Holmes & Hills > Colchester, England > Firm Profile

Holmes & Hills
A12 Commercial Hub
London Road
Marks Tey, Colchester
CO6 1ED
England

Real estate > Environment and planning Tier 1

Boasting ‘a broad skill set and extensive knowledge’, the planning team at Holmes & Hills routinely handles contentious issues and complex section 106 agreements. The group supports property, land and commercial premises owners affected by public infrastructure schemes, and advises local authorities on development consent orders. Steven Hopkins and Michael Harman head up the practice, with the former bringing in-depth expertise on judicial review claims and planning inquiries, and the latter handling planning appeals and compulsory purchase orders. Joanna Lilliott has vast experience of assisting local planning authorities and landowners, while senior associate Sarah Hare is a section 106 specialist.

Practice head(s):

Steven Hopkins; Michael Harman

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘H&H has a very strong and well-rounded specialist team of property, development and planning legal experts. Consequently, the team offers the benefit of a wide range and comprehensive advice on such matters. Overall, they are the first choice legal team to select in the East of England for any planning, development or property work.’

‘Steven Hopkins has a very wide experience in law of property and town and country planning legislation. He responds very quickly to any enquiry that is referred to him and from my experience always provides sound and practicable advice.’

‘Joanna Lilliott has a wide range of experience and expertise in a wide range of public law issues. She is always pragmatic and authoritative in negotiations and meetings.’

‘Michael Harman has an outstanding breadth of planning law knowledge and has worked on many projects for us helping to bring successful applications for our clients.’

‘Steven Hopkins – an extremely capable and likeable practitioner who commands respect. His advice is on point, practical and given with an appropriate leavening of humour. Michael Harman – approachable, understated, timely and thorough. Jo Lilliott – no one comes close to her in speed, efficiency, accuracy and straightforward down to earth solutions in section 106 negotiations.’

‘Unbeatable Sarah Hare is quick, responsive, reliable.’

‘The team has a broad skill set and extensive knowledge on obvious and obscure legalities pertaining to planning. Experienced members of staff closely mentor junior members thereby providing the best level of service appertaining to the matter that you wish to receive advice or instruct on.’

‘Michael Harman is a dedicated solicitor who is prepared to burn the midnight oil. He is able to present a legal viewpoint with crystal clarity but also to explain the intricacies of a legal point in a simplified way for the client to understand. We are fortunate to have Sarah Hare work in tandem with Michael Harman on several matters.’

Key clients

Braintree District Council

Colchester Borough Council

Harlow District Council

Babergh Mid Suffolk District Council

Rochford District Council

Andrew Martin Planning

Aspire Luxury Homes Limited

Chelmsford Cars & Commercials Limited

Colchester United Hospitality Limited

Fristling Hall Farm Limited

George Tanner (Shalford) Limited

Hadleigh Bakery Limited

Hills Residential Limited

Humphreys & Sons

Lansbury Developments Limited

Parker Planning Services Ltd

Phase 2 Planning & Development Limited

Rose Builders Limited

Smart Planning Limited

Trustees of Marks Hall Estate

Wickford Development Limited

Work highlights

  • Advising Colchester City Council on various section 106 planning obligations.
  • Advised on numerous blight and discretionary purchase applications since the summer of 2020 regarding the development consent order to undertake improvement works to the A12 and A120 roadways.
  • Acted for a local authority in a judicial review of the local planning authority’s decision to refuse to grant planning permission following its original resolution to grant.

Insurance > Personal injury: claimant Tier 2

Holmes & Hills‘ personal injury and clinical negligence team acts for a clients on a wide range of cases, including birth, head, brain and spinal injuries alongside negligent surgical procedures. The group is described as ‘strong and client focused, ensuring it succeeds in obtaining favourable outcomes for its clients’ and is headed up by experienced litigator Jason Brady. Complex birth injuries are Brady’s forte.  Zoe Diss represents vulnerable individuals on a full-suite of claims, specifically cosmetic surgery, orthopaedic and obstetric negligence.

Practice head(s):

Jason Brady

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘In my opinion they truly treat clients as real people. From my first contact have felt valued and not a mere case number. Their staff are highly trained, motivated, professional, respectful and friendly.’

‘The team are personable, organised, experienced, diligent, focused and approachable. Above all they appear to have the client’s best interests to heart which manifests as exceptional pastoral care of their client base.’

