New Malden Office

Peter Revell
Peter joined Lyons Davidson in 1994 as a trainee solicitor and qualified in 1996. He graduated from the London School of Economics and had a previous successful career as a financial adviser. In 1989, he was elected as a county councillor, serving for four years as one of the youngest councillors. Peter initially worked in the claimant private client personal injury department, where he established the Lyons Davidson in-house Advocacy team which he now manages. He is also the partner in charge of Lyons Davidson’s Meruit Costs department, and is a cost expert, particularly in relation to Conditional Fee Agreements and Collective Conditional Fee Agreements.

Michael Ash
Michael is an advocate who joined the firm in April 2010, having completed the Legal Practice Course at the College of Law, London. He is experienced in small claims hearings, case management conferences, applications and infant settlement hearings. He also advises on quantum, liability and contractual matters. Prior to joining Lyons Davidson, Michael volunteered for a Legal Advice Centre in Fulham.

Alex Crosbie-Jones
Alex is a trainee advocate who joined the firm in August 2011. He studied history at the University of Birmingham, before completing the Graduate Diploma in Law at the same institution. Alex undertook the Bar Professional Training Course at the College of Law, Bloomsbury. During his studies there, he also volunteered as a representative for the Free Representation Unit.

Joanna Gillan
Joanna is an advocate who joined the firm in October 2010, after completing her Bar Vocational Course at BPP, Holborn. Joanna’s areas of expertise include personal injury, road traffic accidents and credit hire, in particular small claims hearings, applications and infant approval hearings in personal injury matters. She advises on quantum and liability. Having previously working in the Bristol office, Joanna now covers the London area.

Katy-Jade Greenhalgh
Katy-Jade is a trainee advocate who joined the department in August 2011. She completed the BVC at the Inns of Court School of Law after gaining a commercial and corporate LLM at the University of London. Katy-Jade has been instructed to attend infant approval and small claims hearings. She advises on quantum and liability.

Barney Hope
Barney is an advocate who joined the firm in 2008, after completing his law degree and a successful mooting career at the same time.  Barney’s areas of expertise include personal injury and contractual disputes, in particular small claims hearings, applications and infant approval hearings in personal injury matters.  He advises on quantum and liability and covers the London area.

Stephanie Jones
Stephanie joined the New Malden advocacy team in 2010 after obtaining the Bar Vocational Course and Graduate Diploma in Law.  She converted to law after studying Spanish at King's College London and during the GDL, competed internationally in mediation and negotiation. Her areas of expertise include personal injury and contractual disputes, as well as mediation.  Stephanie regularly represents both claimants and defendants at small claims hearings, applications, case management conferences and infant approvals on the South East Circuit.  In addition, she also advises on prospects of success, liability and quantum on a range of civil matters.

Jas Kaur
Jas is a barrister who was called to the Bar in 2004. Her areas of expertise in civil and criminal law include all level of trials, case management conferences, allocation hearings, applications, infant approvals (including any advice relating to these approvals) and advice on liability and quantum, and drafting. She has also attended accredited training in special damages. Jas obtained her law degree at the University of East Anglia in Norwich, where she enjoyed success in the internal mooting competition, getting through to the quarter-final stages.

Christopher McCauley
Christopher is an advocate who began working for Lyons Davidson in early 2010. Prior to this, he obtained bachelor degrees in Classics and Law, as well as a Masters in Media Law. Christopher specialises in costs and his case, Nazari v Abrorcare (UK) Ltd was reported on Westlaw.

Aimee McGaan
Aimee is an advocate who joined the firm in June 2010.  After her law degree, she went on to successfully complete a commercial law LLM at Bristol University.  Aimee undertook her Bar Vocational Course at the University of the West of England. She has experience in family law and is an accredited mediator, and her areas of expertise include personal injury and contractual disputes, in particular small claims hearings, applications, CMCs and infant approval hearings.  She advises on liability and quantum, and drafts pleadings.  Aimee covers the South Eastern Circuit.

