Clients can expect a highly experienced, efficient, and reassuring service when working with Linsey. As a Legal Assistant in the residential property department and a long-standing member of Nick Ritson’s team, Linsey brings over 31 years of experience at Pictons to every transaction. She ensures each matter is set up accurately and progresses smoothly from the very start.
Meet The Team
- Siobhan Rooney's Bio
Areas of Specialism
- Financial and children matters arising from divorce and separation
- Contentious probate
- Inheritance Act and estate-related claims
Key Experience
- Regularly advises members of the Armed Forces, Medical Professionals, and Police and Fire Service Personnel
- Extensive experience in multi-jurisdictional matters involving the United States, Dubai, Spain, France, Greece, Australia, and the Republic of Ireland
- Provides strategic support to Business Owners on complex issues arising from relationship breakdown
- Actively engages in Non-Court Dispute Resolution, including Pictons’ Divorce Together service
- Experienced in handling property disputes arising from disputes between co-owners.
Career & Qualifications
- Admitted as a solicitor in 2008
- Solicitor, Purcell Solicitors (2008–2010)
- Associate Solicitor, Pictons Solicitors (2010–2014)
- Partner, Pictons Solicitors (2014–present)
- Managing Partner, Pictons Solicitors (2025–present)
- Trustee, Active Luton (2012–2018)
- Trustee, Luton Irish Forum (2013–2020; 2022–present)
- Co-Chair, Luton Irish Forum (2025–present)
- Member of Resolution
- Recognised on Lady Baroness Hale’s Pro Bono List (2024, 2025)
- Contributor to the Luton Irish Forum’s receipt of the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service (MBE-equivalent honour)
What clients can expect when working with Siobhan
Clients working with Siobhan can expect clear, strategic advice delivered with empathy and expertise. She is known for guiding clients through high-stakes and often emotionally charged situations with calm authority. As Managing Partner at Pictons Solicitors and an active contributor to pro bono and voluntary initiatives, Siobhan combines legal excellence with leadership and a commitment to her service.
- Deborah Saini's Bio
Area of specialism
- Inheritance claims and contesting wills
- Claims involving problematic Executors
- Property and boundary disputes
- Commercial disputes
- Breach of contract
- Consumer matters
- Landlord and Tenant, commercial and residential
Key experience
- Acted in a problematic Executor dispute which culminated in the co-executor fraudulently selling a house forming part of the estate and pocketing the proceeds despite a restriction on the property title. I swiftly recovered damages for my client from the firm that acted negligently in the sale and who had failed to notice that there were two Executors.
- Successful in recovering substantial debts for a number of companies.
- Acted in a long running dispute between a landlord and my client, a professional businessman, the tenant. Successful in defending the landlord’s application to split the case against my client and the co-defendant as a means to avoid paying costs. Successful in a security for costs application against the landlord and successful in defending numerous attempts by the landlord to appeal the decision. Successful in having the case against my client struck out.
- Successfully defended a complicated claim for damages made by an Executor against my client, a care home provider. Instincts led me to look closely into the claimant and in turn I made contact with another firm who were instructed to have him removed as an Executor. As a result, the claimant agreed to discontinue the claim and pay my client’s costs.
Career and Qualifications
- Admitted as a solicitor in 2004
- Solicitor, Batchelors (now part of Birketts) 2004
- Joined Pictons June 2004
- Head of Personal Injury Team, Pictons 2014-2020
- Head of Civil and Commercial Team 2020-present
What clients can expect when working with Deborah
Deborah will always fight her client’s corner, but she will give clear, practical and realistic advice often in emotional and highly charged circumstances. Deborah can think outside the box and look for the less obvious solutions to resolving a dispute. She believes that clear communication, not only with clients but with opponents, produces the best outcome.
- Matt Osborne's Bio
Role at Pictons
I joined the team in February 2024, taking on the role of Practice Manager. As the person responsible for overseeing the day-to-day financial and operational aspects of our company, I ensure that everything runs smoothly and efficiently.
Career to date
- Noble Solicitors Accounts Assistant
- Perrin Myddleton Legal Cashier
- Elite Law Solicitors Head Legal Cashier
- Pictons Solicitors Practice Manager
How does Matt support the Pictons team?
