Jake Watts

Associate

Jake is an associate in the commercial, IP and IT team, in London. He assists corporate and life sciences clients on a broad range of contentious and non-contentious matters. Jake is a member of the firm’s life sciences and technology sector groups.

His contentious work focuses on disputes concerning trade marks, patents, copyright and confidential information. Jake has advised clients on claims before the Patents Court, Intellectual Property and Enterprise Court, the Competition Appeal Tribunal, and in registry proceedings at the UKIPO and EUIPO.

I’m passionate about supporting clients who are shaping the future through their groundbreaking inventions, creative and innovative branding, or use of transformative AI technologies. I enjoy analysing complex issues and developing strategies that help our team deliver the best results for our clients, whether in their commercial dealings or in court proceedings.

Jake Watts, Associate

He also has experience advising life sciences clients in relation to the UK pharmaceutical regulatory landscape, clinical trial agreements, and collaboration agreements. Jake has helped commercial clients navigate data protection issues and regulatory compliance. Starting at the firm as a trainee in 2023, he joined the commercial, IP and IT team as an associate in 2025. He holds a BA, MSc and PhD in politics. Jake passed his Graduate Diploma in Law and the Legal Practice Course with distinction. Prior to entering the legal profession, he worked in the higher education sector as an academic and in research project management.

Recent work highlights

Perindopril damages litigation

Acting for Krka d.d in litigation in the Competition Appeal Tribunal concerning a claim for a contribution to damages relating to its perindopril product.

Veterinary pharmaceutical patent

Acting on a veterinary pharmaceutical patent dispute involving anti-emetic medication, including advising on infringement, validity, and key scientific and technical aspects.

Cannabis trade mark

Assisting an international medical cannabis producer in a trade mark dispute regarding alleged bad-faith registration of its trade mark.

Fintech trade mark

Acting for a Swiss fintech company in trade mark registry proceedings and advising on related global trade mark portfolio management and maintenance issues.

Biotech company agreements

Advising a biotech company on collaboration and clinical trial agreements for phase 2 studies, focusing on contractual and operational aspects.

Confidential information dispute

Assisting a biotech startup in a dispute with a US university concerning the unauthorised use of confidential proprietary information.

Caitlin Thomson

Associate

Caitlin is an associate in the employment team, based in the London office. She works with a variety of clients including individuals, staff associations and their members, educational institutions and corporations, advising on a broad range of employment law matters.

She has experience in both contentious and non-contentious matters, and has worked on Employment Tribunal cases involving discrimination, unfair dismissal and whistleblowing claims. She additionally provides general HR support, including advice on disciplinary and grievance issues, termination of employment, company polices, the enforceability of restrictive covenants and other contractual issues to a variety of clients.

I provide advice to clients on a variety of contentious and non-contentious employment issues. I am fascinated by the ever-changing nature of employment law, and I enjoy working out what is best for our clients, and how I can help them achieve their aims.

Caitlin Thomson, Associate

Caitlin also advises on the drafting and negotiation of employment contracts and settlement agreements, and has assisted a number of clients on their response to data subject access requests.

She qualified in 2025, having joined the firm as a trainee solicitor in 2023. Prior to this, she graduated from the University of Nottingham and spent a year studying in Australia. She is a member of the Employment Lawyers Association as well as the firm’s LGBTQIA+ committee.

Recent work highlights

HR handbook policies

Advising an international company in the life sciences sector regarding updating their HR handbook policies. This included a variety of policies such as maternity leave, parental leave, and disciplinary procedure.

Settlement agreements

Advising on settlement agreements for both employers and employees. This included advising employees on the terms of their settlement agreements and negotiating relevant amends, and drafting settlement agreements for employers.

Employment Tribunal claims

Advising a large company on defending and helping to progress various Employment Tribunal claims including unfair dismissal, discrimination, harassment and whistleblowing claims.

Oliver Shapley

Tax & Accounts Manager (Non-Solicitor)

Oliver is a tax and accounts manager within the private client team, specialising in providing comprehensive tax and accounting services for trusts, estates, companies and individuals. With expertise in self-assessment tax compliance, he ensures that clients meet their obligations, offering tailored solutions for a variety of complex tax matters.

