Robert Williams has always been involved in litigation and has appeared in high profile trials. He now concentrates on private divorce work, specialising in high value cases. He regularly deals with other professionals such as accountants, actuaries and planning consultants.
Robert has been recommended as a first class divorce lawyer in the Legal 500 for very many years. Clients describe him as proactive and passionate about his work. He usually does his own advocacy and enjoys working closely with the client and managing their hopes and expectations during what is usually a very traumatic time in their lives.
Education:
Neath Grammar School, Neath; Manchester University (LL.B); College of Law, Guildford
Career:
Qualified 1972; Partner at R B Hutchinson Morris & Harrett (now Hutchinson Thomas) 1980
Other information:
Robert has been and is still involved in a number of organisations within the town of Neath including Neath Round Table and Rotary. He has been Chairman of Neath Athletic Rugby Football Club for 20 years and is one of the longest serving church wardens. He is also president of the Friends of the Hospital.
Robert was a highly respected Judicial Officer for rugby both nationally and internationally. He chaired some of the major rugby disciplinary cases including the infamous ‘Bloodgate’ case.
Position:
Partner dealing with a large number of private businesses in commercial property and company matters. Notary Public.
As head of Hutchinson Thomas’ corporate and commercial team Roger is renown for taking a hands on, pro active approach to transactional matters always aiming to solve problems rather than create them and doing so in a cost effective and timely manner. This pragmatic approach works because of Roger’s vast experience, clarity of understanding and depth of knowledge. His great strength is the ability to apply that knowledge in the best interests of the client and with a focus on getting the job done.
Roger has acted for the whole range of business clients from modest sole traders to large companies across the length and breadth of South Wales. Trusted and respected by clients and other practitioners alike, it is noteworthy that many clients are referred to him from other professionals such as accountants and financial advisers.
Roger is also a hugely experienced and an acknowledged expert property lawyer. This works in favour of business clients too because unlike many other corporate and commercial lawyers he does not need to refer property matters to a different lawyer.
As a Notary Public Roger is also well accustomed to dealing with complicated commercial documents from outside the UK.
The commercial aspect of Roger’s practice has further developed into the field of Sports Law. He is a World Rugby appointed Judicial and Appeal Officer dealing with discipline and misconduct issues in the game of Rugby Union and in that capacity was assigned to the 2015 Rugby World Cup. He has also acted in cases for RBS Six Nations, European Professional Rugby, Celtic Pro 12, RFU and WRU.
Education:
Ystalyfera Grammar School, Swansea Valley; Cwmtawe Comprehensive School, Swansea Valley; Emmanuel College, Cambridge (1974 MA)
Career:
Trained at L C Thomas & Son; qualified 1979; Partner at L C Thomas & Son (now Hutchinson Thomas) 1979; Notary Public 1985
Clerk to Neath Port Authority
Other information:
Away from the office Roger’s interests revolve largely around sport, mainly rugby, cricket and golf. He is an honorary life member of Neath Cricket Club and member of MCC. He is chair of Cricket Wales, the national governing body of recreational cricket in Wales, and also chair of the Guinness Pro 12 Discipline Panel.
Position:
Partner leading the Property Department
Education:
Glanafan Comprehensive School, Port Talbot; Birmingham University (1980 LL.B); College of Law, Guildford
Career:
Trained at R B Hutchinson Morris & Harrett; qualified 1983; Partner at R B Hutchinson Morris & Harrett (now Hutchinson Thomas) 1986
Member of the Law Society Property Group; Past President of Neath Port Talbot Law Society
Other information:
Past Chairman of Neath Amateur Operatic Society; Past Area Chairman of Rotaract District 115; Past Chairman of Neath Round Table; Past President of Neath Round Table
Paul deals with all areas of personal injury and clinical negligence cases but specialises in high value, catastrophic injury and damage claims. He has acted for clients who have suffered birth related injuries resulting in substantial awards for future care and assistance.
He has also handled a number of traumatic brain injury cases which have been life changing for the client and which have required significant consideration of the future needs of the client who is no longer able to work and who requires long term care and financial security.
Paul particularly enjoys working with external specialist agencies and experts to provide practical and professional help to address the injured client’s needs so as to bring a holistic approach to the individual client’s case.
