Partners / Directors
Paul Hughes LLB (Hons)
Head of Company & Commercial
Paul is the legal advisor to a nationwide member organisation representing the interests of small businesses and to a large motor dealer. He also specialises in the sale and purchase of dental practices.
Paul is an accredited member of the Law Society’s Conveyancing Quality Scheme (CQS)s.He is also an accredited member of the Law Society’s Wills and Inheritance Quality Scheme (WIQS).
Paul Hughes went to school in Stoke-on-Trent before attending Birmingham University to study law. Paul joined Wallace Robinson & Morgan in 1984 and became a partner in 1986, having qualified with another Birmingham firm in 1981.
From 1998 to 2017 Paul was a governor at the schools in Dorridge, where his children attended. He is chairman of the Family Care Trust, a local charity caring for people with mental illness and learning difficulties though the provision of day care, community support and a farm at Catherine-de-Barnes.
Having refereed football for 25 years Paul now concentrates on supporting Stoke City where he is a season ticket holder. He enjoys travelling and has recently visited Australia and New Zealand, but also enjoys time in Devon with his family. Having completed 7 half marathons for charity he has probably hung up his running shoes, but still enjoys going to the gym regularly.
Tim Langford LLB (Hons)
Head of Residential Property Department
Tim also has considerable experience in dealing with lease extensions for both landlords and tenants as well as acting for clients who wish to sell or purchase land for development.
Tim Langford started his training with Wallace Robinson & Morgan in 1990, qualifying as a Solicitor in 1992. He has been a partner since 1996 and is now a director of the firm and head of the Residential Property Department.
When not at work he enjoys watching all sports and spending time with his family which often involves watching his sons playing a variety of sports!
As am a season ticket holder at Birmingham City, he must have a sense of humour and is able to take any stresses of the conveyancing process in his stride.
He plays league tennis at the local gym, reluctantly accepting he’s not going to be turning pro.
He enjoys going to concerts and has had some great experiences including an intimate gig by Natalie Imbruglia and having his glasses broken during some exuberant moshing watching Feeder! He has also developed a passion for live comedy and has particularly enjoyed Katherine Ryan and Ross Noble, with David Baddiel’s one-man show being one of the most extraordinary and entertaining performances he has ever seen.
Kathryn Ferris LLB (Hons)
Head of Family Department
Kathryn is a trained Collaborative Lawyer and passionately believes that the use of this process means clients avoid acrimony giving themselves the best chance of achieving an amicable resolution. She is an active member of Resolution and the Collaborative Family Law Group West Midlands.
Kathryn is experienced in all aspects of financial disputes but has particular expertise working with mid to high net worth clients who are separating after a long marriage. These cases often involve more complex legal issues such as how pensions can be retained or used flexibly to realise capital, business interests and identification of matrimonial and non-matrimonial assets.
She also advises on matters concerning children including arrangements following separation, applications to relocate and applications by grandparents and step-parents. Should it prove necessary to involve the court then she takes a robust approach to ensure clients achieve the best possible outcome.
Kathryn qualified as a solicitor in 2000 specialising exclusively in Family Law for the last 17 years. She is now Head of the firm’s Family Department. The most rewarding aspect of her role is helping clients move on to the new phase of their life with confidence and security.
As a working mother she has plenty to fill her time away from the office, but particularly enjoys tennis, cycling, travelling and singing in the BID Solihull Pop Chorus Choir.
Sarah Mochan LLB (Hons)
Head of Wills and Probate Department
As the Head of the Private Client department, Sarah specialises in all aspects of private client work, with particular emphasis on Wills and Inheritance Tax planning, the administration of Estates and Trust advice. She understands that clients may feel daunted by such matters and therefore strives to provide an efficient, professional and friendly service.
Sarah is an accredited member of the Law Society Wills and Inheritance Quality Scheme (WIQS) and an accredited member of Solicitors for the Elderly (SFE).
After gaining a 1st Class Honours Law Degree at Birmingham University and completing the Legal Practice Course, Sarah trained in a large Birmingham practice, before qualifying as a Solicitor in 1996. After nearly 10 years working in Birmingham, Sarah moved in 2005 to work more locally in Solihull and joined Wallace Robinson & Morgan in 2013
Outside work, Sarah enjoys spending time with her family, reading, gardening and Pilates. Sarah grew up in Devon and loves visiting the area whenever she can.
