Stevens & Bolton LLP

stevens-bolton.com

Sophie Ashcroft

Sophie empowers businesses to mitigate commercial risk through sophisticated stakeholder engagement and strategic communication. Sophie is a disputes lawyer with a proven track record in resolving complex, high-stakestechnology and IT disputes, often involving cross-border elements. Her practice spans sectors including technology, data centres, entertainment, outsourcing, and financial institutions. Sophie is also a trusted advisor on shareholder disputes, such as unfair prejudice claims, as well as a wide range of commercial matters, including breach of warranty, breaches of directors’ duties, shareholder agreement and restrictive covenant disputes. Sophie joined Stevens & Bolton in 2025 from an international firm, where she was based in London. Clients appreciate her incisive approach to legal issues and her focus on achieving a commercially pragmatic outcome. Sophie consistently delivers exceptional outcomes for her clients, ensuring their interests are protected and advanced at every stage.

Nick Atkins

Nick helps domestic and international clients close deals and secure growth capital. Nick is a shrewd and determined dealmaker, specialising in cross-border mergers and acquisitions, private equity and growth capital advisory. His practice spans the technology, media, leisure and logistics sectors. Since joining Stevens & Bolton in 2011, Nick has advised on buy and sell-side. He works with large companies and innovative scale-ups to get deals done – helping clients problem-solve and navigate legal and commercial complexity. Nick is globally-minded with a skill for building connections. He nurtures the firm’s relationships with its international network, including in Spain, Germany, US, Belgium and the Netherlands, and is on the Executive Committee of the International Association of Young Lawyers. Nick is a member of the Management Board of Stevens & Bolton as well as its International Practice Group board. He is also closely involved with the firm’s strategy for AI, both internally and externally, and participates in thought leadership on the topic.

Jack Bailey

Jack helps clients resolve disputes involving trusts and estates. Jack is a pragmatic and approachable litigator, specialising in disputes involving trusts and estates domestically, internationally and offshore. Jack works with his clients to understand their objectives and to help them navigate these often difficult disputes. Jack advises on a wide variety of trust and estate disputes, including claims in breach of trust, for the removal of executors and trustees, probate claims such as challenges to the validity of a will and claims under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975. Jack joined Stevens & Bolton in 2020 and became partner in 2024.

Sarah Balchin

Sarah enjoys working collaboratively with clients to solve tax-related challenges. Since joining Stevens & Bolton in 2014 from a City firm, Sarah has advised clients ranging from start-ups to multinationals. Her corporate tax practice includes advising on M&A, private equity transactions, growth capital investments, restructurings, UK real estate and stamp taxes. With a background in procurement in the oil industry, Sarah provides clear, pragmatic tax advice with a commercial focus. She has a particular interest in designing and implementing employee share schemes as well as exit planning strategies and shareholder-related tax issues. Sarah is a member of the Shareplan Lawyers group and the Lifesciences sector team at Stevens & Bolton.

Joe Bedford

Joe is dedicated to client success. Joe is Head of Corporate. Known for his recognition of the optimum route to your desired successful commercial outcome and skill at driving transactions towards that goal, Joe immerses himself in deals from initial approach to final close. Drawing on decades of experience at Stevens & Bolton and in the City, Joe advises on mainstream M&A, sponsor-backed transactions, growth by acquisition strategies, corporate structuring and finance. He advises on the shaping of deals for public and private companies, sponsors, seller groups, management teams and leading UK and European banks. Joe enjoys getting to grips with what drives your business and your core reasons for wanting to transact. He invests the time to understand your goals, strategy and preferred methodology so that every deal aligns to the overriding bigger picture, bringing a rare combination of technical excellence and commercial thinking to every interaction. He is proactive and responsive, pragmatically tackling obstacles head-on in order to manage transactions through to successful completion. Joe was a founder member of ACG UK, the UK division of the Association of Corporate Growth – a global community for mid-market dealmakers.

Nicola Broadhurst

Nicola’s in depth experience and knowledge helps clients achieve business growth and international expansion whilst mitigating risk. Nicola is Head of Franchising. She is an approachable pragmatic lawyer and leading legal expert in franchising chairing the firm’s Franchise practice group. She skillfully aids businesses to scale with a clear focus on international expansion, including distribution, agency licensing and franchising. Known for her approachable and collaborative manner she engages with clients to understand their business, seamlessly guide their expansion and manage their supply chains to mitigate risk. Her practice spans many sectors particularly fashion, luxury, and casual dining much of which involves cross border work. Committed to ethical franchising, ESG and sustainable business practices, Nicola also chairs the ESG practice group working with clients to transform and embed sustainability into their operations. Nicola joined Stevens & Bolton as a commercial partner in 2011 to head up the firm’s franchise practice having trained and spent time at London law firms. She is an acknowledged industry expert for franchising and current chair of the British Franchise Association’s legal committee helping to shape best franchise practice in the UK. She recently contributed to the World Franchise Council’s publication on franchise practice in the UK. Nicola is very active internationally being a member of the International Bar Association’s International Franchising Committee as well as the American Bar Association’s Forum on Franchising where she is immediate past chair of its International Division. She has led the ESG working party for the IBA’s European Regional Forum and now sits on its Advisory Board and planning committee for its Annual Fashion and Luxury Conference. Nicola is a member of the firm’s International Practice Group and key in developing many of the firm’ s relationships with international law firms.

Tim Carter

Tim advises corporate and individual clients on all aspects of restructuring and insolvency. Tim is Head of Finance, Restructuring and Insolvency. He has an impressive and extensive background in restructuring and insolvency. His expertise spans a wide number of sectors and across both contentious and transactional assignments, ranging from corporate simplification projects to distressed business deals and insolvency/fraud litigation. Tim’s pragmatic, decisive and clear advice is lauded by his clients which include insolvency practitioners, corporates, stakeholders and other investors, directors and individuals. Having joined Stevens & Bolton in 1995 as a trainee, Tim’s commitment to the firm and his clients has been unwavering and more recently with a focus on the international stage in building successful relationships through the International Bar Association (IBA) and INSOL.