‘Jason Brady is dealing with my case. Since day one he has always been fast to get everything moving forward. He has been amazing. If there is ever a issue or update regarding the case he will always get in contact straight away. He’s always happy to help in any way he can. There has been times when I didn’t have anywhere else to turn and I have got in contact and he’s always been happy to listen and help. I would definitely recommend him to anyone!’

Private client > Family: Essex Tier 2

High-value divorces, including those with business assets, and complex child access arrangements, are part of Holmes & Hills‘ wide family law offering. Providing an ‘outstanding service’ to her clients, team head Carol Toulson in Marks Tey handles the departments most complex cases, including financial settlements and difficult children cases. ‘Phenomenal solicitorSarah Russell and Alexander Garrett are recommended for high-value, complex financial matters.

Practice head(s):

Carol Toulson

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘Compassionate, caring, professional, resourceful, knowledgeable, kind and experienced.’

‘Offices in multiple locations. Very useful initial consultation when ‘all seems lost’. Every staff member has been pleasant and helpful, always willing to find an answer.’

‘Carol Toulson has provided an outstanding service during my divorce proceedings.’

‘Sue Wardropper and team were extremely effective at dealing with a very hostile divorce, which eventually concluded to my total satisfaction.’

‘Alex Garrett has been outstanding in his conduct and professionalism whilst representing me. He has a wealth of knowledge and experience in the field and has a very calming and methodical approach. He is a leading solicitor in this area of work, and I have had no hesitation in referring a number of friends to him.’

‘Sarah Russell has been a phenomenal solicitor during this very stressful time. She’s incredibly knowledgeable and caring. All the advice she has given me has been faultless. I would not hesitate in recommending Sarah to anyone.’

‘Great team all round. Very responsive and great communication.’

‘The team has a wide range of experience, and are able to offer alternate dispute resolution services, not just traditional avenues.’

Work highlights

  • Advising on a financial settlement whereby the client’s business assets in excess of £45m are anticipated to be mostly excluded from settlement.
  • Advised on a high-value, complex financial settlement complicated by disability, compensation and vastly differing financial situations.
  • Advised on a £5.5m financial settlement, including property investments within a SIPP.

Real estate > Commercial property: Essex Tier 2

Noted by clients for its ‘wide-ranging skill set’, Holmes & Hills‘ commercial property department is especially knowledgeable in land and development matters. Exemplifying this in particular is head Rebecca Mason in Marks Tey, who is sought out by investors, landowners, developers, land promoters, and business owners for her expertise in this area of work. Philippa Jerram is noted for handling acquisitions and disposals, as well as commercial landlord and tenant and other commercial matters. Notable hires in 2022 include Chris Milner from Birketts LLP and George French from Tees Law.

Practice head(s):

Rebecca Mason

Other key lawyers:

George French; Phillipa Jerram; Chris Milner

Testimonials

‘The firm covers all aspects relating to commercial property under one roof. The firm is always up to date on recent case law developments and is very approachable.’

‘Philippa Jerram has an excellent commercial understanding and detailed legal knowledge. We are kept regularly updated on progress.’

‘I have the utmost confidence in their handling of my businesses.’

‘I stay with this firm because of their prompt attention in any given matter. This is overridden by the level of expertise that I experience giving me all the confidence.’

‘Holmes & Hills have an exceptionally good set up. All department heads are available to go through and talk about matters before appointment.’

‘The best commercial property team I have dealt with.’

‘Rebecca Mason is outstanding.’

‘The wide-ranging skill set of the lawyers and partners is very comforting to a client.’

Key clients

Abbeyfield Braintree Bocking & Felsted Society Ltd

ALS Labs Ltd

Blue Square Homes Ltd

Chelmsford Cars and Commercial

E J Taylor & Sons Ltd

Lawrence and Wolfe Families

Mattar Estates AS – Geneva

Mersea Homes Ltd

Montare LLP

Rose Builders Properties Ltd

Wilkin & Son Ltd

Oakland Country Homes Limited

Global Park Estates

Privo Developments Limited

Charles Tabor

DCP Developments

D. Mason Developments

Westward Look

Work highlights

  • Advising a client on a complex and high-value option agreement, including overcoming issues relating to the reserved right to mine minerals, overage and dealing with multiple solicitors.
  • Acted for Montare LLP in connection with the purchase and development finance of a site in New Hall with a potential developed value of £4.9m.
  • Advising a landowner with 7 acres of land on the best way to structure the transaction to ensure profits were maximised.