Matt brings a calm, organised, and solutions-focused approach to Pictons. He is a Practice Manager with a strong eye for detail and a genuine passion for problem-solving, Matt supports teams so they can focus on delivering the best possible service to clients, while continually looking for ways to streamline processes and improve productivity.
- Melanie Lawrence's Bio
Area of Specialism
- Freehold Sales and purchases
- Leasehold Sales and purchases
- Building Safety Act sales and purchases
- Shared ownership sales and purchases
- Shared ownership staircasing
- Help to Buy borrowing and discharge
- First Time buyer purchases
- High Value sale and purchase
- Land Acquisition
- Property Acquisition as part of a company sale
- Plot sales
- Splitting of title
- First Registrations
- Possessory title (non-disputed)
- Option Agreements
- Overage Agreements
- Review of title
- Negotiating the removal of restrictions
- Auction sale and purchase
- Acquisition of repossessed property
Key Experience
Commercial:
- Acting for property developers in a £5 million acquisition of a property in Berkhamstead which had numerous restrictions. Negotiating the release of the restrictions to enable development. Splitting the titles and selling off the plots for over £2milion each.
- Acting for clients purchasing retirement apartment. The sale value of their property was valued at £400,000. My knowledge of the locality made me question the valuation – got a local agent to value it and their value was £1.2 million
- Negotiating overage terms and advising Company’s and Developers
- Acting for SME Developers in land acquisitions for land bank and plot sales
- Acting for Company’s including developers in purchases with bridging finance.
- Successfully claimed commercial SDLT rates on residential property under the uninhabitable rule.
- Preparing Auction packs for Auctioneer/Seller and reviewing auction packs for prospective buyer
- Recommended solicitor for large scale plot purchases.
Residential:
- Acting for clients in Equity Release remortgage, sale and purchase and porting equity release to new property
- Acting for clients in newbuild plot purchases
- Acting for clients with purchases including overage
- Discharge of help to buy
- New build plot purchases
- Knowledge of leasehold and freehold
Career & Qualifications
I qualified as a solicitor in 2006. Prior to that, I qualified as a Legal Executive in 1999 when working in family law. In 2001 I switched from family law to property law and over the last 24 years I have worked as a conveyancing lawyer.
I have worked in Herts, Beds and Bucks in local firms and have also worked at national firms servicing the wider area of England and Wales in property and conveyancing services.
What clients can expect when working with Melanie
When working with Melanie, clients can expect an experienced, knowledgeable, and friendly guide through every stage of their property transaction. With over 24 years in conveyancing and having qualified as a solicitor in 2006, Melanie brings depth of expertise and confidence to even the most complex matters. Clients with more complex needs are well supported through her specialist experience, and can expect clear communication, practical advice, and a proactive approach focused on protecting their interests and keeping transactions moving smoothly. Melanie’s calm, thorough manner and ability to anticipate issues early provide reassurance and clarity, helping clients feel informed and supported from instruction through to completion.
- Sarah Crook's Bio
Area of Specialism
Wills, Trusts, Powers of Attorney, Probate and Estate Planning
Key Experience
- Administration of estates ranging from modest non-taxable estates to multi-million pound, cross border estates with contentious elements or defective Wills.
- Lifetime Trusts for a range of circumstances such as estate planning and declarations of trust for property ownership.
- Inheritance Tax planning including providing advice on the use of reliefs, lifetime giving, exemptions, allowances and also post-death variations. Working collaboratively with financial advisors.
- Wills of all levels of complexity including trusts for vulnerable beneficiaries, providing for children from a previous relationship and including discretionary trusts.
- Lasting Powers of Attorney to include their preparation and registration and also advice on their use and dealing with contentious situations.
Career and Qualifications
- Qualified as a Chartered Legal Executive in 2010.
- Qualified as a member of STEP (The Society of Trust & Estate Practitioners) in 2015.
- Previously worked at Osborne Morris & Morgan Solicitors (2002 to 2021).
- Associate at Pictons Solicitors LLP.
What clients can expect when working with Sarah Crook
Sarah is experienced in a wide range of Private Client matters and assisting clients from various backgrounds, including high-net-worth, second marriages/modern families, and business owners.
- Shahyan Naseem's Bio
I am an experienced real estate solicitor, having gained a wealth of knowledge throughout my career by acting for national retailers, railway companies, investors, SMEs and sole traders.