Guy Cartwright

Guy is a forward thinking, approachable and confident lawyer who is valued by his clients for his assured handling of transactions and personable approach. Guy offers straightforward, pragmatic and commercially focused advice along with technical excellence. He works collaboratively with all stakeholders to navigate risk and optimise business outcomes. Specialising in complex contract work, Guy advises clients from start-ups to established brands. In particular, Guy advises on complex distribution, agency and licensing arrangements. He also spends a good deal of his time advising on IT and technology matters, including e-commerce and data protection. Guy enjoys forming strong working relationships with his clients and getting to know their businesses to assist in offering tailored commercial and strategic insights. Guy joined S&B in 2023 having previously worked inhouse for a global bank. Guy has written articles featuring in publications such as PBC Today and the European Financial Review

Tom Collins

Tom helps clients to maximise the value of IP assets and navigate complex disputes. Tom is the Co-head of Sport. He is a responsive and pragmatic lawyer, specialising in infringement and ownership disputes, licensing and acquisitions, and IP protection and exploitation strategies. Since joining Stevens & Bolton in 2013 as a trainee, Tom has worked with global brands, start-ups and high-profile personalities to help these clients protect, exploit and enforce their IP rights. His practice is primarily focused on the sport, media & entertainment and life sciences industries. Tom is approachable and collaborative, helping clients to understand complex legal issues, create value from their IP, and solve problems in a commercially focused manner. Tom co-heads the firm’s sport practice, advising high-profile sports clubs, professional athletes and other stakeholders operating in this sector. Tom has completed the Postgraduate Diploma in Intellectual Property Law at the University of Oxford.

Ian Craig

Ian helps institutional and international clients close investment deals and manage their property portfolios. Ian is an experienced and user-friendly property lawyer. Clients value Ian’s calm, pragmatic and commercial approach to getting deals done. Ian focuses on investment transactions, particularly involving Central London office buildings and industrial and logistics properties. Since joining Stevens & Bolton in 2017, Ian’s practice has involved advising a major investment fund, international investors and major corporates. Ian has a wide network of domestic and international clients and intermediaries and is good at putting people together to make deals happen.

Lloyd Davey

Lloyd helps domestic and international clients navigate complex employment laws to solve their people issues. With a focus on the technology, media, and retail sectors, Lloyd provides clear, pragmatic and responsive advice to help clients manage change and mitigate business risk. His approach is rooted in a deep understanding of client needs and delivering practical solutions. Since joining Stevens & Bolton in 2013 from an international law firm, Lloyd has been dedicated to resolving employee relations matters, senior executive disputes, and strategic HR projects. Lloyd is actively involved in international business through the firm’s International Practice Group and is passionate about assisting overseas businesses with their UK operations.

Andrew Dodds

Andrew helps domestic and international clients lend and borrow money and close deals. Andrew is a capable, agile and pragmatic finance lawyer, specialising in domestic and cross-border finance transactions. His practice spans real estate, financial services, professional services, leisure, health and well-being and manufacturing sectors. Since joining Stevens & Bolton in 2015, Andrew has worked with high street and challenger banks, private equity firms, shareholders, investors and management teams, as well as corporate and individual borrowers, to get deals done and to deliver the money – helping clients to problem-solve, anticipate and navigate legal and commercial complexity, and collaborate with their counterparties. Andrew contributes to industry publications including Practical Law and Journal of International Banking & Financial Law.

Gustaf Duhs

Gustaf collaborates with clients to resolve public, regulatory and commercial law issues. Gustaf is Head of Competition and Regulatory. He is a highly experienced public, regulatory and commercial lawyer. He manages a number of practice areas across the regulatory spectrum. Work includes advising clients subject to government investigations (including under competition and consumer law), assisting with merger and foreign direct investment controls, advising on compliance initiatives and reviewing commercial arrangements, particularly in regulated sectors. He operates across the economy and has particular expertise in life sciences, telecommunications and international trade. Prior to joining Stevens & Bolton from a national firm, Gustaf worked for a number of years at the UK competition and consumer regulator (now the CMA). This gives him insight into how regulators and governments work. Since joining Stevens & Bolton in 2010, Gustaf has shown himself to be an approachable and agile leader, who is confident, capable and smart. Gustaf has built connections across the globe. He nurtures the firm’s relationships with its international network, including the Nordics, Switzerland and Japan. He is an active participant in a number of international legal associations including IBA, ABA and ECLA.

Gwilym Evans

Gwilym helps his clients to prepare for, manage, and resolve the legal risks that can arise out of any construction project. Gwilym is a dedicated, solution-focused Construction and Engineering lawyer. Since joining Stevens & Bolton in 2018, Gwilym has been a trusted advisor to a diverse range of clients, including contractors, consultants, investors, developers, local authorities, private clients, and corporate occupiers. He specializes in contract negotiations, risk management planning, and procurement strategies for construction and engineering projects. Gwilym is known for his approachable demeanour, clear guidance, and deep understanding of the pressures his clients face. He works closely with clients as part of a team, ensuring the momentum needed to deliver successful projects. With extensive experience in handling disputes, Gwilym represents parties in court proceedings, adjudications, and domestic arbitrations related to construction matters. His background in professional indemnity insurance litigation and advising on breaches of professional duties of care adds a valuable dimension to his practice. Gwilym has a particular interest in assisting enterprises with complex, technical elements in their projects. He enjoys collaborating with project managers, contractors and consultants who provide innovative design solutions, recognizing the significant commercial and time investment these projects represent.

James Evison

James helps domestic and international clients resolve complex commercial disputes. James is a pragmatic and commercially minded litigator. His practice covers contractual disputes and related termination issues, post M&A claims and franchising disputes. He also has a particular focus on fraud and asset recovery work. An approachable and responsive lawyer, James works collaboratively with clients to understand their commercial aims, identify solutions and help achieve their objectives. He delivers clear, straightforwardadvice. Much of James’ work has an international element and he is actively involved in building relationships across the firm’s international network. James regularly writes comment pieces for legal and other publications, particularly on fraud related matters.

Kimberley Eyssell

Kimberley excels at managing risks and proactively resolving disputes in construction projects. Kimberley is Head of Construction and Engineering. She is a seasoned expert in resolving construction disputes, with over 20 years of experience. She excels at identifying key issues and guiding clients towards effective resolutions. Her extensive track record includes representing parties in adjudication, arbitration, court proceedings in the Technology & Construction Court, and various forms of Alternative Dispute Resolution. Kimberley also adeptly navigates contractual issues that arise during live projects to steer her clients to successful outcomes. Kimberley began her career at a large national firm and later worked in the City before joining Stevens & Bolton in 2017. She represents all parties in the contractual chain, including large corporate occupiers, contractors, and construction professionals across various sectors. Her deep knowledge of industry-standard agreements like JCT and NEC, along with bespoke trade contracts, makes her a valuable asset. Industry engagement A regular speaker at industry events, Kimberley is also the Surrey/Sussex Regional Coordinator for the Society of Construction Law.

James Floyd

James is dedicated to delivering excellence for domestic and international clients. With extensive experience advising public and private companies, asset managers, entrepreneurs, and high-net-worth individuals, James advises on a broad range of corporate and commercial transactions, both domestic and cross-border. Commercial, pragmatic and technically strong, James develops innovative solutions for clients. James joined Stevens & Bolton in 2017, bringing with him a wealth of experience from a leading City law firm where he qualified in 2008.