Insurance > Clinical negligence: claimant

Holmes & Hills‘ personal injury and clinical negligence team acts for a clients on a wide range of cases, including birth, head, brain and spinal injuries alongside negligent surgical procedures. The group is described as ‘strong and client focused, ensuring it succeeds in obtaining favourable outcomes for its clients’ and is headed up by experienced litigator Jason Brady. Complex birth injuries are Brady’s forte.  Zoe Diss represents vulnerable individuals on a full-suite of claims, specifically cosmetic surgery, orthopaedic and obstetric negligence.

Practice head(s):

Jason Brady

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘They are very professional with a good understanding of client’s needs. They communicate clearly and promptly.’

‘Jason Brady is a partner responsible for clinical negligence. He is very experienced with a thorough knowledge of the subject. He is very professional and analytical and is able to explain the legal aspect clearly.’

‘In the main I have dealt with Zoe Diss. I have found her to be diligent, efficient, perspicacious, empathetic, approachable and amiable.’

‘The team are efficient in their approach to the litigation service by requesting steering information as to whether there is a case to answer, therefore minimising costs which may not be proportionate to the claim.’

‘The personal injury and clinical negligence team is strong and client focused ensuring it succeeds in obtaining favourable outcomes for its clients. The staff are knowledgeable and rigorous in analysis of the cases they pursue. They adopt a collaborative approach to the their work by bringing in the necessary expertise to a case at an early stage. They are excellent in their client care.’

‘Zoe Diss is a conscientious and determined solicitor. She knows her area well – clinical negligence – and is not afraid to challenge medical experts about their conclusions. She will leave no stone unturned to ensure that the claimant is successful in any case that she works on. She is incredibly thorough and always well-prepared. Jason Brady, the partner in this department, is an excellent lawyer in his own right who clients trust and rely upon. He has also managed to ensure that the department goes from strength to strength, recognising those individuals who shine in his department and promoting them accordingly.’

‘Jason Brady is approachable, excellent with clients and always looking for pragmatic solutions.’

Zoe Diss has been exceptional in the service she has provided me with. Her knowledge, communication skills, attention to detail and empathy have made a difficult process so much easier. She has gone above and beyond to help me.I have never once doubted that she has put 100% effort and commitment in my case.’

Work highlights

  • Representing the claimant (a young adult) who has suffered visual impairment as a result of a delay in treatment in a case that has required extensive specialist medical experts.
  • Representing the claimant, a double amputee in a case with multiple defendants.
  • Representing the client who was diagnosed with cerebral palsy in a high value case requiring multiple medical expert reviews.

Real estate > Construction

The Holmes & Hills construction division routinely handles the gamut of contentious and non-contentious matters, with particular strength in construction adjudication claims. Practice head Sam Bawden, singled out by one client as a ‘skilful and accomplished lawyer’, is noted for his experience of negotiating settlements in high-value disputes and court cases. Associate Lawrence Pearce regularly acts for both main contractors and contract managers.

Practice head(s):

Sam Bawden

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘The construction team at Holmes and Hills has gone from strength to strength during our partnership with them. Payment and contractual disputes are one of our members’ biggest issues, and the team have been able to provide a wealth of knowledge. Their support is invaluable to us.’

‘Sam Bawden and Lawrence Pearce as individuals are the main reason we continue to partner with Holmes and Hills. They are forward thinking and proactive. They provide continued support to us to ensure that our members remain well informed and well represented.’

‘We have been very impressed with Holmes & Hills. Their construction – scaffold division is exemplary and has guided us to securing a number of arbitration wins over the last two years. Plus their ongoing legal guidance has been excellent on general contract and payment issues.’

‘We primarily work with Lawrence Pearce – he is responsive, knowledgeable and fast paced in the work he undertakes for us. He is a credit to his firm.’

‘Friendly, welcoming and professional with a high level of expertise.’

‘Sam Bawden: friendly and professional; nothing is too much trouble; very client focused with all the right skills and credentials to get the job done.’

‘Working with Sam Bawden we have, so far, always been successful. This is because Sam is a skilful and accomplished lawyer with excellent strategic vision which he uses to guide and develop his growing team of construction lawyers. Exceptional service.’

‘Lawrence Pearce provides good sound advice.’

Key clients

CFE Installations

JTL Scaffolding

National Association of Shopfitters

ScaffTeq Limited

Work highlights

  • Successfully acted for a large number of scaffolding companies in making adjudication claims for wrongful termination, repudiatory breaches and validity of notices.
  • Advising Scaffteq West on the Strachan and Henshaw building in Bristol.
  • Assisting JTL Scaffolding with a review and re-draft of existing terms and conditions, as well as providing training on the fundamentals of construction law.