Paul is the Assistant Coroner for Swansea & Neath Port Talbot and Assistant Coroner for Pembrokeshire & Carmarthenshire
Education
Cefn Saeson Comprehensive School, Neath; Dwr-y-Felin Sixth Form College, Neath; University of Wales College, Cardiff (1984 LL.B); College of Law, Guildford
Career:
Trained at G Huw Lewis and James Neath; qualified in 1987; Partner Hutchinson Morris & Harrett (now Hutchinson Thomas) 1991.
Fellow of the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers, Member of Law Society Personal Injury Panel
Other information
Paul is an active member of the Church in Wales at local and provincial level.
He is an elected member of the Governing Body of the Church (‘GB’) and is an appointed legal assessor for its bi-annual meetings. He also serves on a number of appointed committees of the GB. He also serves on the Provincial Panel of Bishops’ Advisers on Remarriage, Divorce and Ordination. He is a member of the Llandaff Diocese’s Churches and Pastoral Committee.
On a local level he is a past Church Warden in the Rectorial Benefice of Neath and is currently Treasurer of Saint David’s Church where he has been a chorister for the last 45 years.
He has previously served as the Area Chairman of the Royal School of Church Music’s Committee which exemplifies his passion for choral singing.
He is a also a founder and active member of the Neath Polyphonic Choir, a community choir that was established in 2010 which affords the opportunity for people of mixed ability to sing a wide range of music.
Apart from music in all its various forms, Paul enjoys foreign travel and is passionate about Britain’s heritage, particularly its historic buildings and railways.
Position:
Managing Partner who specialises in civil litigation dealing with property, negligence, commercial and construction disputes. Peter also undertakes claimant personal injury work.
Member of the Property Litigators Association
Education:
Dwr-y-Felin Comprehensive School, Neath; University of Wales, Swansea (1996 LL.B); University of Wales, Cardiff (Post Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice).
Career:
Trained at Hutchinson Morris & Harrett (now Hutchinson Thomas) qualified in 2000; Partner 2006
Other information:
Peter’s interests include tennis and football. He is a former member of Neath Round Table.
Position:
Partner specialising in employment law and contentious trusts and probate.
Simon is regularly involved in disciplinary and regulatory proceedings, particularly in the health care and education sectors (GMC, NMC, GPhC, CCIW)
His published cases include Saunders -v- Garrett [2005] WTLR 749, R v Davies [2002] EWCA Crim 2949 and R v Secretary of State for the Home Department ex parte Davies [2000] The Independent (London), Nov 23, 2000. Khan & Anor v Landsker Child Care Ltd UKEAT/0036/12/DM
He is one of only six Welsh solicitors to have been appointed members of the Association of Contentious Trust & Probate Specialists (ACTAPS). He is also a member of the Employment Law Association and the Association of Disciplinary and Regulatory Lawyers.
Simon sits as a Judicial Officer for the WRU, Guinness Pro 12, EPRC and World Rugby. He was appointed as a Judicial Officer in the Rugby World Cup 2015.
Education:
Cefn Saeson Comprehensive School, Neath College, University of Wales, Cardiff (1991 LL.B); College of Law (Guildford); Universite de la Sorbonne, Paris
Career:
Trained at Hutchinson Morris & Harrett; qualified 1995; Partner at Hutchinson Morris & Harrett (now Hutchinson Thomas) 1998
Other information:
Outside his busy family life, Simon’s interests revolve largely around sport and rugby in particular. He regularly sits as a Judicial Officer in top flight rugby and was one of ten Judicial Officers appointed to the 2015 Rugby World Cup.
He has always been actively involved in the community and is a past Chairman and President of Neath Round Table where he was a member for over twenty years.
Position:
Partner and head of Probate, Wills and Trusts department.
Louise has particular expertise in advising on and drafting wills, powers of attorney, personal injury trusts, administration of estates and inheritance tax planning. She is regularly asked to act as a professional attorney, executor and trustee.