Daniel Zakis LLB (Hons)
Head of Dispute Resolution and Employment Law Department
Daniel has considerable experience in advising a wide range of clients including, national and small businesses and individuals on all types of dispute resolution including employment law and civil and commercial litigation. Daniel's most notable cases include:
· Advising the successful applicant Mr Coyne in the reported case of Coyne v Morgan `{`2016`}` B.L.R. 491.
· Acting for Hilary Owens, the only successful Claimant in a 3 week employment tribunal which received significant media interest as our client was incorrectly alleged to have been a part of ``Operation Trojan Horse``.
· Advising a national organisation in an emergency injunction to protect their confidential information and intellectual property. Daniel also provided further advice on steps to enforce the terms of the injunction including committal proceedings.
· Advising a national organisation in successfully defending an unfair dismissal claim from a former Chairman
Daniel deals with cases from small claims up to high value claims across a variety of subjects including, unfair dismissal, discrimination, professional negligence, contract disputes, debt recovery, applications for injunctions and contentious probate matters.
Daniel was appointed as a director of the firm in November 2015 and is Head of the firm's Dispute Resolution and Employment department.
Daniel studied for his Law degree at the University of Birmingham and then completed the Legal Practice Course at the Birmingham College of Law in 2005. Daniel first joined the firm as a trainee solicitor and after qualification joined the Commercial Litigation team at a large Birmingham practice. Daniel returned to Wallace Robinson & Morgan in January 2011.
Daniel is a Birmingham City fan and has a season ticket with his son and twin daughters. As well as football Daniel is a fan of almost all sports and will watch any sport on TV. Daniel enjoys playing football and golf with varying degrees of success. He also enjoys listening to music and attending gigs, his favourite artists include Bon Iver, The National and Death Cab for Cutie.
Our Team
Clare Baker
Legal Secretary Commercial Property Department
In herspare time, she loves to garden and read. Her perfect scenario is sitting on a sun lounger in a tidy, neat garden reading a good book with a nice cold glass of wine! Perfection!
Rebecca Baker
Practice Administrator
In Becky’s spare time she enjoys going on cruises travelling the world learning about different cultures and tasting the local food with her husband and son Jack. Becky also enjoys films, reading and socialising with her friends and family.
Mark Baldwin BA (Hons) LLM
Associate Solicitor Dispute Resolution and Employment Law Department
Mark provides pragmatic and commercially driven advice to resolve legal disputes in the most cost effective way. This will usually mean exploring alternative dispute resolution (ADR) options and, where this is not appropriate or possible, using his experience and knowledge to support clients through the court process.
Mark was called to the Bar in 2004 and joined the litigation and employment team in a Warwickshire firm in January 2005. He subsequently qualified as a solicitor in 2008 and obtained Higher Rights of Audience as a solicitor advocate in 2009. He joined the firm in March 2018 as an Associate Solicitor.
Mark has a degree in Law & Business from the University of Warwick and a Masters in Law from the University of Birmingham.
Away from work, Mark plays rugby for Leamington RFC and is a keen photographer. He will also escape to Devon to go surfing whenever time allows.
Asia Bi BA (Hons)
Assistant Solicitor Residential Conveyancing Department
Asia specialises in all aspects of residential conveyancing transactions which include purchases and sale of residential homes.
Asia will engage with clients to ensure the process of the transaction is swift and smooth keeping clients fully update through the important stages of the transaction.
She is also an accredited member of the Law Society’s Conveyancing Quality Scheme (CQS) –
Asia joined Wallace Robinson and Morgan in November 2015 as an Assistant Solicitor in the established Residential Property (Conveyancing) Department primarily working from the Dorridge Office.
She studied Law at the University of Warwick and completed her LPC at the College of Law in London. After qualifying in 2000 she has worked for a number of well-established, medium-sized practices in Birmingham and Worcester.
Asia enjoys spending time with her family and travelling to places of historical interest. She is a keen gardener and loves drawing and reading.
