Our Team

Criminal Defence Genevieve has worked as a criminal duty solicitor since qualifying in 2009 and specialises in prison law. Prior to qualifying, Genevieve was a Court Clerk at the Old Bailey, before acting as a paralegal and police station representative for a national firm. In her a hands-on role she represents clients at police stations, in Magistrates and Crown Courts and at prisons throughout Worcestershire. Having gained prison law supervisory status, she is well placed to provide representation across the whole spectrum of Criminal Litigation Services. Genevieve is also part of Thomas Horton’s duty solicitor programme, ensuring that a legal representative is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. DD: 01905  330066 E: gw@thomashorton.co.uk

Family Solicitor Sam has worked as a legal adviser to the Justices since qualifying in 2003, assisting the Justices and advising them on legislation, sentencing guidelines and best-practice procedures.   Since 2011, Sam has undertaken this role in the family courts. Her role at Thomas Horton includes representing parents and other family members in private and public law proceedings concerning children-related arrangements and providing advice when Children’s services become involved. DD: 01527 839403 E: sg@thomashorton.co.uk

Family Solicitor Anila qualified as a solicitor in 2003 with Shakespeares LLP and has since worked for leading firms in Worcester and Birmingham before joining Thomas Horton LLP in January 2013. Anila is a Solicitor within the firm’s family team and is a member of the Law Society’ Family Panel. She advises on all aspects of family law, with emphasis on the resolution of complex financial disputes, particularly those involving significant pension and business assets. During her career, Anila has acted for high net worth individuals, especially those in professional practice, to include lawyers, doctors, accountants, police officers and business owners. Anila also has considerable expertise when dealing with public sector pension schemes ( to include military, police and NHS) to ensure that such pensions are properly valued and accounted for in such a way to see to it that an overall fair solution is reached for the client. Anila adopts a firm and practical approach and has a reputation for being an innovative and creative problem solver. She provides exceptional client care and is renowned for her meticulous preparation of cases and attention to detail. Anila regards her key personal strengths as having an ability to listen , sound judgement and a sharp analytical brain. DD: 01527 839416 E: an@thomashorton.co.uk

Director of Commercial Property

Lisa joined Thomas Horton LLP in 2013 as Director of Commercial Property.

Lisa has considerable technical expertise enabling her to give accurate and timely advice on all complex commercial property matters.

Lisa also specialises in corporate and commercial services, working closely with Jeff Taylor to support our business clients on everything from business start up advice to business acquisitions and disposals.

DD: 01527 839401

E: lj@thomashorton.co.uk

Managing Director

As the fourth generation of his family to offer solicitors services in Bromsgrove, the history and heritage of Thomas Horton LLP is extremely important.

Having become a senior partner at the firm in 1981, Matthew now carries out the role of Managing Director of the practice, but is still actively involved with client work including property matters, commercial agreements, corporate starts-ups, sales and joint ventures, charity law, and wills and trusts for high net worth clients.

He also maintains a strong presence in the legal, business and local communities, having been a council member with the Birmingham Law Society, the chairman of the Governors and vice president at Bromsgrove School, a bailiff and foreman of the jury of Bromsgrove Court Leet, as well as the trustee of a number of local charities and a founding member of the Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership.

DD: 01527 839412

E: tmh@thomashorton.co.uk

Head of Criminal Legal Services 

Richard joined Thomas Horton in 2004 as Head of Criminal Litigation Services.

Richard's principle area of practice is now representation of individuals and companies in Crown Courts throughout the country in relation to a wide variety of criminal offences.

He specialises in lengthy and complex proceedings and has undertaken cases lasting up to three months, including matters of significant public interest and the representation of police officers, lawyers and other professionals.

Richard is acutely aware however of the stress and anxiety felt by someone under investigation and he can also be found at any number of Police Stations throughout the region at any hour of the day and night where his experience consistently proves invaluable.

DD: 01905 330066
Emergency Tel: 07736 429404

E: rah@thomashorton.co.uk

Head of Children’s Matters

Having qualified as a solicitor in 1991, Fiona was appointed as a member of the Law Society’s Children Panel in 1998 and now represents parents, extended family members and children in relation to care proceedings brought by the Local Authority.

In addition, Fiona provides legal advice and support on all child protection issues including placement and adoption, as well as complex parental disputes relating to contact and living arrangements.

Fiona specialises in complex cases at all levels of court from Family Proceedings Court to the High Court and the Court of Protection.

DD: 01527 839403

E: flh@thomashorton.co.uk

  Head of Corporate and Commercial Division

Having spent 13 years with Eversheds, Jeff joined Thomas Horton in 2009 to head up its Corporate and Commercial Division in Worcestershire.

Jeff and his team offer expert legal advice to businesses of all sizes locally, regionally, nationally and internationally, on everything from business acquisitions and disposals, MBOs and corporate restructures, to business start-up advice, shareholder agreements and general contractual disputes.

