Nikki Carlisle

Associate

Nikki is an associate in the contentious private client team, advising private individuals, trustees, and executors on a wide range of contentious trust and estate matters. Her work frequently involves sensitive family dynamics, high emotional stakes, and complex procedural issues.

She has experience across a broad spectrum of disputes, including challenges to the validity and interpretation of wills, claims under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975, contested estate administration, and executor and trustee disputes. Nikki also advises on applications for the removal and appointment of personal representatives and has experience supporting clients through mediation and settlement negotiations, as well as matters progressing through court.

Contentious private client work often involves complex legal issues and deeply personal circumstances. I pride myself on providing thoughtful, robust advice while supporting clients with empathy, clear communication, and a steady hand through what are often emotionally challenging disputes.

Nikki Carlisle, Associate

Nikki works closely with clients to understand both the legal and personal context of their dispute. Her approach is calm, empathetic and solutions focused, guiding clients through emotionally challenging situations, while keeping their wider objectives firmly in view. Alongside her legal expertise, Nikki brings a strong commercial perspective and advisory experience from her previous career, enabling her to approach disputes pragmatically and with a clear appreciation of risk, cost and outcome.

Recent work highlights

Executor removal claim

Representing the claimants in an executor removal claim across two estates.

Independent administrator

Acting for the independent administrator in a multimillion pound contentious estate that included mediation of multiple 1975 Act claims and a blessing application of a ‘momentous decision’ to sell estate assets.

Will validity claim

Defending a will validity challenge that had been brought on the grounds of lack of testamentary capacity and undue influence.

Inheritance dispute

Acting for the ex-spouse and child to vary the distribution of an intestate estate.

Ellie Mullins

Associate

Ellie is an associate within the real estate disputes team specialising in housing law. She advises private and institutional landlords on a broad range of residential landlord and tenant matters, with expertise in possession proceedings.

She supports landlords with the day-to-day management of their property portfolios, providing clear and practical guidance on regulatory compliance. This includes advising on obligations under the Renters’ Rights Act, licensing requirements, and compliance with EPC and Gas Safety Regulations. Ellie works proactively with clients to ensure that correct procedures are followed and risks are minimised. Her experience also extends to injunction proceedings, particularly in situations where tenants fail to provide access, and she is skilled at taking decisive action to protect her clients’ interests.

I am friendly, approachable and empathetic, taking the time to understand each client’s individual circumstances. I deliver clear, commercially focused advice aligned with my clients’ goals, ensuring they feel listened to and supported. I am known for being personable and compassionate, providing practical solutions that are both effective and cost-conscious.

Ellie Mullins, Associate

Ellie has specialist knowledge of regulated tenancies under the Rent Act 1977, where obtaining possession can be complex and requires careful strategic advice. She also advises landlords on deposit protection disputes and compensation claims under the Housing Act 2004. She has a strong interest in rent repayment orders, acting for landlords and tenants in matters such as failure to obtain a house in multiple occupation (HMO) licence. Known for her friendly and pragmatic approach, she provides commercially focused advice, always mindful of costs and committed to helping clients achieve the most efficient and effective outcome.

Alongside her legal practice, Ellie is passionate about social mobility and actively supports students applying for vacation schemes and training contracts.

Recent work highlights

Possession for redevelopment

Successfully obtaining possession using ground 6 of the Housing Act 1988, demonstrating the client’s genuine intention to redevelop the property into a house in multiple occupation, enabling the project to proceed.

Reduced deposit claim exposure

Acting for a landlord facing a deposit compensation claim of up to six times the deposit value, successfully limiting the award to two times the deposit and substantially reducing the client’s financial liability.

Possession despite non-compliance

Securing possession of a property despite initial non-compliance issues, including the absence of a valid gas safety certificate at the commencement of the tenancy and failure to meet deposit protection requirements (preventing service of a Section 21 Notice).

Cameron Marshall

Associate

Cameron is an associate in the commercial dispute resolution team, working across a broad range of complex and high-value disputes. He advises clients on a variety of contentious matters, with experience spanning commercial litigation, arbitration, restructuring and insolvency-related disputes, commercial fraud, insurance disputes, and group litigation.