Blair Toner
Blair is an Employment Advocate who undertakes CMDs, PHRs and full merits hearings in the employment tribunal nationwide. He also has experience of personal injury, road traffic accidents, credit hire and contract matters. In addition to his employment law work, he also completes case management conferences, applications, small claims and infant approvals in the County Court. His written practice includes drafting pleadings and advices on liability and quantum. Blair completed the BVC in 2010. He also studied for his LLB at Brunel University and completed an LLM in International Sports Law at the ISDE Madrid.

Jamie Walker-Haworth
Jamie Walker-Haworth is an advocate who conducts small claims hearings, applications and infant approval hearings in addition to drafting and advising on liability and quantum. Jamie’s area of expertise is in personal injury and civil litigation and he covers the London area. He achieved a degree in Archaeology Anthropology from St. Hugh’s College, Oxford  in 2000. During this time, he organised and achieved success in several debating competitions. He then completed an MA in Acting at the Central School of Speech and Drama before working as an accountant in order to fund his legal studies. He took his CPE at London Metropolitan, where he was a finalist in its mooting competition and was selected for its mooting demonstration team. Jamie went on to complete his Bar Vocational Course at the Inns of Court School of Law, where he was short-listed for a pro-bono award.

Emma Whysall
Emma is an advocate who joined the department in 2009. She previously completed the Bar Vocational Course and Graduate Diploma in Law at the College of Law, Bloomsbury. Emma's areas of expertise include personal injury and contractual disputes. She undertakes small claims, hearings, applications and infant approval hearings in personal injury matters throughout the South East. She also advises on quantum and liability.  Prior to studying law, Emma completed both bachelors and Masters degrees in history at the University of Sheffield, which included research on the American Supreme Court and privacy.

Bristol Office

Sally Heffernan
After leaving college, Sally worked in a number of law firms before joining Lyons Davidson’s  Insurance Litigation department in 1998.  Sally moved to Advocacy in 2001 and is now the Practice Manager of Lyons Davidson’s 50-strong Advocacy department. As Advocacy Practice Manager, Sally oversees the administration and smooth running of this national department. This involves the management of the advocates, clerks, outside chambers and external clients. Along with Peter Revell, she is the main point of contact for the team.

Luke Ashby
Luke qualified as a solicitor in 2010 and is also Team Leader of the Bristol advocacy team. His areas of expertise are employment law, personal injury and civil litigation. He primarily covers hearings in the South West and Wales but also appears in tribunals across the country. Before joining Lyons Davidson, Luke was a solicitor and legal advisor for a large financial institution, where he advised on employment law, personal injury and general civil litigation. Luke acts for both claimants and respondents, and deals with a range of employment cases, from straightforward unfair dismissal to multiple day discrimination claims. He is regularly instructed to conduct case management discussions, pre-hearing reviews, full merits hearings and review hearings. He also undertakes civil litigation and personal injury cases. He carries out a wide variety of hearings and appears in appeals, trials and interlocutory hearings. He also carries out advices and drafts pleadings. Luke is a member of the Employment Lawyers Association.

Edward Hurley
Edward is a trainee advocate. He conducts small claims hearings, applications and infant approval hearings, in addition to providing written advices on liability and quantum. In 2007, he graduated from the University of Westminster in Law and completed the Bar Vocational Course in 2009. Prior to joining Lyons Davidson, Edward worked for a successful solicitors firm in Bromley, specialising in road traffic accidents and debt recovery actions.

Ruth James
Ruth is an advocate who represents clients at small claims hearings and infant approval hearings, as well as advising on liability and quantum of damages.  Her areas of work include road traffic accidents, personal injury, credit hire, breach of contract and misrepresentation.  Ruth gained an MA from the University of Edinburgh in 2007 and went on to the University of the West of England in Bristol, where she was awarded a Postgraduate Diploma in Law. She then took the Bar Vocational Course in 2009.  Prior to working for Lyons Davidson, Ruth was an intern at Freedom House Chambers in Trinidad, where she worked in all areas of civil law, particularly police brutality and unlawful imprisonment.

