complete her Graduate Diploma in Law, achieving a distinction. Alice will be taking her SQE exams in 2024.
During her studies, Alice worked at the NatWest head office in their litigation department, alongside working at Buss Murton within an administration role.
Alice plays netball and rugby and sings regularly.
Samiha Begum
Solicitor
Private Client
Office : Tunbridge Wells
01892 502 345sbegum@bussmurton.co.uk
Profile
Samiha joined our Tunbridge Wells Private Client team in May 2025. Samiha qualified as a Solicitor in September 2024 after training at a regional law firm during which she spent a year in the Private Client department working on a range of Private Client areas such as Wills, Probate and estate administration as well as Lasting Powers of Attorney.
Samiha has chosen to specialise in Private Client as she is passionate about providing excellent care to her clients and prides herself on getting the best outcome possible for each client.
Samiha completed her LLB Law degree at the University of Westminster with First Class honours and then went on to achieve a Commendation in the LPC/LLM.
Outside of the office Samiha enjoys spending time with her family and spending plenty of time outdoors as well as in the gym.
Samiha also enjoys travelling and exploring different cultures and has so far travelled to Bangladesh, Istanbul, Marrakech and Saudi Arabia.
Alternative Contact:
Emily Luker
01892 502 346
eluker@bussmurton.co.uk
Moira Clarke
01892 502 339
mclarke@bussmurton.co.uk
Melisa Bicimli
Trainee Solicitor
Private Client
Office : Tunbridge Wells
01892 502 357mbicimli@bussmurton.co.uk
Profile
Melisa joined our Tunbridge Wells office, as part of our Company and Commercial team in February 2024, as a Paralegal. She has now began her training contract with the firm and is within our Private Client team.
Melisa graduated from London Southbank University with a first-class degree in Law. She subsequently attended BPP University, Holborn where she completed the Legal Practice Course whilst also obtaining a Master of Law, achieving a Distinction.
During her studies, Melisa worked in the BPP Legal Advice Clinic as a Student Legal Advisor where she provided legal advice on business law matters alongside qualified lawyers.
Barney Bose
Solicitor
Employment
Dispute Resolution
Office : Tunbridge Wells
01892 502 367bbose@bussmurton.co.uk
Profile
Barney joined Buss Murton’s Dispute Resolution department in June 2025 and is based in our Tunbridge Wells office.
Barney graduated from Nottingham Trent University in 2019 with a first class honours degree in Law. After spending a year working in local law firms as a paralegal, he went on to study the Legal Practice Course and a Master’s degree in Law in 2021, achieving a distinction class mark in both. Barney trained as a solicitor at a regional East Sussex firm and qualified in April 2024. Since qualifying, Barney has gained a wide range of experience in the Employment Department of a large East Sussex firm.
Barney is particularly interested in Employment Law and Dispute Resolution. He has experience acting for both employers and employees in contentious and non-contentious matters. Aside from Employment Law, Barney has experience dealing with commercial litigation, particularly contractual disputes and property disputes.
Outside of work, Barney is a fitness enthusiast and is particularly interested in weightlifting. He is also a keen musician and is diploma standard on both the clarinet and the piano.
Expertise
Employment Law:
- Settlement agreements
- Disciplinaries, grievances and staff absences
- Dismissals
- Drafting and advising on contracts of employment, staff handbooks and other employment related documents
- Restrictive covenants
- Conducting or defending Employment Tribunal and Court Claims
- Whistleblowing
- Maternity and Paternity rights
Dispute Resolution:
- Contractual disputes
- Debt recovery
- Property disputes
Louis Caller
Paralegal
Commercial Property
Office : Tunbridge Wells
01892 502 360lcaller@bussmurton.co.uk
Profile
Louis joined Buss Murton Law in July 2024 as a Paralegal in our Commercial Property department in Tunbridge Wells.
Before joining Buss Murton Law, Louis studied law at the University of Kent, achieving a first class degree. Louis then went on to study his masters in Advanced Legal Practices at the University of Kent and hopes to take his SQE exams in the future.
Outside of work, Louis enjoys socialising with family and friends, spending time with his French Bulldog Benny and attending concerts.
Alternative Contact:
Sharon Jenner
01892 502 364
sjenner@bussmurton.co.uk
Harriet Chivers
01892 502 366
hchivers@bussmurton.co.uk
Articles
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
Beth Ahsunollah
01892 502 348
bahsunollah@bussmurton.co.uk
Melanie Cook
Chartered Legal Executive
Private Client
Office : Tunbridge Wells
01892 502 349mcook@bussmurton.co.uk
Profile
Melanie Cook joined Buss Murton Law in August 2024 as a Chartered Legal Executive in our Tunbridge Wells Private Client team.