Cameron has experience acting for a range of clients including corporates, insolvency practitioners, insurers, and high net-worth individuals. He assists with contractual and shareholder disputes, contentious insolvency matters, fraud and asset recovery issues, and coverage-related disputes. He has also supported clients in international arbitrations, including commodities arbitrations, and manages matters involving urgent strategic and procedural implications.

I enjoy advising on complex disputes which require both strategic thinking and a practical, commercially-focused approach. Having worked across a variety of contentious areas, I value understanding the wider context of a dispute and helping clients navigate challenging and often fast-moving situations.

Cameron Marshall, Associate

Before qualifying into the commercial dispute resolution team, Cameron gained experience across a number of practice areas during his training contract, including private client, contentious construction, and marine, trade and aviation disputes. He also spent over a year as a paralegal within various dispute resolution teams, giving him exposure to a wide range of contentious matters and commercial sectors.

Recent work highlights

Insolvency practice and remuneration challenges

Assisting insolvency practitioners in relation to challenges concerning administrators’ remuneration and wider restructuring and insolvency disputes.

Fraud, misrepresentation and asset recovery

Acting on disputes involving allegations of commercial fraud, including matters concerning misrepresentation, financial loss, and asset recovery.

Insurance disputes and expert evidence matters

Assisting with insurance-related disputes, including coverage issues and claims involving complex factual and expert evidence.

International trade and commodities arbitration

Supporting clients in international commodities arbitrations arising from contractual disputes in the trade sector.

Group litigation and complex case management

Assisting on group litigation matters involving large-scale claimant actions and complex case management issues.

Corporate insolvency and contractual transfer issues

Advising on contentious matters arising from corporate insolvencies, including issues relating to antecedent transactions and the transfer of contractual rights and obligations.

Laura Stigaitė

Associate

Laura is an associate in the marine, trade and aviation team in London. She advises on a broad range of shipping and yachting matters, with a particular focus on yacht and superyacht disputes.

Her experience includes sale and purchase disputes, construction and defect claims, insurance claims, and charterparty disputes. Laura represents yacht owners, insurers, P&I clubs, shipowners and charterers, acting in London arbitration and the High Court, as well as in multi-jurisdictional proceedings. She has a particular interest in the yachts and superyachts sector, which she values for the diversity of its work and the technically complex and often multi-jurisdictional disputes it involves. Laura acts for a wide range of clients, from individual yacht owners to major insurers, and is committed to delivering clear, commercially grounded advice that supports decisive action.

My approach is to understand not just the legal issues, but the commercial context behind every dispute. Having worked across both contentious and non-contentious matters, I bring a rounded perspective to every case, working closely with clients to build a clear strategy from the outset and ensure the advice I give is practical, targeted, and focused on achieving the best result.

Laura Stigaitė, Associate

Laura joined the firm in 2024 as a trainee solicitor and qualified as a solicitor in 2026. Prior to joining the firm, Laura studied law at Brunel University, London, and subsequently completed the LLM Legal Practice Course at BPP University, London, achieving a distinction.

Recent work highlights

Yacht build dispute

Advising a yacht owner in a pre-action dispute against a builder arising from defective construction, including a claim that the yacht was built to incorrect specifications.

Yacht damage claim

Acting for insurers of a yacht in relation to damage caused by defective equipment supplied in connection with its construction and sale, including conducting legal research on potential claims, and progressing proceedings against ship sellers based in Spain.

Salvage enforcement

Advising salvors in relation to the enforcement of an English Admiralty judgment arising from a salvage claim, including enforcement proceedings in Germany.

Cargo damage claim

Acting for a P&I club and vessel owners in relation to a cargo damage claim.

Georgia Giddings

Associate

Georgia is an associate in the corporate team in Birmingham. She is experienced in advising on domestic and cross-border mergers and acquisitions, reorganisations, restructurings and corporate governance.

She has acted for clients ranging from small family-owned businesses to multi-brand groups, franchise networks, and publicly listed companies, across many sectors including food and beverage, health, property, education and shipping. Georgia is known for her proactive and thorough approach, taking the time to understand her clients’ needs and the dynamics of their business so that she can deliver efficient and technically sound advice that aligns with their commercial objectives. She especially enjoys the pace and collaborative nature of complex transactions, working closely with all parties and their advisors to drive deals forward and achieve shared goals.