Education:
Dwr-y-Felin Comprehensive School, Neath (Head Girl 1991); Neath College, Neath; Somerville College, Oxford (1996 MA Jurisprudence); Post Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice, University of Wales, Cardiff; Cours de Civilisation Francaise de la Sorbonne, Paris
Career:
Trained at Hutchinson Morris & Harrett (now Hutchinson Thomas) qualified in 2000; Partner 2006
Full member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners; Member of Law Society Private Client department
Position:
Partner dealing with Wills, Probate, Trusts & Tax and Company / Commercial matters.
Rhian qualified as a Notary Public in 2009 and was elected to the Council of the Notaries Society in 2015
Education:
Dwr-y-Felin Comprehensive School, Neath; Neath College; University of Oxford (Master of Arts in Jurisprudence); Post Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice (distinction) at the College of Law (London); Post Graduate Diploma of Notarial Practice, University of Cambridge
Career:
Trained at Hutchinson Thomas; qualified 2004; partner 2010. Qualified as Notary Public in 2009.
Full member of Society of Trusts and Estates Practitioners (STEP), Solicitors for the Elderly and the Law Society Private Client Section. She regularly gives talks to groups about wills, powers of attorney and long term care.
Other information:
Rhian sits as a judicial officer appointed to hear rugby disciplinary cases arising from matches under the jurisdiction of Six Nations, Pro 12, WRU and RFU. She was appointed to the EPCR Discipline Panel for the 2015/16 season.
Position:
Partner in the Property department
Adrian specialises in residential conveyancing including new builds, help to buy, shared ownership, lease extensions, stair casing of shared ownership leases and purchase of freehold reversion of leasehold houses.
Education:
Cefn Saeson Comprehensive; Neath Tertiary College; University of Kent at Canterbury; Guildford Law College
Career:
Trained at Gordon Williams Solicitors, Cardiff 1989-1992; Partner at Sheehans Solicitors 1992-2004; Partner at Morleys Solicitors 2004-2005; Partner at Howells Solicitors 2005-2007; joined Hutchinson Thomas 2007; partner 2013
Adrian is deputy Vice President of Swansea and District Law Society
Other information:
Member of Neath Golf Club and social member of Neath Cricket Club. Adrian enjoys watching football, rugby and bowls and is an avid reader.
Position:
Partner specialising in Franchise Law and Criminal Law.
Darren heads the Franchise Law team within the firm, dealing with all legal matters arising from Franchising your business or obtaining a Franchise. Working within the litigation team, he is also well placed to understand and deal with any franchise disputes that may arise.
Darren works closely with other sector specialists in the Franchising industry and is able to assist our clients further with introductions to other professionals such as accountants, consultants, lender, marketing and franchise recruitment specialists.
Darren deals with all aspects of criminal law from the police station to Crown Court. He is an accredited police station representative and a member of the Criminal Accredited Scheme. He is a duty solicitor on the Neath & Port Talbot scheme and a qualified Legal Aid Supervisor. Darren supervises all Crown Court matters including serious and complex cases. He has a wealth of experience in defending high profile cases including murder, sexual offences, drug offences and high value fraud.
Darren specialises in defending those accused with serious crimes, in particular, those accused of white collar crime. He has obtained an excellent reputation in dealing with specialist fraud matters and is regularly recommended to clients by other practitioners. Darren works closely with Stephen Harrett in all aspects of preparation and representation to ensure full continuity of service.
Education:
Cwmtawe Comprehensive School, University of Wales, Swansea (LLB); University of the West of England, Bristol (Post Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice).
Career:
Joined Hutchinson Thomas in 2006, became a partner in 2015.
Other information:
Past Chairman of Neath Round Table; Past Area Secretary of Round Table; Past Director of Neath AFC; Management Committee member of Neath Cricket Club.
Position:
Partner dealing with Family and Criminal matters with a special interest in Child care and public law (care proceedings)
Meriel is a keen advocate in the Criminal Court who undertakes cases from initial hearing through to trial.
She has been involved in several high profile cases including allegations of the death of an infant by a parent administering adult medication, and cases involving significant injury to children including an allegation of branding. She has also been involved in serious sex abuse cases.
Meriel has been involved in cases at the High Court of Justice including a case in relation to reporting restrictions in a matter involving the death of a baby, and the request by a 14 year old to give evidence in a case involving allegations of sexual abuse against her parents.
