Promotions at Hegarty Solicitors

We are delighted to announce a number of promotions across the firm and wish to congratulate each one on their achievement.

Martin Banwell and Will Stokes become Partners

Martin qualified as a Solicitor in 2013 and joined Hegarty Solicitors in 2018 working in our wills, trusts and probate department. He is described by clients as “truly excellent with a prompt, professional service”. Martin specialises in tax and estate planning and the administration of estates, as well as preparing, acting on, and contesting wills as well as being a member of numerous groups including Solicitors for the Elderly, Society of Trusts and Estates Practitioners, and the Law Society’s Private Client section. 

Martin commented, “I am pleased to have been promoted to Partner and I look forward to continuing to work within an excellent team here at Hegarty.”

Will works in our commercial property team and has an extensive experience across a wide range of commercial property matters after qualifying as a Solicitor in 2005. Will joined Hegarty Solicitors in 2020 and in the same year was recognised as a “rising star” in the Legal 500. He works on all aspects of commercial property law including acquisitions, landlord and tenant matters, overage agreements, refinancing of property portfolios, and conditional sale contracts. 

Our new Partners are sure to be a valuable addition to the firm and Senior Partner Kally Singh said, “It is great to have Martin and Will on board as new Partners of the firm and we look forward to seeing them contribute to the growth and success of Hegarty Solicitors in the years to come.” 

Associate Promotions

We are also happy to announce the promotion of three new Associates of the firm, Pavinder Khela, Natasha Downing, and Emma Carter who have all delivered excellent levels of client care and demonstrated a reputation of excellence amongst clients.

Pavinder joined our family department at Hegarty Solicitors in 2016 after working in London from 2003. Pavinder’s expertise in family law includes advising clients on prenuptial agreements, separation agreements, divorce, all financial matters, and pension sharing and all aspects of private children disputes including living arrangements, contact disputes involving parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and unrelated parties. 

Natasha worked for Paul Browne Solicitors in 2010 (which merged with Hegarty Solicitors in 2015) after studying law at De Montfort University in Leicester. Natasha then completed the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives course and qualified as a graduate member in 2008. She is a specialist in new build and help to buy schemes and is a brilliant asset to the residential property team at our Oakham office. Natasha has been described by her clients as “professional, diligent, approachable and a good communicator at all times”. 

Emma qualified in 1999 and joined Hegarty Solicitors in 2010 where she first began working in the employment law department before moving to wills, trusts, and probate in 2014. Emma now specialises in private client services such as wills, powers of attorney, probate application and administration of estates and trusts together with Court of Protection applications. 

Emma said, “I’m looking forward to continuing my work as part of the team and am currently looking forward to my move to our Stamford office come May.”

Chris Brown becomes Hegarty Solicitors’ first Senior Associate

Our final promotion sees the firm’s first ever Senior Associate be appointed, family lawyer and Head of the Family Law department, Chris Brown. 

Chris said, “I am grateful to the Partners for this recognition of my hard work and the opportunity to progress within the firm.” 

Chris joined Hegarty Solicitors in 2012 after qualifying as a Solicitor in 2009. He is an expert in advising clients about the division of assets and financial implications of a divorce. Chris is a member of Resolution and holds their Accreditation as a Specialist Lawyer in Complex Financial Remedies and has held that accreditation since 2015. His experience working in the Family Courts also gives him the knowledge to advise clients on the likely outcome if their case does not settle, often helping clients to avoid contested Court proceedings. 

Kally Singh commented, “At Hegarty Solicitors we are committed to developing our staff and supporting them in their personal growth. These promotions demonstrate the expertise, dedication, and enthusiasm of our team and we would like to congratulate Martin, Will, Pavinder, Natasha, Emma, and Chris on their much-deserved promotions.”