Beverley Flynn

Beverley is a solutions driven lawyer with a wealth of commercial experience delivering on complex projects from the client’s perspective. A commercially astute lawyer with over 25 years’ experience, she joined from a city law firm with international experience. She has worked in-house with household names in the food, technology, renewables and life sciences sectors. Beverley has experience as a Data Protection Officer. Beverley has significant expertise working collaboratively with clients on structuring and coordinating projects, negotiating contracts and related procurement, and technology e-commerce matters. These range from manufacturing, software, Saas, services, standard terms, NDAs, tenders, commercial agency, distribution, facilities management and business process outsourcing. On data protection and cyber security, she is a Data Protection Officer and also engages in the understanding of complex issues such as data audits, data breaches, AI, Adtech, cookies, international transfers, data protection policies, subject access requests and related digital legislation. Beverley is known for explaining the technical complexities of these areas to clients in a clear, commercial and pragmatic way. Beverley speaks internationally at the IAPP and provides in-house legal training. She is a member of the Society for Computers and Law (SCL) and the International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP) and a member of the Data Protection Forum.

Susie Foden

Susie acts on a diverse range of contentious trust and estate matters as well as Court of Protection disputes. Susie joined Stevens & Bolton in 2024 having trained and qualified in 2020 at a City firm. She advises a range of clients including executors, trustees, beneficiaries, charities and attorneys. Susie provides an empathetic and client-focused approach, delivering pragmatic advice tailored to the individual needs of her clients. Susie is a member of the Association of the Contentious Trusts and Probate Specialists (ACTAPS), the Contentious Trusts Association (ConTrA) and the Court of Protection Practitioners Association (CoPPA).

Valerie Fogleman

Valerie advises clients on environmental and insurance law focusing on environmental liabilities. Valerie has practiced environmental and insurance law for nearly 30 years in England and previously the United States. Her practice spans all aspects of environmental and climate change law. Since joining Stevens & Bolton from City of London law firms in 2007, Valerie has advised extensively on share and asset transactions for national and international clients. Valerie is known for her cutting-edge environmental and environmental insurance studies since 2009 for the European Commission. Valerie is listed by Chambers as Band 1 in Environment, and by Legal 500 in its Hall of Fame as a lawyer at the very top of her profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for her longstanding involvement in market-leading work.

Hannah Ford

Hannah delivers practical solutions to domestic and international clients on employment-related matters. Hannah is Head of Employment, Pensions and Immigration. She is a bright and pragmatic employment lawyer, who helps clients navigate the complex employment law landscape. Her practice covers the full range of employment law. Hannah has a particular flair for defending complex “high stakes” employment tribunal claims, including effectively deploying dispute-avoidance strategies to mitigate risk, reputational damage and cost. She is also experienced in the implementation of large scale HR projects including restructurings, redundancies and outsourcing/TUPE projects. Hannah’s strengths include advising companies on sensitive HR/people issues, disputes and exits delivering commercial and practical support. Hannah also frequently advises senior executives, including negotiating managed exits by settlement agreement. During her career, Hannah’s expertise was bolstered by a client secondment to an International Film, Media and Entertainment Group, where she acted as sole UK Employment Counsel. This bolstered her practical understanding of workplace issues faced by global clients. Hannah frequently advises on cross-global HR projects and her international practice is strengthened by active memberships of the European Employment Lawyers Association and International Bar Association (Employment). Hannah is a founder member of the Consulting Editorial Board of LexisPSL, Employment.

John Forde

John is an experienced tax lawyer who provides clear and pragmatic advice. John advises on a broad spectrum of business tax matters but with a particular focus on M&A transactions, real estate tax and employee share incentives. He also has experience in providing personal tax advice to high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) and entrepreneurs. Clients value John’s ability to consider both the business and personal tax aspects of tax issues; it means he can deliver well-rounded and strategic guidance. He joined Stevens & Bolton in 2024, having previously been a partner at a London firm. As well as a solicitor John is qualified as a Chartered Tax Adviser and is a member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners.

Daryl Fox

Daryl helps individuals and families navigate to clear solutions as they plan for the future. Daryl is a thoughtful and approachable adviser, specialising in wills, trusts, estate administration and succession planning. She is a good listener and brings a collaborative approach to understanding unique individual or family perspectives, and balances these with taxation imperatives to reach and implement positive solutions. Daryl solves wealth structuring and protection challenges including: Estate and Succession Planning Wills Probate and Estate Administration Trusts and Trust Administration Powers of Attorney With extensive practical experience in probate and estate administration, Daryl is proactive and empathetic. She is part of a specialist team rigorously dealing with everything from straightforward cases to complex scenarios involving intricate family interactions, trust structures, taxation issues, international elements, business and agricultural property, and post-death planning. She also acts for Court-appointed personal representatives. Daryl brings her experience to bear in her role as a director of the firm’s trust corporation, Stevens & Bolton Trustees Limited, which is able to act as a personal representative or trustee where needed. Daryl has deep-rooted connections with Stevens & Bolton and its private clients and has been a partner since 2011. Capable and pragmatic, she frequently works with families over several generations, as well as in connection with landed estates and heritage properties.

Kerry Garcia

Kerry brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to provide clear advice and to work together with clients to resolve complex employment and business immigration issues. Kerry has particular expertise in advising businesses on complex, strategic employment matters, including handling grievances, disciplinaries and senior departures, implementing changes to benefits and employment terms, advising on TUPE and on restructures and reorganisations. She also advises businesses on the available options to employ overseas nationals, guiding them and their employees through the labyrinth of immigration rules to ensure the immigration process is completed promptly and to remove as much burden as possible from the business. Kerry works closely with businesses to ensure they comply with their sponsor duties and advises on HR issues where there is an overlap between immigration and employment, such as the risk of discrimination claims arising from failing to sponsor workers and right to work checks. Her practice covers a range of sectors, including the technology and the hospitality and catering sectors. In addition, Kerry advises senior executives, especially in relation to negotiating an exit. Kerry is known for her ability to provide clear and concise advice and for her commercial thinking and problem-solving skills. She works with businesses and HR teams to build strong, long-standing relationships with clients and to understand their business, culture, approach to risk, and objectives. Kerry is also part of S&B’s management team and provides internal HR support to the firm, which provides her with a real insight into the challenges facing businesses and the need for pragmatic solutions. Kerry regularly publishes articles in the HR press, provides media commentary on employment and immigration matters, and provides tailored training and webinars to clients.

