MEET THE TEAM 

Rob is Managing Director of RJS Solicitors. 

 Rob, along with Jennifer Kelly, launched RJS in December 2011. 

 He has been qualified as a solicitor for over 30 years, having qualified in 1991. Rob worked at a number of national practices before returning to Stoke on Trent, where he is undoubtedly one of the city’s leading commercial lawyers.

 Rob prides himself on knowing our clients, their owners and their businesses and is involved in all aspects of the firm. Rob’s focus is on ensuring all of our services are genuinely client led and that our aim is always to deliver client goals on time.

 Rob has advised on many significant deals in the city and is a trusted advisor to many of the city’s leading business people.

 Rob is passionate about the city of Stoke on Trent and Staffordshire and is a Staffordshire Chamber of Commerce Patron. Any spare time Rob has is spent walking his dogs or playing taxi to one of his four sports-mad boys. 

What our clients say about Rob:

 ‘Knows his stuff.’

 ‘Understands both our legal and commercial needs.’

 ‘Gets the deal done.’

Paul is our Chief Operations Officer and Solicitor. 

Paul qualified as a solicitor in 2005 and has extensive experience both in law and business.

 He was a former Partner and Head of Litigation and Dispute Resolution, and his practice has extended to become a wide-ranging commercial practice, including his specialism in Sports Law. Paul has acted for many well known sports people alongside his commercial practice.

 Paul does so much more than the traditional lawyer role for his clients and is considered a trusted advisor to HNW individuals and SME owners.

 Paul also often provides hands-on support to businesses in trouble, using his legal and management skills.

 When not advising clients, Paul’s principal role at RJS is to ensure the business operates effectively and that our clients receive excellent service.

 What people say about Paul:

 ‘I have worked with Paul extensively over the years. My clients always speak very highly of him. While Paul always ensures a high level of legal service, his commercial awareness and collaboration with other professionals always stand out.’

 ‘Paul has advised us for a number of years as our business has grown. Great legal services but also an excellent sounding board for commercial advice.’

Simon Heads up our Litigation & Dispute Resolution Team. He is a confident litigator who combines real attention to detail alongside a pragmatic approach to resolving contentious issues.

 Simon has gained a significant reputation for his analytical ability and judgement on  commercial disputes, quickly getting to grips with the most complex of issues. Simon is also known for his ability to tackle the most complex of shareholder and ownership issues.

 Major commercial clients have praised him for his tactical advice and commercial approach to  dispute resolution.

 Simon’s ability to grasp complex and technical issues has seen excellent results in several high-value and complex matters. He is one of Midlands’s leading and much sought-after litigation lawyers.

 Away from the office, Simon can usually be found watching various sports and is known to like a dram of fine malt whisky.

What people say about Simon:

 ‘Simon is our man – he punches well above his weight and is certainly not worried about standing his ground and taking on the fight when needed.’

 ‘I am so impressed with how Simon and his team handled my case; they were definitely the right team for my job. I could not recommend them any more highly and have no hesitation in recommending them and RJS.’ 

Tom advises businesses of all sizes, from start-ups to large owner-managed companies.

He advises on corporate transactions and commercial matters. Tom also supports Director Jenifer Kelly on transactions for large international companies.  

Tom is experienced in a wide range of corporate matters, including acquisitions, disposals and mergers, drafting and negotiating joint ventures, and lending and security agreements.

Tom also has significant experience in commercial contracts of all shapes and sizes, Intellectual Property and GDPR and data protection issues.

Tom’s career highlights include advising a private equity investment for a national restaurant chain and franchise work for an international fast-food outlet.

Away from the office, Tom can be found in the bars of Chester where he resides or in the gym.

What people say about Tom:

‘Thank you, Tom, for your diligence and comprehensive advice on our joint venture agreement. Your involvement really helped our negotiations.’

‘Tom made a difficult case progress extremely smooth and professional. Thank you.’

‘I would like to take this opportunity to thank Tom and RJS for their assistance in our recent company sale. Your help, advice and professionalism across the broad range of corporate and legal issues we presented and your specialist legal expertise were invaluable and much appreciated.’