I am known for my meticulous approach, and my attention to detail ensures clients experience a seamless transaction from their initial inquiry through to completion.
My specialities include assisting clients with:
- Purchases and sales of commercial real estate
- Acting for landlords and tenants on the negotiations of leases and agreements for lease
- Asset management – lease renewals, licenses to assign, underlet, alter, and other landlord and tenant issues
- Regeneration and development projects
- Deeds of variation
- Wayleaves
- Overage
- Conditional contracts and option agreements
- Preparing and reviewing auction legal packs for both purchases and sales
- Drafting and negotiating deeds of easement, s.106 agreements, pre-emption agreements, overage agreements, and oversailing licenses
- Reports on title
I am dedicated to protecting clients’ interests at every stage, providing clear, practical advice tailored to meet individual needs. With a strong commitment to building lasting relationships, I work closely with clients, real estate agents, surveyors, and lenders to facilitate smooth, stress-free transactions.
Keeping up with the latest legal developments and market trends, I am commercially aware to provide a pragmatic approach to clients’ legal needs.
Outside of work, I enjoy cooking as well as staying active playing sports such as cricket, tennis, and squash.
- Josephine Duchenne's Bio
Area of Specialism
I am a Solicitor in the Family team.
Key Experience
- Acted for a grandmother, to secure a Special Guardianship Order in her favour for her granddaughter aged 1 year at the date the Order took effect.
- Drafted and negotiated a complex pre-nuptial agreement where significant assets involved.
- Acted in a long-running children case where father’s contact with his son was minimal and after several court hearings and two appeals by mother, father had restored to him regular and consistent contact arrangements.
- Collaborated with another team member in swiftly issuing and conducting child abduction proceedings to return the child to the jurisdiction of England & Wales.
Career and Qualifications
- Qualified as a Solicitor in November 1988.
1985 – 1989 – Articled clerk then Solicitor – Fox & Gibbons, London
1989 – Solicitor at Clifton Ingram, Wokingham
1990 – 1996– Solicitor at Hawkins Russell Jones, Milton Keynes, then Hitchin.
1996 – Solicitor at Tollers, Northampton
1997 – 2021– Solicitor and sole practitioner, Duchennes, Bedford
2022 – 2023– Solicitor Susan Hall & Co, Hitchin
2023 – 2024 – Solicitor Rebecca L Faret, Flitwick
2024 – Solicitor Adams Harrison, Cambridge and Saffron Walden
July 2024 to present – Pictons
1997 – 2019– sole practitioner and locum within local firms
- Resolution Membership
- Council Member for Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire at The Law Society of England & Wales; Member of Hertfordshire Law Society; Past President of Bedfordshire Law Society.
What clients can expect when working with Josephine
Clients will find that Josephine believes in working with them to find solutions to their issues in a non-confrontational and constructive manner. She is committed to finding best possible outcomes for clients. Josephine endeavours to keep clients informed in a timely manner and explain complex aspects. Only where necessary, She will issue court proceedings, robustly and effectively representing and supporting clients throughout the court process.
During her career, Josephine has been recommended by clients for her calm, consistent, thorough and efficient approach to resolving a wide range of cases. Many of her clients have come to her on recommendation. Amongst other things, Josephine has extensive experience in financial remedy cases including those with multiple properties, significant investments including pensions and businesses.
- Nick Ritson's Bio
I qualified as a solicitor in 1985 and have specialised in residential property for the last thirty years. I have worked in the Milton Keynes area since 2002, developing a successful practice based on good service and recommendations.
I have always been impressed by Pictons and its reputation for providing an excellent service, and joining the firm was a great opportunity. It was clear I had something to offer the enthusiastic Residential Property Department, and I am enjoying being in a vibrant and highly skilled team.
When I am not working I enjoy gardening and walking our dog. I am particularly interested in music and have a home music production studio, as well as many instruments that I attempt to play.
- Laila Ali's Bio
Area of Specialism
I am a Solicitor in the Residential Property department, having qualified in 2024. I manage all stages of the property transaction with a focus on keeping matters progressing smoothly towards exchange and completion. Since joining Pictons, I have developed strong expertise under the guidance and mentorship of senior colleagues with extensive experience. My work centres on clear communication and full transparency. I aim to make the process as straightforward as possible for my clients by explaining each stage clearly, and proactively resolving any issues that arise.
