Sarah Alton

Sarah joined Ward & Rider in July 2006 as a Personal Injury Paralegal.

Sarah qualified on 1 May 2009 having completed seats in Employment and Wills and Probate and has decided to focus full time on Personal Injury.

Sarah read both Law and Politics at Keele University attaining an LLB before completing the Legal Practice Course with The College of Law Birmingham. Sarah stayed with The College of Law and completed the Professional Skills Course.

Since leaving University Sarah joined a Defendant Personal Injury firm, assisting the disease department as a Paralegal, specialising in asbestos related conditions.

Sarah then started the Legal Practice Course and continued to work in practice. After obtaining a year of valuable experience Sarah joined the Personal Injury Department at Ward & Rider, where she has had the opportunity to develop her interest in work related accidents.

Sarah comments "When a client instructs a Personal Injury Solicitor it is because something terrible has happened to them. I derive satisfaction from achieving the best possible result for my clients and managing the process in a way that does not add any further stress to my clients, as they are already dealing with the injuries they have suffered."

In Sarah’s spare time she enjoys keeping fit and training for triathlons. Sarah also enjoys travelling, having trekked across Canada, Alaska and more recently Argentina, as well as Europe and North Africa.

David Bull

David Bull joined Ward & Rider in 2002 as a Claims Manager in the Personal Injury Department, having spent many years in the Insurance and Claims Management Industries.

David is currently working towards becoming a Fellow of the Institute of Legal Executives.

Since joining the firm he has dealt with a wide variety of cases covering all aspects of personal injury claims.

In his leisure time, David enjoys sports as varied as clay pigeon shooting to golf.

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.

Jim Bradfield - Outdoor Investigator

Jim joined Ward & Rider in September 2005 as Outdoor Investigator.

Jim was locally educated then spent 10 years working in industry and the Civil Service followed by 25 years service with West Midlands Police.

Jim comments "I enjoy the variety of my work at Ward & Rider and the freedom to go out and meet clients and witnesses."

A true Sky Blue fan, Jim is a Coventry City FC season ticket holder. He also enjoys a round of golf and describes himself as a "regular fair weather golfer".

Peter Bull

Peter joined Ward & Rider in January 2000 as Personal Injury Adviser.

Peter was admitted as a Fellow of the Institute of Legal Executives in March 2003.

Peter has a wide ranging knowledge of personal injury matters, with a particular interest in claims involving the Motor Insurers Bureau.

Notably, one of Peter's cases - Brown v Sommerfield (2002) is reported in Current Law.

Peter comments "I get most satisfaction from obtaining justice for people who are injured by one of the rising numbers of uninsured motorists on the road".

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!

Oliver Begley

Oliver Joined Ward and Rider in 2009 as a Personal Injury Paralegal. He has seven years experience in the profession and started his career at Norwich Union as a Personal Injury Claims Handler before moving over into Claimant work in 2007.

Oliver specialises in disputed Road Traffic Accident claims but enjoys working in all areas of personal injury law.

"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, the outdoors, reading, relaxing in front of the television and various sports. He is a passionate Birmingham City fan and likes to watch Formula One.

Toni Casamassa

Toni is a Paralegal who joined the Personal Injury team in September 2009. He graduated from Nottingham Trent University in July 2008 with a 2.1 degree in law with honours, in addition to achieving a Distinction in his Diploma in Professional Practice. This was attained following a 12 month spell at a criminal law firm in Birmingham.

Following his graduation, Toni went on to work at Irwin Mitchell Solicitors in Birmingham as part of their International Travel Litigation Team, before moving to Ward & Rider this year.

Toni says: "It really is a tremendous feeling when a client who has been injured gets the damages they rightly deserve, and knowing that you have played a big role in that gives you a great sense of personal satisfaction."

In his spare time Toni enjoys playing football, rugby, snooker and going to the gym. He also has a keen interest in films and travelling around the world.

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 - Partner

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 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."

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 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 have 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."

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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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

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".

Christine Finch-Dent - Front of House

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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.

Johanna Hood - Trainee Solicitor

Johanna joined Ward & Rider in December 2008 as a Personal Injury Paralegal.

