Laceys Solicitors Laceys is a leading, forward-thinking law firm with specialist experts serving both individual and business clients across a broad spectrum of practice areas.

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Quality Standards and Recognition

Laceys are active in various schemes which provide accreditations and quality marks to give our clients peace of mind and reassurance we can deliver for you. In order to join these schemes our solicitors have had to demonstrate considerable specialist knowledge and expert skills.

We are consistently awarded the Lexcel accreditation, the national Law Society’s law management quality mark, which provides clients with assurance that a practice meets high client care and business management standards.

We also hold 5 Law Society accreditations in specialist schemes, providing a mark of expertise in specific areas of law, further demonstrating our commitment to client care.

Supporting this, we are also very proud to be recognised in the Legal 500, an independent guide to leading law firms in the UK. Laceys have been ranked in the 2024 guide for the following 5 key areas;

We are the only Dorset based firm to have been recommended within Intellectual Property or Licensing.

 

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  • Inclusion within the Legal 500 list of the country’s leading law firms demonstrates Laceys consistently provides excellent client service and advice across all practice areas.

  • Lexcel is developed specifically for the legal profession. To gain and retain Lexcel accreditation, Laceys underwent a rigorous initial then annual application and assessment process. This included background checks and an on-site visit from an experienced, trained Lexcel assessor.

  • The quality mark for legal professionals working in law relating to child-care and custody issues. To obtain accreditation, solicitors and legal executives must demonstrate that they possess superior experience, knowledge and best practice in legal matters relating to children.

  • The quality mark for legal professionals working in law relating to family issues. To obtain accreditation, solicitors and legal executives must demonstrate that they possess superior experience, knowledge and best practice in legal matters relating to family issues.

  • The quality mark for legal professionals working in law relating to family mediation. Accreditation allows our lawyer mediators to carry out and conduct legal aid funded mediation. Accreditation also demonstrates we have proven competency in understanding, knowledge and experience of all issues relating to family mediation.

  • The quality mark for legal professionals working in law relating to buying, selling and renting property. To obtain accreditation, solicitors and legal executives must demonstrate that they possess superior experience, knowledge and best practice in legal matters relating to property.

Individual solicitors have also been given special mentions within the Legal 500:

  • Sam Freeman profile image

    Sam Freeman, Corporate and Commercial

    “Approachable and knowledgeable”

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  • John Munro, head of Property, Laceys Solicitors

    John Munro, Commercial and Residential Property

    “Diligent, efficient and in tune with clients’ needs from start to finish”

    View profile

  • Brendan Herbert

    Brendan Herbert, Dispute Resolution

    “Considerable experience in mediation and arbitration”

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  • Philip Day, Licensing and Regulatory

    “Deep knowledge of gambling (law) and outdoor events”

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  • Jonathan Talbot

    Jonathan Talbot, Family

    “Collaborative law expertise and strong in mediation arising out of cohabitation, matrimonial and child law disputes”

    View profile

  • Mark Timberlake

    Mark Timberlake, Dispute Resolution

    “High business acumen and industry knowledge”

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  • kate mansfield

    Kate Mansfield, Private Client

    “Merger with Horsey Lightly Fynn has bolstered its ‘experienced Private Client team”

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Associations

Laceys as a whole and some of our Individual Solicitors are members of numerous professional Associations and Societies ensuring we utilise our networks to the best advantage, have access to up to date training, share ideas and ask advice when needed.

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Sam Freeman

Partner — Corporate and Commercial

Direct dial: 01202 377878

Email

Sam Freeman profile image
  • “First Class Service. ....Sam and Victoria were an absolute pleasure to work with whilst expertly guiding us through the pitfalls of the merger. I would highly recommend anyone considering an acquisition or merger to speak with Sam.”

    Caroline Kelleway, Burns Property Management and Lettings Limited

  • “Thoroughly professional and helpful advice at all times.”

    G & H Walford-Howell

  • “I launched POW Energy Water with 15 years experience in food and drink, but no experience in the legalities of setting up and structuring a business. Sam and his team have been fantastic helping me secure finance and trademarks, ensuring I am safe in the knowledge that my back is covered so I can concentrate on growing by business.”

