Barrington Atkins

Barrington joined our Personal Injury Team in October 2011 after starting his legal career at Berrymans Lace Mawer in their Fraud department.

He was set on a career in law from an early age, reading A Level law at Solihull Sixth Form College through to more recently completing the Legal Practice Course at Nottingham Law School.

Barrington says “I joined Ward & Rider at an interesting time, where the firm’s leading case to date was coming to trial. Working alongside the lawyers in my new team and a QC in his Chambers has been a fantastic experience and a great introduction to the firm. It certainly confirmed my decision to be a solicitor”.

Barrington has an eclectic taste in music and enjoys comedy shows, socialising with friends and confesses to being a connoisseur of wine!

Fiona Beynon - Solicitor

Fiona joined the Personal Injury team at Ward & Rider following her qualification as a Solicitor in October 1995.

Fiona has particular experience of workplace accidents and occupational disease claims.

In her spare time Fiona enjoys walking, reading, listening to music and supporting Welsh Rugby and the Glamorgan Cricket team.

Matthew Bates - Paralegal

After graduating from Nottingham Law School, Nottingham Trent University, Matthew worked at a Walsall based law firm before joining Ward & Rider as a Trainee Legal Executive/Paralegal in December 2010.

Matthew states "I am pursuing a career in Personal Injury as this enables me to help injured and vulnerable people through legal redress. Ultimately I have a desire to put people in the strongest position possible after an accident and I work very hard everyday to achieve this."

Outside of work Matthew enjoys playing football, attending the gym and having nights out with friends. He is currently learning Spanish and hopes to do some travelling in the near future to put it to good use!

Paul Bobs - Costs Draftsperson

Paul joined the Cost Department of Ward & Rider as a Law Cost Draftsman in April 2007.

Paul studied Business at Leeds Metropolitan University.

Paul initially worked within the Personal Injury Claims section for both Eagle Star and Norwich Union before moving into the costs world. After working for a couple of costs specialist draftsmen firms in both Leicester and Birmingham, he joined Ward & Rider.

The aspect of Paul’s role which he most enjoys is negotiating with other Solicitors and specialist cost firms, which Paul describes as "both rewarding and challenging".

Paul is an avid sports fan enjoying both rugby and football he also tries his hand at golf, albeit rather poorly!

Johanna Brewer - Solicitor

Johanna joined Ward & Rider in December 2007 as a Personal Injury Paralegal.

Johanna achieved a 2:1 Law Degree at Leeds Metropolitan University and completed her Legal Practice Course (LPC) at The University of Sheffield.

Johanna successfully completed her Solicitor Training Contract on 31 October 2010 and qualified as a solicitor on 1 November 2010 and works in our Personal Injury department.

Johanna comments "I thoroughly enjoy working at Ward & Rider. I found my training contract extremely rewarding and interesting and enjoyed each and every seat. I am looking forward to enjoying a long and successful career with the firm. I love the people that I work with, both colleagues and clients. I enjoy getting the best possible results for my clients and successfully settling their claims. I particularly enjoy being in Court and working with Barristers on cases."

In her spare time Johanna enjoys keeping fit, reading and travelling.

Oliver Begley

Oliver joined Ward & Rider in May 2009.

He has extensive experience of the profession and began his career at Norwich Union in 2002, before deciding to represent those injured in accidents in 2007.

Oliver specialises in cases where liability is disputed:

"One of my Clients was knocked down by a bus which had a profound impact upon his life. Liability was disputed from day one but I managed to secure compensation for him. Providing access to justice for people like this gives me a great sense of achievement and I enjoy the professional relationships that develop along the way."

In his spare time, Oliver enjoys spending time with his family, reading, relaxing in front of the television and various sports. He is a passionate Birmingham City fan and enjoys motor sport.

Roger Clifford - Outdoor Investigator

Roger joined Ward & Rider in July 2004 as an Outdoor Investigator for personal injury claims.