Key Experience
I have over 6 years of experience working in Family law, to include Private and Public Children Law, and Injunction work within Domestic Abuse matters. I joined Pictons in 2025 and have since been re-training into Property law.
Career and Qualifications
I graduated from The University of Law with an LPC combined with LLM, and from the University of Hertfordshire with an LLB (Hons).
What clients can expect when working with Laila
Clients working with Laila can expect professional, clear, and supportive guidance throughout their residential property transactions. She manages every stage of the process with clear communication and full transparency, aiming to make it as straightforward as possible by explaining each stage clearly and proactively resolving any issues that arise. With a strong background in family law and recent specialisation in property law under experienced mentors at Pictons, Laila combines meticulous attention to detail with a practical, client-focused approach.
- Bleu Wildman's Bio
Area of Specialism
Bleu is in the Wills, Trusts and Probate team.
Key Experience
Her key experience includes advising on and drafting wills, administering estates of varying sizes and complexity, and preparing Lasting Powers of Attorney.
Career and Qualifications
Bleu is a newly qualified solicitor, having qualified in January 2026 and joined Pictons in February 2026.
She graduated from Nottingham Trent University in July 2023 with a 2:1 in Law with Criminology and commenced her training contract in September 2023, spending just under two years in the Private Client department. Alongside her training contract, she completed a master’s degree in law and the Legal Practice Course at Nottingham Trent University, as well as the Professional Skills Course at The University of Law. At the end of 2025, she successfully completed the Legal Practice Course and Professional Skills Course and was awarded a master’s degree with commendation.
Bleu’s training has provided her with a strong technical foundation in Private Client law, alongside valuable hands-on experience advising clients on wills, estate administration and lasting powers of attorney.
What clients can expect when working with Bleu
When working with Bleu, clients can expect an empathetic yet determined approach. As a Private Client Solicitor, she understands that matters such as wills, trusts and estate planning are deeply personal, and she takes the time to listen carefully and provide clear, thoughtful guidance. Bleu is passionate about clear communication, keeping clients regularly updated as their matters progress, and combining sensitivity with a focused, proactive approach to ensure their cases run as smoothly as possible.
- Sarah Hunt's Bio
Area of Specialism
I am a Property Executive in the Residential Property team.
Key Experience
I have acted for purchasers on a 250 unit development in Harlow (developer was Weston Homes). I acted for purchasers on a development in Buntingford (developer was Fairview Homes). I worked with national Housing Associations on development packs for subsequent plot sales, which include private and shared ownership homes. I have also acted for private plot purchasers and shared ownership purchasers.
Career and Qualifications
CILEX Trainee Lawyer and I am currently undertaking the CPQ (CILEX Professional Qualification). I have a Law Degree and CILEX Advanced Diploma in Law and Practice.
What clients can expect when working with Sarah
Sarah has vast experience in Residential Conveyancing, having worked in the area for 10 years. She has experience in sales, purchases, remortgages, and transfers of equity. she takes pride in being upfront and honest with clients, in order to manage their expectations, and is a firm believer of being transparent with all parties. Sarah is dedicated to her role, and receives consistent feedback showing her 100% commitment to clients.
- Zara Ahmed's Bio
Area of Specialism
I specialise in family law and advise clients across all aspects of relationship breakdown, including divorce and separation, financial remedy proceedings, private children matters, pre- and post-nuptial agreements, cohabitation disputes, domestic abuse matters and TOLATA claims.
Key Experience
• Acting for a spouse in contested financial remedy proceedings involving multiple UK and overseas properties, as well as disputed business interests, successfully negotiating a settlement without the need for a final hearing.
• Advising a client in a complex private children matter involving serious allegations of domestic abuse, resulting in child arrangements that prioritised the client’s and children’s safety and welfare.
• Acting for an unmarried client in a TOLATA claim concerning beneficial interests in a jointly owned property, resolving the dispute through negotiation and avoiding court proceedings.
• Advising and drafting a pre-nuptial agreement for a high-net-worth individual seeking to protect pre-acquired assets and family wealth prior to marriage.