Education:
Pontrhydyfen Welsh School; Emmanuel Preparatory and Grammar School, Swansea; Swansea Institute of Higher Education; University of the West of England
Career:
Trainee Legal Executive at G Huw Lewis and James 1987-97; L C Thomas & Son 1997-2000; qualified as a Solicitor in 2000; Howe & Spender 2000-02; Goldstones 2002-05; Hutchinson Thomas 2005; partner 2015
Member of the Law Society Children panel, and Criminal Duty Solicitor
Other information:
In her free time Meriel enjoys spending time with her children and helping on the family farm. She is also an enthusiastic martial artist and practices ju jutsu and judo being an assistant coach at a local club and the YMCA. Meriel is also is a keen motorcyclist.
Position:
Partner heading the childcare department.
Education:
University of Central England Law Society (1984 BA Law); College of Law (Guildford)
Career:
Qualified 1994; Hugh James 1985-1999; Devonalds 1999-2002; Hutchinson Thomas 2002, partner 2010
Member of the Law Society Children Panel. An approachable advocate with over 20 years’ experience in the legal profession. Has expertise in handling divorce and high value financial cases with an active interest in domestic abuse cases. She is a member of the Law Society Children Panel and is committed on a daily basis to child law work. Deals with all aspects of child law and has experience in complex cases including fabricated illness syndrome, sudden infant death syndrome, non-accidental injury and neglect. Has a particular interest in the representation of parents with learning difficulties.
Position:
Rachel has specialised in the area of family law since qualifying in 2001. She deals predominantly with children cases and is a member of the Law Society Children Panel which recognises solicitors with particular expertise in this complex field. Rachel acts for parents, grandparents, and children’s guardians and usually undertaking her own advocacy. Such cases are often complex and involve difficult issues of harm to children, drug and alcohol abuse, sexual abuse and physical injuries.
Rachel deals with cases against the Local Authority social services department including applications for care orders and adoptions. She has represented clients with learning difficulties and those who are victims of domestic abuse. She always strives to get the best outcome possible for her clients.Rachel also acts in private law cases, representing parents seeking contact with their children or seeking orders that their child should live with them.
Education:
Dwr y Felin Comprehensive School, Neath; Neath College; University of Reading (LLB Hons); University of Bristol (Diploma in Legal Practice)
Career:
Trained at Avery Naylor Solicitors Swansea; joined Hutchinson Thomas 2011; partner 2015
Other information:
Outside the law, Rachel is devoted to enjoying family time with her children and keeping fit.
Position:
Solicitor specialising in Residential Conveyancing both Freehold and Leasehold
Jemma works within the Conveyancing team and deals with all aspects of residential conveyancing from Freehold to Leasehold properties from beginning to end dealing with each stage of the transaction including complex matters.
Jemma qualified as a Solicitor in January 2009 and has 10 years post qualified experience in the Conveyancing field, Jemma has been working in the Conveyancing sector since 2006 and has conducted Conveyancing for properties all over Wales and England.
Jemma prides herself on working closely with her clients to develop a good working relationship which is both friendly and efficient, Jemma is always striving to ensure client satisfaction. Jemma states; “Continuity and client satisfaction is extremely important to me, I always strive to ensure the clients are happy with the legal service they have received and the outcome of their matter. As a high street solicitor I believe that a good reputation is extremely important for repeat business, and there is no better compliment to receive than a repeat client, or a client recommendation/ referral”.
Education:
Mountain Ash Comprehensive School 1999; University of Glamorgan (HND Law), 2003 (LLB hons) 2005, (Post Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice (LPC) 2006.
Career:
Joined Hutchinson Thomas in September 2018. Completed training contract at Richards Thomas Solicitors in 2009.
Other information:
In her spare time Jemma enjoys spending time at her caravan in West Wales with her family and friends.
Position:
Assistant solicitor in the Property department specialising in residential conveyancing
Education:
Olchfa Comprehensive School, Exeter University, Ebenhards-Karls Universitaet Tuebingen Germany, Swansea University (LL B)
Career:
Joined Hutchinson Thomas in 2013, qualified 2015
Other information:
Rachel’s interests revolve largely around the sea. She is an active member and current captain of Mumbles Sea Rowing Club. She is also a volunteer crew member and the only female helm at Horton and Port Eynon Lifeboat Station.