As a qualified member of the Association of Taxation Technicians, Oliver stays up to date with evolving tax law and regulations to provide the best possible service to clients. He is committed to delivering clear, strategic and practical advice to support clients in achieving their objectives.

I take pride in providing clear, precise and practical tax advice, tailored to each client’s unique situation. With strong attention to detail and a methodical approach to problem solving, I aim to make complex tax matters easy to understand and manage, ensuring that clients feel confident and supported throughout the process.

Oliver Shapley, Tax & Accounts Manager (Non-Solicitor)

With a strong focus on capital gains tax (CGT), Oliver advises on CGT planning and compliance, guiding clients through the process of disposing of UK residential property in the most tax efficient way. He also provides clients with detailed inheritance tax guidance, advising on effective strategies to minimise its impact. In addition, Oliver manages the preparation of trust, estate and company accounts, ensuring accuracy and adherence to regulatory standards.

Recent work highlights

CGT on property disposal

Providing strategic advice to an executor about the capital gains tax implications for an estate disposing of UK residential property, ensuring optimal tax efficiency and mitigating liabilities whilst meeting reporting deadlines.

Trustee tax obligations

Calculating inheritance tax due on the exit of trust capital, preparing the account and claiming holdover relief on the transfer of assets to the beneficiaries, with a view to optimising tax efficiency using a tax pool.

Estate administration tax compliance

Preparing tax returns for a complex estate, dealing with a large foreign investment portfolio and a portfolio of UK rental properties. This was achieved, ensuring full compliance and accurate reporting throughout the administration period.

Tax compliance in liquidation

Advising on the implications of a client liquidating their company, preparing calculations, a corporation tax return and a capital gains tax return, reporting the chargeable gains arising from liquidation.

Discretionary trust tax compliance

Preparing annual trust accounts and self-assessment tax returns to minimise the overall impact of rates applicable to trusts.

HMRC tax appeals

Successfully appealing a case for an individual against HMRC for top slicing relief that HMRC had previously disagreed on, ensuring a substantial tax rebate for the client.

Divorce settlement planning

Advising a client on capital gains tax during divorce proceedings, calculating tax liabilities across multiple property disposals. We developed the most tax-efficient strategy whilst ensuring timely filing of capital gains tax returns.

Non-resident corporation tax

Calculating corporate tax liabilities and preparing a corporation tax return for the accounting period, as well as a profit and loss account, and filing an ATED return.

Divorce settlement planning

Advising a client on capital gains tax during divorce proceedings, calculating tax liabilities across multiple property disposals. We developed the most tax-efficient strategy whilst ensuring timely filing of capital gains tax returns.

Non-resident corporation tax

Calculating corporate tax liabilities and preparing a corporation tax return for the accounting period, as well as a profit and loss account, and filing an ATED return.

Madeleine Swanepoel

Trusts & Tax Manager (Non-Solicitor)

Madeleine Swanepoel

Trusts & Tax Manager (Non-Solicitor)

Email Madeleine

+44 (0)1483 791823

Guildford

Download VCard

Madeleine is a trusts and tax manager within the tax compliance team, bringing over eight years of experience in private wealth from top tier firms. She is an LLB graduate in law and a member of STEP, the world’s leading organisation for private wealth professionals.

Specialising in providing detailed, thorough, and comprehensible tax advice, Madeleine assists UK resident and non-UK resident individuals, trustees, and executors with a wide range of complex UK tax compliance matters, including income tax, capital gains tax, and inheritance tax. She adheres strictly to UK tax legislation.

I am committed to ensuring that every client feels confident in my professional care. My aim is to alleviate stress and deliver exceptional service, prioritising clients’ best interests by developing strong working relationships and providing clear tax advice.

Madeleine Swanepoel, Trusts & Tax Manager (Non-Solicitor)

Madeleine focuses on delivering tax advice tailored to her clients’ needs, managing the preparation of annual self-assessment tax returns, estate and trust accounts, and 60-day capital gains tax on UK property. Her expertise includes assisting with complex historic accounting for individuals, preparing and submitting tax disclosures to HM Revenue and Customs and settling tax enquiries and penalties issued. She ensures that clients receive the highest standard of service, navigating intricate tax issues and alleviating stress in order to achieve the best outcomes.

