Blanchards Bailey LLP > Weymouth, England > Firm Profile

Blanchards Bailey LLP
Lynch Lane Offices
Weymouth
Dorset
DT4 9DN
England

Dispute resolution > Commercial litigation: Dorset, Devon and Cornwall Tier 3

Commended as ‘efficient and transparent, with a great depth of knowledge’, the Blandford-based team at Blanchards Bailey LLP stands out for its expertise in the agriculture sector, with demonstrable experience in handling property litigation and private client disputes. ‘Outstanding’ managing partner Paul Dunlop is noted for his expertise in agricultural cases and probate claims, while ‘second to none’ Ben Jones specialises in real estate litigation and company commercial disputes. Dunlop and Jones jointly lead the team.

Practice head(s):

Paul Dunlop; Ben Jones

Testimonials

‘Excellent communication and depth of knowledge across the spectrum of legal and associated disciplines.’

‘Ben Jones is second to none, providing clear and practical advice.’

‘Paul Dunlop has been a stand out professional.’

‘Ben Jones has been responsive and helpful.’

‘The team are outstanding. They have an innovative approach and work collaboratively with partner organisations where it is appropriate to do so. They are experts in their field of work and I have absolute faith in their ability to manage any challenge that arises.’

‘Paul Dunlop’s knowledge is outstanding and ability to deal with any matter that I send his way, he ensures that he, or a member of his team deal with it and I am enormously grateful.’

‘The team are very efficient and transparent, with a great depth of knowledge.’

‘Ben Jones is professional and knowledgeable; a safe pair of hands.’

Key clients

Tomorrow’s Forests Ltd

Woodbridge Bespoke Ltd

Gillies Agricultural Contracting Limited

Charles Upton

C B Exports Limited

Dorchester Agricultural Society

Mike Bamber

Work highlights

  • Acting in a claim for Dorchester Agricultural Society arising from a claim against third-party contractor engaged in defective supply of utilities to an agricultural show, resulting in arguments relating to financial damages and damage to reputation.
  • Advising on a contentious conversion and return of goods claim for Gillies Agricultural Contracting Limited, relating to machinery and plant removed by former employee against background of probate estate and eventual trusts interest.
  • Litigated a contract dispute for Tomorrow’s Forests, which was successfully settled at 95% of the debt owing to our client and the withdrawal of the defendant’s counterclaim.

Employment > Employment: Dorset, Devon and Cornwall Tier 3

Blanchards Bailey LLP‘s HR and employment division is a popular choice for regional clients seeking support in both contentious and non-contentious employment matters. Managing partner Paul Dunlop oversees the team, which also includes TUPE, discrimination, and complex dismissals expert Stephen Woodman. Clients hailing from sectors such as retail, education, charity and manufacturing regularly turn to Jane Cordner for a broad-range of employment matters.

Practice head(s):

Paul Dunlop

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘We have used Blanchard Bailey’s services for many years and have always found them to be extremely professional, very efficient and able to deal with all our queries in a prompt fashion.’

‘Jane Cordner is always able to understand our problems immediately and able to offer constructive, pertinent advice and moreover appreciates the issues that arise within our industry.’

‘Blanchards Bailey has always been attentive when telephoning or visiting the branch. They always make you feel welcome and important.’

‘Jane Cordner is incredibly approachable, very knowledgeable and easy to engage with. She is always willing to make herself available which is most appreciated.’

‘We have worked with Blanchard Bailey for years most on HR issues. The breadth of the team has meant that as we have needed more advise its been very easy to obtain high-quality legal advice from within the one firm.’

‘Jane Cordner understands the culture and practice of our organisation and is able to provide solutions to the issues that we face.’

‘I find Jane Cordner to be extremely knowledgeable, professional and she answers our questions in a timely manner. I would not hesitate to recommend her.’

Private client > Agriculture and estates Tier 3

Blanchards Bailey LLP acts for agriculture and estate clients in a variety of matters, most notably pertaining to contentious probate, property disputes and the sale and purchase of agricultural assets. A trio of practitioners spearheads the team, being Paul Dunlop who leads on litigation matters, head of agricultural and commercial property Sarah Dunlop, and Jerome Dodge, who helms the firm’s private client offering.

Practice head(s):

Paul Dunlop; Sarah Dunlop; Jerome Dodge

Other key lawyers:

Lucy Mignot

Testimonials

‘The team provides professional and informative opinions regarding the legal situation, delivered with empathy and realism. Communication, accessibility and personal engagement are excellent and support the delivery of concise, factual and informative legal advice.’

‘Paul Dunlop has been the initial point of contact for this legal action from the beginning and has provided excellent guidance and proactive advice throughout the whole process. During the process to date I have always felt informed and supported by Paul and his team.’

‘A friendly practice; helpful, knowledgeable and experienced.’

‘They want to know the client they work for. I feel I have a solicitor I can work with and who can answer my questions.’

‘They are country people and have a level of understanding appropriate to the case. They have compassion and can talk things through rationally.’