Corporate and commercial > Corporate and commercial: Essex

Holmes & Hills‘ corporate and commercial team opened a new office in Witham in April 2023. Key contacts are Katherine Waumsley and Sophie Perry in Marks Tey.

THE FIRM:

Holmes & Hills Solicitors work in partnership to provide specialist legal advice and representation to individuals, businesses, and a significant number of local authorities across the South East, East Anglia and for a growing number of divisions, nationally. The legal advice provided by Holmes & Hills Solicitors’ Departments and Divisions encompasses a wide variety of service areas.  The firm is independently recognised as being a leading source of contentious and non-contentious legal advice and representation in matters concerning property, land, development, and construction. As well as these, being recognised with specialist lawyers and Departments in Family Law matters, as well as personal injury and clinical negligence claims.

Moreover, the firm undertakes the full spectrum of residential property transactions including lease extensions, new build and shared ownership purchases, sales and staircasing, equity release matters, property litigation matters, Employment Law and a broad range of private client matters including court of protection and deputyships as well as contentious probate. As well as boasting a Private Wealth Team to support high net worth individuals with their legal matters.

PRINCIPLE AREAS OF WORK:

Holmes & Hills is a leading regional supplier of legal advice to clients involved in complex matters concerning property, land, development, and construction.

Planning Law and CPO, DCO and s106 agreements – Specialist solicitors from the firm’s Planning Law Department provide strategic legal advice to clients on a wide range of complex issues and projects including strategic planning; planning appeals; s106 agreements; planning inquiries; advocacy at planning appeals, and hearings in the Magistrates, Crown and County Courts; statutory challenges and Judicial Reviews as well as compulsory purchase and development consent orders. Such is the firm’s reputation in planning and development matters that Holmes & Hills has, by request of the publishers, contributed to the Precedents issue of Planning Law: Practice and Precedents, since 2015. The firm’s Planning Law Department is notable for its ability to bridge the gap between planning law and property litigation matters, this experience being provided by Managing Partner and Partner respectively, Steven Hopkins and Michael Harman.

Land and Development, and Commercial Property – As well as expert advice on Planning Law, Holmes & Hills has a specialist Division of development and land solicitors boasting expertise and experience on the acquisition and disposal of land for development, development agreements (option, joint-venture, consortium, and promotion), and development finance. Holmes & Hills’ Commercial Property Department, led by development and land specialist, Rebecca Mason (who is also Managing Partner of Holmes & Hills), is one of the largest in the region and acts for a material number of regional developers and landowners with significant holdings advising on the negotiation and drafting of complex development agreements with a focus on methods of securing payment. Rebecca’s advice along with that of the Division is strategic in nature, ensuring delivery of the legal arrangement and agreement most appropriate given the characteristics of the land itself, as well as the client’s circumstances in terms of finances, liquidity, and desired revenue and profit timeframe. Rebecca is supported by fellow land and development specialist, Senior Associate and head of the firm’s Land and Development Division Chris Milner who ensures the Division utilises its breadth of expertise and capacity to consistently deliver results on what are often time-sensitive deals and projects.

Construction – Moreover, Holmes & Hills have crafted a unique specialism in the Construction Industry, building out a Division, that now consists of 4 construction solicitors and a permanent trainee solicitor role, all of whom specialise solely in Construction Law matters. The Division specialise in construction contracts and disputes, including adjudications as well as extra hire, loss and expense, and variation claims. Moreover, the Division support clients with contract review and drafting as well as dispute avoidance strategies providing training sessions to professionals in the industry on how to avoid disputes before they arise, guiding them on the correct processes and strategies that need to be in place. Also, the Division are the national legal partner for both the Scaffolding Association and the National Association of Shopfitters.

Family Law – Moreover, for individuals, Holmes & Hills boasts a large Department of specialist divorce solicitors who are well equipped to deal with Family Law matters from ‘starting a relationship’ agreements, divorce and separation, financial settlements and Child Law matters. Moreover, the Department specialises in complex cases and in particular, high value divorces which incorporate a broad range of assets such as wealth, equities, businesses, pensions, and international assets.

Serious Injury and Clinical Negligence – Holmes & Hills are also recommended in the field of serious injury and clinical negligence claims, the specialist personal injury and medical negligence solicitors are experienced in successfully claiming compensation for a wide spectrum of injury and negligence such as birth injuries, delayed diagnosis or misdiagnosis, surgical errors, negligence, as well as accidents and compensation claims for incidents such as road traffic accidents or industrial disease. The Department work regularly with clients, families and medical professionals across the South East, East Anglia and nationally to build a robust legal case for clients to secure large compensation amounts.