• Assisting a client through high-stakes divorce proceedings, securing urgent protective measures such as non-molestation and occupation orders, while simultaneously negotiating longer-term financial arrangements to safeguard their future.Career and Qualifications
- I am a Qualified Solicitor in the Family Law team at Pictons Solicitors LLP.
- I have five years experience working exclusively in family law.
- I participate in various pro bono opportunities to support and give back to the community.
What clients can expect when working with Zara
When working with Zara, clients can expect clear, practical and sensitive advice at what is often one of the most challenging times in their lives. She combines a thorough understanding of family law with a logical and approachable manner, and is committed to progressing matters efficiently. Zara works closely with clients to understand their priorities and provide tailored advice aimed at achieving the best possible outcome, whilst minimising conflict wherever possible. She aims to guide clients through the process with clarity, reassurance and as little unnecessary stress as possible.
- Hugh Mulley's Bio
I provide practical advice to businesses on a broad range of company and commercial legal matters including:
• share and business sales and purchases;
• shareholders and joint venture agreements;
• corporate restructures; and
• commercial agreements and standard terms of business.I joined Pictons as a Consultant in 2021 having previously worked at major London Law firms, and more recently at a leading Home Counties firm. In addition I spent 4 years working as a lawyer in the Middle East. I have over 20 years’ experience ranging from advising on multimillion Pound transactions with an international dimension to providing guidance to SMEs and family-owned businesses.
Away from work I enjoy travel (I grew up in the Middle East). I also play the guitar. Badly.
I qualified as a solicitor in 1990 and gained a Diploma in Corporate Finance in 2005.
- Roxana Bacauanu's Bio
Area of Specialism
- Private children law (child arrangements, relocation, specific issue and prohibited steps)
- Domestic abuse matters
- Non-molestation orders
- Occupation orders
- Financial remedy proceedings
- International family disputes
- Cross-jurisdiction divorce and child matters
- TOLATA (Trusts of Land) claims
- Cohabitation disputes
- Emergency and without-notice applications
- Enforcement applications
Key Experience
- Handling divorce and civil partnership dissolution matters, including complex financial remedy cases with both UK-based and international elements.
- Preparing, progressing and managing non-molestation and occupation order applications, including urgent and contested matters, with a particular strength in producing clear, robust and persuasive supporting statements.
- Extensive involvement in Children Act 1989 matters, including child arrangements disputes, prohibited steps orders and specific issue applications.
- Working on complex international children cases, including relocation applications and child abduction matters involving cross-border considerations.
- Progressing contested family litigation alongside supervising solicitors and counsel, managing a substantial fee-earning caseload and driving matters from instruction through to resolution.
- Handling TOLATA disputes, including cohabitation breakdowns and property ownership or beneficial interest issues.
- Handling Deeds of Settlement and related documentation to achieve effective and pragmatic outcomes in family and property disputes.
- Taking an active role in contested family litigation, contributing to case progression and strategy in collaboration with counsel and supervising solicitors.
Career and Qualifications
- Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEx), currently working towards qualification as a Chartered Legal Executive Lawyer.
- CILEx Level 3 Diploma in Law and Practice, with a specialism in Family Law, and completion of the CILEx Level 6 Client Care Skills unit.
- Over 14 years’ experience working in family law, with extensive experience in contested litigation and complex family law matters, having joined Pictons eight years ago.
- I previously worked at the international law firm Healys LLP in London for six and a half years in the Family Department, gaining experience across all areas of family law, as well as wills, trusts and probate, commercial property and insolvency.
- I am a Romanian speaker, with conversational French, supporting clients in both domestic and cross-border matters.
What clients can expect when working with Roxana
Clients can expect a thorough, strategic and results-driven family litigation executive with over 14 years’ experience. Roxana takes a firm and proactive approach to case preparation and progression, delivering focused advice, clear guidance and tight file management. She is robust and fearless in advancing her clients’ interests when required, and exercises sound judgment on when to negotiate and secure the right settlement. Working closely with supervising solicitors and counsel, she drives matters forward through meticulous preparation, decisive negotiation and practical problem-solving, consistently achieving strong outcomes while remaining sensitive to the emotional realities of family disputes.
- Robert Males's Bio
Area of Specialism
I am an experienced Senior Solicitor with a broad legal knowledge including general commercial matters, dispute resolution, employment, and insolvency and general management experience as a managing partner for over 25 years.