David Lang
David is an advocate. He conducts small claims hearings, applications and infant approval hearings, in addition to providing written advices on liability and quantum. In 2009, he graduated from the University of Kent in law and completed the Bar Vocational Course the following year at City University. Before joining Lyons Davidson, David worked on death row cases and appeals in Houston, Texas. He has also volunteered with the National Centre for Domestic Violence as a McKenzie friend. 

Jennifer Marshallsay
Jennifer is an employment advocate. She studied for the Bar Vocational Course at the College of Law, London. Jennifer’s primary area of expertise is employment law, including, unfair, wrongful and constructive dismissals and discrimination cases. She specialises in pre-hearing reviews and case management discussions. In addition to advising on employment matters, Jennifer also takes instructions in small claims and infant approvals.

Janita Patel
Janita began working for Lyons Davidson in July 2011. As advocacy clerk, her work includes various duties that support the team. She has a background that includes a degree in Law And Criminology. Prior to working as an advocacy clerk, Janita spent her time volunteering for Citizens Advice Bureau as a Gateway Assessor. Janita can understand conversational Gujarati.

Lauren Seager
Lauren joined Lyons Davidson as a trainee advocate in August 2011.  She has recently completed the Bar Professional Training Course at Cardiff University. Prior to this, Lauren completed her LLB at Bristol University. She undertakes small claims hearings, applications and infant approval hearings throughout the South West. She also advises on quantum and liability.

Becky Tatton
Becky joined Lyons Davidson in 2008 and initially worked in the Claims Initiation department. She then transferred to the Property Insurance Litigation Group, where she worked as a case handler and in 2011, she joined the Advocacy team, where she works as a clerk. Becky is the main point of call for external MOJ work. Her other responsibilities include managing advocates' diaries, booking external counsel, as well as dealing with day-to-day requests and queries.

Indya Vengatasamy
Indya started working in Lyons Davidson shortly after completing her A levels. Her first role was as a secondee to a leading financial institution, and she then became a clerk in the Advocacy team. Her job involves managing the advocates' diaries in all Lyons Davidson offices, booking hearings with external chambers and in-house advocates as well as dealing with day-to-day queries.

Charlotte Weaver
After studying A levels and completing ILEX qualifications at City of Bristol College, Charlotte joined Lyons Davidson in 2009 as an advocacy clerk.  She is now Deputy Team Leader of the clerking team and assists the Practice Manager with the day-to-day overseeing of the Advocacy team.  This includes maintaining contact with the advocates and managing their diaries, as well as liaising with external counsel and heading the training of any new clerks who join the department.

Jordan Yandell
After completing his A levels, Jordan joined Lyons Davidson in 2009 to work in the Claims Initiation Unit, opening claims and being the first point of contact for clients. Jordan joined the Advocacy team in 2011 and is based in the Bristol office as one of the clerks. Jordan’s role includes managing the advocates' diaries and liasing with external counsel. He deals mainly with the bookings of the BIC invoice disputes, along with day to day requests and enquiries.

Leeds Office

Hannah Boynes
Hannah is an advocate who joined the firm in 2009. After working as a case handler in the Personal Injury department, she moved to the Advocacy team in 2010, and also completed a three-month seat in the Compliance department. Hannah studied law at Huddersfield University, then went on to complete the Bar Vocational Course. Hannah now mainly undertakes employment advocacy, specialising in case management discussions, pre-hearing reviews and full hearings in the Employment Tribunal. She also undertakes general civil work including case management conferences, allocation hearings, applications, small claims track hearings and infant approvals. She also provides advices on liability and quantum as well as drafting pleadings. Hannah covers Leeds, Northern England and the Midlands.