RECRUITMENT:                  

Holmes & Hills has grown rapidly since 2020 following opening its sixth office and new regional base in East Anglia – the A12 Commercial Hub in Marks Tey, Colchester and its seventh office in Witham in 2023.

Each year Holmes & Hills recruit approximately 5-6 trainee solicitors in their annual intake. If you are an aspiring solicitor looking to find out more about the training opportunities available at Holmes & Hills, please contact the HR main contacts listed below.

Recruitment has focused on growing of the firm’s Departments and Divisions to support the expansion of Holmes & Hills Solicitors. There are regular recruitment opportunities available at this growing and ambitious firm so if you have seen an opportunity you wish to apply for or if you are seeking to speculatively apply, please contact the HR main contacts listed below.

Holmes & Hills offers a competitive benefits package which includes 28 days holiday (plus bank holidays), dental and medical cash back schemes after the first year of service, and enhanced maternity and paternity schemes.

CLIENTS:

Holmes & Hills Solicitors are able to advise a broad range of clientele.

From individuals and high-net-worth individuals, to business owners, directors, and senior leadership teams for organisations of all sizes and across a wide range of industries, to local authorities, developers, landowners, contractors, construction professionals, planning consultants, architects, and surveyors.

Department Name Email Telephone
Planning Law Department Steven Hopkins marketing@holmes-hills.co.uk 01206 593933
Compulsory Purchase and Development Consent Division Michael Harman marketing@holmes-hills.co.uk 01206 593933
Commercial Department / Commercial Property Department Rebecca Mason marketing@holmes-hills.co.uk 01206 593933
Land and Development Division Chris Milner marketing@holmes-hills.co.uk 01206 593933
Dispute Resolution Department / Construction Division Sam Bawden marketing@holmes-hills.co.uk 01206 593933
Construction Division Lawrence Pearce marketing@holmes-hills.co.uk 01206 593933
Contentious Probate Division Rachel Shaw marketing@holmes-hills.co.uk 01206 593933
Employment Law Charlotte Holman / David Dixey marketing@holmes-hills.co.uk 01206 593933
Clinical Negligence and Serious Injury Department Jason Brady marketing@holmes-hills.co.uk 01206 593933
Family Law Department Carol Toulson marketing@holmes-hills.co.uk 01206 593933
Private Client Department Mark Cornell marketing@holmes-hills.co.uk 01206 593933
Residential Property Beth Greig marketing@holmes-hills.co.uk 01206 593933
Private Wealth Team Rebecca Hempstead marketing@holmes-hills.co.uk 01206 593933
Head of HR Ellie Fletcher careers@holmes-hills.co.uk 01206 593933
HR Manager Kirsty Hopkins careers@holmes-hills.co.uk 01206 593933
Marketing and Business Development Phil Davies marketing@holmes-hills.co.uk 01206 593933
Photo Name Position Profile
Sam Bawden photo Sam Bawden Sam Bawden is a Partner, as well as being head of the…
Jason Brady photo Jason Brady Jason Brady is Partner and Head of the firm’s Clinical Negligence and…
Zoe Diss photo Zoe Diss Zoe is a Executive Senior Associate and assistant department leader in the…
George French photo George French George is a Solicitor in the firm’s Commercial Property Department and a…
Sarah Hare photo Sarah Hare Sarah Hare is a Senior Associate and s106 specialist. Sarah acts for…
Michael Harman photo Michael Harman Michael Harman is a Partner in Holmes & Hills Planning Law Department…
Steven Hopkins photo Steven Hopkins Steven Hopkins is Managing Partner and alongside this Steven head’s the firm’s…
Jo Lilliott photo Jo Lilliott Jo Lilliott is a Senior Solicitor and s106 and highways specialist. She…
Rebecca Mason photo Rebecca Mason Rebecca is Managing Partner and head of the firms Commercial Departments as…
Chris Milner photo Chris Milner Chris is a Senior Associate in the Holmes & Hills Commercial Property…
Lawrence Pearce photo Lawrence Pearce Lawrence Pearce is a Partner in the Holmes & Hills’ Construction Division.…
Carol Toulson photo Carol Toulson Carol Toulson is a Partner and head of the Holmes & Hills’…
Employees : 200+
Partners : 12
Lexcel
ALEP (Association of Leasehold Enfranchisement Practitioners)
Resolution
Headway
APIL (Association of Personal Injury Lawyers)
Equity Release Council
Association of Lifetime Lawyers