Butcher & Barlow LLP

Commercial Property

Partner and Co-Head of Commercial Property

Trained at Butcher & Barlow starting in 2012; Qualified in 2014; Partner in 2018

Kelvin Hall School, Wyke Sixth Form College, The University of Manchester 2005-2009 BA (Joint Hons) 2:1 in French and Spanish. College of Law 2009-2010 (GDL Commendation). BPP 2012 (LPC Distinction).

It is with great sadness and disbelief that we announce the sudden passing of our friend and colleague, Zoë Paton-Crockett.

Zoë joined Butcher & Barlow as a Trainee Solicitor in 2012 and quickly demonstrated her sharp brain, eye for detail and ability to learn and adapt.  During each part of her Training Contract she demonstrated a high level of capability and it was clear to us all that she was a rising star.

Upon qualifying with the Firm, Zoë decided to test herself in Manchester and joined the Real Estate team at DWF but she remained in contact with her former colleagues and after less than a year she rejoined the Commercial Property team this time at the Gadbrook Park office of Butcher & Barlow.  Immediately, she set about developing a varied and technically complicated case load and impressed both colleagues and clients alike with her ability to get to the heart of a matter quickly, identify the issues and present a solution.  She was someone who could always bring the matter to a conclusion ahead of deadlines and was already thinking about the next transaction.

Zoë developed a reputation for being able to take on complex matters relating to Promotion Agreements and Options for land development.  She dealt with a number of developers in acquiring sites and then assisting with the site set ups.  To her clients, Zoë was a respected and trusted advisor.  In the office, she was someone who took a real interest in junior members of the team and spent a lot of time training, developing and championing others.

The Firm promoted Zoë to Partner just 3 years after she returned and, continuing her rapid ascent, Zoë was made Head of Commercial Property shortly thereafter, in recognition of her management, leadership and training skills.  Under Zoë’s leadership, the Commercial Property team achieved a Top Tier ranking in the Legal 500 and she was individually recognised as a Leading Partner and a Recommended Lawyer.

Aside from all her professional qualities, Zoë was a caring and considerate colleague and friend.  She always found time to speak to people and left a positive impression on all who dealt with her.  She would also be the first to refill the supply of biscuits in the staff kitchen.

Zoë excelled even more in her most important role, as Mum to Joey and Tommy and she was able to seamlessly balance family and work life with the support of her loving husband Andrew.  Her sons and husband were her primary focus yet she maintained the drive that had brought her such professional success.

On the 30th May we received the devastating news that Zoë passed away suddenly in her sleep that morning.  Whilst we mourn the loss of a friend, colleague, Partner and exceptional Solicitor, our thoughts are with Andrew, their boys and her family at this time.  Zoë will not be forgotten by her family at Butcher & Barlow.