Key Experience
I have acted on a number of high profile, publicly reported cases including a leading case on stress at work and contentious insolvency involving international issues.
Career and Qualifications
I hold a LLB Hons degree from Bristol University and have been advising clients for many years following my qualification in October 1989.
What clients can expect when working with Robert
Clients can expect a highly experienced, strategic, and commercially focused approach when working with Robert. He brings decades of legal and management experience to every case, including over 25 years as a managing partner. Robert is widely respected within the profession in terms of his extensive legal knowledge and his commercial pragmatism.
- Oliver Richbell's Bio
Area of Specialism
Commercial Dispute Avoidance and Resolution.
Key Experience
Oliver has extensive experience of helping businesses avoid recourse to the Courts and or resolving disputes prior to a final Trial across a variety of areas but primarily in the Construction and Sports and Hospitality sectors.
Oliver also applies his years of experience to the preparation and review of commercial contracts in order to ensure that those terms are fully understood enabling his business clients to contract with confidence and have the benefit of hindsight beforehand.
Career and Qualifications
Oliver has operated as a Consultant at Pictons since 2022 and has been a founding Partner at The Dispute Avoidance and Resolution Partnership since 2015 prior to which he worked for almost ten years as a private practice solicitor in London and Buckinghamshire.
In Oliver’s spare time he is passionately involved with two charities as Chairman of Wooden Spoon Bedfordshire and as a Trustee of Coats4Kids.
Oliver is also a Governor at Bedford Girls School.
What clients can expect when working with Oliver Richbell
Oliver operates on the basis of how he can help avoid and resolve commercial disputes in the most cost effective and time efficient manner or to provide the most commercial focused assistance over contractual terms.
Oliver places the interests of the client as his most paramount objective and his reputation for client focused support is widely recognised in the region.
- Emilia Mehra's Bio
Area of specialism
I joined the team in 2025 as a Trainee Solicitor in the Wills, Trust and Probate team.
Key experience
- Complex and simple wills
- Lifetime trust
- Trusts in wills
- Lasting powers of attorney
- Declarations of trust
- Gifting advice and drafting deed of gifts
- Probates (including involvement of inheritance tax and complex estates)
- Court of protection applications.
What clients can expect when working with Emilia
Clients can expect a thoughtful, approachable and detail-focused service when working with Emilia. As a Trainee Solicitor in the Wills, Trusts and Probate team, she combines clear communication with a careful, methodical approach, ensuring clients feel supported and informed at every stage.
- Stoyan Radkov's Bio
Stoyan is a highly-experienced European Patent Attorney with extensive private practice and commercial exposure from working for global pharmaceutical companies, including Pfizer & Novartis.
He advises a broad range of clients on the full spectrum of global patent (and other IP) issues including: prosecution, drafting, due diligence, validity, oppositions & appeals, infringement opinions, international litigation, patent strategy, freedom to operate, landscape analysis and licence drafting and negotiations.
He has rights of audience before the European Patent Office (EPO in Munich and The
Hague), the UKIPO and the Unified Patent Court (UPC) and is also fluent in Bulgarian & Russian with a working knowledge of German.Before completing his professional European Patent Attorney qualifications in chemistry, Stoyan was a senior post-doctoral research fellow at Imperial College London specialising in Viral Oncology, EBV & HIV. Prior to that he earned the highest in the year First Class Honours degree in Microbiology from the University of Reading, then gained a PhD in Viral Oncology at the Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research (Imperial College London, St Mary’s Hospital) and gained a postgraduate diploma in Intellectual Property Law from Queen Mary & Westfield.
He is the UK representative for the Patent Litigation Team at the European Patent Institute (EPI) the professional regulatory body of EPAs.
In his spare time Stoyan enjoys cooking, theatre and classical music.
- Grace Roe's Bio
Area of Specialism
I am on the Wills, Trusts and Probate team.
Key Experience
I advise clients on a wide range of private client matters, including the preparation of simple wills and more complex wills incorporating trusts. I also have experience in probate administration, assisting with estates of varying complexity, as well as advising on and preparing Lasting Powers of Attorney and Declarations of Trust.