Position:
Assistant solicitor working in the Wills, Probate and Trusts Department
Education:
Bishopston Comprehensive School; Gorseinon College; Swansea University (2012 LLB Hons); Post Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice (distinction)
Career:
Joined Hutchinson Thomas in 2013, qualified 2015
Member of Law Society Private Client Section
Other information:
Foreign travel, reading and spending time with family and friends
Position:
Solicitor in the Wills Trusts & Probate Department.
Education:
Dyffryn Comprehensive School, Neath Port Talbot College, University of Wales Swansea (Ll B), University of South Wales Pontypridd (LPC)
Career:
Joined Hutchinson Thomas in 2013
Other information:
Interested in fitness classes, reading and travelling
Position:
Trainee Solicitor in the Civil Litigation Department.
Jessica works in the Civil Litigation Department supporting Paul Bennett and Peter Morgan.
Jessica deals with Personal Injury Claims including Road Traffic Accidents, Employers’ Liability Claims and Public Liability Cases. Jessica supports Paul Bennett in larger P.I. claims and Clinical Negligence claims.
Jessica deals with Small Claims Money Matters and Landlord and Tenant disputes and supports Peter Morgan in larger Civil Litigation matters.
Education:
Cefn Saeson Comprehensive School, University of Wales, Swansea – LLB (Hons); Jessica is currently undertaking the Post Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice at Swansea University.
Career:
Jessica joined Hutchinson Thomas in 2017 having previously worked as a Family Paralegal in another local firm.
Other information:
Jessica graduated with a Law degree from Swansea University in 2003 and pursued a career in banking where she reached management level. After taking a career break to raise her two daughters; Jessica decided to undertake the Legal Practice Course at Swansea where she is currently studying.
Position:
Senior Chartered Legal Executive in Probate, Wills & Trusts department.
Sandra’s specialist areas include complex probate matters, including taxable and insolvent estates, Wills, Trusts and Powers of Attorney.
Education:
Bournemouth Dorset, Portsmouth Polytechnic (B.Sc in Zoology)
Career:
Trained at Collins Woods & Vaughan Jones 1982 – 1989, qualified as Fellow of Institute of Legal Executives 1992; Morgan Cole 1989 – 2001; Hutchinson Thomas 2001
Full Member of Society of Trusts and Estates Practitioners; Member of Law Society Private Client Section
Position:
Chartered Legal Executive in Property department. Ros deals with domestic / residential sales and purchases.
Education:
Cefn Hengoed Comprehensive School, Swansea; Swansea College.
Career:
Legal Secretary 1989-2001; qualified as Member of the Institute of Legal Executives 2008
Position:
Chartered Fellow of the Institute of Legal Executives specialising in Residential Conveyancing both Freehold and Leasehold.
Jacqui is a Residential Property Lawyer working within the Conveyancing team and deals with all aspects of residential conveyancing including Freehold, Leasehold, Help to Buy England and Wales, Help to Buy ISA’s, Probate Sales, New Build, Shared Ownership and Right to Buy amongst other areas.
Jacqui qualified as a Legal Executive in October 2008 and now has 10 years post qualified experience. Jacqui has been working in the Conveyancing sector since 2014. Prior to that has specialised both in Civil Litigation and Commercial Conveyancing.
Jacqui is always keen to build a rapport with her clients both via the telephone and in person. ‘For me, and more importantly for each and every one of my clients, communication is the key to continuity and swift progression of the transaction. With a clear objective for each individual case, I always seek to ensure that clients are completely satisfied with the service they receive and that I personally have done everything possible to expedite the matter and provide clear timescales, communicating as efficiently as possible.
Education:
Chancellors Secondary School Brookmans Park, Hertfordshire; University of the West of England (BA Honours Law and History) – 2002; Chartered Institute of Legal Executives – 2008.
Career:
Joined Hutchinson Thomas in November 2018. Previously has worked for Griffiths Ings Property Lawyers in Barry and Insight Law in Cardiff. Prior to that Lyons Davidson and Clarke Willmott Solicitors both in Bristol.
Other information:
In her spare time Jacqui enjoys spending time with her family and hiking in West Wales, where she now lives.