‘A very joined up and collaborative team between disciplines. Always a joy to work with.’

‘Very collaborative and egalitarian. No point-scoring between professionals, focused on achieving the optimum outcome for the client.’

Key clients

Stock Gaylard Estate

Tarhinton Farms Limited

Work highlights

  • Advising a client in respect of the validity of a proved will.
  • Advised a tenant in respect of a dispute arising from a farm business tenancy.

Private client > Contentious trusts and probate Tier 3

Dorset-based firm Blanchards Bailey LLP stands out for the service it provides to rural clients, who benefit from the inheritance disputes team’s integrated knowledge of property and agricultural litigation. Paul Dunlop, an experienced litigator who regularly represents clients in proprietary estoppel claims related to disputes over agricultural estates, jointly heads up the team with Lucy Mignot, who is recognised for her knowledge of trust disputes, claims under the 1975 Act, and contentious Court of Protection matters.

Practice head(s):

Paul Dunlop; Lucy Mignot

Testimonials

‘I can’t have been the only case they were working on – Lucy Mignot must have had several equally demanding situations/cases running concurrently. Yet I was treated as if she was completely dedicated to me. ’

‘Excellent spread across smaller towns of Dorset and Wiltshire. Real strength across different teams allows expertise to be shared.’

‘Lucy Mignot is a star. Calm, considered, thoughtful and practical. A wise, reassuring presence for clients.’

Work highlights

  • Represented a trustee in a complex trust dispute and won at trial after taking over conduct from another firm who had been dealing with the matter for over 10 years.
  • Acted for a client in an undue influence, lack of capacity, and fraudulent calumny claim with an agricultural element.
  • Acted for a client in undue influence and 1975 Act claims and in counterclaims against her under the doctrine of proprietary estoppel and TOLATA.

Private client > Personal tax, trusts and probate Tier 3

Blanchards Bailey LLP's Dorset practice maintains close connections with regional farming and entrepreneurial clients, who instruct the team for wide-reaching advice on Inheritance Tax and succession planning, estate administration, and will drafting. Jerome Dodge heads up the practice and is well versed in the administration of agricultural estates, as well as in the drafting of wills and Inheritance Tax planning schemes, while Sophie Lawrence regularly handles Court of Protection work.

Practice head(s):

Jerome Dodge

Other key lawyers:

Sophie Lawrence; Catherine Roberts; Meggie Crane; Lucy Mignot; Emma Needham

Testimonials

‘The team are friendly and personable, always contactable, and genuinely a pleasure to work with. They care for their clients and take pride in their work.’

‘The whole team have been extremely helpful and informative throughout. They are always available if I have any queries or worries. Excellent service all round.’

‘Jerome Dodge and Lucy Mignot have been outstanding. They have kept me informed every step of the way.’

‘Catherine Roberts took time to clearly explain in layman’s terms the intricacies of any legal jargon and advised why she thought a certain course of action would be best for our personal situation.’

‘They are very knowledgeable, very thorough, have a great attention to detail, and are very personable.’

‘Meggie Crane is always willing to take the time to help in a compassionate and thoughtful way and is always professional.’

‘The team at Blanchards Bailey are professional and friendly. They are efficient but seem to genuinely care as well. We would consult them with any legal matter.’

‘Jerome Dodge is an outstanding private client and trust lawyer who offers sound advice in a timely and clearly understandable manner.’

Work highlights

  • Advised clients on estate planning for a farming operation worth in excess of £20m.
  • Assisted a client with designing an Inheritance Tax planning scheme to save £200,000.
  • Acted as Deputy for a client with complex needs and with assets in excess of £1.3m.

Real estate > Commercial property: Dorset, Devon and Cornwall Tier 3

Offering ‘superb industry knowledge and practical, clear advice’, Blanchards Bailey LLP‘s agricultural and commercial property team excels in advising farming, landed estate, and high-net-worth clients. Having recently taken over the reins in April 2023, Sarah Dunlop leads the team and is well-versed across a breadth of agricultural property law including rural land transactions, farm tenancies, farm partnerships, and land matters. Consultant and former group head Robin Cole is highly experienced across the commercial real estate, finance, and property development spaces. The team is split between the firm’s Blandford, Dorchester, and Weymouth offices.

Practice head(s):

Sarah Dunlop

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘Robin Cole is the senior lawyer in the commercial property team with vast experience in the sector. His ability to resolve problems, structure legal contracts and transact the business in a professional and expedient manner is exemplary.’

‘Good clear communication between key team members is exemplary.’

‘Superb industry knowledge and practical, clear advice.’

Key clients

Kingston Maurward College

CMS Developments

Classic Management Services Limited

Work highlights

  • Acting for a client in respect of a supplemental agreement pursuant to an Overage agreement and a release of restrictive covenant, with the client receiving £5m over 5 years.
  • Acting for multiple landowners in relation to Option for Leases to a renewable developer. Also, acting for one individually in respect of an Option for Lease for a separate battery storage project.