Nyasha Gardner

Nyasha advises on and manages immigration matters for a range of commercial clients, including multinational corporates and for individuals. Nyasha is an approachable, empathetic and confident lawyer who works closely with clients to ensure the best outcome. Since joining Stevens & Bolton in 2017, having previously worked at a number of regional firms, she advises on sponsor licence applications, sponsor licence maintenance, Home Office audit compliance and permission to enter and permission to stay applications under the Skilled Worker and Senior or Specialist Worker routes, as well as a range of other business immigration routes. Her experience also includes supporting clients with applications for dependants applying at the same time as the main applicant under various immigration routes. Nyasha also advises individuals on personal and family immigration applications, such as spouse or unmarried partner, ancestry, indefinite leave to remain, naturalisation/registration under British nationality law and long residence applications. Nyasha is an active member of the Immigration Law Practitioners’ Association and also provides immigration and sponsorship training to clients.

Kate Hamson-Maguire

Kate helps clients protect, commercialise and enforce their valuable intellectual property rights. Kate is an agile and collaborative lawyer. Since joining Stevens & Bolton in 2017, she has worked with multinational companies and innovative start-ups to navigate the legal and commercial complexity inherent in IP commercialisation and dispute resolution. Kate has a particular interest in assisting clients in the life sciences and technology sectors and has cultivated significant expertise advising on IP licensing and acquisitions, infringement disputes and brand management. She takes a confident and pragmatic approach to supporting clients through complex negotiations and disputes. A thoughtful and straightforward communicator, Kate is adept at clearly explaining the practical application of intellectual property law. She provides strategic advice to businesses on IP protection, enforcement and exploitation – helping them balance commercial and legal considerations to build successful brands and accelerate innovation. Kate is a member of the AIPPI and IPSoc. She has written articles for legal and industry publications and contributes to the firm’s patent licensing podcast.

James Hardaker

Partner advising on onshore and offshore trust structures, succession planning, general UK tax planning, cross-border estates and employee benefit trusts.

Sean Hilton

Sean expertly assists clients navigate a broad range of issues, with a determined focus on swift and successful outcomes. Sean is Head of Family. He joined Stevens & Bolton in 2018 from a top London firm and became a partner in 2025. Sean is recognised by clients and peers as a smart and confident lawyer, who acts decisively and proactively. Adopting a collaborative approach, he works alongside the country’s best barristers, financial advisors, accountants and therapists to create an expert team around his clients. In addition to the full range of family law issues Sean has a particular skill set in assisting third parties intervening in divorce disputes, working alongside private individuals, companies and trusts to protect assets. He is known for his expertise in this field. A great communicator and relationship-builder, Sean delivers advice clearly and succinctly, ensuring his clients are fully engaged and aware of their options throughout. Sean is also agile in his approach to resolving matters outside of the court arena, exploring all possible options to achieve a swift resolution to a dispute. In recognition of his place as a leader in the market, Sean is regularly engaged to speak at family law events, and to write articles. Sean also co-founded a successful podcast series. He also recognises the importance of supporting and supervising others and is involved in the development of junior lawyers in the firm.

Oscar Horwich

Oscar helps clients navigate complex corporate transactions, enabling them to move forward and achieve their goals. With extensive experience in mid-market M&A, venture and growth funding, and private equity, Oscar advises both national and international clients. He joined Stevens & Bolton in 2010 from a City law firm and became a partner in 2020. Oscar is known for his pragmatic approach, commercial thinking, and problem-solving skills, particularly in cross-border transactions. His clients include large corporates, private equity funds, listed groups, growing owner-managed businesses, and entrepreneurs.

Jeremy Kelly

Jeremy guides clients through the regulatory minefield. Jeremy is a pragmatic and thoughtful lawyer. Since joining Stevens & Bolton from another international law firm, where he spent time in the Brussels office, he has worked with clients to resolve a wide range of regulatory challenges. He has expertise in competition, data protection, pharmaceutical, sanctions and export control law. He also regularly advises on the application of the National Security and Investment Act to corporate transactions, including obtaining clearances. Jeremy’s focus is on providing straightforward, practical advice on complex issues, enabling clients to take informed risk-based decisions. As a regulatory lawyer, he is always keen to find solutions to issues that allow clients to progress their plans whilst minimising risk. Jeremy co-authored the UK chapters of the 2024 Global Competition Review Guide to Life Sciences and the 2023 Global Legal Insights guide to Merger Control. He has previously co-authored a study for the European Parliament on the impacts on the EU-Singapore Free Trade Agreement, and has provided training to the UK Department for International Trade on EU trade policy.

Claire Kilpatrick

Claire assists clients with a wide range of contentious and non-contentious construction related matters. Claire provides clear and practical advice to clients. She trained and qualified in-house with a large engineering consultancy before joining a City firm to provide specialist construction advice to some of the UK’s largest construction insurers. Claire originally joined Stevens & Bolton in 2015 and returned in 2021 following a career break. Since her return to the firm Claire has worked with contractors, developers, employers, sub-contractors, engineers and consultants covering a wide range of construction related matters including advising on procurement strategy, standard form and bespoke contracts, as well as adjudication, litigation and various forms of alternative dispute resolution (ADR). Claire communicates complex legal issues in a clear manner and offers client’s practical advice to help achieve their goals. Claire’s experience working both in-house and with construction insurers, as well as with construction professionals, consultants, contractors, developers and employers, gives her a unique insight into how different areas of the industry operate, which she is able to utilise when advising clients. She regularly writes articles on current construction topics and has been published in a number of external journals, including Expert Witness Journal.

Markus Klempa

Markus is an experienced real estate disputes lawyer helping property investors, occupiers and developers across all sectors to manage their assets, mitigate risks and resolve disputes. Markus joined from a City firm in 2015 and is an expert in freehold and leasehold property matters with particular expertise in covenants, rights over land and devising vacant possession strategies. He regularly supports his commercial clients with their day-to-day property issues, including breaches of contract, lease renewals (both contested and uncontested), forfeiture, breaks and with issues arising out of tenant insolvency. Markus has been described by clients as a highly trusted advisor, well organised and proactive and they especially appreciate his ability to deliver complex legal advice in a clear and confident way. Markus spearheads the real estate group’s growing international practice with his regular attendance at European real estate events.

Tom Lingard

Tom works with clients to create value from innovation, enforce their intellectual property rights and protect their reputations. Tom is Head of Intellectual Property. He is an experienced and pragmatic litigator and Solicitor-Advocate who is recognised for his clear, thoughtful advice. He helps clients navigate and resolve disputes in the UK and internationally; and gives responsive support to businesses of all sizes who want to build and protect value in their IP and brands. Since joining Stevens & Bolton in 2007 from an international firm, Tom has represented clients from across the world to bring and defend claims in the UK for patent, trade mark, copyright and design right infringement, breach of confidence and defamation. His scientific background enables him to really engage on technical issues; and his open and collaborative approach helps clients grow through strategic partnerships, licensing, joint ventures and transactions. He is an Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Patent Attorneys and the Chartered Institute of Trade Mark Attorneys; and a member of the Institute of Physics, INTA, AIPPI, Union-IP and iTechLaw.