Before joining Buss Murton Law, Melanie completed an LLB law degree at the University of Hertfordshire and completed her CILEX studies in 2016, qualifying as a Fellow in March 2022.
Melanie has worked in the area of Private Client since qualifying and has worked in a large firm by the south coast dealing with Wills, Probate and trust administration, Lasting Powers of Attorney and Court of Protection matters. She enjoys meeting clients, listening to them and helping them achieve their goals.
Outside of the office she enjoys walking, jogging and spending time with her family and young son.
Alternative Contact:
Emily Luker
01892 502 346
eluker@bussmurton.co.uk
Beth Ahsunollah
01892 502 348
bahsunollah@bussmurton.co.uk
LinkedIn Profile
Memberships
- Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners
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
Beth Ahsunollah
01892 502 348
bahsunollah@bussmurton.co.uk
Sohret Haffenden
Associate 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
Alternative Contact:
Emily Luker
01892 502 346
eluker@bussmurton.co.uk
Beth Ahsunollah
01892 502 348
bahsunollah@bussmurton.co.uk
LinkedIn Profile
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
Beth Ahsunollah
01892 502 348
bahsunollah@bussmurton.co.uk
LinkedIn Profile
Articles
Olusola Makinde
Solicitor
Commercial Property
Residential Property
Office : Cranbrook
01892 502 355smakinde@bussmurton.co.uk
Profile
Olusola (Sola) is a Residential and Commercial Property solicitor, who joined our Cranbrook office in March 2024. Sola attended the university of Hertfordshire in 2012 and obtained a First Class Law BA Law Degree. Sola went on to study for her Legal Practice Course at BBP Law school in 2015. Sola gained many years of experience as a paralegal before training and qualifying in 2021 as a property solicitor.
Sola gained experience in Residential Property whilst training in all areas of Residential Property work; including sale and purchase transactions of freehold and leasehold properties, new build developments, shared ownership, transfers of equity, Mortgages and re-mortgages, auction properties and Help to Buy scheme.
Shortly after qualifying, Sola made the transition to a Commercial Property department expanding her knowledge and skills. She gained further experience in Commercial Property transactions including acquisition and disposal of freehold and leasehold commercial properties, public sector and charities work, acting for retail and commercial banks in relation to high value secured lending transaction, acting on behalf of both landlords and tenants in leases of various types of premises, including industrial units, retail units and office space and corporate support work on share purchase/sale agreements and acquisitions and mergers
Alternative Contact:
Jodie Gold
01892 502 391
jgold@bussmurton.co.uk
LinkedIn Profile
Articles
- Tenancy at Will in Commercial Property
- Understanding Sections 24 to 28 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954
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
Richard McCulloch
Solicitor
Dispute Resolution
Employment
Office : Tunbridge Wells
01892 502 368rmcculloch@bussmurton.co.uk
Profile
Richard joined Buss Murton’s Dispute Resolution department 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:
Teresa Jackson
01892 502 369
tjackson@bussmurton.co.uk
Articles
- Breaking Down the Party Wall etc Act 1996
- Shared Parental Leave and Shared Parental Pay: A Guide for New Parents
- The New Rules for the Digital Marketplace
- Navigating the UK’s new Employment Law landscape in 2024.
- Feeling left out? The Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975
- What do Leaseholders and Freeholders need to know? The Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024
- What Fees are Landlords Allowed to Charge a Tenant?
- The Renters (Reform) Bill Controversy: Should Landlords be Concerned?
Charlotte Moon
Chartered Legal Executive
Family and Divorce
Office : Tunbridge Wells
01892 502 336cmoon@bussmurton.co.uk
Profile
Charlotte Moon joined Buss Murton Law in October 2024 as a Chartered Legal Executive in the Family department.
Charlotte is a member of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives. Charlotte completed her CILEX studies in 2019 qualifying as a Legal Executive Lawyer and qualified as a Fellow of the institute in May 2022.
Before joining Buss Murton, Charlotte previously worked for a London-based law firm for over 12 years, in which time she managed the family department specialising in divorce/separation and child arrangement matters, as well as also practicing in other areas of law specialist to the firm.
Outside of the office Charlotte enjoys spending time with her family and young daughter.
Simran Sanghera-Phillips
Solicitor
Residential Property
Office : Tunbridge Wells
01892 502 375ssanghera-phillips@bussmurton.co.uk
Profile
Simran joined our Tunbridge Wells Residential Property team in September 2024.