I enjoy working on complex transactions and getting to know our clients and their businesses, whatever their size or sector. Delivering pragmatic, commercially focused results that are clear and easy to understand is a non-negotiable part of my work.

Georgia Giddings, Associate

Georgia joined the firm in 2026, after training and qualifying at another leading law firm, specialising in franchising. She holds an undergraduate degree in classical civilisations from the University of Warwick, and a MA law degree and LPC MSc degree in law, business and management from the University of Law.

Recent work highlights

Mergers and acquisitions

Closing three acquisitions valued at £6.2 million for a client in the shipping sector within 17 days from instruction to completion.

Franchised resales

Advising a portfolio company on multiple franchise resales, acquisitions, and disposals, supporting the strategic development of its franchise network.

Group reorganisation

Acting for a hospitality company on its cross-border reorganisation, involving changes to individual shareholder rights and a share capital restructure.

James Notton

Associate

James is an associate in the commercial, IP and IT team. He assists national and international clients with a broad range of matters, including commercial agreements, data protection, and intellectual property (both contentious and non-contentious matters).

With experience across a number of sectors, James has a particular focus on technology, IT, procurement, and life sciences. His practice covers working with clients on outsourcing and intra-group arrangements, agency and introducer agreements, IP licences, property management agreements, platform and website terms and conditions, IT and software agreements, and general terms and conditions to govern the supply of goods or services. James has also advised charities and large pharmaceutical and technology companies on their data protection compliance, both in the UK and the EU.

I advise on a broad range of contentious and non‑contentious commercial and intellectual property matters. By taking the time to understand each client’s technology and business, I deliver clear, strategic advice aligned with their commercial objectives.

James Notton, Associate

His contentious work focuses on intellectual property disputes concerning trademarks, patents and copyright, and he has advised clients on claims before the Intellectual Property Court and regarding invalidity proceedings at the EUIPO. Having joined the firm as a trainee in 2023, James qualified as a solicitor in 2025. Prior to his training contract, he obtained his undergraduate degree in law from the University of Sussex, before completing the LPC and working as a paralegal at a fintech payments company in London. During his time in-house, he gained practical experience advising companies on delivering strategic solutions at pace in a heavily regulated sector.

Recent work highlights

Asset management agreement

Advising a Swedish investment client on renegotiating an asset management agreement for a UK portfolio company holding yield‑generating assets.

Medtech data privacy compliance

Assisting an international, US-headquartered medtech business on its UK data privacy compliance, in particular in relation to its participation in, and sponsoring of, clinical trials in the UK and abroad.

Product security compliance

Advising a publicly traded Japanese group’s UK group company on its compliance with the UK PSTI Act and Regulations and the EU Cyber Resilience Act.

Master service agreement

Drafting a template MSA for a UK-based communications and space technology company, and advising on EU Data Act compliance.

Kristina MacPherson

Associate

Kristina is an associate in the banking and finance team, specialising in financial services regulation. Her experience spans supporting financial services clients in meeting their FCA, PRA, and cross-border and associated regulatory obligations.

She has advised banks, insurers, asset managers, wealth firms, fintechs, and other regulated entities in how to best meet their regulatory obligations. Kristina understands the need to take a risk-based approach, considering the application of regulatory regimes to the unique circumstances of each client. She employs her knowledge and analysis of regulatory obligations with the goal of translating these into robust and commercially pragmatic solutions for boards and senior executives.

I act as a trusted advisor to clients, ensuring that I understand the key priorities of my stakeholders and provide advice that enables them to meet their goals in a compliant and commercially efficient manner. Clients appreciate my creative but practical approach to a complex and ever-evolving area.

Kristina MacPherson, Associate

Kristina works with clients throughout their growth journey, from applications for UK authorisation and advising on specific regulatory matters, to supporting with regulatory strategy and engagement. While a regulatory generalist with wide-ranging experience, Kristina’s key areas include governance, section 166 reviews, financial crime, product governance and the Consumer Duty, as well as compliance management.