James Lister

James specialises in private wealth disputes, dealing with trust, estate and succession matters within the UK and internationally. James also deals with disputes where trusts and private wealth issues are involved in wider commercial disputes, such as fraud and asset recovery. James is Head of Private Wealth Disputes. He joined Stevens & Bolton in 2017, having trained and qualified at a Top 50 firm. He became a partner in 2019. James acts predominately for private clients or for those who advise private clients, such as corporate trustees, private banks and other law firms. James advises on claims by or involving estates and trusts, most commonly involving high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth individuals. He acts for executors, trustees and beneficiaries, and also specialises in advising on claims under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975. James also has a substantial practice advising on claims overlapping the trusts and family court jurisdictions, dealing with trustees and beneficiaries who have become involved in divorce proceedings and on issues arising from the enforcement and implementation of ancillary relief orders made in divorce proceedings.

Charles Maurice

Charlie is a modern and innovative lawyer, helping clients navigate complex tech, financial services and sport transactions in the ever-changing digital economy. Charlie is Head of the Commercial and Technology Team and Co-head of Sport. He advises clients on their key transactions in this space. He is a relationship-driven lawyer and really enjoys helping clients buy and sell digital products and solutions, implement new market opportunities or steer through the rapidly emerging legal landscape associated with AI and new technologies. In particular, Charlie spends much of his time advising on fintech matters and the cross-over between technology and the financial services sector. This includes platform arrangements, customer-facing documentation (including the FCA Consumer Duty), material outsourcing arrangements, custody and clearing contracts, appointed representative arrangements, consumer credit issues, payment services and emoney. Charlie also advises on perimeter guidance queries and assists clients in liaising with the FCA, including authorisation/permission and change of control applications. Charlie also co-leads our sports practice. He has significant experience on the football regulatory aspects of the acquisition and disposal of football clubs, and works closely with our corporate team to provide a full service offering to owners and potential owners of sports clubs. Charlie also regularly advises clients active in the professional golf space, including in connection with sponsorship deals. Charlie joined Stevens & Bolton in 2016, prior to which he trained and worked at a leading City firm.

Deliya Meylanova

Deliya cuts through detail to guide clients to successful resolution of disputes. Deliya is a thorough, thoughtful and pragmatic solicitor. She has over 10 years’ post-qualification experience, during which has run a varied caseload including very large international litigation and arbitration. Deliya joined Stevens & Bolton in early 2024, having worked at a litigation boutique, the London office of a US firm and a large international firm where she trained. Deliya is bilingual in English and Russian and has a reading knowledge of French and Italian. As a hobby she tutors adults in Latin and Ancient Greek. Her background is primarily in high-value commercial disputes with an element of fraud, including: breakdowns of joint ventures director misfeasance misrepresentations in share/asset purchases breach of confidence transactions defrauding creditors

Stephanie Newton

Helping clients navigate complex property disputes with clarity and confidence. Stephanie specialises in contentious property matters, offering expert advice to both businesses and individuals in relation to commercial and residential property. She joined Stevens & Bolton in 2017, bringing experience from a leading UK law firm. Stephanie excels in landlord and tenant issues, including business lease renewals, forfeiture, break rights, and dilapidations as well as real property issues. Stephanie is dedicated to overcoming legal obstacles and enabling clients to move forward with their plans. She provides pragmatic, commercial solutions to property disputes for commercial clients and instils confidence when leading private clients through their residential property claims. Her experience encompasses court litigation and alternative dispute resolution, including expert determination, arbitration, and mediation.

Elaine O'Hare

Elaine works with domestic and international clients to protect their brands and resolve IP disputes. Elaine is Head of Brand Protection, Luxury and Fashion. She is recognised as one of the UK’s leading brand protection lawyers and works with clients from around the world to build, protect and enforce their IP rights. Since joining S&B in 2007 Elaine has brought and defended scores of claims for trade mark, design right and copyright infringement on behalf of clients ranging from listed entities to start-ups. Elaine collaborates with clients to secure trade mark protection and navigate opposition and cancellation actions around the world. She has particular expertise in the fashion and luxury sector and provides seamless online enforcement solutions, tailored to clients’ needs. Elaine has a diverse international network and is an active member of the IBA Fashion and Luxury group, MARQUES and AIPPI.

Matthew Padian

Matthew helps clients to borrow money, lend debt and to navigate financial challenges. Matthew is a pragmatic and approachable lawyer who helps clients in good times and bad. He advises clients to finance transactions, including those involving loans to fund company acquisitions, purchase or develop real estate, or to fund a company’s trading or working capital requirements. Matthew also helps clients to resolve their financial difficulties, restructure their debts and to undertake corporate reorganisations. This can involve working with or opposite insolvency practitioners for clients that buy or sell businesses in distressed circumstances, or which are looking to resolve financial difficulties by undertaking a formal insolvency procedure. Matthew joined Stevens & Bolton in 2016 from an international law firm. He collaborates with individuals, companies and lenders of all types to build positive relationships and achieve successful outcomes. He is a regular contributor to industry publications including Practical Law, LexisNexis and Butterworths Journal of International Banking & Financial Law.

Abigail Palmer-Page

Abigail helps clients navigate the complexities of the estate administration process. Abigail is Head of Probate and Estate Administration. She is a pragmatic, approachable and capable lawyer. She joined Stevens & Bolton in 2017, bringing wide probate and succession experience gained at a city law firm. As an estate administration specialist, Abigail works mainly for personal representatives of estates and assists them with every aspect of the probate process, including advising on inheritance tax reliefs, trust arrangements, post-death variations and international elements. She is particularly adept at dealing with high value and/or complex estates and often coordinates teams of professional advisers, providing a seamless service to best navigate the probate process for clients. Abigail brings wide expertise to the non-contentious aspects of disputes arising in a probate context, working collaboratively with colleagues in our private wealth disputes team. She also advises corporate clients, where she offers practical and commercial solutions to accelerate progress in dealing with the assets of a deceased individual. Frequently, Abigail assists overseas law firms and executors who require advice on HMRC’s compliance obligations and applying for an English grant of representation for a non-domiciled deceased individual. A confident communicator who builds trusted client relationships, Abigail understands that the period following a death is often a challenging time for clients. She explains technical concepts clearly and offers practical guidance that helps clients move forward. Clients appreciate Abigail’s calm efficiency and friendly approach.