Simran is a dedicated legal professional specialising in Residential Property matters. She has a strong track record of successfully handling transactions and providing expert advice to clients. Simran is committed to delivering seamless and stress-free experiences in property sales, purchases and conveyancing.
Having qualified at her previous firm, Simran brings a wealth of experience and in-depth knowledge in both Commercial and Residential property to the team. Simran’s approach is client-focused, ensuring that every detail is managed with the utmost care and professionalism, helping clients navigate the complexities of property law with confidence.
Alternative Contact:
Beth Martin
01892 502 378
bmartin@bussmurton.co.uk
Cathy Murphy
01892 502 335
cmurphy@bussmurton.co.uk
LinkedIn Profile
Articles
Rebecca Reid
Paralegal
Dispute Resolution
Office : Tunbridge Wells
01892 502 334rreid@bussmurton.co.uk
Profile
Rebecca joined our Litigation department as a Paralegal in June 2025.
Before becoming a paralegal, Rebecca worked as a legal secretary within the Litigation team and excelled in the role.
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 & Mediator
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 has since qualified 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 sat on the committee for Resolution Kent for 18 years. 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
LinkedIn Profile
Articles
- Mediation Matters when Relationships Break Down
- Tips to think about if you are considering a Divorce
- Non-Court Dispute Resolution
- What does it mean to have the Final Order of divorce?
- Is Mediation the right approach for me?
- Pensions on Divorce
- Technology and Domestic Violence
- Does my Divorce give me a financial clean break?
Memberships
- Resolution (the national organisation of family lawyers)
Katie Thompson
Trainee Solicitor
Family and Divorce
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 was in our Employment and Dispute Resolution department. Katie then completed her second seat within our Private Client department, before moving to her third seat in the Family and Divorce department.
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:
Sandi Burrows
01892 502 394
sburrows@bussmurton.co.uk
LinkedIn Profile
Articles
- What to consider from a legal perspective upon receipt of a dementia diagnosis
- 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
Annelise Tyler
Chartered Legal Executive
Private Client
Office : Cranbrook
01892 502 398atyler@bussmurton.co.uk
Profile
Annelise joined Buss Murton in May 2024, in our Private Client department in Cranbrook. After several years working in publishing, Annelise determined that law was her métier.
Annelise started practicing litigation in London law firms, whilst studying law and qualified as a Fellow in 2013. Following a career break to concentrate on her family, Annelise has been practising Private Client work at firms in Kent since 2020.
Her advice on Wills, Lasting Powers of Attorney, Declarations of Trust and more, which includes comprehensive IHT advice and advice on effective succession planning. She also acts in all aspects of Estate Administration from simple to high net-worth complex estates, including Deeds of Variation, Intestacies and tax matters.
Annelise has an innate ability to unpack a problem and applies a thoughtful and forensic attitude to her work, enabling her to find effective solutions to client issues. Annelise is well regarded as approachable and responsive, making often difficult decisions much less stressful for her clients.
Outside of work, Annelise is a keen cook and baker and a rusty pianist, with a long held ambition to complete her Grade 8. Annelise enjoys picking up new skills, her current task is learning the piano.
Alternative Contact:
Sandi Burrows
01892 502 394
sburrows@bussmurton.co.uk
LinkedIn Profile
Articles
- Spring Cleaning your Personal Affairs
- Will Trusts – a brief guide
- Budget Bingo – The Results are In!
- Budget Bingo – What can we expect from the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement?
- DIY Wills and why they are a false economy
- Debunking Domicile and Inheritance Tax
Alice Waters
Paralegal
Residential Property
Office : Tunbridge Wells
01892 502 370awaters@bussmurton.co.uk
Profile
Alice joined Buss Murton as a Paralegal in September 2024, and was within our Private Client department for her first seat. She has now moved to our Residential Property department for her second seat.
Prior to joining Buss Murton, Alice graduated from the University of Warwick in 2023, with a degree in Law and Sociology. Whilst at university, Alice played in the netball team and held the charities and welfare role on the club committee.
Since leaving university, Alice has been working at Citizens Advice as an advice line advisor while studying for her SQE exams.
Profile
We are pleased to welcome Signija Rimell as our new HR Business Partner. With over 14 years of experience in human resources and a proven record of driving employee engagement and operational HR efficiency, Signija brings a wealth of knowledge to Buss Murton Law.
Signija has previously worked in Aviation and Energy sectors, where she was responsible for talent management, strategic HR planning and fostering inclusive workplace cultures amongst other essential HR responsibilities.
Signija’s passion is to create people – centric solutions and this will be invaluable as we continue to grow and enhance our workplace environment.
Outside of work, Signija loves interior design and can often be found creating beautiful spaces in her home.