Recent work highlights

Asset manager FCA authorisation

Leading the successful FCA authorisation for a new UK asset manager, including drafting the regulatory business plan, preparing SMFs for interviews, and holding the pen on application documents.

Board effectiveness review

Undertaking a review required by the PRA on behalf of a FTSE250 insurer following decisions made pertaining to business interruption insurance.

Approach to conflicts of interest

Following skilled person findings, advising a global fintech on its conflicts management approach across entities and levels of seniority, through to implementation.

Consumer Duty implementation

Advising an asset manager on the scope of its Consumer Duty obligations, including advice on product governance and ongoing monitoring obligations with its distribution partners.

Section 166 on financial crime (skilled person-side)

Acting as the skilled person at a bank on issues across its financial crime framework, including CDD, sanctions, transaction monitoring, payment screening, governance, and trade finance relationships.

Global governance reorganisation

Working with an international insurer following restructuring to reduce governance burden while enhancing efficacy of risk management in line with global regulatory requirements.

Section 166 on product governance

Supporting a structured products issuer in remediation and approach to a section 166, culminating in a report with no material findings.

Organisational consolidation

Advising a consumer credit firm on consolidation of acquired entities to reduce regulatory burdens and related costs, including cancellation of permissions and interactions with the FCA.

Permissions for investment firm

Analysing the permissions required for an investment firm, determining which activities aligned to the operating model and growth plans, as per the Regulated Activities Order.

Review of sanctions management

Following disclosure to the FCA, leading the review of the sanctions management framework of a global platform provider across policies, procedures, technology, and remedial screening.

Section 166 on financial crime (firm-side)

Acting for a custodian subject to a section 166 on its management of the skilled person and FCA, alongside advice and delivery of enhancements and remediation activity.

Change in control

Leading the regulatory due diligence and subsequent application to the FCA for a home finance provider acquiring a book of business, including drafting of the regulatory business plan and interview preparation of SMFs.

Section 166 on product governance

Supporting a structured products issuer in remediation and approach to a section 166, culminating in a report with no material findings.

Organisational consolidation

Advising a consumer credit firm on consolidation of acquired entities to reduce regulatory burdens and related costs, including cancellation of permissions and interactions with the FCA.

Permissions for investment firm

Analysing the permissions required for an investment firm, determining which activities aligned to the operating model and growth plans, as per the Regulated Activities Order.

Review of sanctions management

Following disclosure to the FCA, leading the review of the sanctions management framework of a global platform provider across policies, procedures, technology, and remedial screening.

Section 166 on financial crime (firm-side)

Acting for a custodian subject to a section 166 on its management of the skilled person and FCA, alongside advice and delivery of enhancements and remediation activity.

Change in control

Leading the regulatory due diligence and subsequent application to the FCA for a home finance provider acquiring a book of business, including drafting of the regulatory business plan and interview preparation of SMFs.

Ola Szymaniec

Associate

Ola is an associate in the private client team, advising individuals and families on lifetime planning, trust and estate administration, will writing, and lasting powers of attorney.

Her work includes administering a wide range of estates, such as those involving international elements, complex family circumstances, and high value assets. Ola also advises on the creation and administration of trusts, as well as lifetime gifting and inheritance tax considerations, offering clear and structured support throughout the planning process.

I support individuals and families navigating important decisions with clear, practical and compassionate advice. Clients have described me as ‘efficient’, ‘clear’, ‘patient’ and ‘kind’. I aim to combine strong technical expertise with genuine empathy in every matter.

Ola Szymaniec, Associate

She is known for her friendly, approachable and organised style, building strong relationships with clients who value her patience and reassuring manner. These qualities help ensure that they feel supported at every stage, particularly individuals who may be navigating bereavement, capacity issues, or concerns around vulnerable family members.

Ola received her law degree from the University of Bristol and studied for the LPC (with LLM) part-time alongside completing her training contract. She qualified in 2021 and has been a full member of STEP, the world’s leading organisation for private wealth professionals, since May 2024. Her STEP qualification highlights her commitment to best practice in estate administration and tax planning.

Recent work highlights

Tax advice for HNW couple

Providing written advice to a young high-net-worth couple on domicile status and its implications for inheritance tax planning and long term wealth structuring.