Roger, who attended schools in Coventry, spent the first ten years of his working life employed in local industry. He then spent the following 28 years in a completely different role, that of investigating both criminal and civil incidents.

Roger comments "I have always enjoyed providing a beneficial service to victims, witnesses and members of the public concerned in the work I undertake."

Jason Claridge - Director

After qualifying in the early 1990s and reaching the position of associate partner Jason joined Ward & Rider in 1999. He became a partner in 2000 and is now a Director and Joint Head of the Personal Injury Department.

Jason deals with all types of claims ranging from claims worth a few thousand to millions of pounds. He has a wide breadth of experience and enjoys challenging cases.

Jason states, "I like to demystify and simplify every aspect of making a claim. I want to make sure I take the strain of the claims process rather than my clients. I have always greatly enjoyed meeting and dealing with a whole range of diverse individuals and people. I came into the profession hoping to make a difference to people who had been injured. I have held this principle dear for the last couple of decades and believe this will remain with me throughout the rest of my (hopefully) lengthy legal career."

Jason also comments: "I am proud to be a member of the charity Headway - www.headway.org.uk. This is a specialist organisation for claimant's and their families who have been unfortunate enough to have suffered significant head injuries. I am used to dealing with individuals who have suffered modest to catastrophic brain injuries and recent cases of note are as follows:

● £275 k for a client who suffered a modest head injury.

● £2.67 million for a client who suffered a catastrophic head injury with substantial complications on liability.

● £6 million for a client with a serioius brain injury as a result of a road traffic accident."

In his spare time Jason enjoys watching sport, particularly rugby although his days of playing have now ended. He enjoys spending time with friends and family.

Jason Claridge - Joint Head of PI

After qualifying in the early 1990s and reaching the position of associate partner Jason joined Ward & Rider in 1999. He became a partner in 2000 and is now a Director and Joint Head of the Personal Injury Department.

Jason deals with all types of claims ranging from claims worth a few thousand to millions of pounds. He has a wide breadth of experience and enjoys challenging cases.

Jason states, "I like to demystify and simplify every aspect of making a claim. I want to make sure I take the strain of the claims process rather than my clients. I have always greatly enjoyed meeting and dealing with a whole range of diverse individuals and people. I came into the profession hoping to make a difference to people who had been injured. I have held this principle dear for the last couple of decades and believe this will remain with me throughout the rest of my (hopefully) lengthy legal career."

Jason also comments: "I am proud to be a member of the charity Headway - www.headway.org.uk. This is a specialist organisation for claimant's and their families who have been unfortunate enough to have suffered significant head injuries. I am used to dealing with individuals who have suffered modest to catastrophic brain injuries and recent cases of note are as follows:

● £275 k for a client who suffered a modest head injury.

● £2.67 million for a client who suffered a catastrophic head injury with substantial complications on liability.

● £6 million for a client with a serioius brain injury as a result of a road traffic accident."

In his spare time Jason enjoys watching sport, particularly rugby although his days of playing have now ended. He enjoys spending time with friends and family.

Michele Cox - Front of House

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Neil Caton - Outdoor Investigator

Neil joined Ward & Rider as an Outside Investigator in April 2010 after spending over 30 years with West Midlands Police where he specialised in interviewing, obtaining in 2004 National Tier 3 (Suspect) Accreditation in Investigative Interviewing.

Neil says "I enjoy getting out and about as part of job and meeting people in their own environments".

Neil is an avid Manchester City fan and holds a season ticket. He also enjoys listening to rock music and attending rock concerts, drinking real ale and keeping in (reasonable!) shape at the gym.

Richard Dundee

Richard started his legal career by achieving a 2:1 law degree at Coventry University before progressing to the Legal Practice Course at Leeds Metropolitan University. After working at a Birmingham based law firm Richard joined the Ward & Rider Team in August 2011.