Charlotte Dowson
Charlotte joined Lyons Davidson in 2011. She studied law at Sheffield Hallam University before completing her BPTC this year. Her expertise includes personal injury and civil litigation. Charlotte is experienced in case management conferences, allocation hearings, applications, small claims track hearings and infant approvals, in addition to providing written advice on both liability and quantum in all areas of civil litigation. She covers Leeds and the North of England.

Heather Fleming
Heather re-joined Lyons Davidson in 2011 as an advocate, after working as a fee earner in the litigation and dispute resolution department at a firm of solicitors in York. Heather obtained a Masters in History at the University of Glasgow before undertaking her law conversion course in York in 2007. Her main area of expertise is civil litigation including road traffic accidents, personal injury and contractual matters. She is experienced in case management conferences, allocation hearings, applications, small claims track hearings and infant approvals, and also provides written advice on both liability and quantum in all areas of civil litigation. She covers Leeds and the north.

Dominic Joyce
Dominic is an advocate and is the Team Leader in Leeds. He has cross-qualified as a solicitor and has obtained Higher Rights of Audience. Dominic’s areas of law include personal injury and civil litigation. Fields of expertise include case management conferences, allocation hearings, applications, small claims track hearings and infant approvals, in addition to advising on liability and quantum. He specialises in road traffic accidents, MOJ Stage 3 hearings, contractual matters and credit hire. He covers Leeds and the North of England.

Sonia Khan
After completing the BVC at Nottingham Law School, Sonia undertook a part-time post at the University of Bradford for two years, lecturing in Criminal and Civil Evidence. She joined Lyons Davidson in 2007 as a paralegal; in this role, she worked in the Recoveries Department and Personal Injury Team. Sonia then transferred to the Advocacy Department in 2008 and undertook work as an in-house advocate. She is experienced in case management conferences, allocation hearings, applications, small claims track hearings, infant approvals and written work such as pleadings, and advising on liability and quantum.  While working as an advocate, Sonia continued lecturing and was invited to lecture at Leeds Trinity All Saints. She taught Company Law, Marketing Law and General Legal Principles for three years. In 2010, Sonia trained with the ADR Group and is now a qualified civil and commercial mediator. She cross-qualified as a solicitor in 2011 and undertakes Stage 3 MOJ hearings, disposals and fast track trials. She particularly enjoys defendant work and costs arguments. Sonia also mentors students at Notre Dame Sixth Form College.

Sam Lumley
Sam is an advocate and is the deputy team leader in Leeds. She joined Lyons Davidson in 2009 following university and a short-term position with a family law firm. Sam's area of expertise is civil litigation including road traffic accidents, credit hire, personal injury and contractual matters. She is experienced in case management conferences, allocation hearings, applications, small claims track hearings and infant approvals, in addition to providing written advice on both liability and quantum in all areas of civil litigation. She covers Leeds and the North of England.

Jessica Wignall
Jessica joined Lyons Davidson in 2011. She is an advocate and recently completed her LLM. She previously worked as a case handler in a criminal solicitors firm. Her expertise includes personal injury and civil litigation. She is experienced in case management conferences, allocation hearings, applications, small claims track hearings, infant approvals in addition to advising on liability and quantum. She covers Leeds and the North of England.

Solihull Office

Sarah Bowen
Sarah is an advocate. She studied for her BA at the University of Leicester and then went on to complete the Graduate Diploma in Law and Bar Vocational Course at the College of Law. Sarah’s practice includes personal injury, civil litigation and employment. Her areas of expertise include case management conferences and discussions, allocation hearings, applications, small claims track hearings and infant approvals, in addition to advising on liability and quantum. Sarah also undertakes a range of employment hearings. She has specialised in road traffic accidents, including low velocity impacts, contractual matters, property damage, credit hire and employment. Sarah is currently in the process of cross-qualifying as a solicitor and covers the Midlands.

