Partners

Harshinder Hundal
Partner
Head of Property
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  • Harshinder Hundal's Bio

    I am Head of the property team at Pictons. My area of specialisation is commercial property.

    My typical clients are owner managed businesses and entrepreneurs but I also act for globally recognised brand names, organisations with charitable status and some major public sector bodies. I have also completed projects with overseas organisations typically setting up or acquiring UK operating facilities. I also have significant experience working with agriculture businesses.

    I can help client across a wide range of real estate areas including:

    • Property acquisitions
    • Property sales
    • New build plots
    • Services for developers
    • Commercial lease drafting and negotiation
    • Business purchases involving substantial property components
    • Option agreements and overage payments
    • Tenancies at will
    • Licenses for alterations
    • Surrender and assignments of leases
    • Agricultural law

     

    I have been with Pictons for more than 6 years. I qualified as a solicitor in 2003.

    I have a strong family ethic, a very active networker, and am supportive of some community based organisations.

Siobhan Rooney
Partner
Head of Private Client
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  • Siobhan Rooney's Bio

    I am a Partner practising in both family law and private client law. I am also Head of the Private Client team.

    I have substantial experience in dealing with all areas of family law, having practised exclusively in family law for over 10 years. I particularly enjoy dealing with financial disputes and undertaking my own advocacy at court.

    In relation to my private client role, on behalf of the firm, I act as the appointed Executor for many Estates and as Deputy within Court of Protection matters. Whilst I deal with all aspects of private client law, my preference is dealing with contentious matters, such as disputing a Will, making a claim upon an estate or dealing with problematic Executors and Trustees.

    I qualified as a solicitor in 2008.

    My areas of specialisation cover both family and wills and probate work as follows:

    Family

    • Divorce and Separation
    • Mid to High-Net-Worth financial matters
    • Children matters including relocation and abduction
    • Pre-nuptial and cohabitation agreements
    • International family disputes

     

    Private Client

    • Probate
    • Contesting a Will
    • Claims upon an estate
    • Removal of Trustees/Executors

     

    I support a wide range of community initiatives, am an active networker and kept busy outside of work by my large family.

Sukh Saini
Managing Partner
Commercial
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  • Sukh Saini's Bio

    I am the Managing Partner of Pictons with over 20 years of experience as a solicitor. I specialise in commercial law helping business owners establish, grow and protect their businesses. I work with businesses of all sizes but have substantial experience of working with owner managed businesses and SMEs.

    I help clients with the following:

    • Company commercial
    • Company structures including partnerships and LLP’s
    • Commercial contracts
    • Commercial litigation and disputes
    • Employment law
    • Personal guarantees

     

    I am the Compliance Officer for Legal Practice and the Compliance Officer for Finance.

    I have a keen interest in sport, including cricket and I am a youth football coach. I also support a variety of local causes and am a former trustee of Keech Hospice.
    I qualified as a solicitor in 2000.

Meet The Team

Deborah Saini
Solicitor
Head of Litigation
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  • Deborah Saini's Bio

    I am a solicitor specialising in litigation matters.

    I provide support for clients across a wide range of contentious matters including; contract disputes, debt recovery, property related disputes, commercial disputes and contentious probate matters. I have a particular interest in contested wills and claims upon estates and disputes arising from problematic executors.

    I joined Pictons soon after qualification having qualified as a solicitor in 2004 and as a result have substantial experience in representing the interests of clients facing a dispute. My approach is rigorous, considered and pragmatic.

    I enjoy playing and watching sport and am currently spending time tending a newly acquired allotment.

Eleanor Johnson
Trainee Solicitor
Wills, Trust and Probate
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  • Eleanor Johnson's Bio

    I am currently supporting the work of the conveyancing team which includes sending out initial packs, helping with searches and the smooth running of the conveyancing process. I also have experience working with the family and wills and probate teams.

    I completed my law degree in 2016 joining Pictons in October 2018 as a paralegal, before completing my LPC in February and starting my training contract in January 2020.

    In my spare time I enjoy running and long walks.