As a member of the Wills & Probate team Richard will be happy to assist you in the preparation of Wills, Trusts, Applications for Probate and the Administration of Estates.

Richard is a keen football fan and a life long supporter of Peterborough United. He also enjoys playing a variety of sports and will never turn down the opportunity to take part in a game of Rugby

Stuart Daniel

Stuart joined the Family Law Department in July 2007.

Stuart’s legal career started early at the age of 16 when he began studying A-Level law. He later read law at the University of Leicester followed by the Legal Practice Course at the College of Law, Birmingham.

Stuart began his training contract in an established Warwickshire firm and remained there post qualification before moving to Ward & Rider.

Stuart specialises in financial matters ancillary to divorce, although he offers advice and representation on all areas of family law, including child disputes and cohabitation/property matters.

Stuart enjoys court advocacy and regularly appears before the local County Court to represent his clients.

Stuart comments"I get enormous satisfaction from delivering a first class service to my clients and helping them through a difficult and stressful time in their lives. I adopt a professional yet friendly style. I pride myself on being approachable and offering clear and sound advice."

In his spare time Stuart enjoys "light" DIY and spending time catching up with friends and family. Stuart enjoys going to his local gym to ease the stress of the demanding legal profession. He also enjoys film, theatre and foreign travel

Jodie Doran - Trainee Solicitor

Jodie studied Law at Coventry University and joined Ward & Rider after completing her Legal Practice Course at the Oxford Institute of Legal Practice in July 2009. She became a paralegal in the personal injury department in October 2010 and has commenced her training contract this year.

Jodie says "I understand the huge impact an accident can have on someones life and therefore find it rewarding to obtain for my clients the compensation they deserve."

In her spare time, Jodie enjoys travelling and seeing friends. She is also a keen pianist and has achieved her Grade 8 advanced level piano diploma.

Maria Dobson - Legal Executive

Maria has over a decade of experience as a legal professional. Throughout her career, Maria has developed an extensive knowledge covering various aspects of legal work.

In 2004, Maria joined the Personal Injury Department at Ward & Rider. She is responsible for advising clients on a wide variety of accidents arising from road traffic collisions or injuries caused at work or in public places.

Maria is a Fellow of the Institute of Legal Executives and prides herself in offering a high level of empathy to the needs of her clients.

Maria enjoys a wide variety of sports and is a keen runner. She has participated in several local runs such as the Two Castle Run and the Coventry Half Marathon. Aside from trying to keep fit, Maria enjoys keeping in touch with her Irish heritage and traveling.

Lin Elshaw - HR & Facilities Manager

Lin joined Ward & Rider in November 1987 as a Secretary in the Personal Injury Department.

Lin became Secretarial Supervisor in November 2000 and in 2003 she was promoted to Office Administrator, which included the maintenance and upkeep of the offices and also HR duties. In April 2008 Lin was promoted to the role of Manager of HR & Facilities.

Lin comments "I very much enjoy my role as HR Manager. I like the interaction it brings with my colleagues. The policies and procedures we have at Ward & Rider makes it easy to have a good work/life balance and this makes my job a lot easier, as I am able to support colleagues when they have problems and do all I can to help them."

Lin once did a tandem skydive, which she describes as "the most thrilling experience of my life".

Lucy Gaydon - Solicitor

Lucy joined us in October 2012.

After completing her Law Degree and Legal Practice Course at the University of Plymouth, Lucy qualified as a solicitor in September 2010 after successfully completing her training contract at a firm in Devon. Lucy has experience in all aspects of family law including divorce, financial settlements and child disputes. Lucy also has experience in assisting victims of domestic violence.

Says Lucy "I thoroughly enjoy my work as a family law solicitor. Through my professionalism and approachable manner I am able to assist my clients through a very emotional time in their lives."

In her spare time, Lucy enjoys going home to Devon to visit friends and family and taking long walks with her dog along the beach.