Fiona Coulson
Legal Secretary Wills and Probate Department
In her spare time Fiona enjoys reading, cooking, entertaining and as often as she can a visit to Portugal to visit her friends who live there.
Bryony Harrison
Paralegal Plot Sales
Prior to joining the team, Bryony spent three years in Switzerland working for an NGO with whom she was fortunate enough to be able to travel to many places around Europe and the Middle East. In her spare time she enjoys either running or cycling around the local countryside, is a keen reader and an active member of her church.
Lisa Beale LLB (Hons)
Assistant Solicitor Wills and Probate Department
Lisa joined Wallace Robinson and Morgan in June 2019.
Charlotte Woodward LLB (Hons)
Assistant Solicitor Wills and Probate Department
Charlotte specialises in all aspects of Private Client law including Probate and the administration of contentious and non-contentious Estates, Lasting Powers of Attorney, Court of Protection matters and Wills. Charlotte prides herself in dealing with all clients empathetically and sensitively and strives to ensure that her advice is provided in a manner that is understood by all.
Charlotte is an accredited member of the Law Society’s Wills and Inheritance Quality Scheme (WIQS). Charlotte has previously worked with the Huntington’s Disease Association, Barnardo’s and Age UK to assist in providing specialist advice to vulnerable and elderly people.
Charlotte achieved her LLB (Hons) degree from the University of Lancaster, before studying her Legal Practice Course at the College of Law in Birmingham. Charlotte has been working in a Private Client department since October 2010 and qualified into this area in July 2013.
In her spare time Charlotte enjoys going to the gym, travelling and spending time with her young family.
Douglas Freston
Senior Cashier
Out of working hours Douglas now has more time to spend on his vast collection of clocks – all of which need repairing.
Lindsay Garland
Legal Secretary Residential Conveyancing Department
In her spare time Lindsay likes reading, in particular fantasy novels, helping with the school PTA and visiting Cornwall with her family.
Natalie Hogg BEng (Hons)
Practice Support Manager
Natalie started her career in the steel industry armed with an Engineering degree. She then moved into Secondary Science teaching and then Primary Teaching. Alongside raising two children she was an active member of a village community as Parish Councillor and Village Hall secretary. All these skills and experiences have prepared her for the new job at WRM.
Otherwise, she is enjoying settling in to life in Solihull, supporting her daughter though the minefield of choosing University courses and standing on the touchline of a rugby pitch, trying not to embarrass her son too much.
Aimee Hopkins
Admin Assistant / Receptionist
In her spare time, Aimee enjoys spending time with her friends and family and attending Zumba classes. She also enjoys listening to music and travelling.
Anna Hobbs BSc (Hons), MSc (Hons)
Assistant Solicitor Commercial Property Department
Anna qualified as a Solicitor in August 2018. During her training contract, Anna has gained experience in the Family Law, Commercial, and Wills and Probate departments and is now working in Commercial and Residential Property. Anna has taken a leading role in setting up the busy Plot Sales team who handle the apartment sales of a number of property developments around the country.
After gaining a 1st class degree in Geography, Anna went on to do a Master’s degree in Meteorology and Climatology and worked for a few years in the environmental sector before setting her sights on Law. She has been at WRM full-time since October 2012, first working as Practice Management Assistant, and latterly as a Trainee Solicitor alongside her part-time study of the law conversion course (GDL) and Legal Practice Course (LPC) at the University of Law.
Studying hasn’t left Anna much spare time but she enjoys going to the gym, visiting friends and family, walking and kayaking in the countryside with her husband and relaxing on an evening by cooking and baking. She is a keen traveller and loves doing anything creative and so is looking forward to indulging in both once her studies are finished.
Christine Hughes
Assistant Cashier
A little more about Christine…
Christine leads a busy life outside of work, regularly swimming, walking her dog and trying to keep up with the lives of her four children. As a devoted Geordie she is also loathe to admit she is a supporter of Sunderland Football club.
Kirsty Roberts LLB (Hons)
Assistant Solicitor Family Law Department
Kirsty joined the family department in July after qualifying as a solicitor in April.