Stacey Campbell
Stacey is a trainee advocate in the Solihull office. She graduated from Keele University with a dual honours degree in law and criminology, and was a winner of the Keele University Moot. She completed the Bar Vocational Course at Nottingham Law School and while there was involved in numerous pro bono activities and received a pro bono award for her outstanding contribution. Before joining Lyons Davidson, Stacey's practice included conducting mortgage repossession, bankruptcy and charging order hearings in the County Court. She now conducts small claims and infant approval hearings in addition to advising on liability and quantum.

Leanne Jones
Leanne is a cross-qualified solicitor in the advocacy department. She studied for her BA at Nottingham Trent University and then went on to complete the Bar Vocational Course at Nottingham Law School. Leanne's practice includes personal injury, civil litigation and employment. Her areas of expertise include fast-track trials, disposal hearings, case management conferences and discussions, allocation hearings, applications, small claims track hearings and infant approvals. She also advises on liability and quantum, as well as undertaking a range of employment hearings dealing with all matters of unfair and wrongful dismissal, redundancy payments and all aspects of discrimination.

Stephen Williams
Stephen is an advocate who joined the firm in 2011.  He graduated from Exeter University in July 2009 with a degree in law. Stephen’s areas of expertise include personal injury and credit hire litigation, in particular small claims hearings, applications and infant approval hearings in personal injury matters. He also advises on quantum and liability for both adult and minor cases. He covers the Midlands region.

Cardiff Office

Christopher McBride
Christopher is a solicitor and is currently team leader of the Cardiff and Plymouth Advocacy teams. He undertook his LLB in Scotland prior to completing the Bar Vocational Course at Cardiff University. Before joining Lyons Davidson, Christopher worked as a paralegal in the employment department of a leading Northern Ireland commercial solicitors firm. During his time there, he was involved in contentious matters within the Industrial and Fair Employment Tribunals and the provision of non-contentious advices. Christopher accepts instructions in personal injury and general civil litigation up to fast and multi-track level. He covers Wales, the South West and the Midlands.

Rebecca Morgan
Rebecca is an advocate. She joined the firm in 2010, after completing her Bar Vocation Course at Cardiff Law School. She achieved her law degree at the University of Westminster in 2008. During this time, she participated in many mooting competitions and was voted year representative. Rebecca conducts small claims hearings, infant approvals, applications and case management conferences, in addition to drafting advices on liability and quantum.

Paul O'Callaghan
Paul is a solicitor who joined the firm in 2011. He read law, then completed the Bar Vocational Course at Cardiff University and went on to cross-qualify as a solicitor. Paul has experience across a variety of legal disciplines including employment, property, contractual disputes and personal injury. He regularly undertakes hearings, applications and case management conferences and advises on liability and quantum. Paul covers the Western and the Wales and Chester circuit.

Plymouth Office

Kate Glenning
Kate is a trainee advocate who joined the firm in November 2011. She studied American Studies at the University of Portsmouth and completed a semester abroad at Brockport State University of New York. Kate undertook the Graduate Diploma in Law and the Legal Practice Course at the University of Plymouth, where she simultaneously enjoyed a successful mooting career. She conducts small claims hearings, applications, case management conferences and infant approval hearings throughout Devon and Cornwall. She also advises on quantum and liability.

Samuel Jones
Samuel is a trainee advocate who joined the department in October 2011. He completed the BPTC at the University of the West of England and is currently studying for an LLM in Advanced Legal Practice. Samuel has been instructed to attend infant approvals, telephone hearings and small claims hearings throughout the South West. He advises on quantum, liability and procedure. 

Trainee Solicitors

The Advocacy department also offers one or occasionally two seats for trainees at either the Bristol, Solihull, Leeds or New Malden offices. It encourages their involvement in both advocacy work and administration relating to the department.

We aim to give our trainees a range of experience under the guidance of other members of the department, including conducting cases at court and advising on both liability and quantum. As a department, we also encourage involvement in administration to assist trainees to understand the needs of the running of the advocacy department as a unit.

Trainees are encouraged to take part in training, both externally and in-house.