Ray Hudson

Ray joined the then Uninsured Loss Recovery team at Ward & Rider in December 1991. Ray qualified as a Legal Executive in 1992.

Ray has a broad knowledge in many areas of litigation but primarily specialises in claims against uninsured drivers and is part of our Small Motor Insurers Bureau Unit.

Ray comments "The most rewarding part of my job is achieving results for my clients and securing maximum damages on their behalf".

Ray is a keen sports enthusiast and a true Sky Blue fan who can be found at the Ricoh Arena every other Saturday.

Paul Hewerdine - Conveyancing Assistant

Paul joined Ward & Rider in November 2006.

Paul has completed his Ilex level 3 Professional Diploma in Law, and is currently studying Level 6 Professional Diploma in Law with a view to specializing in Land Law and Property Transactions.

Paul comments: "The most satisfying aspect of my job is helping people through the stressful process of moving home."

In his spare time Paul enjoys travelling and keeping fit.

Andy Hunter - Conveyancing Executive

Andy joined Ward & Rider Solicitors in July 1997.

With over 20 years experience in residential conveyancing, Andy has established a reputation as one of the leading conveyancing experts in the region.

Andy is renowned for making the residential conveyancing process as stress free as possible. He has a calm and relaxing demeanor, which, combined with his professionalism and commitment to client care makes him the advisor of choice to many estate agencies throughout Coventry and the Warwickshire area.

Andrew comments:

"I enjoy dealing with people from all walks of life and seeking to make what can be a notoriously stressful and frustrating process a little easier and maybe even enjoyable. As for satisfaction, it’s always gratifying to hear a client say they will use us again or recommend others."

Geoff Hart - Solicitor

Geoff joined Ward & Rider in November 2001 as an Assistant Solicitor.

He studied law at Northampton University before going on to do the Legal Practice Course at DeMontfort University.

Geoff is now a supervisor within the Personal Injury Department and specialises in all aspects of this area, with particular expertise in high value and catastrophic cases.

Geoff comments: "I enjoy building a rapport with clients and personalising the service I offer".

In his spare time Geoff enjoys watercolour painting.

Nasreen Khalil - Solicitor

Nasreen Khalil started her legal career studying law at the University of Central England, followed by the Legal Practice Course at the College of Law in Birmingham.

Following completion of her studies, Nasreen worked as a Paralegal in the Personal Injury Department of Irwin Mitchell Solicitors for two years.
Nasreen joined Ward & Rider in 2005, where she successfully completed her training and qualified as a Solicitor in July 2007. Nasreen continues to specialise in personal injury work.

Nasreen says "I get pleasure in helping people through such difficult times. I enjoy making a difference and helping people to get their lives back on track".

In her spare time Nasreen enjoys travelling, theatre and cooking.

Anita Kaur - Solicitor

Anita joined Ward & Rider in 2004 and qualified as a Fellow of the Institute of Legal Executives in October 2004. Anita completed and passed her Law Practice Certificate in October 2008 and qualified as a Solicitor in Spring 2009.

Anita graduated with a BA (Hons) Combined Degree in Law & Sociology. She has been specialising in personal injury for eight years and has had a wide range of exposure to all manner of accident compensation claims.

Anita comments "I love my job, every day is different and every case is different. The spontaneous and challenging environment motivates me to ensure that claimants receive the compensation they are entitled to. The money they receive is often incredibly important in helping them to get their lives back on track."

In her spare time Anita enjoys going to the cinema, foreign travel and socialising.

Colin Kirkpatrick - Outdoor Investigator

Colin David Kirkpatrick joined Ward & Rider on 21st September 1998, as an Outdoor Investigator following a police career spanning over 30 years. His work is that of a support role to the firm’s lawyers seeking and obtaining evidence in support of client’s injury claims and preparing high quality statements in accordance with the rules and requirements of the Courts and legal system.

