Meet the team

Summary

I was admitted as a solicitor in 1975 since when I have gained a wealth of experience not only in my specialist field of Wills, Trusts, Probate and Inheritance Tax Planning, but in many other aspects of the law which I believe gives me the ability to take a global and holistic view of my clients needs.
I understand that in the field of Wills, Trusts, Probate and InheritanceTax Planning there are many complex issues which frequently need to be addressed by my clients at times of emotional stress and difficulty. I aim to adopt a sympathetic yet practical approach, seeking to explain complicated concepts in simple plain english.
I recognise the needs of our older clients who may need to rely upon others to look after matters for them.

Expertise

My expertise lies in all aspects, both contentious and non-contentious, of Wills, the administration of estates and Trusts including Inheritance Tax planning.

I have particular expertise in claims arising out of contested Wills, claims against Trustees for mis-use of Trust Funds and claims on behalf of children and other dependants when no provision has been made for them.

Case Study

I have represented claimants, defendants and executors in proceedings under the Inheritance Act where no provision has been made for dependants, including a claim where the settlement involved an overall saving of inheritance tax of several hundred thousand pounds.

I have acted as an Executors in many large estates involving several million pounds and act as a Trustee of a number of substantial Trusts.

Personal

I am married with children and grandchildren. In the winter months I continue to play hockey for my local team, taking particular pleasure when I am able to play in the same team as my son.

Summary

I run what I believe to be the leading residential conveyancing team in the area. Our approach is based on providing a quality service with very experienced conveyancers supported by a specialist team. Our team is of a size which enables us to be available to update clients regularly and maintain good communication. We can provide an online tracking system to enable clients to monitor progress from home and outside office hours. We have a very positive and friendly approach which we deliver along side very competitive fees.

Expertise

I have expertise and considerable experience in all aspects of both leasehold and freehold residential conveyancing.

Case Studies

I completed approximately 400 transactions last year.

Testimonials

“I know we spoke earlier, but I just wanted to say a very big thank you for the relentless hard work that has been put into this transaction. Steve and I really appreciate it – we have never known a firm of solicitors to put in so much effort!
The service we have received from Pictons really has been outstanding and I would have no hesitation in recommending you” - Mrs H from Beds

“Neil Terrell was particularly helpful in keeping us informed and also advising on options. He was extremely professional throughout and we were very confident that the case was being managed on our behalf” - Mr D Bloomfield from Herts

“Very happy with Neil Terrell from Hemel Hempstead, a very helpful man” - Ms D Redding from Milton Keynes

“Excellent service, I was really looked after by the staff and cannot recommend Neil Terrell highly enough” - Miss S Day from Flaunden

Excellent service from Neil Terrell, ably assisted by Terry and Catherine. House moving is a very stressful time but their patience and attention to detail (plus calming words) helped enormously” - Mr I Tulloch from Kent

"Thank you for all the great work that you and your excellent team put in during our difficult sale and the fantastically speedy purchase. - Mr C Fowler

Personal

I have been for many years involved both in the running of the local youth football, and also as Vice Chairman of Cranfield United FC in the South Midlands League. I also let off steam by playing the guitar for a local aging rock band, with whom from time to time we are able to arrange fund raising events for charity. I am married with three children all of whom are due to make me a grandfather over the course of the next six months.

Summary

I am a Private Client Partner and work within the Residential Conveyancing and Wills Trust and Probate Teams. I joined Pictons in 1999 and became a Partner in 2003. I studied law at Birmingham University and qualified in 1991. Since then I have specialised in Private Client work and have acquired a broad range of experience in this area of legal practice.

I am committed to providing quality legal advice combined with the highest levels of customer service. My underlying approach is professional whilst understanding and approachable.

Expertise

Residential Conveyancing
Wills Trust and Probate

Personal

I am married with two young sons who together fill most of my free time. When I get the opportunity I love to go swimming, running and cycling and this season have joined the Pictons cricket team which has been great fun.

Summary

I understand that buying or selling a house can be very stressful and can be one of the most important financial transactions of your life. I work within a team that will be able to take you through the conveyancing process efficiently. With my conveyancing knowledge I can ensure that matters can proceed in a stress-free manner.

Expertise

I am very experienced in property matters which include sales, purchases, remortgages and a transfer of property between clients. Once you have found a property to buy or sell I can guide you through your dealings with other people in the chain and the estate agent. I have developed strong links with various estate agents, mortgage brokers and mortgage lenders.

Testimonials

"Service is just as great as it was 4 1/2 years ago. I have recommended Jackie & Team to 3 other people who are moving as service is so good. Will happily use Pictons again."

"Jackie and leanne made the process of buying my first property as hassle free as possible. I was very impressed with the service received and would highly recommend them personally in the future to my friends and family."

"I was very impressed with Jackie, she was very professional and efficient. She is a real credit to your practice." 