Jeff and his Department are named in Legal 500 as highly rated experts in their field and have climbed to be ranked number 2 in Worcestershire. The number of referrals Jeff receives is a measure of the success of his work and of the positive experience and outcomes for his clients.

DD: 01527 839297

E: jrt@thomashorton.co.uk

Senior Director of Family Law

Having been at Thomas Horton for more than 35 years, Graham's main role involves supporting both our Family department in childcare matters, and our Criminal Defence department as a duty solicitor and criminal advocate.

Since 1990 Graham has specialised in childcare matters, having joined the Children’s Panel at its inception that year, and now mainly carries out publicly funded work.

Based in Bromsgrove, he is the first point of contact for many clients, having extensive experience and having built a strong and steady reputation and client relationships during his time with the Family department.

DD: 07768 850958

E: gwm.crime@thomashorton.co.uk

Director of Finance

After qualifying as a chartered accountant, and gaining experience in the retail sector, John specialised in accountancy in a legal environment and worked for a large legal firm for 12 years before joining Thomas Horton in 2006.

John manages and oversees the financial team at Thomas Horton, looking after all of the financial accounts and liaising with clients and suppliers.

He is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants and the Law Management Group.

Director of HR and Quality Control

Joan has been with Thomas Horton for more than 30 years and has extensive knowledge and in-depth experience of the firm.

Joan manages the firm’s HR and personnel functions, as well as co-ordinating all internal communications.

In addition, Joan project manages all of the company accreditations, including being one of the first in the county to achieve Lexcel accreditation.

 

Head of Property Services

Having qualified as a Fellow of the Institute of Legal Executives in 1993, Joanne joined Thomas Horton in 2004 and heads up the Property Services Department.

Now based at the firm’s Barnt Green office, Joanne provides advice on all aspects of conveyancing including commercial and residential sales and purchases, landlord and tenant services and secured lending, as well as commercial services for both small businesses and larger organisations, including property developers and housing associations.

We are the only firm that offers a ‘drop-in’ service at our Barnt Green office, providing an estate agent approach to our residential conveyancing services.

DD: 0121 445 7373

E: joh@thomashorton.co.uk

Director of Property Services

Paul joined Thomas Horton LLP in 1990 and has a broad range of experience in both residential and commercial conveyancing, as well as probate sales and property transfers.

Paul's technical expertise allows him to consult with clients on more complex matters, and he often works closely with our Commercial department on wider commercial matters to ensure we can offer the most efficient and professional service possible.

DD: 01527 839406

E: ppb@thomashorton.co.uk

Head of Probate, Wills & Trusts

Tina qualified as a solicitor in 2007 and joined Thomas Horton LLP’s Wills, Trusts and Probate Department in 2010. As Director and Head of Wills Trusts & Probate she is a member of STEP (the Society of Trusts and Estates Practitioners) and specialises in the creation and administration of trusts, estate tax planning, probate administration and Wills & Court of Protection work for the firm’s private clients, providing both a legal and an advisory service.

She is also a member of Solicitors for the Elderly, the Private Clients section of the Law Society and both the Worcester and Birmingham Law Societies.

DD: 01527 839404

E: tc@thomashorton.co.uk

Director of Probate, Wills and Trusts

Having qualified in 1999, Claire immediately specialised in private client matters and joined Thomas Horton LLP in 2011 in the Wills, Trusts and Probate team.

The department already had an excellent reputation in Worcestershire and the West Midlands for its personal approach and technical ability, and Claire brought with her the additional experience of membership of STEP (the Society of Trusts and Estates Practitioners), and Solicitors for the Elderly and the Law Society Private Client Section.

Claire can offer advice and support on everything from drafting wills and processing lasting powers of attorney, to estate and inheritance tax planning and the creation and administration of trusts

DD: 01527 839404

E: clp@thomashorton.co.uk

Prison Law Paralegal

Hollie joined Thomas Horton in 2010 and in 2011 was promoted to the position of Prison Law Paralegal. Hollie works with Katie Oliver, our Prison Law Supervisor, and together as a team they offer advice and assistance to prisoners across the country on all aspects of prison law.

Hollie regularly visits clients at various prisons and she has vast experience of appearing before Independent Adjudicators for adjudications. In addition to Hollie's prison law case-load, she also assists Sharon Simkiss in our Crown Court department and Katie Oliver and Richard Hull in our Magistrates department.

In September 2012 Hollie qualified as LLB honours in law.  Hollie is now enrolled at the College of Law in Birmingham studying her post graduate diploma in legal practice.

DD: 01905 330066

E: hd@thomashorton.co.uk

Head of Employment and Litigation 

Having joined Thomas Horton LLP in 2002, James heads up both the employment and dispute resolution teams at the firm.