Career and Qualifications
I qualified as a Graduate Solicitor Apprentice and have developed my experience within well-regarded firms including Pictons Solicitors LLP and Morgan and Wiseman Solicitors. I hold an LLB (Hons) in Legal Practice and Skills and have successfully completed SQE1. My training has provided me with a strong technical foundation alongside valuable hands-on experience in private client work.
What clients can expect when working with Grace
Clients can expect a friendly, approachable and time-efficient service when working with Grace. She prides herself on clear communication and keeping matters progressing smoothly, while ensuring clients feel supported throughout the process. Grace stays up to date with recent legal developments, including evolving areas such as digital assets, enabling her to provide modern, forward-thinking advice with confidence.
- Sarah Kane's Bio
Area of Specialism
I am a highly experienced senior Legal Assistant working within the Wills, Trust and Probate (Private Client) department providing comprehensive services ranging from initial planning to final estate distribution. I also have experience of Family Law having worked within that department previously for a number of years as a Legal Assistant.
Key Experience
Estate Planning and Document Preparation
- Will Drafting: Tailoring documents to reflect clients specific wishes for asset distribution and appointing trusted executors.
- Tax Planning: Providing advice on Inheritance Tax (IHT) allowances and whether an estate could potentially be taxable.
- Trusts: Advising on bare, discretionary, or life-interest trusts to protect family wealth and vulnerable beneficiaries.
- Powers of Attorney (LPA): Drafting and registering documents that allow others to make decisions on clients behalf if they lose mental capacity.
- Secure Storage: Pictons Solicitors provide fireproof, secure storage for original signed documents.
Probate and Estate Administration
- Asset and Liability Management: Valuing all property, investments, and personal belongings while identifying and settling outstanding debts.
- Grant of Probate Applications: Preparing and filing the necessary legal paperwork to give executors authority to handle the estate.
- Tax Compliance: Calculating and settling taxes, including Inheritance Tax and Income Tax.
- Beneficiary Distribution: Identifying all beneficiaries and ensuring they receive their correct entitlement under the Will or intestacy rules.
- Estate Accounts: Preparing detailed financial records for beneficiaries to approve before final distribution.
Career and Qualifications
- I am a home-grown Legal Assistant having worked at Pictons Solicitors for 25 plus years across numerous departments and locations gaining a wealth of experience in the legal sector.
- I run a monthly legal clinic at the Luton Irish Forum to provide free legal advice on various issues in order to assist the members with any legal matters as required.
What clients can expect when working with Sarah
I provide a friendly, compassionate and professional service to my clients whether they are planning how their estate will pass upon their death, or whether they have suffered the death of a loved one and need assistance to deal with the steps which need to be taken.
- Vanessa Haynes's Bio
Area of Specialism
I work in the Conveyancing Department, as part of Nick Ritson Team. Nick and I have worked together for over 20 years specialising in residential conveyancing to include freehold, leasehold and shared ownership. I have an excellent knowledge of property matters and the property market in the area surrounding our offices.
Key Experience
My support for clients is varied and includes; sending out contract packs, liaising with clients, solicitors and lenders on the phone and by email, facilitating exchange of contracts and the completion process and registration requirements following completion.
What clients can expect when working with Vanessa
Clients can expect Vanessa to keep their property transactions, stress free and straight forward by being approachable and communicating with them to ease any concerns during the process.
- Linsey Collacott's Bio
Area of Specialism
I am a Legal Assistant in residential property and I am part of Nick Ritson’s team.
Key Experience
I have worked at Pictons for 31 years. I deal with the initial onboarding process and serve as the first point of contact for clients, assisting them with completing initial documentation, verification of identity, and verification of source of funds. This also includes opening of files, requesting draft contracts, and submitting searches.
What clients can expect when working with Linsey
- Aisha Sana's Bio
Area of Specialism
I am a legal assistant working in both the Family and the Wills, Trust, and Probate teams. I onboard clients and deal with admin tasks as well as assisting and working alongside experienced solicitors.
Key Experience
I previously worked at Greystone Solicitors and M&K Solicitors as a paralegal and joined Pictons Solicitors in January 2026. I graduated from the University of Hertfordshire in 2023 with a degree in Law and in 2025 completed the Legal Practice Course/LLM.
Career and Qualifications
I graduated from my LLB in University of Hertfordshire in 2023 as well as my LPC LLM in 2025.