Gaby Staddon
HR Manager
Management Support
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  • Gaby Staddon's Bio

    I am the HR Manager at Pictons with over 25 years of experience working in people management.  After qualifying with the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, I became a chartered member in 2005.

    Alongside supporting the firm with operational and people management I have begun to provide HR support to Pictons’ clients, which is something I am keen to continue.

    My skills in people management are broad and encompass;

    • recruitment and selection
    • onboarding
    • health and safety
    • performance management
    • training and development
    • employee relations
    • absence management
    • terms and conditions of employment
    • employee handbooks, and
    • general HR policies and procedures.

     

    I joined Pictons in 2013 after working in HR in a variety of sectors, mainly within SME’s.  Gaining invaluable experience in my career in HR I have worked in a financial institution, for a construction contractor, a bathroom supplies and plumbers merchants and in a logistics and distribution company.

    I am friendly and approachable and always strive to be of support to our staff and management alike.

    I spend my spare time with family and friends.  Music is a passion for me and I belong to a local choir and I attempt to sing back up vocals in a local band with friends whenever the opportunity presents itself.  I have practised yoga and Pilates for many years and enjoy cycling occasionally and travelling when I can to experience different cultures.

Gemma Gurney
Trainee Solicitor
Commercial Property
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  • Gemma Gurney's Bio

    I am a Paralegal in the Commercial and Litigation Departments. I assist with various matters across both departments including lease renewals, shareholders agreements, re-mortgages, neighbour disputes, debt recovery and general property advice. I take pride in my work and provide clients with an excellent standard of service.

    I have a law degree from the University of Lincoln, and I have completed the Legal Practice Course at De Montfort University achieving a merit.

    In my free time I run a Brownie pack and I like to travel as much as possible.

Grace Roe
Apprentice Solicitor
Wills, Trust and Probate
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  • Grace Roe's Bio

    I am a solicitor apprentice currently working in the Wills, Trust and Probate Team.

    I am a relatively new member of the Pictons team having joined in 2019. Prior to joining Pictons I gained experience working at another law firm helping with the drafting of injunctions. I started my formal apprenticeship with Pictons in January 2020.

    My training involves working for Pictons, four years of University degree study, followed by two years devoted to the new Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE).

    Outside of work I enjoy going to festivals with friends and playing Gaelic football.

Helen Searing
Solicitor
Property
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  • Helen Searing's Bio

    I qualified as a Property Solicitor in 2003 at Collyer Bristow LLP.  I managed a varied and busy workload of high value residential property work, including freehold and leasehold sales and purchases, lease extensions, re-mortgages, first registrations of title, tenancy agreements, plot sales, matrimonial transfers and probate sales for high net worth individuals, public figures and professionals.  Latterly, I worked for a family owned aircraft brokerage business, as Director and Company Secretary, drafting and negotiating commercial contracts and agreements for the sale and acquisition of pre-owned corporate jet aircraft for governments, high net worth individuals and large corporations. I also managed the company’s property portfolio, assisting with the commercial leases of offices.

    I joined Pictons in January 2021 as an Assistant Solicitor, based in the Property Department, supporting both the residential and commercial property teams with sales, purchases, leases and other commercial work. I also work closely with the Wills Trusts and Probate Department, on sales for executors.

    My interests outside of work include watching my children play hockey and volunteering as a parent helper on Cub Scout camps. I also enjoy running and reading.

Joe O’Brien
Solicitor
Family
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  • Joe O’Brien's Bio

    I have experience in all areas of private family law, including divorce, financial remedy, arrangements for children (including applications made by grandparents), injunctive orders, pre-nuptial agreements, separation agreements and cohabitation contracts. I also have significant experience of cohabitee property disputes and TOLATA proceedings. I handle my own advocacy where necessary.

    I have handled matters for clients from a range of backgrounds including, but not limited to, high net worth individuals, Police Officers, Doctors, Teachers, members of the Armed Forces, people with disabilities and victims of domestic abuse.

    I completed my training at Brethertons, moving on to Wilson Browne before joining Pictons.

    I have received a mention in the prestigious Legal 500 guide to the law and have provided commentary to the BBC on family law issues.

    I completed my law degree in 2011, completing my LPC in 2012 and am a qualified solicitor.