"Thank you Jackie, Leanne and Gloria for all your hard work. Your service was so professional and friendly throughout our house sale."

"Once again an excellent service and I would personally like to thank Jackie and Gloria for all their efforts" Mr B - Jan 2012

"I found any of the team I spoke to helpful, polite and addressed any queries efficiently. An excellent sevice - thank you to the team and expecially to Kate with whom I dealt with the most" Mrs M - Jan 2012

"Everyone needs a Gloria. She was great to deal with as always" Mr P - Jan 2012

"I cannot commend Jackie Hand and her colleagues enough. they were just brilliant" Feb 2012

"Very Happy with the service, had no problems and everyone was very friendly and helpful. I did not feel at any time that I couldn't turn to them for help...Brilliant! Thanks Guys" Mrs A - Feb 2012

Personal

I like listening to music, eating out, going for a bike ride and going to the cinema.

Summary

A very experienced Solicitor of over 30 year's call, I am delighted to have recently joined the Firm's Residential Conveyancing Team.

Expertise

Qualified in 1981, I spent the major part of my career running my own firm in St Albans. In 2006 I decided to sell the business and go to Guernsey to live and work, which was a nice change.In 2009 I returned to the UK where I am again permanently based.

Personal

I enjoy most sports, especially rugby and ski-ing. My main hobby is a cappella singing- I am a member of Cambridge Chord Company and the more local Just A Cappella which is based in Leverstock Green.
I have three sons. The middle one, Will, having just recently qualified as a Solicitor, is currently practising in St Albans.

Summary

Dealing with property transactions is very stressful for clients and I aim to take part of that stress away from my clients by dealing with their matters in a quick, efficient and understandable manner. If you are a first time purchaser or have purchased and sold a lot of properties, I am here to assist you, whatever the problem.

Expertise

I am very experienced in all property matters including sales, purchases, remortgages, and transfers of property between clients and sales and purchases of land only. I have an great understanding of leasehold sales and purchases, which would include shared ownership properties, and key worker schemes and other schemes offered by local Housing Associations. I can deal with sales on behalf of executors and sales and purchases under powers of attorney.

I am a Fellow of the Institute of Legal Executives and I am also a Licensed conveyancer.
I am a Commissioner for Oaths and am one of the preferred commissioners who is able to legalise documents for the Foreign and Commonwealth office.

Testimonials

I am proud to say that I have a lot of very good comments from my clients and have a lot of repeat business. My cleints are very important to me and I will go "the extra mile" to make sure that they reach their goal and their dream.

Summary

I understand that buying or selling a house can be a stressful time. I offer a fast, efficient service by phone, post and e-mail which aims to fit around your timescale, and to get you moving with the minimum of inconvenience to you.

Expertise

Dealing with all aspects of sales and purchases of residential freehold and leasehold titles - both registered and unregistered - including (but not limited to):

Examination of titles
Checking mortgage offers
Drafting contracts, transfers and other deeds
Handling exchanges and completions
Effecting registrations
Dealing with Land Registry requisitions

I also deal with remortgages, lease extensions and transfers of equity.

Case studies

I have completed well over one hundred residential transactions so far this year.

Testimonials

“We were very impressed with Stuart’s very professional manner, and his effective ability to manage the tight timeframes. We would definitely recommend Stuart.

“Excellent service overall”

“Stuart Harries is very patient with us because we are deaf"

Personal

I am a keen runner, and the vice-chairman of my local running club. When I’m not running, you might find me on my bicycle. If I am stationary, I’m probably listening to music or reading a book.

Summary

From a young age, I have been passionate about law. My desire to study law stemmed intially from my interest in the justice system. I have always believed that justice should prevail and the outcome of every case should be fair and just. I completed my law degree at the University of Northampton and went on to do the Legal Practice Course at The Oxford Institute of Legal Practice. During my studies I was fortunate to have law related work experience in a variety of fields and firms including Pictons. My invaluable experience at Pictons made me want to pursue my Training Contract with them.

Expertise

Since starting my Training Contract with Pictons I have undertaken many roles in both the Family and Residential Property Departments. During my family seat I acquired both knowledge and experience in Divorce, Ancillary Relief, Care Cases, Private Children matter and Injunctions. I am currently in the Residential Property Department and my role includes all new enquiries and generally assisting the team to provide an efficient service to all new and existing clients. I believe I have what it takes to be a successful solicitor as I am dedicated to giving 100%.

Personal

I enjoy the arts and particularly like going to the theatre. I am a keen traveller and have experienced many different countries and cultures. I enjoy playing the piano and painting in my spare time.

 Summary

• Attended University of Northumbria (Postgraduate Diploma in Law)
• Currently studying on a distance learning programme for an LLM at the University of London
• Worked in the residential conveyancing department at Dickinson Dees LLP (Newcastle-upon-Tyne) prior to joining Pictons
• Joined Pictons in 2007

Expertise
 

• Residential Conveyancing