What clients can expect when working with Aisha
Clients working with Aisha can expect friendly, organised, and efficient support throughout their Family law, Wills, Trusts and Probate matters. As a legal assistant, she manages client onboarding, handles administrative tasks, and works closely alongside experienced solicitors to ensure cases run smoothly. With prior paralegal experience at two other firms and strong academic credentials, Aisha brings both professionalism and an eye for detail to every client interaction.
- Terri Gallagher's Bio
I am a Legal Assistant within the Residential Conveyancing Team. I joined Pictons in June 2024 having completed my LLB earlier in the year.
I primarily handle and assist with Residential Sales and Purchases, but also have experience with New Build Shared Ownership, and have previously specialised in Plot Sales.
When I am not working, I love spending time with my son. We enjoy playing and watching football together. I also like going to the gym, long walks, and the occasional bottomless brunch with my friends!
- Mary Ward's Bio
Role at Pictons
I work in the Accounts department as an Accounts Assistant. I joined Pictons in September 2001. I am Association of Accounting Technicians qualified, having achieved level 4 in 2000.
Key Experience
- Client Account – Processing payments in and out
- Actioning Completions
- Issuing Invoices
- Answering queries from colleagues
- Residual Client Balances
- Taking calls from clients and suppliers
- Keeping various spreadsheets up to date daily/monthly
- Interest Calculation Requests
- Client Bank Reconciliations
How does Mary support the Pictons team?
Mary brings both technical expertise and deep organisational knowledge to her work as an Accounts Assistant. She ensures the smooth running of client accounts and is a go-to person for colleagues, Her attention to detail, reliability, and willingness to help others make her a vital support to the wider team and contribute significantly to the efficient operation of the firm.
- Charlotte Belton's Bio
Area of Specialism
I am a legal assistant in the Wills, Trusts and Probate team.
Experience
I help support the department with their workload, and I am the first point of contact for clients as I handle the onboarding process. I additionally deal with the Will releases for the firm. in 2026, i began my training in Wills and Lasting Powers of Attorney.
Career and qualifications
I began my career at Pictons in September 2025. This is following the completion of my History and Politics Degree from the University of Warwick.
What clients can expect when working with Charlotte
Clients can expect a friendly, organised and supportive experience when working with Charlotte. She ensures the onboarding process is handled smoothly and efficiently. Charlotte prioritises keeping clients informed and at ease from the outset. Having begun her training in Wills and Lasting Powers of Attorney in 2026, she is committed to developing her knowledge and providing a reliable, attentive service throughout each stage of a client’s matter.
- Aoife Mcmorrow's Bio
Role at Pictons
I joined Pictons Solicitors in September 2025 as a Client Services Co-Ordinator, to be a first point of contact for our clients in the initial stages of their journey. As an Advertising and Marketing Graduate, I am also responsible for many marketing elements of the company.
Career to date
I came into the firm with 6 years of marketing experience in advertisement and content creation, 1 year experience in business marketing, and 1 year experience in sports community marketing.
What clients can expect when working with Aoife
Aoife is dedicated to assisting people through challenging or confusing times, helping them understand what to expect from our firm and providing them with a friendly, warm welcome from the start. Additionally, her passion and experience in marketing provides a unique support with company growth and getting the Pictons message across to future clients.
- Tia Eeley's Bio
Area of Specialism
I am a legal assistant in the residential property department, and I am part of Melanie Lawrence’s team.
Key Experience
I am one of the primary contacts for you once you have instructed us, and I aim to provide a seamless and friendly service during onboarding and beyond to all clients, whether you know a lot or a little about the process of buying or selling your house.
Career and Qualifications
I graduated from the University of Northampton in May 2025 and joined the Pictons team in September 2025.
What clients can expect when working with Tia
Clients can expect a friendly, organised, and supportive experience when working with Tia. As a legal assistant in the residential property department and a key member of Melanie Lawrence’s team, Tia is often one of the primary points of contact from the moment clients instruct the firm. She is committed to providing a seamless onboarding process and clear communication throughout, ensuring clients feel informed and at ease whether they are first-time buyers or experienced in property transactions. Tia brings up-to-date knowledge, enthusiasm, and a client-focused approach to every matter she supports.