In the latest private client announcements, Payne Hicks Beach has appointed a new partner, Bendles Solicitors has promoted three new associates, and TWM Solicitors has expanded its mediation offering with specialist services in private client and property disputes.
The expanded mediation offering will see south east firm TWM Solicitors support the resolution of contentious probate, will and trust disputes and property disputes alongside its current family mediation practice.
Stuart Downey will lead the mediation in contentious probate, will and trust disputes. Downey has practised both as a non-contentious private client lawyer and as a contentious trusts and estates specialist, giving him a dual perspective assist in identifying practical and creative routes to resolution.
Jamie Berry, managing partner at TWM Solicitors, said: “We are seeing growing demand from fellow professionals for mediators who combine technical expertise with a practical approach to resolving disputes.
“By expanding our mediation offering across private client, property and family matters, we can support that demand while maintaining the independence and clarity that referrers and their clients expect.”
In London, Payne Hicks Beach has appointed Flora Hussey as partner in its private client team.
Hussey joins the firm with extensive expertise in UK taxation, wealth structuring and succession planning, advising high net worth individuals and families on complex, multi-generational matters.
Commenting on her appointment, Hussey said: “I am excited to be joining Payne Hicks Beach at such an important stage of my career. The firm has a long-standing reputation for excellence and a distinguished heritage in private client work and I look forward to contributing my experience to support its continued growth and success.”
Robert Brodrick, chair of Payne Hicks Beach, added: “Flora is an outstanding lawyer with a strong and well-established practice within the family office sector. Her technical expertise, client focus and commitment to the highest professional standards make her an excellent fit for our team. We are delighted to welcome her to the partnership.”
Bendles Solicitors in Cumbria has strengthened its senior team with the promotion of three solicitors to associate positions.
Mariya Dimitrova (pictured right) has been with the firm for seven years, after first being introduced during work experience as part of her law degree. Dimitrova has been promoted to associate in the private client team, where she specialises in wills, trusts, probate and Court of Protection matters.
Colleagues Kali Snowdon (pictured left) and Laura Goode (centre) have also been promoted in the family and residential teams respectively.
Managing partner John Stevenson said: “These appointments recognise the professionalism and expertise that Kali, Laura and Mariya demonstrate every day in their work with clients.
“They have all shown fantastic commitment to developing their specialisms and supporting colleagues, and I’m delighted they are able to progress their careers with us.”
Established as a family firm more than 200 years ago, Bendles Solicitors incorporating GK&M employs more than 80 people and works with clients across Cumbria. Bendles Solicitors completed its merger with Eden Valley-based GK&M on April 1, 2026.