Colin enjoys meeting and building good relationships with clients and witnesses in their own surroundings, so that they feel at ease and which enables them to be far more responsive to the evidence gathering process.

In his spare time Colin’s main hobby and interest is keeping a small flock of sheep and trying to train his two Border Collies to assist.

Anu Kumari - Solicitor

Anu joined Ward & Rider in November 2000 as an Assistant Solicitor in the Personal Injury Department.

Anu completed a Bachelor of Laws degree at the University of Sheffield and completed her Legal Practice Course at Nottingham Law School.

Following her A Level studies in 1990, Anu joined Newsome Vaughan as an Office Junior in their Personal Injury Department. She started her Legal Executive course in 1991 and did Part I which took 2 years. Inspired by her studies, Anu decided to go to University,completing her training in 1997 at Newsome Vaughan, and qualifiying as a Solicitor in 1999.

Anu comments "I enjoy getting a good settlement for my clients, that gives me a huge thrill, but I also enjoy the challenge of having a good argument with the other side on liability and winning of course!"

In her spare time, Anu likes to swim and is also learning to play the piano.

Phil Mulryne - Legal Executive

Phil joined Ward & Rider's Personal Injury Department in January 1993.

He is a Fellow of the Institute of Legal Executives.

Having joined Blythe Liggins solicitors in 1985 he initially worked in the uninsured loss recovery department progressing to handling a case load of general litigation matters with the emphasis on personal injury claims before leaving in December 1992.

Phil runs a fast track and multi-track caseload involving all aspects of personal injury litigation to include employers liability, Occupiers liability, highways authority and road traffic accident claims.

Phil enjoys Music and literature and also most sports in particular Golf at which he says the more he plays the worse he gets!

Arvinder Nagra - Solicitor

Arvinder joined Ward & Rider's Personal Injury team as an Assistant Solicitor in November 2007 and handles a mixed caseload of fast track and multi track work.

Arvinder studied Law at the University of Westminster followed by the Legal Practice Course at De Monfort University.

Following the completion of his studies he joined Field Overell Solicitors where he completed his training contract before joining Blakemores Solicitors in Birmingham where he practiced for four years before moving to Ward & Rider.

Arvinder has experience in a diverse range of areas ranging from road traffic accidents, slips and trips, public liability, employers liability and dog bite claims.

Arvinder comments "I enjoy all aspects of personal injury claim work. It can be challenging at times, but I get a great deal of pleasure when I know that I have helped a client get the compensation which they deserve following an accident or injury".

In his spare time Arvinder enjoys travel, fitness and football.

Cathy Owen - Head of Wills & Probate

Cathy joined Ward & Rider in October 2003 as a paralegal.

Cathy studied law at Warwick University and graduated in 1999 completing the Legal practice Course at DeMontford University in 2000.

Following completion of her studies, Cathy worked for Leamington based Solicitors before joining Ward & Rider.

Cathy specialises in the preparation of Wills, Trusts, Applications for Probate and the Administration of Estates. Cathy also deals with Court of Protection applications, including applications for and the registration of Lasting Powers of Attorney and Deputyship Orders.

Cathy says "I often have to help clients who are experiencing recent bereavement or have just been told that a parent is suffering from dementia. I get satisfaction from helping clients through these difficult times. If I can make things a little easier for them, then I have succeeded."

Cathy’s passion is football. She is a qualified FA Referee and the Secretary of a local football team. Cathy also keeps chickens.

Pauline O’Rourke - Solicitor

Pauline joined Ward & Rider on a permanent basis in October 2003 having joined the firm six months prior on a temporary basis to head up and run the Family Department.

Pauline studied law fulltime at the University of Birmingham from 1985 to 1988, qualifying as a Solicitor in 1991.

Pauline has a background in general civil litigation, going on to specialise in family work approximately 9 years ago. Wishing to expand on her experience, and looking for a challenge, Pauline practiced freelance for several years as a family Solicitor throughout the Midlands and beyond before taking up her role with Ward & Rider.

