About Us
INTRODUCTION
Whatley Recordon is based in the heart of Malvern, Worcestershire, in attractive, accessible offices on the side of the Malvern Hills.
The firm was created through the merger of three of the oldest and most established solicitors’ practices in Malvern, giving us an excellent client base, which thrives as we attract new business.
Our two partners are Benedict Recordon and Martha Recordon. Our retired senior partner, Nigel Recordon, continues to work as a consultant to the firm.
The Whatley Recordon team is made up of hard-working, highly skilled lawyers and support staff. Our staff enjoy the challenge of an interesting and varied workload in a friendly and helpful working environment, which we believe is good for both our team and for our clients.
OUR HISTORY
Whatley Recordon is the result of a merger of three established solicitors’ practices in Malvern.
The three practices, which have merged together between 1999 and 2001, were:
- Whatley Weston & Fox, Malvern (established in 1930)
- Recordon & Lister (established in 1960)
- Lamberts & Wade (established pre-1920)
Each firm has contributed its own particular strengths and reputation and the merger has given us the solid base necessary to offer the depth and breadth of services that we do.
OUR TEAM
Our partners, consultants, solicitors and legal executives offer extensive experience and skills in a wide range of specialist legal areas.
Twelve current staff members have been with us for more than 10 years and the average length of service by all staff members is currently 17 years. Clients tell us that they find this continuity very helpful and reassuring. From our point of view this reciprocal loyalty with clients is a much valued and very special privilege.
Our Partners
Benedict Recordon
PARTNERBenedict is the managing partner of the firm. He qualified with one of Bristol’s largest commercial practices, Osborne Clarke, and worked there until 1999 when he joined Whatley Recordon. He now advises on a variety of business issues, including:
- buying and selling businesses
- commercial leases
- commercial property
- employment issues
- agriculture and farms
He also acts as a trustee for a number of family trusts and provides individual inheritance tax and Wills advice.
Martha Recordon
PARTNERMartha has specialist expertise in family law and has more than 25 years’ experience in this area.
Martha is a member of the Children Panel under the Law Society’s Accredited Scheme. She provides advice and legal representation to children, parents, grandparents and other family members in both Private and Public Law Children Act matters.
Martha can also advise and assist with complex issues including:
- cohabitation
- divorce
- the division of family assets
- family disputes
- maintenance
- separation
Our Solicitors & Legal Executives
We also have senior solicitors and legal executives, who offer specialised experience in the following areas:
- children work
- conveyancing
- elderly client work
- family law
- litigation
- tax and trust
- wills and probate
And specialist qualifications, including membership of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners and the Law Society’s Children Panel Accreditation Scheme.
Greg Ashby
SOLICITORGreg is a migrant from the south east of England and has been with Whatley Recordon for over a decade and a half immersing himself in the intricacies of Wills, Probate and private client work.
In that time he has studied and become a member of the Society of Estate Practitioners and Solicitors for the Elderly.
With his specialist knowledge and thorough approach he is able to advise on and assist in the administration of complicated estates.
Sharon Cawsey
LEGAL EXECUTIVEA Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives, Sharon worked in Bristol for many years as a property lawyer.
She became experienced in conveyancing related to large developments as Bristol thrived in the early 2000’s. She joined WhatleyRecordon in 2014 where she has specialised in commercial property.
She is known for her thorough and trouble-shooting approach. Small and medium sized developers have found her practical approach and interest in finding solutions for their business a very useful addition to her legal expertise.
Julie Draper
LEGAL EXECUTIVEA Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives, Julie has specialised in conveyancing since she joined WhatleyRecordon over 25 years ago. Since then she has enjoyed giving a high quality and very efficient service to our loyal clients. Our managing partner receives consistent and regular testimonials from satisfied clients who have put their house sales and purchases in Julie’s hands. .
Rachel Howell
ADMIN - TRUSTS & ATTORNEYSRachel studied at Bristol University and learned her administration skills initially in university admissions. Since 2005 she has specialised in administration of trusts and attorneys.
Benedict Recordon acts as professional trustee and attorney for a number of family trusts and individual clients. This is a role which comes with a high level of responsibility so that accurate administration and the adherence to many professional, tax and other statutory requirements are absolutely essential.
Rachel’s calm approach ensures this service is delivered to all our trusts and attorney clients.
Claire Mico
SOLICITORClaire joined Whatley Recordon in 2015 having taken time out of the law to raise her young family. She now advises clients on Wills Lasting Powers of Attorney and in the administration of estates (probate).
She understands that coming to see a solicitor to discuss making a Will or thinking about end of life arrangements or dealing with a death can be an emotional and stressful experience. With her friendly and calm approach she makes this a little easier.
Claire says that to remove stress and anxiety and help to meet the client’s needs is one of the rewards of her job
Lisa Philpotts
RECEPTIONISTA receptionist at WhatleyRecordon is a busy role! Lisa is the first contact for our loyal clients and new contacts. Our clients have very diverse needs from the busy company director to individuals going through personal traumas such as divorce or bereavement. Lisa has the gift of both efficiency and empathy and so many clients mention their positive experience in dealing with our reception.
Karon Stephenson
RECEPTIONISTKaron first worked for our firm when she was 16 years old.
Our clients have very diverse needs from the busy company director to individuals going through personal traumas such as divorce or bereavement.
Karon’s quiet but determined character helps to ensure the reception runs smoothly and that clients receive a friendly welcome and efficient service. .
Our Consultants
Nigel Recordon
CONSULTANTOur consultant has been a senior partner in this firm for many years.
Nigel Recordon built his reputation in the courts in litigation and dispute resolution, as well as advising on a broad range of commercial issues, tax and property.