Lauren is a solicitor in our Property Team. Having qualified in 2017, Lauren acts on both Commercial and Residential property matters and is part of pod supervised by Carla Dawn.

Lauren acts for clients across a broad range of industry sectors and advises and negotiates leases, freehold acquisitions and disposals. She offers astute legal advice to commercial and residential landlords, tenants, developers, landowners, lenders and individuals.

She advises on all types of property transactions and offers both professional and practical expertise, allowing our clients to have confidence in the advice provided.

Lauren is a busy mum of two away from the office, meaning she doesn’t get much peace!

What people say about Lauren:

‘I cannot speak highly enough of Lauren and the whole RJS team. She has exceptional knowledge and experience, dealing with situations on an informed and proactive basis, ensuring her clients receive the most effective outcome.’

‘I can’t thank you enough for all your hard work; you gave me the best advice, which I appreciate. Thank you for all your help; I have and will recommend you to all my friends and business associates.’  

Paralegal

Jennifer works within our Private Client Team providing support for her supervisor, Jennifer Walker, on the personal matters of our clients.

Jennifer is an experienced team member and is currently taking further qualifications to develop her expertise.

Jennifer supports and advises on wills and Lasting Powers of Attorney. She also aids our Solicitors with Probate and Trust matters. Jennifer is usually the welcoming face of our Private Client team. She is used to addressing the needs of elderly or vulnerable individuals, providing comfort and reassurance when discussing their affairs, and travelling to private homes, hospitals and care homes where required.

Away from the office, Jennifer is an avid follower of Aston Villa and can usually be found in the club shop at weekends!

 What people say about Jennifer:

 ‘Thank you, Jennifer, for being so compassionate and understanding when we visited you to discuss our late Father’s estate and seek advice on what we needed to do. Your advice and friendliness made the whole process so much more bearable.’

 ‘Efficient and informed, Jennifer was accommodating and gave us a very professional service.’ 

Jennifer is a Director and Head of our Corporate Team. Jennifer co-founded the firm with Robert Bailey in 2011.

 Jennifer is an experienced corporate solicitor, having qualified in 2005. Jennifer manages the Corporate Team and supervises Tom Newman and Olivia McConvey.

 Jennifer specialises in corporate, company and commercial law. She advises clients on a wide range of issues, including acquisitions and disposals, mergers and reorganisations, commercial contracts, shareholders ‘and partnership agreements. Her clients include SMEs and owner-managed businesses, public listed companies and private companies with external investors, including private equity and venture capital funds. 

 Her expertise lies in management buyouts, demergers, financing, sales, acquisitions, and investment. She has worked with some very large businesses helping them to realise their goals; she also has a passion for supporting start-up businesses supporting them from conception through to success.

 Jennifer provides in-depth technical knowledge alongside a hands-on personal approach with a problem-solving attitude to get things done.

 Jennifer has worked and advised on a number of interesting and high-value transactions. 

 Away from the office, Jennifer is proud of her Irish roots and can often be found back on the Emerald Isle with her family.

What people say about Jennifer:

 ‘Wow, how lucky were we to have Jen acting for us! She  has been a crucial part of our team, helping us navigate many challenges and opportunities. As a fast-growing company, we value Jen’s professionalism and ability to provide practical legal advice that has helped our business to flourish. Thank you.’

 ‘Jen and her team know their craft and walk the extra mile for you. She handled our case with the utmost care, sensitivity, and professionalism; nothing was too much trouble. I can highly recommend RJS.’

Head of our Property Team, Richard is a solicitor with over 25 years of experience, having qualified in 1992.

Richard manages the Property Team and is supported by his assistant Stephanie Woodhouse.

 Richard specialises in property law. This includes specialising in sales and purchases, freehold and leasehold land and all related issues, matters relating to mortgages, lease extensions, transfer of equity and unregistered titles. Richard advises on both commercial and residential transactions.