Kirsty graduated with a 2:1 in Law from the University of Manchester and obtained a Distinction in the Legal Practice Course from BPP University in Birmingham. She then gained experience as a Litigation Paralegal at a Manchester firm and as a Legal Assistant in the Regulatory department of a London firm, before undertaking her training at a local high street firm.
Kirsty enjoys yoga, reading, and volunteering at her local nature reserve.
Mike Keane
Senior Cashier
A little more about Mike
He enjoys most sports especially golf and football and has been a supporter of Birmingham City for many years.
Sarah Kelly LLB (Hons)
Trainee Solicitor
Sarah is currently studying the LPC at the University of Law in Birmingham whilst completing her Training Contract. Sarah joined Wallace Robinson and Morgan in June 2017. After completing her Law Degree at Coventry University in May 2016, she worked in a local school developing her administration skills but is now pleased to be working in the legal sector and looking forward to starting her training to become a Solicitor.
Sarah enjoys socialising with her friends and interacting with different groups of people. She enjoys travelling and has been fortunate enough to travel to, and tour places such as America, Canada, Australia, China and Spain. Sarah enjoys reading wide range of books; her favourite genres are crime and thrillers, and one of her favourite authors is David Baldacci.’
Katherine Stratton LLB (Hons)
Assistant Solicitor Commercial Property Department
Katherine acts on behalf of both landlords and tenants in their property matters.
Joanne Kitching
Assistant Cashier
Joanne has done lots of charity work for the PTA at her sons’ old primary school, which she still helps every now & again. She has taken part in various charity runs over the years, including the muddy obstacle ones! She loves spending quality time with her family and friends and visiting new places.
Michelle Layton LLB (Hons)
Legal Executive Residential Conveyancing
Michelle is an accredited member of the Law Society’s Conveyancing Quality Scheme (CQS) ss
Michelle qualified as a Licenced Conveyancer in 2008 after many years’ experience in conveyancing with other legal firms in the West Midlands area, she joined Wallace Robinson & Morgan in July 2016
Michelle enjoys sports and in particular running, and has participated in several half marathons and some full marathons. She also enjoys travelling, going to the cinema and socialising with family and friends.
Liaquat Malik LLB (Hons)
Assistant Solicitor
Liaquat Malik, known by everyone as ‘Malik’, joined the firm in April 2015 as a paralegal after spending 3 years with a national law firm in Birmingham. He has now qualified as a solicitor within our firm.
Having worked as a paralegal in the Litigation and Employment team at Wallace Robinson & Morgan, Malik moved to the plot sales team working on a number of large property developments around the country. He started his training contract in September 2016 and has since qualified into the Commercial/Plot Sales team.
He completed his Law degree at Coventry University in 2010 and moved to Birmingham, going straight into his LPC studies at the College of Law.
Malik had already gained two years paralegal experience working in a busy Commercial Property team in Birmingham before joining our team here in Solihull.
Malik has a small gym obsession, spending the majority of his time eating and training. He also loves football and (for his sins) follows Newcastle United. He even attempts to play every now and then. However, he does admit the running aspect of football puts him off!!
Angela Martin
Legal Secretary Wills and Probate Department
In her spare time she enjoys listening to music, baking and having days out with her children.
Linda McAteer
Legal Secretary Residential Conveyancing Department
Dipika Mistry LLB (Hons)
Associate Solicitor Family Law Department
Dipika provides clear advice from the outset. Her financial cases involve substantial financial assets, property division, investments, protecting pension interests and businesses. She is particularly adept in issues of domestic abuse, complex children cases involving high conflict, disputed allegations, psychological issues and removal from the jurisdiction.
Dipika is a determined advocate for her clients, and sensitive to their particular needs, prioritising their objectives, firmly believing in taking a proactive and robust approach to achieve their desired outcome.
Dipika is a member of Resolution and sits on its Training and Learning Committee. As a trained Collaborative Lawyer, Dipika is able to offer this valuable option to deal with matrimonial disputes in a conciliatory and constructive manner to minimise her clients’ emotional anxieties in this challenging area of law.
Dipika has practised family law exclusively for over 20 years, including running her own practice, and has a wealth of experience in relationship breakdown and divorce.
