Grace & Co Solicitors

‘I took my Law degree at the University of Central Lancashire and, before entering the profession, worked as a Program Co-Director at an equestrian centre in America. I was articled with a commercial law firm in Manchester, then joined another city practice, where I became an Associate Partner. Later I became a Partner and Head of Litigation at a leading North West firm of solicitors, where I worked on many prominent commercial law cases, enjoying a high success rate.

‘I set up Grace & Co in Warrington in 1997, subsequently transferring the practice to more spacious premises near the city’s new stadium. We originally focused on providing commercial law services to the region’s thriving business community, but later diversified into personal and family law matters, as well as domestic, commercial and overseas property conveyancing. I have built up a relatively young team of enthusiastic and dedicated solicitors and paralegals, who between them are creating a fresh, dynamic force in the North West legal profession.

‘I have ridden horses for most of my life and for many years competed nationally in affiliated dressage competitions. Together with my partner, I also have business interests in property development and rentals. So between those interests and my work, I have little time for anything else.’

‘A Greek Cypriot by birth and fluent in Greek, I studied Law & Accounting at the Middlesex University Business School, before taking a legal practice course and gaining a Postgraduate Diploma, entitling me to act as a solicitor. I then served with two legal practices in Central London, specialising in commercial conveyancing and personal injury work, before joining a Manchester firm of solicitors.

‘I joined Grace & Co initially to work on personal injury and commercial law, but have since focused on domestic conveyancing. I also research titles on Spanish and Cypriot property and am currently developing my foreign property interests, exploiting my language skills.

‘My outside interests include tennis, gym, yoga and Greek Cypriot cooking. My husband Nick runs a Cypriot fish and chip shop and I help out there sometimes!’

Sue Bean Barrister (NP), PGDip Law, MSc, BSc
Matrimonial Matters, Commercial Law (Divorce)

‘Initially, I read Marine Biology at Bangor University, then took a Masters degree at Leicester. Later I studied Law at Bristol University, gaining a Postgraduate Diploma, before taking a Bar vocational course (BVC) to become a barrister. I was called to the bar in 1999 and am now a non-practising Barrister, which allows me to offer the same legal advice as a solicitor, with additional advocacy skills.

‘My specialist area is Matrimonial matters and I always seek to offer sensitive, informed and cost-effective advice to our clients, as well as guidance on financial, property and maintenance issues. My background in Commercial Law also enables me to identify the implications of divorce proceedings for self-employed business people and company directors.

‘I was formerly very involved in horses and one-day eventing, but now find my time is fully taken with work and family, especially with bringing up four children.’

Graham Hughes MA, LLB, BSc(Econ), FTII, Notary Public Overseas, Domestic and Commercial Property

‘Although I originally studied classics at the University of Wales, I later qualified in Law at Liverpool and subsequently taught on the Law Society’s finals course for several years, at Trent Polytechnic, Nottingham. I have worked with a number of legal practices in the North West and Midlands, over the years, and am delighted to have joined a go-ahead law firm like Grace & Co.’

‘My particular specialism is overseas property law and I have had experience of handling transactions in all the main property hotspots. In addition to being a qualified solicitor, I am an appointed notary public, registered with the Foreign & Commonwealth Office and many overseas embassies and consulates. I am also a solicitor of the High Court of Hong Kong.

‘Outside my legal work, my main interests are reading, writing articles, travel and fitness training.’

‘Although I come from the North West, I attended school in Hertford and studied Law at the University of Kent at Canterbury. From there I joined a commercial law firm in Manchester, where I helped look after the legal interests of a major national bank and developed my knowledge of property law.

‘I joined Grace & Co to further my skills in property conveyancing and was particularly intrigued by the firm’s overseas property services. I work mainly on domestic conveyancing, but increasingly support department head Graham Hughes on foreign property matters, which I find most interesting.

‘I live in the area and outside work I enjoy exercising my dogs and going to the gym.’

‘I attended school locally, where I received outstanding achievement awards for schoolwork and attitude, before studying for vocational qualifications in Customer Service and Insurance. Having worked briefly in retailing and hospitality, I later became a Customer Advisor in a busy insurance call centre, in the town.

‘I joined Grace & Co in 2004, where I assist in all aspects of the firm’s work, liaise between our different departments and apply my computer skills to ensuring modern, efficient work practices. I am currently training to be a Legal Executive.

‘In my spare time, I like running, going to the gym, socialising with friends and, wherever possible, studying to further my career. I also help out in my father’s pub in Warrington, which helps with my interpersonal skills.’

‘I took a course in Business Studies, including Accountancy and Information Processing, at Halton College, as well as an introductory module in IT Communications & Networks. Subsequently I worked with a number of law firms in the region, latterly as a Senior Legal Accounts Cashier before joining Grace & Co in April 2000.

‘As part of my role of managing client and office accounts, I ensure the firm’s compliance with Solicitors Accounts Rules in all our procedures and provide reports for Joanne and our other fee earners.

‘A local chap, I played rugby league for Runcorn ARLFC and West Bank ARLFC. Outside work, I also enjoy music and reading am trying to write my own novel. Given my IT background, I enjoy using computers and find the Internet a very useful tool.’

‘I studied my Law degree at Sheffield Hallam University, gaining an honours degree. I then completed the Legal Practice course at Chester College of Law, attaining a Post Graduate Diploma. I completed my training contract with a Manchester law firm and qualified as a solicitor in 1999. I joined Grace & Co a year later and have subsequently specialised in all types of personal injury work, including road traffic accidents, accidents at work, on the street and elsewhere. I have developed a broad range of legal skills in this field and am in the process of applying for membership of the Law Society’s Personal Injury Panel, which demonstrates particular expertise and experience in dealing with all kinds of claim.

‘Outside work, I enjoy participating in my local pub’s quiz nights, socialising generally and I recently attended beginner’s classes in salsa and ballroom dancing. I enjoy holidaying abroad, especially in Portugal where I have had some great times and fantastic weather (unlike Warrington).’