Recent work highlights

Tax on gifted property

Providing tailored advice to the trustees of a relevant property trust, where the property was to be gifted to a beneficiary.

Undeclared trade income

Assessing the financial affairs and undeclared trade income for a deceased individual. This involved calculating the tax owed and submitting a digital disclosure to HMRC on behalf of the executors of the deceased’s estate.

Indirect property disposal

Calculating capital gains tax and preparing a submission for non-resident CGT on UK property for a non-resident company shareholder on the basis of an indirect property disposal.

Lifetime CGT position

Settling the historic capital gains tax position on the undeclared gifting of property to a descendant by a deceased individual several years prior to the date of death.

Non-qualifying IIP trust

Advising trustees on the removal of a vulnerable trustee and the appointment of a new trustee. This included appointing life interests and terminating a 1955 non-qualifying IIP trust.

Transfer of matrimonial home

Providing advice on the capital gains tax position for a plaintiff following a court order to transfer a matrimonial home to an ex-spouse as part of a consent order.

Non-resident landlords

Applying for non-resident landlords to receive UK rental income free of basic rate tax, and preparing and submitting their UK tax returns claiming relevant non-resident UK tax-free personal allowances.

Non-resident landlords

Applying for non-resident landlords to receive UK rental income free of basic rate tax, and preparing and submitting their UK tax returns claiming relevant non-resident UK tax-free personal allowances.

Will Bell

Associate

Will is an associate in the private client and tax team, based in the London office. He assists with a wide range of private client matters, including wills, lasting powers of attorney, trusts, tax advisory, estate planning and administration.

With a particular focus on matters with a cross-border or multi-jurisdictional element, both onshore and offshore, Will regularly advises UK-US connected clients. He is an affiliate member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP), the world’s leading organisation for private wealth professionals, and is currently in the process of obtaining his STEP diploma in order to become a full STEP member.

I am a specialist international private client lawyer who advises clients on their existing exposure to UK tax. I then guide them on the most efficient ways to mitigate their UK tax exposure, helping them to achieve the outcomes they require.

Will Bell , Associate

Will joined the firm in May 2025, having previously completed his training contract and qualifying in 2023 in the London office of another top 50 UK law firm. Prior to this, he graduated with a 2:1 from the University of Bristol in 2019, where he read ancient history. Will then completed his Graduate Diploma in Law, and the Legal Practice Course at the University of Law, obtaining a distinction.

Recent work highlights

Cross-border estate

Administrating a cross-border estate with assets in the UK, North America, Caribbean and the Middle East.

Bespoke documents for HNW individuals

Drafting bespoke wills and letters of wishes for high-net-worth individuals with assets in the UK, multiple European jurisdictions and the US.

Offshore trust companies

Advising offshore trust companies on the appointment, removal and indemnity of trust fund trustees and drafting the accompanying deed or instrument.

Non-UK resident tax advice

Providing bespoke tax advice to a high-net-worth non-UK resident individual on the most tax efficient way to pass their UK real estate to their children.

Advice for Australian resident trustees

Drafting and completing a deed of gift and declaration of trust for Australian resident trustees with accompanying trust advice for the partial gift of their UK real estate.

US revocable living trust

Reviewing a US revocable living trust holding UK assets and providing advice on the UK tax consequences and remedies for a US citizen and resident beneficiaries.

UK tax consequences for US irrevocable trust

Reviewing a US irrevocable trust and providing advice on the UK tax consequences and remedies for a UK resident beneficiary.

Tax residency advice

Providing Statutory Residency Test advice to a non-UK resident individual on the maximum number of days they can spend in the UK without becoming UK resident.

UK tax consequences for US irrevocable trust

Reviewing a US irrevocable trust and providing advice on the UK tax consequences and remedies for a UK resident beneficiary.

Tax residency advice

Providing Statutory Residency Test advice to a non-UK resident individual on the maximum number of days they can spend in the UK without becoming UK resident.

Sarah Matthew

Associate

Sarah is an associate in the housing team, based in the Basingstoke office. She has a varied background in residential property development work, with over 10 years’ experience in the sector.