Pauline has extensive experience in all aspect of relationship breakdown, divorce and financial disputes and has particular expertise in unmarried/cohabitee disputes and those divorces with a higher than average value, business and pension elements.

Pauline is a member of the Solicitors’ Family Law Panel and Resolution and has appeared in the press commenting on topical issues impacting on Divorce

Pauline comments "I actively follow recent case law and trends. It is always of particular interest to me as to how the media portrays the 'fight' of divorcing couples. It is not a battleground and no one is victorious. For me, the satisfaction is achieving a positive client outcome through what is, quite possibly, their worst ever life experience."

In her spare time Pauline enjoys reading, walking and fine dining.

Huw Phillips - Joint Head of PI

Huw joined Ward & Rider in 1991 and now acts as joint head of the firm's sizeable Personal Injury Department.

Huw has specific expertise in fatal accident claims, Work Related Upper Limb Disorder (WRULD) claims, complex injury and special loss claims.

Huw says "I get enormous satisfaction settling difficult claims and getting clients the awards they deserve."

Huw has successfully completed three Half Ironmen Competitions and is also passionate about football. Huw helps to train Southam United Under 6's Football Team, which he loves.

Helen Palmer - Legal Executive

Helen joined Ward & Rider in 1996 qualifying as Member of The Institute of Legal Executives in June 2000, and as a Fellow of the Institute of Legal Executives in June 2002.

Helen has extensive experience of dealing with all manner of personal injury compensation claims. Helen has a reputation for skillfully fighting her client’s corner, skills which were demonstrated when she successfully fought an appeal through the Appeal Court in London.

Helen says "I love my job and get real satisfaction when I am able to help someone who has suffered terribly and really needs financial help. I really try my hardest to fight my client’s corner."

Helen is a keen horse rider and enjoys taking part in equestrian events.

Lorraine Pettit - IT Manager

Lorraine joined Ward & Rider in April 2008 after spending 12 years as IT Manager at another Coventry firm and is responsible for the day to day running and management of the firm’s computer systems.

She has various qualifications including Microsoft and CIW Certifications together with lots of 'hands on' experience and has a particular interest in web design.

"I love the variety my job brings on a day to day basis. Here at Ward & Rider we have a robust infrastructure and are always researching new technology which ensures we can give our clients a great service through the use of our computer systems".

Lorraine is a keen runner, completing the New York Marathon in November 2008 raising money for charity along the way and is an avid Sky Blues fan.

Alistair Pettersen

Alistair joined Ward & Rider in 1979 as a trainee having graduated in Business Law from Coventry University followed by the Law Society final exams at the College of Law in Chester.

Alistair qualified in 1981, becoming a partner in the firm in 1986. He became Senior Partner in 2000, full time Managing Partner in 2005 and Managing Director in 2010. Alistair is now a Consultant with the company.

Alistair says "We recognise that the legal services industry is undergoing rapid change and that it is vitally important that we understand what our current and future clients expect of us and to make sure that we deliver our products and services in a way that suits them best. That is one of the many challenges that we aspire to."

In his spare time Alistair enjoys walking, theatre and music.

Vijay Parekh

Vijay joined Ward & Rider in February 2005 as a Paralegal.

Vijay studied at the University of Wolverhampton where he completed a BSc degree in Computing and also a Cross Professional Examination (CPE) which is known as a law degree conversion course.

Vijay is currently studying part time on the Legal Practice Course at the De Montfort University in Leicester which he expects to complete in August of this year.

He specialises in claims involving road traffic accidents, accidents at work and slipping & tripping claims and also undertakes matters involving Civil Litigation and debt recovery.

Vijay comments: "Since commencing my employment with Ward & Rider I have enjoyed the work that I am involved with. It gives me great satisfaction helping client’s pursue their personal injury claims and helping commercial client’s with debt recovery in the current economic crisis"

Emma Smith - Costs Draftsperson

Emma joined Ward & Rider in July 2007 as an Administration Assistant.