 Richard has practised in Stoke and Trent and Staffordshire all his professional life. He has built a significant network of local clients, including developers, residential landlords, business landlords, and tenants. Richard is as happy to help you buy your first home as he is to sell your business premises.

When buying and selling your property, Richard aims to ensure it is as straightforward as possible. He does this by ensuring that he maintains the conduct of your file throughout, ensuring all his clients receive the full benefit of his experience and expertise.

  Away from the office, Richard enjoys holidaying around Europe in his motorhome and watching the Potters, where he has a season ticket.

  What people say about Richard:

 ‘Richard is always clear, precise, friendly, and professional. We have been clients for many years and we would not hesitate in recommending Richard.’

 ‘Richard handled the lease of our premises in an efficient and practical manner. He delivered to a very tight deadline.’

Elliott is a solicitor in our Litigation & Dispute Resolution Team.

Having qualified in 2017, he advises on a wide range of contentious matters.

Elliott is supervised by Head of Department Simon Gilbert.

 Elliott joined RJS in January 2015, prior to that he worked as a Paralegal for a renowned international law firm, based in their Liverpool office.

 Elliott has successfully advised a wide range of clients, including PLCs, SMEs, family-owned businesses and private individuals, both in the County Courts of England and Wales and the Business & Property Courts. He often assists Simon Gilbert on the practice’s large and complex disputes.

 His area of expertise in the business sector is dealing with commercial property disputes including lease renewals, debt claims, commercial and contracts disputes, shareholder and partnership disputes, reputation protection and insolvency. In the personal sector his expertise lies in residential property disputes, debt claims and contentious probate.

 Away from the office Elliot is passionate about motorsport and is something of a horseracing analyst. Elliot can often be found organising the office sweepstakes!

 What people say about Elliott:

 ‘I cannot thank Elliott enough for his advice and support; he explained everything in an easy and understandable manner and was incredibly knowledgeable on all aspects of my case. Nothing was too much trouble and Elliott was contactable and responded quickly to all my questions. Thank you.’

 ‘Elliott was professional and easy to talk to; very approachable and friendly. I was confident that he always had my best interests at heart.’

Carla is a solicitor in our Property Team, having qualified in 2015.

She acts on commercial and residential property matters and is known for her commercial and pragmatic approach to problem-solving. Carla manages her pod, including Lauren Wild and Chloe Hall.

 Carla has built a significant reputation in advising Pension funds on property transactions. Her expertise includes buying and selling residential and commercial Properties and advising both Landlords and Tenants on Commercial leases. Carla also acts extensively on Auction matters. 

 Carla is well known for her approachable and affable manner, making all her clients feel completely at ease.

What people say about Carla:

‘Carla always greeted us with a smile and was always contactable when we needed her. She guided us through the conveyancing process, which was often complicated. All our questions were answered and explained clearly.’

 ‘Carla was invaluable in helping us with the sale of our business premises to our SSAS. She was extremely knowledgeable and very competent.’

Olivia is the latest trainee solicitor to join the RJS team. She joined us in the early part of 2021 and is currently assisting Jennifer Kelly and Tom Newman in our busy Corporate and Commercial team. 

 Olivia supports the team in a wide variety of work whilst developing her own skills, legal and commercial knowledge. Olivia hopes to qualify in January 2023 and become a Solicitor in the team.

 Away from the office, Olivia is a fan of the arts; she is a very accomplished musician and plays the saxophone and flute to a very high standard. She is also blessed with a lovely singing voice, although has yet to sing for the Office!

Chloe is currently assisting our solicitors in our busy Property Team.  

Having obtained a First Class Degree in Law Chloe joined us from a role in business as a Paralegal. Having shown a real aptitude for Property work Chloe has begun her transition to become a Solicitor by being one of the SQE Solicitors in Training.

Chloe supports the team in a wide variety of work whilst developing her own skills. Chloe hopes to qualify in January 2024 and become a Solicitor in the team.

 Away from the office Chloe spends most of her spare time studying but has also been known to like a cocktail or two!