She acts for registered providers, local authorities, SMEs and national housebuilders, across all aspects of new build conveyancing. Sarah has a particular specialism in legal site set ups on new developments, dealing with the associated infrastructure agreements, and carrying a caseload of both shared ownership and open market plot sales, from reservation through to completion. She provides a down to earth and friendly approach to her clients and strives to achieve excellent results.

My focus is always on my clients – I pride myself on providing clear advice, managing expectations with honesty, and working hard to achieve the best possible outcome. My aim is to ensure my clients’ transactions go as smoothly as possible, and are delivered in a straightforward and friendly way.

Sarah Matthew, Associate

Sarah qualified as a chartered legal executive in 2022, received a commendation in her LPC from the College of Law (Bloomsbury), and dual-qualified as a solicitor in 2023. She has been awarded CQS Conveyancing Quality Scheme accreditation for 2025 by The Law Society, which is an award that recognises a quality standard for residential conveyancing practices.

Recent work highlights

New Homes Quality Code advice

Providing legal training to a top 20 national housebuilder on the New Homes Quality Code (NHQC) requirements.

Housing association site set ups

Representing several G15 housing associations on their site set ups and running their plot sales, on HE/GLA funded sites.

Financial success for housebuilders

Offering legal support that enabled top 20 national housebuilders to achieve (and exceed) their year-end financial targets.

Priscilla Oronsaye

Associate

Priscilla is a restructuring and insolvency lawyer in the London commercial dispute resolution team. Drawing on her background at a leading insolvency practice, she offers a distinctive blend of legal knowledge and commercial awareness. This experience has enabled her to develop a holistic understanding of the pressures faced by companies, insolvency practitioners and individuals navigating challenging financial circumstances.

With a practice that encompasses a broad range of insolvency and restructuring matters, Priscilla advises on administrations and liquidations. She also assists directors in contentious situations, offering strategic guidance on potential liability issues and duties, as well as negotiating settlements to mitigate personal risks. By working closely with insolvency practitioners, she is well-versed in managing complex disputes efficiently and effectively. In addition to her legal practice, Priscilla has contributed to matters impacting the charity and education sectors, leveraging her expertise to support community development and educational programmes, underscoring her dedication to making a positive impact beyond the commercial sphere.

Drawing on prior experience at a leading insolvency practice, I provide pragmatic, empathetic guidance in administrations, liquidations, and director duties. My personable approach, thorough research, and strategic insights help clients navigate challenging circumstances confidently.

Priscilla Oronsaye, Associate

As a junior lawyer, Priscilla is committed to delivering tailored solutions and practical advice to her clients. She prides herself on her meticulous approach to legal research and her ability to distil intricate regulations into actionable strategies. Her proactive mindset ensures she remains current with legislative developments, allowing her to identify innovative pathways for clients seeking to stabilise or reorganise their businesses.

With a focus on building strong client relationships, Priscilla approaches each matter with empathy and clear communication. Her drive to achieve the best possible outcomes is grounded in her commitment to protecting clients’ interests, fostering trust, and promoting sustainable restructuring solutions.

Recent work highlights

Directors’ statutory duties

Advising a board facing financial distress, and clarifying statutory obligations and compliance measures to prevent/limit personal liability, resulting in an informed strategy that protected directors and stakeholders.

Misfeasance claims

Representing a director in claims brought by a liquidator for alleged misfeasance, successfully negotiating a settlement that minimised personal liability and safeguarded the client’s professional reputation.

Directors’ loans

Advising liquidators on pursuing unpaid directors’ loans, scrutinising financial records to establish liability and negotiating repayment plans that maximised returns for creditors and stakeholders.

Jordan Ball

Associate

Jordan is an associate (qualified in Australia) in the construction and infrastructure team in London, specialising in construction and associated insurance disputes. He regularly acts on behalf of property owners, developers, contractors, professionals and their insurers.

He is experienced in advising his clients about a variety of claims including professional negligence, defect issues, property damage and subrogated recoveries. Jordan also has a strong interest in advising on insurance coverage issues in the construction space. He has experience in a variety of dispute resolution forums including the TCC, Commercial Court, arbitration, and in the application of alternative dispute resolution practices and the opportunities that they present for resolution of his clients’ disputes.