    Outside of work, I like to spend time with my young daughter and take her on holidays and days out. I also like to keep fit, I have completed a number of half marathons and I play for a local football team.

John Bartholomew
Consultant
Commercial Property
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  • John Bartholomew's Bio

    I primarily provide support for clients in the Commercial Property department. I also provide some support to the Wills Trust & Probate department.

    My commercial property work is broad and includes commercial and residential development.

    I trained and qualified with Trower Still & Keeling and moved on to be a Partner at A J Harry. I also worked at Taylor Walton and Underwoods.

    I joined Pictons as a Consultant in 2010 working across the offices of the firm.

    Away from work my main interests are sport, particularly cricket, rugby union and golf. I also sing in a local pop and rock choir – ‘Choir on The Green’ based at Ashley Green near Chesham. I also have an interest in a family farming partnership in Cheshire.

    I was admitted as a Solicitor in 1974.

John Gardiner
IT Manager
Management Support
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  • John Gardiner's Bio

    I am the IT Manager at Pictons joining the firm in 2006.

    In February 2020 we overhauled our IT infrastructure, a project that I played a central role in. This project was well timed and has helped the firm work seamlessly during the pandemic.

    My day-to-day duties include liaising with our team and suppliers to ensure the effective operation of our systems. I also perform some internal IT training.

    I am passionate about IT and enjoying supporting our team across all offices.

    As well as being the IT Manager I am also the Data Protection Officer for Pictons.

    My main hobbies are keeping fit by running (I have run 7 marathons to date), cycling and swimming. I hope to be able to complete a half Ironman in the not too distant future.

Kasia Jeziorska
Solicitor
Wills, Trust and Probate
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  • Kasia Jeziorska's Bio

    I am a Solicitor in the Wills, Trust and Probate department where I help a wide range of clients with their Wills, Lasting Powers of Attorney, applications for Probate and Estate Administration.

    I completed my Legal Practice Course in 2014. I have worked as a paralegal and qualified as a Solicitor in May 2019, having spent time in several departments before specialising in Wills, Trust and Probate work.

    I am bi-lingual and am fluent in Polish.

    Outside of work I am an active person who enjoys playing volleyball and training for Capoeira, a Brazilian Martial Art.

Melissa Chaffey
Solicitor
Wills, Trusts and Probate
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  • Melissa Chaffey's Bio

    I qualified as a Solicitor in 2008 and since that date have dealt exclusively with private client matters.  During this time I have developed a wealth of experience in this area and  I am a member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners, which is the global professional association for those practitioners who specialise in family inheritance and succession planning.

    I deal with the preparation of Wills, Powers of Attorney and Court of Protection applications and the Administration of Estates.

    I am very happy to travel to meet clients at their home if they are unable to attend at our offices.

Nick Ritson
Solicitor
Residential Property
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  • 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.

Roxana Bacauanu
ACILEx Paralegal
Family
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  • Roxana Bacauanu's Bio

    I am a ACILEx Paralegal within the family department of Pictons.

    I have experience across a wide range of services within the family department.

    I assist the team on a variety of matters including, divorce and civil dissolution, matrimonial finances, international jurisdiction issues, children matters and pre and post-nuptial agreements.

    I work collaboratively with the solicitors and Partners within our team and have my own case load involving change of name deeds, statutory declarations, and divorce matters.

    I enjoy my work and put my clients first in everything I do. Effective client care and communication is very important to me and has helped me to develop my own client and referral following.

    I am qualified to CILEx Level 3 Diploma in Law and Practice (with a focus on Family Law) and am an  Associate Member of Chartered Institute of Legal Executives.  I am currently working towards becoming a Chartered Legal Executive Lawyer.

    Outside of work my hobbies include social activities and salsa dancing.

Sam Alexander Lyon
Associate Legal Executive
Property
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  • Sam Alexander Lyon's Bio

    I am a property specialist who helps clients to buy and sell commercial and residential property. As a specialist in residential conveyancing, I work with a broad cross-section of clients, including developers, investors, families, and individuals. Whether undertaking development sale work, or advising on the sale or purchase of a single property, I endeavour to provide prompt and pragmatic advice on all aspects. As a result, I enjoy a high level of repeat business from a loyal client base. I am also an ACILEx member.