Private client > Family Tier 5

Blanchards Bailey LLP‘s Dorset team chiefly advises military and agricultural families on financial and child matters, including divorces with military pensions and rural property assets as well as Children’s Act proceedings related to abuse and child abduction. Laura Martin heads up the team and focuses on financial remedy matters as well as on prenuptial and cohabitation agreements, while Julie Keogh is experienced with private law children proceedings.

Practice head(s):

Laura Martin

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘Excellent knowledge in their field. Always happy to assist and help with any questions or issues. Well run, managed and efficient firm.’

‘Laura Martin is exceptional in her field. Knowledgeable, transparent and a highly motivated individual.’

‘I found Laura Martin to be very efficient with her knowledge and delivery in a very professional, business way.’

‘The whole team have been committed and engaged with my case throughout, they have shown a clear understanding of the extensive records and information provided/exchanged, which is thoroughly reassuring.  They have been highly professional and efficient in all dealings, while being empathetic and providing advice and guidance in the best way for me.’

‘Laura Martin has been efficient and concise and has a clear understanding of all matters of the aspects she deals with and my wider case. Her reassuring guidance has been invaluable. Julie Keogh has been exceptional. Her breath and depth of knowledge and patience has helped me ensure that my case is as strong as it possible could be.’

‘Very straightforward, efficient and kind. Gave great advice but was also receptive to feedback and plans for the future.’

‘All the team are very approachable and helpful, even in the most difficult circumstances.’

‘The individuals I worked with were very understanding, made time for me and I really felt that they were listening to what I needed. ’

Blanchards Bailey LLP represents many of the largest and most successful owner-managed and family-owned businesses in Dorset and the surrounding counties of Somerset, Wiltshire, and Hampshire. The firm also attracts clients from London and other major conurbations.

Renowned for our expertise in all key areas of law and business sectors, the firm is dedicated to providing excellent, proactive service to our clients. Our team delivers practical and clear advice in a friendly and approachable manner.

Enhancing our legal services, the Blanchards Bailey App is designed to help our clients manage their legal matters and communicate with their solicitors easily and securely through their smartphones, ensuring a smoother and more efficient legal experience.

Blanchards Bailey was ranked in The Legal 500 2024/2025 for Commercial Litigation, Employment, Agriculture and Estates, Family, Contentious Trusts and Probate, Personal Tax, Trusts and Probate, and Commercial Property. Several of our lawyers, including the firm’s partners, are individually recommended.

In 2024, we received nominations for three prestigious awards at The Modern Law Private Client Awards 2024, showcasing our commitment to excellence and exceptional service in the legal industry.  The nominations include Jerome Dodge, Partner and Head of Private Client Services for Lawyer of the Year – Wills & Probate; Law Firm of the Year, and Best Workplace Wellbeing.

At the 2019 Dorset Legal Awards, we were finalists in six team categories and won Law Firm of the Year (under 99 employees), Company and Commercial Team of the Year, and Private Client Team of the Year.

Department Name Email Telephone
Agriculture Paul Dunlop [email protected] 01258 483607
Private Client Services Jerome Dodge [email protected] 01258 483616
Agriculture and Commercial Property Sarah Dunlop [email protected] 01258 488205
Residential Property Caroline Walton [email protected] 01258 483596
Contentious Probate, Trusts, Wills & Court of Protection Lucy Mignot [email protected] 01305 217 303
Family Law Laura Martin [email protected] 01258 488 216
Probate Catherine Roberts [email protected] 01305 217310
Wills and Trusts Emma Needham [email protected] 01258 488208
Court of Protection, Elderly Client Affairs Sophie Lawrence [email protected] 01258 488227
Litigation & Disputes, Property Disputes, Commercial Disputes and Commercial Property Disputes Ben Jones [email protected] 01258 483597
Photo Name Position Profile
Jane Cordner photo Ms Jane Cordner Jane Cordner is the Head of HR Services at Blanchards Bailey.
Paul Dunlop photo Mr Paul Dunlop Paul Dunlop is the Managing Partner and Head of Agriculture at Blanchards…
Julie Keogh photo Ms Julie Keogh Julie Keogh has built an impressive career as an approachable and innovative…
Stephen Woodman photo Mr Stephen Woodman Stephen Woodman is a Solicitor at Blanchards Bailey, specialising in Employment Law…
Photo Name Position Profile
Robin Cole photo Mr Robin Cole Robin Cole is a Solicitor at Blanchards Bailey, specialising in Commercial Property…
Sarah Dunlop photo Ms Sarah Dunlop Sarah Dunlop is a Partner and the Head of Agricultural and Commercial…
Laura Martin photo Ms Laura Martin Laura Martin is a Partner and the Head of Family at Blanchards…
Emma Needham photo Ms Emma Needham Emma Needham is a Partner and the Head of Wills and Trusts…
Catherine Roberts photo Ms Catherine Roberts Catherine Roberts is a Partner and the Head of Probate at Blanchards…
Caroline Walton photo Ms Caroline Walton Caroline Walton is a Partner and the Head of Residential Property at…