Krishna Patel

Krishna helps clients navigate complex corporate transactions with strategic insight and solutions. Krishna is a seasoned corporate lawyer who joined Stevens & Bolton in 2018 and became a partner in April 2026, having previously trained at a top 50 UK law firm in London. He has extensive experience in mergers and acquisitions, private equity, venture capital investments, group reorganisations, and general company law matters, both domestic and cross-border. Krishna has a particular focus on the technology, insurance, and sports sectors, providing pragmatic and commercially sound advice to help clients achieve their goals. Krishna is adept at explaining complex legal concepts clearly and providing strategic advice that balances commercial and legal considerations, helping to drive successful transactions.

Alexa Payet

Alexa specialises in complex trust and estate disputes, and has nationally recognised expertise in assisted dying law. Alexa specialises in contentious probate and private wealth disputes, acting for high net worth individuals, families, trustees and professional executors in complex, sensitive and high value matters. Her practice spans the full spectrum of contentious trusts and estates work, including challenges to wills, Inheritance Act claims, trust disputes, removal of executors and trustees, and claims involving allegations of financial abuse. Alexa is a highly effective litigator with the real subject matter expertise that is essential in this area. She is known for combining technical precision with a calm, strategic approach. Clients describe her as clear‑headed, empathetic and commercially astute, with a strong focus on achieving outcomes that protect both wealth and relationships. Alexa has particular expertise in the financial and legal consequences arising from assisted suicide, regularly advising families on applications for relief from the forfeiture rule under the Forfeiture Act 1982. She acted for the successful claimants in Ninian v Findlay [2019] and Morris v Morris [2024], the two leading High Court decisions in this area, and also represented the residuary beneficiaries in Re David Peace (unreported) (2025), further consolidating her position at the forefront of this developing field. Widely recognised as the most experienced solicitor in the country on relief from forfeiture in the context of assisted dying, Alexa combines deep technical knowledge with a sensitive, pragmatic approach, guiding clients through these complex and emotionally challenging cases with clarity and care. Alexa joined Stevens & Bolton in 2026.

Jackie Penlington

Jackie helps clients find immigration solutions to come or remain in the UK. Jackie is an experienced and collaborative lawyer who guides clients through the UK immigration system. By providing clear and commercial advice she enables her clients to fully understand their immigration options in the UK and achieve their objectives. Particularly for personal immigration clients she understands that the process can be extremely stressful and her streamlined and responsive approach removes the burden from them as far possible. She joined Stevens & Bolton in 2014, having trained at a City firm and subsequently worked at a niche immigration practice in London for several years. She had previously spent time living and working abroad in France, Italy, Ecuador and Nepal which sparked her interest in immigration. Jackie is an expert in business immigration matters, including advising businesses ranging from global corporates to SMEs and start-ups on obtaining sponsor licences and on fulfilling their sponsor compliance duties, as well as assisting their employees with Skilled Worker, Senior/Specialist Worker and internship applications. Jackie also steers clients through complex business immigration queries, including the impact of corporate transactions on sponsorship and right to work issues. Jackie has extensive experience in personal immigration law, including advising on obtaining permission to enter or stay and settlement in a wide range of immigration categories, including spouse/unmarried partner, ancestry and Global Talent. She also regularly advises on the full spectrum of EU Settlement Scheme applications, including pre-settled, settled status applications and Family Permits, as well as helping clients apply for British nationality. Jackie has written numerous articles on immigration issues for publications and is an active member of the Immigration Law Practitioners Association (ILPA).

Catherine Penny

Catherine provides strategic and practical advice to problem solve in contentious situations, helping clients to win their disputes. Catherine is intelligent and diligent, specialising in commercial disputes whether in litigation, arbitration or as part of a proactive risk management and avoidance strategy. Her practice is often sector agnostic but she has experience particularly in life sciences and hospitality and leisure. A large part of her practice involves disputes relating to franchising and licensing relationships, often with an international dimension. Since joining Stevens & Bolton in 2013, Catherine has worked with clients to understand the cases they need to meet and establish meaningful strategies to pursue or defence their claims. Catherine has a global network and has developed relationships through working with international lawyers around the world. She is an active member of the International Association of Young Lawyers, currently the President of the International Arbitration Commission of AIJA.

Matthew Peto

Matt facilitates the preservation of wealth for clients with clear advice and a personable service. Matt is a dedicated and collaborative tax and estate planning lawyer. He supports UK and international individuals, families and trustees. His work includes the creation of wills, trusts, and lasting powers of attorney, and advising on related tax, structuring and succession issues both in a personal and business context. He additionally has a wealth of knowledge in probate and estate administration. Since joining Stevens & Bolton in 2015, Matt has been committed to understanding clients’ objectives and delivering clear, pragmatic solutions. His thoughtful and responsive approach ensures clients feel supported and confident in their decisions. Matt aspires to strengthen relationships and enhance knowledge sharing, drawing on his natural skill for building connections. He is an active member of Stevens & Bolton’s International Practice Group, developing relationships with law firms around the world. Matt also leads the private client team’s precedents committee and supports the firm’s development programme for junior lawyers. Matt serves as a director of the firm’s professional trust company, Stevens & Bolton Trustees Limited, contributing strategic oversight and independent guidance on the administration of trusts and estates in both contentious and non-contentious contexts.

Andrew Quick

Andrew brings extensive experience and a strong track record of successful outcomes for our clients. Andrew is Head of Commercial Litigation. He has delivered closely considered but pragmatic advice to clients in the UK, EU and worldwide as a Stevens & Bolton partner since 2000, both in a purely advisory capacity and in relation to the conduct of litigation or arbitration proceedings. He has gained particular expertise in disputes arising from corporate transactions, advising buyers and sellers on breach of warranty, tax and earn-out claims, as well as claims against professionals where things have gone wrong. Likewise, shareholder disputes, acting for clients in numerous unfair prejudice proceedings. Andrew enjoys working collaboratively with in-house legal teams for the firm’s larger clients as much as he does supporting owners of smaller businesses and individuals for whom commercial disputes will present a particular challenge.

Daryl Rivero

Daryl is committed to helping clients achieve their commercial property goals, providing clear and pragmatic advice to navigate the investment market. Daryl advises on a broad range of commercial property matters, predominantly in the investment market. Since joining Stevens & Bolton in 2005 from a City firm and becoming a partner in 2016, Daryl has been instrumental in helping clients achieve their property goals. With experience in acquisitions and disposals, landlord and tenant matters, and secured lending, Daryl provides pragmatic and commercially sound advice. Daryl’s approach is client-focused, ensuring that each transaction is handled with precision and care enabling clients to move forward with confidence.