Intestacy with French assets

Managing an estate administration arising under intestacy with assets in France, liaising with overseas professionals to ensure correct succession procedures were followed.

Vulnerable testator support

Advising a vulnerable individual in preparing his will and then a year later, safeguarding him from an inappropriate third party influence while ensuring his wishes were properly protected.

Guidance for attorneys on LPA use

Providing clear guidance to attorneys on their duties and responsibilities when acting under lasting powers of attorney, ensuring decisions were made in the donor’s best interests.

Multi property probate matter

Handling an estate administration containing several UK properties, coordinating valuations, tax reporting and timely distribution to beneficiaries.

Lifetime gifting strategy for family wealth

Advising clients on structuring lifetime gifts to children and grandchildren, balancing tax efficiency with long term family objectives.

Dil Vajaria

Associate

Dil is an associate in the projects, development and construction team in London, specialising in non-contentious matters. She has experience acting for a broad spectrum of clients including developers, investors, funders, and housing associations, and is accustomed to supporting stakeholders across multiple stages of the project lifecycle.

She regularly advises on and negotiates a wide range of construction documentation, including industry standard building contracts, professional appointments, collateral warranties and security documentation. Dil also plays a key role in undertaking comprehensive development and construction related due diligence, providing clear and comprehensive advice on risk allocation and project deliverability.

I deliver pragmatic, commercially focused advice aligned with our clients’ objectives. My approach combines an ability to break down complex legal issues into clear, practical advice with a keen attention to detail.

Dil Vajaria, Associate

In addition to her involvement in large-scale commercial schemes, including hotel developments and logistics facilities, she has a track record in care home projects and university developments. With considerable experience in the legal field, including working in-house at a multinational professional services firm, Dil joined Penningtons Manches Cooper in 2025, having trained and qualified as a solicitor at a leading firm in Hampshire.

Recent work highlights

Investor projects

Advising an international funder on the construction and development of multiple schemes, including a hotel and NHS estates.

Retrofit projects

Advising a leading provider of supported housing in relation to a government funded decarbonisation programme.

Care home development

Acting for a care home developer on the design and construction of a portfolio of high-quality care homes.

Commercial construction

Preparing precedent construction documents, including building contracts, consultant appointments, and collateral warranties, for a luxury health club and gym provider.

Poppy Ford

Associate

Poppy is an associate in the employment team, based in the Reading office. She advises individuals and businesses in respect of contentious and non-contentious matters, covering all stages of the employment lifecycle.

She works across various industries, and has experience supporting clients in the logistics, aviation and education sectors in particular. Poppy is well versed in drafting and reviewing employment contracts and handbooks, and advises in relation to day to day employment issues such as disciplinary and grievance matters, holiday entitlement and pay matters, and long term sickness absences. She also has experience supporting education clients on union pay disputes.

The quality of the service I provide to my clients is just as important to me as the quality of the advice itself. I pride myself on building trusting, professional relationships, and taking time to understand each client’s goals and needs to better help them navigate the complexities of employee relations matters, while ensuring compliance.

Poppy Ford, Associate

Poppy also assists with redundancies and facilitating practical solutions by negotiating exits and settlement agreements. She particularly enjoys proactively managing Employment Tribunal proceedings and also regularly supports clients in this area.

Recent work highlights

Workplace harassment advice

Advising in relation to discrimination and harassment in the workplace, delivering in-person and virtual training for clients.

Costs award for employer

Successfully achieving a costs award for an employer client in relation to claims of discrimination and unfair dismissal with no reasonable prospects of success.

Employee claim strike out

Supporting a client in relation to a vexatious employee litigant, defending Employment Tribunal proceedings and obtaining strike out of the claim.

Post-dismissal disciplinary appeal

Supporting an individual with a disciplinary appeal following dismissal, representing the individual at the appeal hearing and achieving reinstatement.

Interim relief claim defence

Defending a claim for interim relief and supporting with the satisfactory resolution of the matter.

Employment relationship breakdown

Advising in relation to the management of an employment relationship in the context of an alleged breakdown.

Further education union disputes

Assisting various further education colleges with pay and working condition disputes with unions.

Further education union disputes

Assisting various further education colleges with pay and working condition disputes with unions.