James has extensive experience in contentious matters including civil litigation and employment and is also a member of the Association of Contentious Trusts and Probates Specialists (ACTAPS). He firmly believes in offering direct and practical advice and solutions to clients and seeking resolution where possible.

Playing a part in the local community is hugely important to James and he is Clerk to the Governors of Bromsgrove School, Treasurer of the Worcestershire Law Society and Secretary of the West Midlands Association of Law Societies.

DD: 01527 839415

E: jas@thomashorton.co.uk

Probate Executive

Angie joined Thomas Horton’s Criminal Department in 1999.  She now specialises in probate matters and works in the firm’s Wills, Trusts and Probate department carrying out estates administration, drafting wills and legal powers of attorney documents. Angie's main area of work is court of protection for which she is known and respected by our clients.

As a long-serving member of the department, Angie has developed excellent relationships with our private clients, often supporting them at what is a very difficult time, and is often the first point of contact within the department for them.

DD: 01527 839404

E: aw@thomashorton.co.uk

Head of Family and Matrimonial services

Having worked in the Family department at Thomas Horton LLP since 2004, Yvonne specialised in matrimonial services including divorce and separation, pre- and post-nuptial agreements and financial settlements, and has trained as a specialised mediator.

Yvonne was admitted to the Law Society Family Law Panel in 2000, and became an accredited member of Resolution, a body that adopts a conciliatory approach to relationship breakdown, in 2006.

Yvonne strongly believes in the benefits of couples taking a conciliatory approach to resolving the sensitive issues of relationship breakdown, particularly where there are children involved.

DD: 01527 839409

E:yh@thomashorton.co.uk

Family Law Executive at Thomas Horton LLP

Based at Thomas Horton’s Worcester office, Jodie supports the Family department in both public and private childcare matters.

As the first point of contact for many clients, she offers advice and support and focus on building relationships in what can often be difficult circumstances.

Day-to-day, she attends court in support of our head of department, manages the smooth running of individual cases, and maintains regular and ongoing contact with our clients.

DD: 01905 746897

E: jr@thomashorton.co.uk

Family Law Executive at Thomas Horton LLP

Having joined Thomas Horton more than 30 years ago, Jackie has gained an in-depth knowledge of each department and discipline and has been working in the firm’s Family department since 1994.

She now specialises in childcare and contact matters, and child protection issues, and prides herself on building strong relationships with our private clients in this area.

DD: 01527 839403

E: jt@thomashorton.co.uk

Prison Law and Crown Court

Sharon has a wealth of experience dealing with all areas of criminal litigation, having worked in this specialist area for more than 20 years.

Sharon’s principle area of practice is the preparation of more serious offences, appearing before Crown Courts across the country.

Sharon has an excellent reputation in the field and a proven track record of representing clients to the highest standards regarding serious assaults, sexual offences and fraud.

DD: 01905 330066

E: ss@thomashorton.co.uk

Prison Law and Criminal defence

Katie joined Thomas Horton in 2005 and regularly appears in Magistrates Courts across the country, defending individuals and companies for a variety of criminal offences.

Katie is an integral member of the highly experienced and specialist criminal litigation team and, alongside her assistant Hollie Downes, offers all prisoners across England and Wales advice and assistance on all aspects of Prison Law.

Katie is a Member of the Association of Prison Lawyers and specialises in the representation of prisoners appearing before the Parole Board and Life Sentence review panels across the country where her experience and tenacity proves invaluable.

DD: 01905 330066

E: ko@thomashorton.co.uk

Property Services

Having joined Thomas Horton as a paralegal in 2004, Kirsty qualified in 2007 and now specialises in both private and commercial conveyancing matters.

Much of Kirsty's current work is for residential clients, carrying out re-mortgages, matrimonial and probate conveyancing and working closely with estate agents and mortgage brokers with whom she has built strong professional relationships.

Kirsty also has five years’ experience of commercial conveyancing for a housing developer, dealing with site acquisition, development and home sales from start to finish.

DD: 01527 839422

E: ke@thomashorton.co.uk

Trainee Legal Executive, Wills, Trusts and Probate

As an executive to the Wills, Trusts and Probate department, Gemma assists in the administration of estates, the preparation of wills, and lasting powers of attorney.

Gemma has recently qualified as a Graduate Member of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives, with a view to becoming a Fellow in September 2014.

She is a member of the Lawyers of Worcestershire Junior division where she is building up a network of contacts within the region’s legal profession.

DD: 01527 839252

E: gm@thomashorton.co.uk

Trainee Solicitor

Having studied at Manchester University and later at Birmingham College of Law, Harjinder joined Thomas Horton in 2011 as a paralegal and is now completing a training contract with the firm.

Harjinder currently works most closely with James Sommerville, offering non-contentious advice and legal advice within the Employment and Litigation department.

He is a member of the Lawyers of Worcestershire Junior division where he is building up a network of contacts within the region’s legal profession.