During Simon Deans’ tenure as senior partner, B P Collins has delivered sustained growth, nearly doubling its revenue and expanding its presence with new offices in the City of London and Thame, Oxfordshire. The firm continues to pursue an ambitious growth strategy, with a focus on embracing AI and strengthening its position as a forward-thinking, innovative law firm.

Maria Mowberry joins the board from the firm’s award-winning property team, bringing significant expertise to the leadership group. Commenting on her appointment, Maria said: “I’m delighted to be joining the board at such a pivotal point for the firm. As we continue to evolve - embracing new technologies to respond to evolving clients’ needs - I look forward to contributing to our ongoing success and future growth.”

Simon Deans added: “I’m grateful for the continued confidence and support of my fellow partners. While the wider economic landscape remains challenging, caring and consistent leadership enables us to stay focused, navigate uncertainty effectively and build on the firm’s momentum for the years ahead.”

B P Collins also recently announced that James Carter, family; Charlotte Gavin, private client; Mike Elliott, dispute resolution; and Nicola Newton, property, have been promoted to senior associates.

James advises on divorce, the separation of finances and children matters. As a member of the family lawyers’ group Resolution, he is committed to resolving matters in a constructive and non-confrontational way wherever possible. James is ranked as ‘recommended lawyer’ by Legal 500.

Charlotte specialises in estate planning and preparing Wills, including for clients with business assets and vulnerable beneficiaries. She also provides advice on different forms of Power of Attorney and Trust advice and deals with the administration of estates. Charlotte’s STEP Diploma in Trusts and Estates confirms her technical knowledge is at the highest level, providing clients with comprehensive and pragmatic advice on all aspects of their estates.

Mike undertook his training contract with B P Collins and qualified into the dispute resolution team in 2020. He specialises in all types of dispute resolution with a particular focus on construction disputes, contractual disputes and matters of corporate divorce including shareholder and director disputes.

Nicola advises on a broad range of residential property transactions including sales and purchases of freehold and leasehold properties, new build purchases, mortgages, equity releases and transfers of equity. She also regularly deals with residential development matters including site set ups and subsequent plot sales.

Associates

Congratulations also to Rachel Jones in the private client practice; Alexander (Sasha) Martiyanov in the corporate and commercial team; Jeff Kong in the employment practice and property lawyer Aisling Dwyer, who have been promoted to associates.

Principal lawyer

Simone Ganley, a commercial property specialist with over 15 years of experience advising a wide range of clients including companies, PLCs, charities, lenders and private individuals, is appointed as a principal lawyer. She has extensive experience in the retail sector having acted for both small and large retailers on both sides of lease transactions. Independent legal directory Legal 500 UK 2025 describe Simone as “outstanding”, “fantastic” and “provided great advice”.

Private client practice group leader

Recognised by both Chambers UK and the Legal 500, principal lawyer Sharon Heselton, becomes head of B P Collins’ 18 strong private client practice where she will lead the specialist team advising individuals and families on wills, estates and long-term planning. She will also oversee complex cases and ensure clients receive clear, practical guidance at every stage. Sharon will continue to specialise in probate applications, complex estate administration including intestacies and cross border estates and independent administration of contested estates. 

Simon Deans, senior partner, said: “Each promotion and new role reflects not only outstanding individual performance but B P Collins’ commitment to investing in, and training our people. We are proud to recognise this group of talented professionals whose dedication, leadership and commitment to excellence continue to strengthen our business and the service we deliver to our clients.”

B P Collins is a full practice law firm with business and private clients based across London and the Thames Valley. It continues to be recognised as a regional heavyweight in the UK’s leading legal directories with many of its lawyers ranked highly in their specialist fields. B P Collins was the first law firm in the country to be awarded an international CSR Excellence Award.

For more information on B P Collins, visit www.bpcollins.co.uk or email [email protected].

BBF Editor's note: Share your news!

If you would like to share your news or write a blog for our website, newsletter, and social media channels, learn more about this and all the other benefits of invested membership, including listing your own events, unlimited free networking, and much more.

If you are already an invested member, email [email protected] with your news or idea for an article.