My clients value my attention to detail and ability to get to grips with the technical issues that lie at the heart of their matters. I enjoy learning the intricacies of the problems my clients are faced with and applying that understanding to ensure my advice is pragmatic and targeted at achieving the best possible outcome.

Jordan Ball, Associate

Having acted for and against various stakeholders in the construction industry, he has developed an awareness of the commercial priorities of both his clients and their opponents. Jordan applies this understanding to provide pragmatic advice directed at achieving timely and cost-effective outcomes for his matters.

Recent work highlights

Coverage counsel role

Counseling several co-insurers about a claim against their insured – a leading international engineering firm – regarding a substantial Scottish infrastructure project.

Fire safety and structural defects

Advising insurer clients about professional indemnity claims against their insured design and build contractor with respect to fire safety and structural defects on high rise buildings.

Water ingress dispute

Successfully mediating a matter on a joint retainer basis and resolving a complex dispute arising from water ingress due to allegedly defective works.

James Ball

Associate

James is an associate in the immigration team. He focuses on advising the financial services, technology, manufacturing, and energy sectors on UK immigration law compliance and visas for their human capital.

His key clients sit within the private equity and asset management space, as well as the UK’s tech sector, in areas as diverse as generative AI, advanced manufacturing, software development and user digital experience. James also provides personal immigration advice to private clients in the areas of British nationality, settlement, and family visas, as well as visits to the UK for both business and tourism.

I am an all-round immigration solicitor, concentrating on UK immigration compliance and work visas, with a track record of successful litigation of complex matters when required, both in the High Court and First-tier and Upper Tribunals.

James Ball, Associate

James is also highly experienced in litigating complex appeals via the First-tier Tribunal and Upper Tribunal in the event that such legal recourse is required, as well as in bringing judicial review proceedings via the High Court in the event of unlawful decision making by public authority. James has six years’ post qualified experience as a specialised immigration solicitor, and has worked for the last 10 years exclusively within UK immigration law practices that are highly ranked in both the Legal 500 and Chambers.

Recent work highlights

M&A advisory sponsor licence

Gaining approval for a sponsor licence for an M&A advisory firm, to enable it to fill a highly specific vacancy at its UK headquarters.

CEO entry approval

Acting for a technology company in the UK fishing sector on the arrival of an incoming CEO, securing approval for their entry into the UK.

Sponsor licence approval

Successfully applying for a sponsor licence for a large software development company, to help build a service offering to its clients in the UK health and education sectors.

Global Talent visa

Acting for a leading talent in the field of AI safety on their application for a Global Talent visa, enabling them to continue their outstanding work, and specifically support the UK’s leading role, in this area.

Jack Sole

Associate

Jack is an associate, and chartered legal executive, in the Court of Protection team, based in the firm’s Basingstoke office. He specialises in assisting vulnerable persons with the management of their financial affairs through property and affairs deputyships and personal injury trusts.

He also has experience with the implementation of statutory wills for individuals who lack testamentary capacity and therefore cannot execute their own will. Jack believes in working closely with clients and their families to provide a caring yet efficient service, appreciating the importance of a positive working relationship when it comes to such a personal area of law. He regularly works alongside professionals such as case managers and therapists to ensure that clients feel valued and receive the correct level of support to meet their needs.

Care, courtesy and consideration. Court of Protection can be a very emotionally charged area of law, so I feel it is very important that the client be at the centre of everything we do.

Jack Sole, Associate

Jack has a great deal of experience working alongside litigation solicitors to ensure the proper progression of an individual’s medical negligence or personal injury claim. He qualified as a chartered legal executive in June 2021 and has over 10 years’ experience working in the field of Court of Protection.

Recent work highlights

Support for brain injured adults

Assisting adults with acquired brain injuries and their families by putting in place arrangements to encourage and enable them to manage their money independently.

Care payment approval

Acting for lay deputies in respect of applications for the approval of gratuitous care payments.

Deputyship discharge

Successfully obtaining the discharge of a deputyship on the basis that the client had regained capacity to manage her own financial affairs.