Emma then went on to join the Costs Department in February 2008 as a Costs Draftsperson/Negotiator. Emma now also carries out debt recovery work.

Emma has various qualifications including a Legal Secretarial Diploma, a Diploma in Law and an Advanced Business Apprenticeship. She is currently studying for the ILEX Level 6 Professional Higher Diploma in Law and Practice which she hopes to complete within the next 12 months.

Emma comments: " I enjoy the challenges that this job role brings on a day to day basis as I feel that this motivates me to achieve the best possible results that I can for the firm ".

In her spare time Emma enjoys keeping fit, travel and cookery.

Paul Timson - Costs Draftsperson

Paul Timson joined Ward & Rider in March 2004 as a Costs Draftsman.

He achieved a BA (Hons) Economics from Lancaster University and has spent the last eight years dealing with legal costs as both a Costs Draftsman and a Defendant Costs Negotiator.

Paul has attended Detailed Assessment hearings throughout the country including the SCCO.

In his spare time, Paul enjoys playing badminton, cooking and wine, but not all at the same time!

Giles Walker

Giles joined Ward & Rider in January 2001 as an Assistant Solicitor.
Giles studied his Bachelor of Laws Degree at Newcastle Polytechnic and completed his Law Society Finals at the University of Northumbria.

Giles has been a qualified Solicitor for over 10 years now, specialising in personal injury compensation claims. This experience has given him a deep insight into how best to represent the victims of accidents who seek the compensation they deserve.

Giles says "I get enormous satisfaction in helping people achieve the compensation they are entitled to after an accident. I pride myself on offering the best advice and the best service, it may sound corny, but it’s true!"

In his spare time Giles is a keen supporter of Aston Villa.

Mark Watts

Mark is originally from an airline background, but with a decline in the industry he decided to change career and in 2003 started working for Irwin Mitchell Solicitors, Birmingham in their Personal Injury Department

Mark says "As I am from Coventry and have lived here most of my life, I wanted to be part of a leading local firm, serving the local people and therefore joined Ward & Rider Solicitors in August 2011.

I deal with most types of accident cases and I have a huge empathy for people who have suffered through no fault of their own, which drives me to achieve the best result possible for my clients."

Out of work Mark enjoys aviation, having gained his Private Pilot’s License at 18 years old. He also enjoys playing the drums, is very keen on Formula One racing and is a season ticket holder at Coventry City FC.

Stephen Wale - Outdoor Investigator

Stephen joined Ward & Rider in July 2006 as an Outdoor Investigator.

Stephen was educated locally at Foxford Comprehensive School and went on to join the West Midlands Police.

Stephen retired as a Detective Sergeant after 30 years service and joined Ward & Rider, where he puts his extensive experience to good use.

Stephen enjoys getting out and about meeting different people through his job.

Stephen is Rugby Union mad and holds a season ticket at London Wasps and follows England’s rugby team whenever he can get tickets!

Lucy Williams - Solicitor

Lucy joined Ward & Rider in September 2003 on a gap year before starting University.

Lucy then went on to study law at Nottingham Trent University followed by the Legal Practice Course at Nottingham Law School. During these four years she returned to work at Ward & Rider during each vacation.

Lucy came back to Ward & Rider full time to complete her training contract. The training contract took two years, and during this period she spent time in at least three different departments.

Lucy qualified as a solicitor in September 2010 and works in our Wills & Probate Department.

Lucy comments: "I enjoy putting all that I have learned at University into practice."

In her spare time Lucy supports the Birmingham based Charity PHAB.

Lucy comments: "I've been involved with PHAB over the past seven years. I first got involved while I was still at school. We work all year to raise funds to take a group of disabled people away for a week in the summer. I work with the 18+ age group, but there are also younger age group holidays as well."