    Ed Woolner, Founder & Managing Director - POW Energy Water

  • “Sam Freeman is an excellent solicitor who is extremely knowledgeable and who shows great patience and kindness when dealing with someone who is unfamiliar with legal matters.”

    Jane Balmforth

  • “Straight forward and easy to work with and very helpful.”

    Adrian Broom

  • “Sam is very good at understanding what we need, even if we aren't that clear. He keeps us up to date and gives clear concise advice when needed.”

    Judith Young

Sam Freeman heads up our Corporate and Commercial team. He is a vastly experienced corporate lawyer having advised a wide variety of businesses within a range of sectors, for a number of years, having qualified as a Solicitor in 2005. 

Sam’s particular specialisms include share and assets acquisitions and disposals, company restructures, shareholder agreements and partnerships. Sam enjoys helping people succeed in business regardless of whether the client is a small local set up or a large national organisation. Whatever the concern, Sam provides a calm personable approach to his work ensuring clients are guided in a practical straightforward manner.

Away from work Sam enjoys spending time with his family and this years new edition, Merlin the Great Dane, and anything sport related, especially playing golf.

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John Munro

Partner — Commercial and Residential Property

Direct dial: 01202 377839

Email

John Munro, head of Property, Laceys Solicitors
  • “John Munro was friendly and very approachable, advising me with a clear depth of knowledge and experience. I have since recommended him and will do so if asked in the future.”

    N. Pitts-Crick

  • “Having dealt with Laceys on many a sale and purchase I’ve always found them to be efficient, knowledgeable and attentive. I wouldn’t hesitate in recommending them to family, friends and clients.”

    Stuart Cockram - Frost and Co

  • “We have always been very happy with the service provided by Laceys Solicitors, in both our business legal requirements and domestic property conveyancing.”

    Mark Edney

  • “You are our solicitor Superhero! Very grateful. ”

    Maria - Tom Frowde Architects

  • “Changing solicitors is not to be undertaken lightly. However really impressed with the way that John Munro and his associates have dealt with us over the last couple of years in a variety of complex property related transactions and on the commercial and personal front as well. We look forward to working with them going forward.”

    Malcolm Tice, Director - Tice & Son Ltd

John joined Laceys in 2001 on a training contract, having completed a Post Graduate Diploma in Law in 2000, and qualified as a solicitor in 2003. He is now the Head of the Commercial and Residential Property Departments.

He is also the firm’s Senior Responsible Officer under the Law Society Conveyancing Quality Scheme (CQS) with overall responsibility for the management of the property team and their delivery of the excellent service that our clients have come to expect.

John acts in his own capacity for a number of commercial property owners, developers and investors, but also allocates time to ensure his team are up to speed with changing law and professional regulations and clients are provided with members of the team who possess the right skills to deal with their individual requirements, delivering projects in the most time and cost-efficient manner.

Outside of work John seems to spend a great deal of time ferrying his children around but occasionally gets to put his feet up and listen to his eclectic collection of vinyl. He is also not averse to a good cheeseboard and a glass of IPA.

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Brendan Herbert

Partner — Dispute Resolution

Direct dial: 01202 377810

Email

Brendan Herbert
  • “Brendan has been really great on a whole range of professional negligence issues. I highly recommend him.”

    Cressida Granger, Perspex Pension Fund/Mathmos Ltd

  • “Brendan is an excellent support and shows empathy when dealing with difficult situations. He explains clearly costs and possible outcomes and makes me feel like I have somebody on my team.”

    Jacqueline Entwistle

  • “Always professional and prompt on a wide range of legal matters.”

    Matthew Hornsby

Brendan has a BSc in Zoology and Psychology from the University of Liverpool, and went on to obtain his Post Graduate Diploma in Law, and Legal Practice Course at the College of Law (now the University of Law), in Chester.  Brendan completed his training with a national firm in Manchester and London, and was admitted as a solicitor in 2005.

Brendan is part of our Dispute Resolution Team, working with both private individuals and businesses to either avoid or resolve disputes. With over 10 years experience he has helped clients deal with a wide variety of issues from professional negligence claims and breach of contract disputes, to more specialist areas including construction disputes, intellectual property work, licensing applications and inheritance claims.