Dipika thrives on leading a busy life, balancing her career with devoting her leisure time to her family, her love of good fiction and creativity.
Ruth Nolan LLB (Hons)
Associate Solicitor Wills and Probate Department
Ruth is an associate solicitor in the Wills, Probate & Trusts team. She is based at the Dorridge office but is able to see clients at the Solihull office if this is more convenient for them.
Ruth is an accredited member of the Law Society’s Wills and Inheritance Quality Scheme (WIQS). Ruth is the treasurer for the Birmingham branch of the Solicitors for the Elderly (SFE). As well as being a fully accredited member of SFE. Ruth is an associate member of the Society of Trusts and Estates Practitioners (STEP).
Ruth Nolan qualified as a solicitor in 1992 and first joined Wallace Robinson & Morgan in 2005. She took a career break while her children were very young and re-joined the firm in January 2013.
In her free time Ruth enjoys playing singles and doubles tennis, walking her dog, spending time with the family and going on holiday.
Linda O’Connor
Legal Secretary Wills and Probate and Commercial Property Departments
In her spare time Linda enjoys spending time with her family and slowly decorating her new house purchase. She also enjoys reading, eating out (as much as possible!), and going to the cinema/theatre.
Laura Owen
Paralegal Plot Sales
Outside work Laura enjoys socialising with friends and spending as much time possible with her family. Laura has two young girls which kept her busy, but when she finds the time she also enjoys reading and running.”
Jean Pigott
Legal Secretary Residential Conveyancing Department
She loves reading and gardening in her spare time.
Sharon Purser
Legal Secretary Family Law Department
Sharon’s hobbies include cycling and walking on the towpaths of the Grand Union Canal where her narrowboat is moored.
Karen Ramsey
Legal Secretary Dispute Resolution and Employment Law Department
Heidi Ryder
Paralegal Residential Conveyancing Department
She gained considerable experience and knowledge in supporting the Residential Property team as a Legal Secretary and was keen to develop her career in conveyancing, Heidi started her training to become a Legal Executive in 2015. She is currently working towards the Level 3 Professional Diploma in Law and Practice with the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEx), and will then complete her studies with the Level 6 Professional Higher Diploma in Law & Practice. c m.
Heidi enjoys keeping fit and goes to the gym, when she is not studying and looking after a busy family life! She regularly takes part in Race for Life for Cancer Research and tries to take part in a charity event each year. She enjoys going to the cinema, spending time with family and socialising with friends.
Lisa Ward
Front of House Receptionist
Outside work Lisa enjoys gardening & DIY but most of all spending time with her family and friends.
Liam Wdowiak LLB (Hons)
Associate Solicitor Wills and Probate Department
Liam’s - areas of expertise include dealing with the administration of estates, the preparation of Wills and Lasting Powers of Attorney, and Deputyship Applications.
He prides himself upon providing a friendly and professional service to his clients and is an accredited member of the Law Society's Wills and Inheritance Quality Scheme (WIQS). .Liam joined the firm’s Private Client team as an Associate Solicitor in January 2017. Prior to this, Liam trained and qualified as a solicitor with a long established Midlands practice, where he worked for almost 10 years.
In his spare time, Liam enjoys walking his Whippet and getting on with various DIY projects around the home. He also enjoys visiting new places and is a keen fan of both football and cricket.
Gary Sawyer BEng(Hons) MBA MBE
Trainee Solicitor
Gary’s route into the legal profession has been more protracted than most. After graduating with a mechanical engineering degree, he joined the Royal Air Force as a pilot. After 16 years as a front-line pilot flying the Tornado ground attack aircraft, he completed an MBA and moved into management consultancy, programme management and process improvement. He then decided to pursue an aspiration he had held for a while and completed a Graduate Diploma in Law and the Legal Practice Course at the University of Law in Birmingham.
Away from work he is an enthusiastic, if somewhat unskilled hockey player, is a keen road cyclist and tries to ski at least once a year. Legal studies have taken up much of his time over the last 2 1/2 years but he also enjoys spending time with his family and friends.
Laura Lucock
Legal Secretary Wills and Probate Department
Solihull: 0121 705 7571
Dorridge: 01564 779393