    Not wanting to miss a trick, I also have experience acting on behalf of lender and borrower clients in respect of bridging, refurbishment and development loans.

    Residential property work can invariably be complex in nature and subsequently require input from other specialist legal fields. In this respect, being part of a multi-discipline legal services firm like Pictons LLP is worth its weight in gold.

    When not consumed by work in the office, I like to mix my time with family, friends and the great outdoors. I have a real outdoor passion reserved for the both the cricket field and the golf course and can regularly be found there when fair weather chooses to grace us.

Sarah Bridge
Consultant Solicitor
Wills, Trusts and Probate
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  • Sarah Bridge's Bio

    I qualified as a solicitor in 2001 and have specialised in private client law ever since. I work for a broad spectrum of clients including high net worth individuals and entrepreneurs, families, landed estates and trusts.

    My expertise covers all aspects of private client work from wills, lasting powers of attorney, trusts and probate to estate planning, capital gains tax planning and trust planning.

    I was formerly head of private client at west end media and entertainment law firm, Harbottle & Lewis LLP.

    I am a keen traveler and skier and once spent 2 years travelling the world, including 6 months living in a VW campervan!

Sarah Kane
Legal Assistant
Family
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  • Sarah Kane's Bio

    I am a Legal Assistant in the family department at Pictons.

    I deal with all aspects of family law to include divorce and matrimonial finances and matters relating to arrangements for children to include obtaining child arrangements orders, parental responsibility, locating children when whereabouts is unknown and applications for contact for grandparents. I also advise on name change for adults and children.

    I have worked at Pictons since May 1998. I initially worked in the criminal department moving to the family department in 2005. I undertook my studies in Family Law in 2007 and began working as a Legal Assistant within the family department. I have an Ilex Certificate in Family Law and Practice.

    I have experience of dealing with many cases and I now run my own caseload regularly assisting clients with matters which are being heard by the court in respect of matrimonial finances and child arrangements.

    I am keen quizzer and hope to be able to set up a Pictons Quiz team once the pandemic allows. I also now enjoy a bit of painting although need much more practice!

Vaishali Faldu
Solicitor
Family
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  • Vaishali Faldu's Bio

    I am a Solicitor in our Family department.

    I advise extensively on a wide range of areas including divorce, cohabitation, financial disputes and disputes involving children, including contact and live with arrangements, specific issues relating to the care of a child and parental responsibility. I also have experience in preparing and implementing pre and post nuptial agreements as well as cohabitation and separation agreements.

    I take a keen interest in dealing with equitable disputes in the family/domestic sphere, representing former co-habitees, and couples. I am often instructed to represent clients in their applications under the Trusts of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act 1996 (‘TOLATA’) and have a track record of resolving these family/ domestic disputes via discussions.

    I recognise that a relationship breakdown can be extremely difficult and my advice is tailored to each client’s individual needs. If possible, I will try to help clients find a solution in conciliatory and non-confrontational way but will provide firm and focused advice and representation if court proceedings become necessary.

    I am passionate about achieving the best outcome for my clients and trying to reach a resolution without the need for formal court proceedings. I take pride in providing clear and pragmatic legal advice in cases where resources are more limited, so that parties’ are able to resolve matters in the most cost effective way.

    I am also involved within the community and run advice clinics at the Citizens Advice Bureau in Milton Keynes.

    I studied Law at Nottingham Law School and then went on to do the post graduate LPC at BPP Law in London. I qualified in November 2016 after completing my training contract at a North London Firm. I joined Pictons Solicitors in 2019.

    In my spare time, I enjoy baking, travelling and spending time with my family and friends.

Vanessa Haynes
Legal Assistant
Conveyancing
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  • Vanessa Haynes's Bio

    I joined Pictons in 2020 but have been working in law firms specialising in residential conveyancing since 1987. I have an excellent knowledge of property matters and the property market in the area surrounding our offices.

    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.

    When not working I enjoy attending gym classes, walking my dog, family time, spending time with friends and good food and wine!