Johanna who has recently commenced her Solicitor Training Contract, achieved a 2:1 Law degree from Leeds Metropolitan University and obtained her Legal Practice Course from the University of Sheffield.

Johanna comments "I am enjoying my traning and 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 result 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 plays football with a local girls football team whom Ward & Rider sponsor and also enjoys keeping fit and travelling all over the UK visiting friends and family.

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 Cause 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.

Stuart Morris - Solicitor

Stuart joined the Personal Injury team at Ward and Rider as a Solicitor in September 2009.

Stuart studied Law at the University of Hertfordshire, before completing his LPC at the College of Law in Birmingham.

Following the completion of his LPC Stuart undertook his Training Contract at regional firm Blythe Liggins in Leamington Spa, before moving to Ward and Rider upon qualification.

Stuart says "Even the simplest injury can have a life altering effect on its sufferer. For me, the most satisfying thing about my job is getting my client’s life back on track following an accident."

In his spare time Stuart likes to travel and has recently backpacked through 10 countries in 30 days.

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 - Managing Partner

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 and full time Managing Partner in 2005.

Alistair is responsible for overseeing the day to day and long term management of the firm including the firm’s quality programmes. He is currently a member of the West Midlands Lexcel Focus Group.

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"

Baljit Ruprah - Solicitor

Baljit Ruprah joined Ward & Rider in September 2004 and was promoted to Head of the Employment Department in July 2008.

Baljit gained an LLB Honours degree from the University of Leicester followed by Legal Practice Course at the University of Birmingham, and Professional Skills Course at the College of Law, Birmingham.

Baljit specialises in all aspects of employment law including unfair dismissal and discrimination. Baljit is a fully trained and experienced advocate which allows him to conduct his own advocacy at tribunal.

Baljit is a member of the Employment Lawyers Association, both Coventry & Warwickshire and Birmingham Law Societies and is also Chairman of the Warwickshire New Lawyers Group which offers advice and support to any local lawyers with less than 5 years PQE.

Baljit comments "The fast moving and challenging area of Employment Law interested me at an early stage and I have been practicing it ever since. Seeing that my client is happy with an outcome is what I find most rewarding."

In his spare time Baljit loves to cook and enjoys travel.

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 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 3 Certificate in Law and Practice and will be commencing the ILEX Level 3 Diploma in Law and Practice in September 2009.

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.

Sara Stubbs

Sara joined Ward and Rider in October 2009 as a Personal Injury Paralegal.

Sara graduated with a Bsc (Hons) in Law and Psychology from the University of the West of England. She went on to study for her Graduate Diploma in Law at The College of Law, London where she achieved a commendation.

Whilst completing her studies Sara joined a Defendant Personal Injury firm, obtaining a year of valuable experience handling RTA, employer liability and public liability claims.

Sara comments "With my experience in defendant personal injury work, I feel I am able to bring an informed and effective service to my clients. I am passionate about helping people get the compensation they deserve and hope to make it a simple and stress-free process."

In her spare time, Sara enjoys foreign languages and travelling having recently explored both India and Sri Lanka.

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!

Sarah Venables

Sarah joined Ward & Rider in October 2006 as a Trainee Solicitor and qualified as a Solicitor in July 2008.

Sarah achieved a 2:1 LLB at Coventry University and went on to study the Legal Practice Course at The College of Law, Birmingham where she achieved a commendation. As part of her training contract, Sarah also successfully completed the Professional Skills Course.

During her training contract at Ward & Rider, Sarah undertook seats in Employment, Family and Conveyancing.

Sarah decided to specialise in Employment Law and has gained experience in a wide variety of employment issues from unfair dismissal to discrimination.

Sarah comments "I am passionate about helping clients assert their employment rights and achieving a resolution in situations where they have been unfairly dismissed or discriminated against. This aspect of my work is extremely rewarding."

Sarah was recently shortlisted for the Assistant Solicitor of the Year Award at the Birmingham Law Society Legal Awards 2009.

Sarah is a keen Salsa dancer. She recently took part in a "salsa marathon" to raise money for charity.

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.

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 - Trainee 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 is now back at Ward & Rider full time while completing her training contract. The training contract will last for two years, and during this period she will spend time in at least three different departments.

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."