Jenny Robertson

Jenny helps clients navigate complex corporate transactions and achieve their business goals. Jenny is highly experienced in mergers and acquisitions (M&A), corporate advisory, equity investments, and partnership projects. She joined Stevens & Bolton in 2001 as a trainee and became a partner in 2013. Jenny advises a diverse range of clients, from SMEs and high-growth businesses to investors and large corporate groups, helping them overcome legal obstacles and accelerate progress. Jenny’s approach is pragmatic and commercially focused, ensuring that her clients receive clear, actionable advice. She is known for her ability to build strong relationships and provide personal service, adding significant value to her clients’ businesses. Jenny is a member of the firm’s entrepreneur sector group and is passionate about helping entrepreneurial and owner-managed businesses achieve their goals. She is also the firm’s Diversity and Inclusion partner, leading internal projects to enhance and improve the firm’s performance and culture. Jenny enjoys public speaking and often speaks at seminars and events for the firm and its external partners.

Heidi Sawtell

Heidi is dedicated to helping clients navigate complex corporate transactions and regulatory landscapes, enabling them to achieve their goals with confidence. Heidi is Co-head of Insurance. With over 20 years of experience, Heidi advises both non-regulated and regulated financial services clients, including international groups, large corporates, SMEs, and individuals. She specialises in corporate transactional, company, and regulatory matters, with a particular focus on the insurance sector. Heidi joined Stevens & Bolton as a corporate and regulatory partner in 2022, bringing her extensive expertise from a City law firm and her role as senior legal counsel for the UK financial services prudential regulator.

Kate Schmit

Kate helps clients navigate the complex tax landscape with clarity and confidence. Kate is Head of Corporate Tax. Kate is a highly experienced tax lawyer, specialising in corporate tax, exit tax planning for entrepreneurs, employee share schemes, and employment-related taxation. Her practice includes advising on M&A, private equity, reorganisations, and the design and implementation of share incentive arrangements. She works with a wide variety of clients, from household names to start ups and is a popular choice as tax counsel for entrepreneurs and management teams. Kate provides advice on complex matters in a clear, understandable way and clients praise her pragmatic problem solving, helping to get deals done and projects delivered. Since joining Stevens & Bolton in 2008, Kate has been dedicated to helping clients overcome legal obstacles and accelerate the progress of their businesses. Kate has been a partner since 2010 and the firm’s Strategy Partner since 2022.

Lorna Sleave

Lorna helps clients to manage and resolve commercial disputes. Lorna is a confident and capable adviser who enjoys building collaborative relationships with clients to resolve disputes efficiently and commercially. Since qualifying into the commercial litigation team in 2016, Lorna has worked with clients to resolve disputes arising from commercial contracts, corporate transactions, franchising arrangements, commercial agency agreements and allegations of professional negligence. Lorna helps clients to navigate disputes with a commercial approach and works with clients to understand and achieve their objectives. Lorna has a particular interest in international arbitration and has developed significant expertise in this field, acting for clients in institutional and ad hoc arbitration across many sectors. Lorna has Higher Rights of Audience and is a member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators.

Andrew Steele

Andrew helps clients execute real estate transactions pragmatically and finds innovative solutions to problems. Andrew is a very experienced real estate lawyer, specialising in leasing, asset management, development, investment and funding transactions. His practice spans the healthcare, retail, hospitality and leisure and logistics sectors. He has worked for large international law firms and qualified in Scotland, England and Wales and New South Wales, Australia. Since joining Stevens & Bolton in 2004, Andrew has advised multiple clients with large real estate portfolios to get deals done – helping clients problem-solve and navigate legal and commercial complexity. He led the real estate team from 2016 to 2025 and has successfully built a great team. He is a member of Corenet and the Primary Care Premises Forum.

Jonathan Steele

Jonathan works with national and international clients, helping them to realise their ambitions. Jonathan is a commercial operator with significant expertise advising owner managed businesses as well as national and international acquirers. He has a particular focus on the technology and healthcare sectors. Jonathan joined Stevens & Bolton in 2023 from an international law firm and continues to advise business owners and management teams on exits and investments as well as working alongside corporate acquirers expanding their portfolios. Jonathan’s ability to view the deal from both sides allows him to lead clients through legal and commercial challenges, helping to get the deal done. Jonathan is active internationally with the International Bar Association and much of his work includes a cross border element.

Ellie Sullivan

Ellie helps clients navigate difficult inheritance disputes and complex trust matters. Ellie is a capable and pragmatic lawyer. Since joining Stevens & Bolton in 2023 as a newly qualified lawyer, Ellie has worked on a variety of private wealth disputes including will validity, Inheritance Act, trust disputes and constructive trust claims. Ellie is adept to working with individuals, companies and professional trustees and approaches her clients with understanding and creative solutions to navigate litigious cases. A strong communicator and with a human approach, Ellie provides a fresh perspective to clients and adopts a holistic approach to claims. Ellie is dedicated to her clients and will go above and beyond to anticipate developments and resolve disputes in a clear and appropriate manner. Ellie has obtained the Association of Contentious Trust and Probate Specialists qualification and is a member of ConTrA, the Contentious Trusts Association.

Keith Syson

Keith helps entrepreneurs and management teams build successful businesses. Keith is a trusted adviser to entrepreneurs, management teams and investors. He spends most of his time leading M&A transactions, advising on private equity and venture capital investments and providing corporate advice. Clients value Keith’s wealth of transactional experience, acting for buyers, sellers and investors, particularly in the technology, life sciences and automotive sectors. He is pragmatic and commercial, understanding the priorities of all parties and working collaboratively to get the deal done. Keith joined Stevens & Bolton in 1991 and became a partner in 1999. Alongside his corporate practice, he has enjoyed spells as head of the corporate group and is currently senior partner of the firm. Keith is a member of the International Bar Association and much of his work includes a cross-border element.

Charlotte Tillett

Charlotte helps clients navigate complex intellectual property challenges with a clear and collaborative approach. Charlotte is Head of Life Sciences. She is a highly experienced intellectual property lawyer with a particular interest in the life sciences sector. She is known for her pragmatic and human approach, bringing a positive and collaborative spirit to her work. Charlotte joined Stevens & Bolton’s IP practice in 2008 from a City firm and became a partner in 2016. Charlotte’s practice focuses on advising global companies and start-ups on complex IP licensing, research and joint development agreements, IP restructuring, and transactional work in a range of scientific and technical sectors. Her technical excellence and relationship-driven approach enable her to build strong, trust-based relationships with clients, understanding their business and enabling them to achieve their commercial objectives. Charlotte’s work has a significant international aspect, supported by her strong international network of lawyers. She works to develop the firm’s relationships across the world as Head of the International Practice Group. She is an Officer and Vice Chair of the IBA Healthcare & Life Sciences Committee, which further enhances her global perspective and connections, and provides an insight for clients on the international life sciences sector. Charlotte also heads the firm’s Life Sciences Group, leading a team of specialists to assist clients in this fascinating sector. Charlotte writes regularly for various legal and industry publications and is a member of the IBA, INTA, AIPPI, the BioIndustry Association, and the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry. She led a podcast series focusing on practical aspects of patent licensing.