Brendan has a very approachable manner, and places great importance on client relationships. He enjoys tackling all matters directly, and always looks to provide clients with practical, cost-effective solutions. Outside of work Brendan runs a hugely successful music festival in the Cotswolds.

When he is not knee-deep in mud at a festival, he enjoys travelling (especially in Africa, where he worked as a safari camp manager for a year),  golf, photography and getting out and about in the Dorset countryside.

To find out more about Brendan being described in the 2021 Legal 500 as a ‘Next Generation Partner’ and what this means to him here;

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Philip Day

Partner — Licensing and Regulatory

Direct dial: 01202 377867

Email

  • “Philip is a leading figure in the world of licensing. If he doesn’t know it, it’s not worth knowing. I’ve known Philip for over 10 years and have benefited greatly from his experience over the years both when paying for his services and as a friend. If you need somebody to represent you, look no further.”

    Andrew Grove, High Grove Events and Vice President of the National Outdoor Event Association

  • “As one of the highest profile licensed events in the local area, it is vitally important to us that we carefully manage our relationships with the local authority and community whilst concurrently being able to manage the commercial performance of the business. The professional management of our Premises Licence and execution of our responsibilities is fundamental to this and we are lucky to count Laceys, and Philip Day in particular, as a formidable cornerstone of this process. We consider ourselves extremely fortunate to have one of the UK's most prominent licensing solicitors on our doorstep and appreciate his ongoing support for our continued growth.”

    Craig Mathie, MD – Bournemouth 7s Festival

  • “A fantastic service given by Philip, with great advice and clear communication at every stage – always delivered with confidence and no small amount of charm. We're delighted with a fantastic result, much of that down to the skills, experience and approach at Laceys.”

    Ross Andrews

  • “Philip continues to be the foremost licensing solicitor in Bournemouth (and no doubt far and wide). Excellent analysis of current licensing conditions and valuable advise as to likely outcomes.”

    Mark Cater

  • “I really appreciated Philip Day’s advice and the way he dealt with this matter, he was very responsive which was really important for me.”

    Veli Bulbul

Philip graduated from Trinity College Cambridge in 1978 with an Upper Second BA in Law and was admitted as a solicitor in January 1981 having been articled in the Government Legal Service.  After working as a prosecutor for HM Customs and Excise for two years, Philip moved into private practice in Reading.  There, he specialised in criminal work both prosecuting for agencies such as British Transport Police, Hampshire Police, The Department of Trade and Industry and the RSPCA and defending private clients before beginning to specialise in licensing in 1985.

Philip moved to Bournemouth in 2001 and has ever since specialised in alcohol and entertainment licensing for pubs, clubs, hotels, restaurants, off-licences and events, including large scale outdoor festivals and fairs as well as betting and gaming.  His practice and experience includes associated work such as noise and environmental issues.

Outside of work, Philip has a busy family life as well as being a Town Councillor and organises events on behalf of Ringwood Council, including Fireworks displays and the annual Christmas lights switch-on and festive market.

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Jonathan Talbot

Partner — Family

Direct dial: 01202 377844

Email

Jonathan Talbot
  • “Jonathan has been amazing at helping me get a resolution with my ex-husband. He was a great listener when I was getting very upset about clauses in our old divorce agreement that were not being adhered to and reacted really quickly with a letter and support. I would not hesitate to ask Jonathan for help again but please excuse me if I hope that doesn’t happen for a while as we all know dealing with ex's is never much fun! Thank you Jonathan.”

    Sharron Davies, MBE

  • “Very happy with how you dealt with my case. Many thanks for your help and advice from Mr Talbot and his secretary.”

    Jan Saad

  • “Jonathan Talbot explained the process and how things would proceed. He was very patient allowing us time to understand and adapt to our new situation. Legal language can be quite difficult to understand and he would explain what it meant and how it would impact.”

    Rae Frederick

  • “I always use Laceys for my legal work, I feel able to talk to them and I know they listen. They have always been professional and kind.”

    Dawn Aston

  • “I’d like to extend heartfelt thanks to you and Shannon for helping me through this difficult time, I am really very appreciative to have had you on my team this year, you’ve been an enormous support. ”

    Mrs W

Jonathan heads up Laceys family department and having qualified as a Solicitor in 1983, he has over 35 years experience in Family Law.

He specialises in Family and Relationship Breakdowns, Financial Remedies, Collaborative Law and International Family Law.

Jonathan has a exceptional caring nature and will always strive to find solutions to family issues outside of the court if at all possible.

Outside of work Jonathan likes to keep himself busy by competing in Ironman 70.3’s when he gets the chance – which are no easy feat at having to complete a 1.2 mile swim, a 56-mile bike ride, and then a 13.1 mile run each race!

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Mark Timberlake

Managing Partner — Dispute Resolution

Direct dial: 01202 377863

Email

Mark Timberlake
  • “The advice Mark gave was very good value for money and the combination of strictly accurate legal advice and common sense were exactly what I needed.”

    Nick Stocks. Director, Spitfire Court Properties Ltd.

  • “Mark Timberlake is an exceptional solicitor. He has a huge depth of knowledge in his speciality and looks after his clients in a very kind and patient manner. Mark is unfailingly courteous and always a pleasure to deal with. I am always confident in any matter that Mark has dealt with.”

    Jane Balmforth

  • “We have had many years of top class professional advice and assistance in many respects of our property ownership. However great our worries initially, matters have been dealt with in a most professional manner and to our satisfaction.”

    Michael Filer, Bourne Court Consortium

Mark qualified as a solicitor in 1989 and since then has specialised in property and landlord and tenant disputes, possession and debt recovery in relation to both commercial and residential property. He has extensive experience in relation to issues involving blocks of flats including representation in the Property Chamber and the courts. He has also dealt with many commercial disputes, professional negligence and insolvency claims.

He has frequently given talks on the law as it affects managing agents through the Association of Residential Managing Agents and other groups.

He has been recommended for many years by the Legal 500 Guide to the Legal profession which has said that Mark ‘is very highly rated by clients’, ‘explains complex issues in understandable terms’ and ‘is excellent in really difficult situations’. 

Mark is married with 2 teenage children and at weekends can often be found on his boat which he sails competitively.

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Kate Mansfield

Partner — Private Client

Direct dial: 01202 377853

Email

kate mansfield
  • “We have had the pleasure of Kate’s sensitive and unwavering professional support for a number of years. She has always been able to combine her deep expertise, with practical context and a tone of voice that gently escorts you through, often difficult decisions. We could not recommend Kate highly enough, both professionally and personally.”

    Simon Bennett

  • “Kate was extremely knowledgeable, straightforward to deal with as well as sympathetic during what was a difficult time. I felt in good hands!”

    Elisabeth Bonelli

  • “We were treated with respect and felt our wishes were taken in consideration. The patience shown in helping us understand the implications of decisions was outstanding.”

    Francesca Remix

  • “Very efficient and welcoming. Understood my access requirements and my unique concerns thoroughly.”

    Hannah Fielding (wheelchair user)

  • “Mrs Mansfield has been exemplary in every respect. She is an excellent listener and has the ability to explain complex issues patiently and emphatically. We are fortunate in having her as our legal adviser.”

    Neville Osrin

  • “Professional, always available for a phone enquiry. Always informed me as thing's progressed. Excellent company with very pleasant and helpful front of house. My sincere thanks.”

    Susan Dawn Godfrey

  • “Kate took the trouble to understand the particularities affecting my Will and found sensible ways of dealing with them.”

    Peter Andrews

Kate is a Partner in our Private Client Team and has 25 years’ experience in private client work, specialising in wills, tax planning and estate administration. Kate has worked in this area since she qualified and has assisted thousands of families and individuals.

Kate qualified as a solicitor in 1995 after obtaining a 2.1 in Law from the University of Kent. She completed her training contract with Laceys and became a partner in 2002.

Kate is a full member of the Society of Estate and Trust Practitioners (STEP) and sat on the STEP committee for 6 years. She has also taught on the Legal Executives course at Bournemouth & Poole College.

Kate enjoys the personal side of the work and the satisfaction of assisting the bereaved and families with complex affairs, whether it be complex financial aspects or those where a diplomatic hand is required. She prides herself on being able to explain the legal position in plain English.

Out of the office she enjoys keeping fit. She enjoys going to the gym and getting out into the Dorset countryside on her road bike. Cooking, particularly baking, is also a passion.

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