Rosie Todd

Rosie helps UK-based and international clients arrange their affairs and pass wealth to the next generation (whether during lifetime or on death) in the most tax efficient way possible. She achieves this by getting to know her clients, their families and their priorities and overlaying all of this with the complexities of the UK tax code. Rosie is the Head of Private Client. Her practice spans wills and succession planning, tax advice and advice in relation to trusts. Given her background in corporate tax at a City firm, she specialises in advising entrepreneurs and business-owners, often in relation to corporate exit planning and restructuring. Many of her clients have a cross-border element to their affairs. Since joining Stevens & Bolton in 2012, Rosie has worked with individuals, companies and trustees (both onshore and offshore) to navigate the difficulties of the UK tax system and find solutions – helping her clients cut through the legal and tax complexities. Rosie is a pragmatic lawyer with a skill for seeing the bigger picture and anticipating issues before they arise. She nurtures her relationships her clients and enjoys playing the privileged role of their trusted adviser. As a director of our professional trust company, Rosie provides an independent voice to the running of trust structures and navigating contentious estate matters.

Lucy Trott

Lucy provides pragmatic advice to insolvency practitioners, debtors and key stakeholders in distressed scenarios. Lucy is a responsive and capable lawyer with particular expertise in contentious insolvency instructions. Lucy joined Stevens & Bolton in 2015 from an international law firm, where she trained and qualified as a restructuring and insolvency lawyer. She has considerable experience in resolving claims against company directors (including fraud-based claims), making applications for and in the context of administration, navigating cross-border insolvency, CVA challenge applications and she has a wealth of bankruptcy experience too. Lucy provides clear strategic advice to directors of distressed business to mitigate their potential liabilities. She has experience acting on restructurings including pre-pack administrations, corporate simplification, and advancing plans for business wind down including liquidation, strike off and dissolution. Lucy also deals with creditor enforcement action under contracts, security and guarantees, including validity reviews and the appointment of administrators and receivers. Lucy is passionate about diversity and inclusion and leads the Guildford Women in Business network which connects professional women living and working in the Guildford area.

James Waddell

James spearheads excellence at Stevens & Bolton. James brings the calm pragmatism and bold ambition of a seasoned dealmaker to his role as Managing Partner. Delivering outstanding quality and personal service to clients is his top priority, investing in people and systems to support our culture of excellence. Under James’ leadership, Stevens & Bolton has seen outstanding growth, partner promotions and rankings, cementing our position as a dynamic alternative to City law firms. James joined Stevens & Bolton in 2001 after starting his career in the City and became a corporate partner in 2007. As head of the firm’s Corporate & Commercial group for many years, James was trusted by major corporate clients and entrepreneurs on their high stakes mergers and acquisitions, corporate finance, private equity and governance matters. In 2022 James became the firm’s Managing Partner and now leads a talented management team of lawyers and business services professionals to develop and execute the firm’s strategy.

Gareth Walliss

Gareth helps clients create and implement plans to safeguard wealth and secure its tax efficient transition to future generations. A calm and creative thinker, Gareth advises business owners, high net worth individuals, landed estates and their trustees. He deals particularly with the creation, administration and rearrangement of estates, trusts and other asset holding structures, to ensure tax efficiencies and inter-generational security. Gareth enjoys esoteric tax and trust problems, often in the context of employee benefit trusts and death in service schemes. He is a director of our in-house trust company, Stevens & Bolton Trustees Limited, and through its appointment as executor or trustee in both contentious and non-contentious situations Gareth delivers his legal expertise blended with strategic advice. Gareth is thoughtful and responsive and builds trusted adviser relationships across a wide spectrum of clients. Gareth joined from an international law firm in 2022.

Alex Watt

Alex guides UK property investor and developer clients through real estate transactions with clear and pragmatic advice. Alex is Head of Commercial Real Estate. Alex is a determined and collaborative transactional lawyer specialising in the acquisition and disposal of investment property development projects, and advising companies in relation to their occupational requirements. He is regularly asked to provide advice on complicated option, promotion and overage arrangements and also acts for clients on the purchasing, selling and management of investment properties. Alex trained and qualified at a Magic Circle firm. He joined Stevens & Bolton as a partner in 2016.

Helen Wheddon

Helen provides clients with clear, commercial advice to navigate their contentious property issues. Helen is Head of Real Estate Disputes. Helen’s practice primarily covers commercial property and development work acting for landlords, investors and developers as well as the businesses that occupy those properties. Her client base crosses different sectors and she heads the firm’s Hospitality & Leisure group. Helen joined Stevens & Bolton in 2007 and she has built up extensive experience engaging closely with clients to understand their property disputes. Helen strives to identify any opportunities and resolve disputes in the most appropriate way with strategic and pragmatic advice, in language clients understand, no matter how complicated the issue. She is a member of the Property Litigation Association and Women in Property.

Andy Williams

Andy partners with clients on their employment and pensions challenges. Andy is a trusted adviser and team player. With nearly 25 years’ experience at City firms, he has a wealth of commercial acumen in most sectors. He combines this with a natural ability to rapidly analyse any situation, identify the issues and offer practical solutions. Even in the most complex or sensitive matters. Clients particularly value his approachable nature and his preference for avoiding legalese when advising. Andy has a genuine interest in understanding clients, their businesses and their commercial priorities and objectives. He strongly believes that advisers can only deliver their best with this background knowledge. Andy also demonstrates a positive, can do attitude to any situation. He guides clients through their options and partners with them at every step of the process. Little wonder, then, that many of his clients have had very long-standing relationships with him.

Ben Willis

Ben helps clients navigate complex construction projects, removing legal obstacles and enabling progress. Ben has over two decades of experience in non-contentious construction law, joining Stevens & Bolton in 2018 and becoming a partner in 2020. He advises clients on procurement, drafting and negotiating building contracts, consultant appointments, bonds, guarantees, partnering agreements, framework agreements, and the construction aspects of funding agreements, joint ventures, development agreements, and leases. Ben’s clients include investors, developers, contractors, occupiers, universities, local authorities, banks and consultants across a wide range of sectors including infrastructure, industrial and logistics, retail and offices, finance, education, and manufacturing. He is known for his pragmatic approach, commercial thinking, and problem-solving skills. Ben is recognised for his technical excellence and client-focused service. He has been acknowledged in industry publications for his expertise in construction law and his ability to build strong client relationships.